We are not cruising people -- until we took a mini-cruise this summer from Stockholm to Helsinki on the Silja line. It was a blast. Very casual, indoor pool, duty free shopping, smorgasboard, casino, hokey entertainment. Tons of stuff for our 12 year old to do.<BR><BR>We loved it!<BR><BR>Question: my husband's birthday's at the end of January. I thought a long weekend or week long cruise from L.A. to Mexico. What cruise and cruise line would be best for us? We like to laugh, and because we're both professionals, we like to dress down on vacation.<BR><BR>Any good advice would be appreciated!

Hi Shannon,<BR><BR>If you cruised on Silja you will find the ships of Royal Caribbean or Carnival a much better experience.<BR><BR>If your 12 year old found tons of stuff to do on Silja he/she will be overwhelmed on the above two cruise lines. They are real cruise ships and not ferries.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul

Thank you for your kind advice. Do both sail from L.A. and what ports do they visit. Maybe the answer will be too long, in which case, is there a web site that describes both and the approximate costs? With the Silja line, had their own web site, along with 360 degree photos of the cabins and all of the other features.<BR>Thanks again,<BR>Shannon

Shannon,<BR>Try www.rccl.com and www.carnival.com - you should be able to find all of the information that you need there including availability and pricing. Both of these lines have weeklong cruises. Typical ports are Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Carnival also does 3-4 day cruises going to Ensenada and sometimes Catalina. I'm not sure if Royal Caribbean does the shorter cruises anymore. Also in the 7 day market are Princess and Holland America but these probably won't be as much fun for kids.

Thanks for the help. One more question, and I know all of you who have gone on these cruises will think this question is stupid, but I haven't been on one from the U.S. ever, so here goes: is food included in the price quoted, or is that all separate? On the Silja line, we bought meal coupons and paid for beverages. Someone told me on the cruise I'm thinking about, the price is an all-inclusive deal, meals included. Thanks in advance.

You might consider the Star Princess, too. It is a large new ship, and there will be plenty to do. I also did the Silja line, only from Stockholm over to Turku and back on another day. Our Eurail ticket covered the cost, but we did opt for a cabin at a reasonable price. They have leather bunks without linen that you can sleep on for no cost, but we wanted something a little nicer. Yes, we paid to eat in the dining room, too, but all the cruise ships you are talking about have food included, but not alcohol or sodas. I will be on the Star this Feb. Have fun.

shannon,<BR>Food in the main dining room and buffet is included. Alternative dining rooms (when available) usually have an extra charge. Tea, coffee, iced tea, juices are usually included. Soda and alcoholic beverage are extra charge. Hope this helps.