Hi,
My boyfriend and I would like to go on a Caribbean cruise sometime later this year. We would either be traveling out of Florida or New York. We would rather not be on a cruise ship that has tons of little kids and wild college students and would also prefer not to be on a ship that caters mostly to seniors (not that there is anything wrong with either group, it would just be uncomfortable). Can you recommend something in between?
Certain things we are looking for in a cruise ship:
1. sport/recreational activities
2. casino
3. fairly wide selection of dining options
4. nightly entertainment

We don't really have a set budget and would consider prices at either end of the spectrum.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi:

Just a couple of points: To avoid the hordes of kids and college students, try not to go in the Summer or in December when school is out. Otherwise, you should be fine. You'll always find some kids and teenagers, but that shouldn't be a problem.
Also, there are some lines that tend to cater to a specific crowd. For example, Carnival is considered the "Party" cruises, Princess and other cater to older people. I'd recommend that you look into Royal Caribbean. I think they are the ones that you might like best.

Send me an e-mail if you have any questions,

Enrique

I agree. In general, Carnival and Royal Caribbean (RCCL) tend to have the most activities for people under 50. Both lines have kid programs where they take the kids and keep them pretty well separated from the rest of the ship and keep the kids busy.

Carnival is known as the "fun" ships for a reason, but I think that RCCL is the only line with the rock walls and rollerblading and ice skating opportunities.

Both of these lines have tons of cruises to the Caribbean from Florida ports.

I suggest selecting if you want to cruise the eastern or western caribbean and then look at all of the Carnival and RCCL ships that do that part of the caribbean. Pretty much forget the southern caribbean because those cruises are either 10 day cruises, or depart from San Juan (PR).

The only cruising your boyfriend and you should be doing is to the altar, young lady. Let's see a ring on that finger before you become bunkmates on the Lido Deck!

LOLLLL

Thanks for the advice. Keep 'em coming.

No problem. The old tale about the free milk and the cow never goes out of vogue.

Yeah, ya sinners - LOL.

"And the devil will drag you under
By the sharp lapel of your checkered coat;
Sit down, sit down, sit down, sit down
Sit down you're rocking the boat."