Ok, so I have been put in charge of booking a cruise for DH and I. We live in Phoenix and have $800 in airline vouchers that we want to use for the airfare
I have never cruised. DH has 3.
Most we can do b/c of kids is 5 nights. I am looking at a Royal Carr cruise on 12/6 from FL - Grand Cayman - Ocho Rios - Fl and Norweigan on 12/7 from FL - Georgetown/Cayman - Cozumel - FL.

1. How can I find the best pricing?
2. I am looking for an oceanview type room - having never done this I am scared of the inside room and the claustrophia of it all.
3. Having read the horror rooms post how do I best research the room type?

I could use some help here. Suggestions. We are pretty pinned-in to 12/6 due to our schedules, kids, etc.

Thanks so much.

One more thing! Sorry...
Any advice on the two cruises I mention?

Thanks!

Bets bet is to talk to your local travel agent. Both are mass market lines with "mass" appeal.

Suggestion: check out the www.cruisecritc.com reviews and see what people are saying about the cruise line, the particular ship you will be on and evreything else.

My personal preference between the two is RCL over NCL. That's my personal preference. However, I like the Cayman/Cozumel combo better than Cayman/OchoRios.

Here is another suggestion:
Take the kids and make it longer. You will have a lot more choices.
If you are in Phoenix, there are ships that depart from Galvaston. Save the $800 voucher for a flight on your cruise to Alaska next summer!

It is a very good time to go to Caribbean: weather is usually perfect, and prices are low. Besides RC and NCL, you can look at Princess, Carnival and Holland America. If you need a great travel agent for best price and service, here is my one: Alex at [email protected].

I never heard of a 5 day cruise....(but what do I know). I think they're usually 3, 4, 7 nights and longer. I agree....if you can take the kids and make it at least a 7 night this would be better. I've been on a 4 night before it hardly seemed worth the bother and $. Way too short IMO.

"Having read the horror rooms post how do I best research the room type?" - which type do you like? Can you afford a balcony? Window cabin?

"obstructed view" or "partial view". I personally don't mind them, but most don't like "obstructed view" or "partial view". You will see on the map if there are boats outside of your cabin.

If prone to seasickness, try to stay in the lower middle part of the ship. Check the level above - make sure you are not under a dance bar.