We just went on our 1st cruise on the Carnival Triumph. Thought twice about boarding when we saw our fellow passengers. Anyway, we really liked cruising but definately need a more upscale line. How are the activites for 13 year olds on Princess? What's the age mix? Which line/ship do you recommend for Carribean? We hear RCCL's not much better. By the way, we actually had a great time and met some wonderful people despite the crowd and shabby cabin (and we had a penthouse suite!).

Anne, can't tell you much about other lines, but I swore of cruising after going on RCCL. If you like upscale this is not for you. As it was not for me. (Did we board the same ship by any coincidence, haha. We almost walked of the ship when I saw people in wife beater tank top t shirts.) I have Lexus taste and got a Chevy interior along with the inhabitants. And we also had a penthouse suite, ugh!

Anne & xxxx: If you are both sooo sophisticated, how come you didn't do your homework and travel on a luxury line like Radisson. As the saying goes, "champagne taste and beer pockets". Penthouse suites on upscale lines cost a lot more than your paid on Carnival and RCCL. <BR> <BR>At least I'll give Anne credit for admitting she had a great time. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately there is no redeeming quality I can associate with xxxx. <BR>

Do you know where the word snob came from? It means without (sans) nobility. <BR> <BR>I made the mistake of trusting a TA to do my homework. Hence, the reason I now do my own research on vacations. The so called professional TA is at a minimum. I received the min. This was my first cruise and did not know the differences in cruise lines, and unfortunately relied on my TA to know the difference. I prefer not to get in to my income since you are the type of person that would get into a &issing contest. And I leave that up to the miscreants that don't have any. <BR> <BR>I would not brand myself as a "snob" if I were you in the real world of wealth it holds a very negative conotation. Cheers.

We were novice cruisers this summer and went on Princess to Alaska, based on a friends recommendation. It was very nice, professional and casual at the same time. Most of the passengers were middle to upper middle class. Princess has a teen program, I dont know the details on what they offer.

Actually, I did a lot of homework. We received the basic cruise free and upgraded the cabin. I checked with several TA's who only deal in cruises and they said Carnival would be fine. We weren't expecting much and were actually pleasantly surprised with some things: the quality of some of the dining room food, the service which was great for the most part, and the customer service (they fixed what they could immediately, paid for shore excursions for all of us at the next port, sent a fruit basket, wine and coupons for 15% off our next cruise). <BR> My point was that we like cruising but would prefer a more upscale line. Of course top suites cost a great deal more on other lines. But I would rather pay more for less space if I could have better amenities, food and more passengers with whom I could relate.

As a travel professional you need to get an idea of the type of client you are dealing with and the amount of money they want to spend-- <BR> <BR>To XXX- I am sorry that your agent misread you--If you were the type of person that requested an upscale line, I would never put you on Carnival-- <BR> <BR>There is a cruise line that fits everyone-it's just trying to get the "right " fit. <BR> <BR>TO me,Carnival,even though they own a number of more "upscale" lines in their group,is more of a "budget cruise " to me--but budget means different things to different people.....It is also a more funky casual party atmosphere-a spring break type of experience--which can be a lot of fun for a lot of people of all ages---it's the neon light vs. the crystal and brass of HAL,Princess,or Celebrity. <BR> <BR>TO Anne-you might want to try Celebrity <BR>Cruises( the upper end of RCL line) and go with their balcony cabins or even their suites (they have butler service). <BR>There are plenty of things for kids to do-have kids camp,there's a disco,and the food is fabulous! <BR> <BR>If you want to go RCL ( I happen to like Celebrity better as I feel it's more upscale) try the VOYAGER OF THE SEAS.It has a rockclimbing wall that kids and active adults will love. <BR> <BR>As far as age mix- you have all ages on Celebrity,Princess and RCL--HAL is a little more mature ,but certainly not an old folks home-- <BR> <BR>Radisson is great-if you do that line,again get a balcony cabin--Food is wonderful-it does do the Carribbean. <BR> <BR>On most of the ships you will find ages from honeymooning 20's to senior citizens-parents with babies to emppty nesters..On all the lines listed above,you will get a good mix of people and there will be plenty for you 13 yr old to do. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps--But upscale to some is budget to others--If I tried to sell Princess or Celebrity to a regular Crystal cruiser, I would have mutiny on my hands--so it's all in how you explain to your agent the types of people you want to socialize with,the ports you want to see, the quality of food and service you expect--then ,he or she can make a better judgement call to get you and your family on a great cruise--- <BR> <BR>Good luck-- <BR>

I'd say try Celebrity. It's not as expensive as Radisson or Seabourne, those are in a different class. I've been on two Celebrity cruises and two Carnival cruises. I know what you mean about the Carnival guests. Celebrity seems to attract a more sophisticated group. One of the things I really enjoyed on Celebrity is the deck chairs have canvas covers unlike the plastic slats on Carnival. A small thing, but appreciated.

<BR>Hi Anne, <BR> <BR>I would certainly consider Princess or Celebrity. Both lines have excellent children's programs for all ages. The prizes and gifts are quality, not the plastic trinket type. The program staff are experienced in child care. <BR> <BR>The food is rated average on Princess. If you like seafood this is the line for you. I dislike seafood but I never went hungry. My wife loves Princess food. <BR> <BR>Celebrity food is rated excellent but some do disagree. <BR> <BR>Happy planning, <BR> <BR>Paul

I, too, am a travel professional, and I think there are a few points that need to be made that haven't been covered. And I will try to stay non-biased on these cruise line issues, even thought all travel agents have favorites. <BR> <BR>A cruise with children is one trip; a cruise with your husband or loved one is another. <BR> <BR>I think when you are traveling with children, you do need a cruise line that offers excellent children's programs. I'm sorry to see some in this column have poo-pooed RCCL. I think their children's program on the Voyager is without equal. And, yes, <BR>Carnival has great kid's programs too. <BR>I was just on Celebrity's Mercury, and while I don't generally think of them as a leader in children's programs, I was in Alaska with a group and there were lots of kids on board. The ship did offer many activities for the kids, and they all seemed to be having alot of fun. So you see, we can all learn. <BR> <BR>Another issue is destination. If you don't like the riff-raff (as you call it), then stay away from the Caribbean. Cruising has become so <BR>affordable now that almost everyone can do it. And the Caribbean cruises are <BR>usually the least expensive. You will see far more upscale (again, as you call it) passengers on cruises to Alaska, Europe, etc. But upscale doesn't mean they dress any better nor behave any better. I was on Crystal a few years ago, and saw many men wearing plaids and stripes!!! <BR> <BR>I am obviously very biased in the need to use a travel professional. But you need to be loyal to your TA. If you call about every cruise you see advertised to all different agencies, no one is really going to get to know you and become familiar with your personal likes and dislikes. I try very hard to qualify my clients, and give them the trip THEY want.....not the trip I want to sell. <BR> <BR>By the way, I live in Naples, FL - a very upscale place.......but not everyone here wants to pay the price for a SilverSeas or Seabourn Cruise - particulary if they are taking children/grandchildren or a wide-range of ages. <BR> <BR>This is just something else to consider and I hope I didn't step on anyone's toes.

Hi Carol, <BR> <BR>So what is your opinion of carnival (the newer ships). I too am from Naples! We are both professionals in our mid 20's who want to have a great time in the Caribbean on our 1st cruise!.

oops, I forgot to mention that even though its our first anniv. we dont really want a secluded intimate trip.. we want a ship that is fun and we can meet new people...

Hi Laura: <BR> <BR>Since you are in your mid-20's and looking for fun, you would probably enjoy Carnival. In the past six months, I have been on the Triumph, the Victory and the Spirit - the decor has improved tremendously as has the food. <BR>The decorator at Carnival still has hallucinogenic moments, but they are getting a bit more refined. <BR> <BR>That's not to say you wouldn't enjoy RCCL/Celebrity/Princess either, but a <BR>younger crowd (or rowdy senior citizens like me) usually prevail on Carnival. <BR> <BR>Also, in your favor is that it's your first cruise so you have nothing with which to compare it. As long as the water is smooth and you have good tablemates, you should have a ball. <BR> <BR>And tablemates can sometimes make or break it for you even though you only spend a limited amount of time with them. So if you get assigned a table (and to my knowledge Carnival hasn't gone totally freestyle dining yet) and you know you aren't going to enjoy going to dinner every night with that bunch, cut out immediately. You don't know them....don't worry about what they think. You spend your money to have a good time, so try to find a table you enjoy. It's a crapshoot, but we've never,on any cruise, had a problem <BR>with that. <BR> <BR>I would definitely avoid Holland-America in this case. It is a wonderful cruise line, but caters more to an older crowd......even though they are trying to "youthanize" their image. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

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Anne - <BR><BR>Anyone who feels the need to act so pathetically pretentious should know how to spell before taking shots at others. You should also realize you're living in a glass house, and, therefore, be careful about throwing stones - there will always be someone with more class, education, culture, money, taste, etc than you - unless you believe that you are the last word on each of these topics. By the way, there are a lot of people out there who thing cruising is for the unimaginative and unadventurous - no matter how upscale.

think

Anne, RCCL is usually filled with white trash. We had a gentlemen ( I use the word very loosely sit next to us at dinner in jeans and a t shirt. Um call me a snob but if I wanted to sit next to that on my vacation I would have gone to tijuana.<BR><BR>Can't tell you about other lines. I am still debating them.

Any travel agent that will sell a mass-market value family cruise to a client without explaning the difference in cruise lines and what to expect should not be a travel agent.<BR><BR>Paul

I think you should look at Princess cruises as a more upscale alternative. They have exceptional service, food and upscale decor. My experience is limited to only princess but I will tell you that no one in jeans and a t-shirt would be allowed into their dining rooms. Visit www.cruisecritic.com and got to their messge boards which are broken down by cruise line. You will find a wealth of information there.

Anne and XXX,<BR>Your types are exactly why I Prefer Carnival. Although I have a college, degree, own my own business and am upple/middle class, I cannot stand people who are pretentious and full of themselves.