I'm looking into cruise travel for a bunch of female family & friends for January 2001. None of us have ever cruised before. Of course while we want exciting ports of call, excellent food/service, and plenty of shipboard acitivities, we also want reasonable prices. Some of us are planning on treating our mother's on this cruise. Where would be the best place to travel in January? With water that is not too choppy. We're looking for a 5d/4n cruise and are leaving from Maryland. The age range of the ladies traveling are mid 20s-60s.

If you want fun at a reasonable cost try Carnival cruise lines. They have some great itinerarys....But if you have some older passengers with you, you may want to try Royal Caribbean -they are fabulous!!--and goood for all ages!!!! Their rates are a bit more, but well worth it.. <BR> <BR>If you are looking for a lot of activities in the ship -try the Voyageur of the Seas, that ship has it all....skating rink, rock climbing, mimi golf, pools, .........the list goes on!!! <BR> <BR>Have fun!!

I have dealt with Cruises of Distinction in the past, and have found them to be very helpful, and knowledgeable. <BR> <BR>You can describe what you are looking for and they will tell you where to go,fedex brochures, and book the cruise @ a discount. <BR> <BR>Personally, I did not like Carnival. I preferred Celebrity and Seabourn(who wouldn't) <BR>Good luck!

You don't say how many there are in your group. My family (8 people total) went in December on NCL and managed to get fantastic group rates. Work with your travel agent on this.

Hi Mesha, some travel agents will give you a good deal. We went on one cruise with 28 people, for every 10th ticket, we got a free ticket.

In January, you should get some great deals since it is the low season. Now is the time to book for January 2001. Depending on how many cabins will be booked, for every 10, you will get a free berth. <BR>Your best bet is to contact a cruise only agent who specializes in cruises. <BR>Even though my line of choice is Holland America, I would not recommend it for group of people looking for plenty of shipboard activities. Look into booking Carnival's Triumph or Victory and there is also the Grand Princess. Forget about "Polluter of the Seas," oooppps, I mean Royal Caribbean. It's a mediocre line with mediocre food.