Karen

My husband and I are looking to possibly go on a cruise in January. Neither of us have been on a cruise. Looking for suggestions on where to go and what cruise lines. We don't want to feel forced into participating in certain activities but we also don't want to be on an "old persons" ship. Looking for 4-5 nites. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

John

Consider a Windjammer cruise. We went on one to the Virgin Islands in April. I've been on a big ship and this is nothing like it. 100-150 passengers, all age ranges, focusing on doing stuff on the islands, not sitting on a ship and eating. Cruises run Monday thru Saturday. www.windjammer.com

Rachel

For luxury at a good price, try Royal Caribbean. We have been twice on RC and three times on Carnival, and loved them all. We are in your age bracket, and enjoyed some of the activities, but also just lazing around the pool and the cabin, being waited on hand and foot. The best cruise we have taken was Rhapsody of the Seas (RC) to the Southern Caribbean. The itinerary: Aruba, St. Martin, Curacao, and St. Thomas, is perfect for Jan. (we went last Dec.). It is HOT there now, and all the islands are beautiful, with lots to do, or you can do nothing. Once you do one of the cruises, you will never want to stop cruising. Please feel free to email me with questions.

Cassie

I would recommend either Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines. I'm leaving Sunday for a Windjammer cruise too, so email me in about a week and I'll let you know what I think of it. I prefer the Western Caribbean routes on NCL or RCCL - Cozumel, Jamaica, Cayman. St Thomas is too touristy for me, altho it is the best shopping if that's what you want. My favorite stop on either NCL or RCCL is their private island. Never been on a cruise where you were "forced" into anything. Stay away from Holland America - it is definitely an older crowd, altho Caribbean trips are generally younger than Alaska, Panama Canal, etc. <BR>

Eileen

Karen: After doing numerous cruises on various luxury liners we wanted to try something different...a Windjamer cruise. I have to say it was the best trip we were ever on. Causal, not all the frills but and really fun trip. Spent most of our time on the islands. You can get to islands that most larger cruise ships can't get near. We only had about 100 on the ship. Got to know everyone. Check out their Web site. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail. Eileen..I've been in the travel business for many years. <BR>