We're considering a cruise, but will we like it?
Dec 29th, 2007, 05:47 PM
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We're considering a cruise, but will we like it?
My husband and I are considering a Caribbean cruise for some time between February and May of 2008. Neither of us have ever cruised before and although we like the idea of it, we wonder if it's for us.
Will we get seasick? My husband usually is fine, but I am very prone to motion sickness--it really doesn't take much for me.
Will we enjoy the crowded ship? We normally like being a little more secluded than these ships seem to allow--is it enjoyable enough so we won't mind? Example: do you automatically get seated at big tables for meals or can we have a table for two?
Is there enough time to enjoy the ports of call? Or do you spend all your time unloaded and then redocking?
How much extra money is really spent on drinks and shore excursions? The price tag on the actual cruises we've looked at have all seemed reasonable, but we are wondering how much more we should account for to include drinks, excursions, duties and fees...and whatever else we don't know about.
In addition to those questions--what are your recommendations for a first time cruisers cruise line and length of a trip?
Sorry if we seem so scattered...Lots of things to consider.
Thanks in advance!!
Will we get seasick? My husband usually is fine, but I am very prone to motion sickness--it really doesn't take much for me.
Will we enjoy the crowded ship? We normally like being a little more secluded than these ships seem to allow--is it enjoyable enough so we won't mind? Example: do you automatically get seated at big tables for meals or can we have a table for two?
Is there enough time to enjoy the ports of call? Or do you spend all your time unloaded and then redocking?
How much extra money is really spent on drinks and shore excursions? The price tag on the actual cruises we've looked at have all seemed reasonable, but we are wondering how much more we should account for to include drinks, excursions, duties and fees...and whatever else we don't know about.
In addition to those questions--what are your recommendations for a first time cruisers cruise line and length of a trip?
Sorry if we seem so scattered...Lots of things to consider.
Thanks in advance!!
Dec 29th, 2007, 07:16 PM
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We generally like independent vacations where there is a lot to see and only moderate crowds. That said, we also enjoy cruising.
Seasickness - I get seasick looking at photos of water and I have not been seasick on any of the 3 cruises we have taken. Get a cabin mid-ship, bring seasick remedies, but you will probably will be fine.
If you can afford it, get a balcony - the perfect escape from civilization. Pool, top deck, main restaurant at 7 PM may feel a little crowded - but there will be plenty of places to hide out. Some of the little areas on lower decks during the day are empty.
You can get a smaller table - or pick NCL where you can get any size table you want. There are plusses and minusses of eating with others. We have done both - and we welcomed having others to talk to. Most couples do not eat 3 meals/day 7 days/week at home.
Shore excursions. Most ports you can find things to do without booking ship excursions. And there are often less expensive ways to see things than thru ship - there are day tour operators in each place. At ports where ships are docked, it takes zero time to walk off onto dock. At smaller ports when tenders (little people-ferry boats) are involved it takes somewhat more time, but not excessive.
Drinks and other stuff to spend money on. Soda and alcohol cost extra, about 20% more per drink than at a shore bar. There is usually something like lemonade and/or iced tea at no extra charge. Casino, art auctions, shopping are other optional expenses. Tips add about $15/day.
Seasickness - I get seasick looking at photos of water and I have not been seasick on any of the 3 cruises we have taken. Get a cabin mid-ship, bring seasick remedies, but you will probably will be fine.
If you can afford it, get a balcony - the perfect escape from civilization. Pool, top deck, main restaurant at 7 PM may feel a little crowded - but there will be plenty of places to hide out. Some of the little areas on lower decks during the day are empty.
You can get a smaller table - or pick NCL where you can get any size table you want. There are plusses and minusses of eating with others. We have done both - and we welcomed having others to talk to. Most couples do not eat 3 meals/day 7 days/week at home.
Shore excursions. Most ports you can find things to do without booking ship excursions. And there are often less expensive ways to see things than thru ship - there are day tour operators in each place. At ports where ships are docked, it takes zero time to walk off onto dock. At smaller ports when tenders (little people-ferry boats) are involved it takes somewhat more time, but not excessive.
Drinks and other stuff to spend money on. Soda and alcohol cost extra, about 20% more per drink than at a shore bar. There is usually something like lemonade and/or iced tea at no extra charge. Casino, art auctions, shopping are other optional expenses. Tips add about $15/day.
Dec 30th, 2007, 05:19 AM
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Most ships charge $10 a day per person for tips which is added to your bill. Drinks are around $5.00+++ a drink PLUS a 15% tip for each drink. If you buy a drink in a souvenir glass (usually $8.95) , you have bought the glass! You can take it back to any bar and get a clean one and on most ships you can have it refilled for less than the intial cost. And, you do not have to drive so you drink more!
Check with your doctor for something for seasickness. I didn't know I was seasick on my 1st cruise - not hungry, didn't feel quite right. You can get stuff in a drugstore also but they always put me to sleep. Now that we go on newer, bigger ships I am never seasick. Don't get the patch as a lot of people have side effects with those - vision gets blurry, etc.
You can always find quiet spots on cruise ships. As to dining room you can request size of table for dinner - including a table for two. If you can't stand the people at your table go to the Maitre'd and request a table change. He will happily make it for you. We do not like NCL because there were times we really had to wait for a table - we like to eat around 8-8:30 on a cruise.
The ships stay pretty much to schedule when going into and out of ports. Just make sure you are back on board BEFORE the time they say you must be. If you're not, they will not wait for you - unless you are on a SHIP'S tour. Then you have to get to next port and pay for it yourself to rejoin the ship.
You will get a final bill waiting for you under your door when you get up the last morning. I tell people to sit down before they look at it otherwise you'll fall over when you see how much it is!
I would say take a 7 day cruise. The shorter cruises have a lot more youger, drinking passengers as they can't afford a longer cruise or even time off work.The newer Carnival ships- Legend, Glory, etc., Costa, Royal Carribean (though they may be more $$)are all great ships. Holland America caters to an older crowd but they are working on getting younger passenges.
Go get catalogues of different cruise lines at any travel agency. They are free. You do not have to book with them (Their pricres are usually higher). Tell them you're just thinking of a cruise. Then you can look at different lines, ships & their floor plans, ports, etc.
Call our GREAT cruise agent, Ann Stilson at 888-800-1177 and talk to her. Her prices can't be beat, you can get info then decide what ship. Tell her Bonnie fron NC said to call. She now only does referrals and past passengers.
Watch out though because you will get hooked on cruises - the most fun for less$$$!
Check with your doctor for something for seasickness. I didn't know I was seasick on my 1st cruise - not hungry, didn't feel quite right. You can get stuff in a drugstore also but they always put me to sleep. Now that we go on newer, bigger ships I am never seasick. Don't get the patch as a lot of people have side effects with those - vision gets blurry, etc.
You can always find quiet spots on cruise ships. As to dining room you can request size of table for dinner - including a table for two. If you can't stand the people at your table go to the Maitre'd and request a table change. He will happily make it for you. We do not like NCL because there were times we really had to wait for a table - we like to eat around 8-8:30 on a cruise.
The ships stay pretty much to schedule when going into and out of ports. Just make sure you are back on board BEFORE the time they say you must be. If you're not, they will not wait for you - unless you are on a SHIP'S tour. Then you have to get to next port and pay for it yourself to rejoin the ship.
You will get a final bill waiting for you under your door when you get up the last morning. I tell people to sit down before they look at it otherwise you'll fall over when you see how much it is!
I would say take a 7 day cruise. The shorter cruises have a lot more youger, drinking passengers as they can't afford a longer cruise or even time off work.The newer Carnival ships- Legend, Glory, etc., Costa, Royal Carribean (though they may be more $$)are all great ships. Holland America caters to an older crowd but they are working on getting younger passenges.
Go get catalogues of different cruise lines at any travel agency. They are free. You do not have to book with them (Their pricres are usually higher). Tell them you're just thinking of a cruise. Then you can look at different lines, ships & their floor plans, ports, etc.
Call our GREAT cruise agent, Ann Stilson at 888-800-1177 and talk to her. Her prices can't be beat, you can get info then decide what ship. Tell her Bonnie fron NC said to call. She now only does referrals and past passengers.
Watch out though because you will get hooked on cruises - the most fun for less$$$!
Dec 30th, 2007, 05:36 AM
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Cruising is definitely NOT for everyone and in our household we have taken many cruises but also many other sorts of more in-depth vacations.
But there is something about having to make no major decisions as to where to go and where to eat, unpacking once, etc., etc.
As to the table selection: unless you are on a ship which has so-called "freestyle" cruising such as NCL, you can always contact the Matre'd on the first night and ask for a smaller table. People switch tables all the time and for a variety of reasons.
So-called "hidden charges"...many lines automatically add 15% to each bar order as a tip; Cruise lines are usually VERY specific about what is NOT included in the basic charges.
And those tips mentioned above...cruise lines simply give you "recommended" tip rates for the cabin attendant, waiter, and busboy..they are NOT set in stone and nobody is going to force you to tip anything. But after all...you get service and attention and if that isn't worth some money then crusing most definitely is NOT for you.
But there is something about having to make no major decisions as to where to go and where to eat, unpacking once, etc., etc.
As to the table selection: unless you are on a ship which has so-called "freestyle" cruising such as NCL, you can always contact the Matre'd on the first night and ask for a smaller table. People switch tables all the time and for a variety of reasons.
So-called "hidden charges"...many lines automatically add 15% to each bar order as a tip; Cruise lines are usually VERY specific about what is NOT included in the basic charges.
And those tips mentioned above...cruise lines simply give you "recommended" tip rates for the cabin attendant, waiter, and busboy..they are NOT set in stone and nobody is going to force you to tip anything. But after all...you get service and attention and if that isn't worth some money then crusing most definitely is NOT for you.
Dec 30th, 2007, 06:58 AM
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You didn't mention which cruise line you're considering so what the bottom line cost is will be dependent on the cruiseline. Some lines are all inclusive with no tipping, no charge for liquor, sodas etc. They often include a comp excursion too. These are the lines we prefer.
When we cruise on a line where they charge for most extra things like a bottle of wine with dinner, tips, cocktails and sodas, etc. We have found that we usually pay an extra $1,500 per week for the 2 of us. Once it was even higher. I think the bottom line is you either pay up front, or pay once you're on board as I'm sure all the lines have a similar profit to be made. If you're non-drinkers you will not spend nearly this much. All the ships today have great stabalizers so sea sickness shouldn't be an issue unless you chance on some really rough seas.
I too would get a cabin with a balcony if possible. It makes a lot of difference to the entire cruise IMO. You shouldn't have any problem getting a table for 2. Again, we prefer ships where we have a variety of restaurants to choose from and we can eat when, where and with whom we want to. We also prefer smaller ships with fewer passengers. You will need to do your research and find the right ship that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Whatever you decide, I wouldn't consider a cruise that's any shorter than 7 days...otherwise, it's hardly worth it. Good Luck!
When we cruise on a line where they charge for most extra things like a bottle of wine with dinner, tips, cocktails and sodas, etc. We have found that we usually pay an extra $1,500 per week for the 2 of us. Once it was even higher. I think the bottom line is you either pay up front, or pay once you're on board as I'm sure all the lines have a similar profit to be made. If you're non-drinkers you will not spend nearly this much. All the ships today have great stabalizers so sea sickness shouldn't be an issue unless you chance on some really rough seas.
I too would get a cabin with a balcony if possible. It makes a lot of difference to the entire cruise IMO. You shouldn't have any problem getting a table for 2. Again, we prefer ships where we have a variety of restaurants to choose from and we can eat when, where and with whom we want to. We also prefer smaller ships with fewer passengers. You will need to do your research and find the right ship that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Whatever you decide, I wouldn't consider a cruise that's any shorter than 7 days...otherwise, it's hardly worth it. Good Luck!
Dec 30th, 2007, 07:15 AM
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I suggest taking a short, 3-4 day, cruise to begin with. My mother had never cruised and found that she was quite seasick on her 4 day cruise from Miami. She would never have lasted a full 7 days. I was on the Adventure of the Seas -- a huge cruise ship with stablizers -- and became somewhat seasick (for which I took pills, which helped quite a bit). Otherwise, I love cruising. It's an easy and fun way to see a lot, to meet a lot of nice people and get an overview of ports to decide if this is a place you'd want to return for a vacation. Shore excursions are definitely worth it. The costs can add up for tips, transfers, shore excursions and travel insurance, just to mention a few items. Details on these amounts are usually provided on the cruise line's website.
Dec 30th, 2007, 07:20 AM
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My input would be to choose a Southern itinerary for I have found the waters to be a bit smoother and warmer weather for your timeframe. The ships are so huge you rarely feel crowded. If you choose Princess or NCL they have personal choice seating where you are not with other people but by yourselves. I am not sure about the others but we were usually with a group of people. It doesn't bother me but some folks prefer to be alone. Extra money spent is all up to yourselves and how much you spent. Difficult for anyone to judge or estimate. If you drink quite abit, of course it will raise your weekly bill. If you do ship excursions then add on for that as well. You also have to know whether you want a "busy" cruise with a different port everyday, or one that has more rest days on the ship.(??) The Constellation on Celebrity is a nice ship. If I were doing another cruise right now, I would do RC Adventure of the Sea. We prefer "busy" cruises with a different port every day. We did NCL Pearl ship last year and it is or was a nice new ship. Very nice ship but the food is below standard of the other lines. (My opinion) They do have specialty restaurants which you pay somewhat extra. If you are leary of the cruise format perhaps a 5 day would suit you fine. NCL"s Pearl does have a short 5 day I believe. You could kind of "test" the waters as so to speak.(?) Whatever you decide, enjoy.
Dec 30th, 2007, 12:08 PM
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My suggestion is to NOT take a 3-4 day cruise unless you get a 'special" cruise on a new ship. The short cruises are often on the small, old ships with fewer amenities and are often run down. That said, the Navigator will be taking 4-5 day cruises next year. It's an amazing ship. My husband and I love many types of travel, but enjoy a "sun" cruise every Jan or Feb. It's just so relaxing. Make sure you avoid spring breakers and try to do first week in Feb or some time in May.
Dec 30th, 2007, 12:44 PM
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To respond to LLinda C -- the ship my mother/family were on for the 4 day cruise was the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas, which underwent a $36 million renovation in 2003 and additional renovation/upgrades in 2007. It is hardly run down. But this highlights another important point -- use this Board only as a starting point and be sure to research for yourself.
Dec 31st, 2007, 05:35 AM
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gabriele, I was making a generalization. I've been on the Enchantment three times including last month! That one has been renovated and stretched, too. However, the Sovereign is still too small for my tastes. The Carnival short cruises are some of the ugliest nastiest tubs afloat. The Jubilee was pathetic and the Sensation was so smoky and nasty I wanted off after one day.
Dec 31st, 2007, 02:32 PM
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Thanks for all your replies! We really appreciate it. Feel free to keep adding and I'll make sure to update you if we decide to go ahead. Lots of research to do based on your responses.
Thanks again (and Happy New Year!)
Thanks again (and Happy New Year!)
Jan 1st, 2008, 04:33 AM
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pijeta,
Again I will state. Last year NCL's Pearl was put in the water in Dec. We sailed in Jan. It was as NEW of ship as you can find. We sailed on I believe the 5th sailing. It was a 5 day cruise. Most of the CHEAPER cruises I have found to be older ships which can be nasty I agree. We went on the Grandeur of the Sea, and it was primarily because of the itinerary at the time. It was RCCL but it was older and I could tell especially after being on newer ones. Pijeta, you will find some folks like older ships they seem to have some "charm" to them. Old doesn't have to mean dirty by any means, but Carnivals old usually means dirty old. I am just suggesting a 5 day since you are not sure about cruising and it is your first time. Good luck in your decision making and yes by all means avoid spring break. Try to shoot for Jan. Feb. and Happy New Year to you.
Again I will state. Last year NCL's Pearl was put in the water in Dec. We sailed in Jan. It was as NEW of ship as you can find. We sailed on I believe the 5th sailing. It was a 5 day cruise. Most of the CHEAPER cruises I have found to be older ships which can be nasty I agree. We went on the Grandeur of the Sea, and it was primarily because of the itinerary at the time. It was RCCL but it was older and I could tell especially after being on newer ones. Pijeta, you will find some folks like older ships they seem to have some "charm" to them. Old doesn't have to mean dirty by any means, but Carnivals old usually means dirty old. I am just suggesting a 5 day since you are not sure about cruising and it is your first time. Good luck in your decision making and yes by all means avoid spring break. Try to shoot for Jan. Feb. and Happy New Year to you.
Jan 1st, 2008, 07:03 AM
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I agree with NOT taking a short cruise first. These ships are older, have more of a casual atmosphere (lots of families and partiers) and the lines do not do their best on these short hops. Plus, the ships get pretty beat up on the short runs.
I would suggest you make a list of what is important to me. A lack of crowds means IMO to avoid Carnival, RCI's Voyager and Freedom class, any NCL ship. Look at the size of the ship (GRT) versus the capacity. aDivide the second into the first and you will get the SPR (space to passenger ratio). This is a help in determining how crowded the ship will fell. The worst ever IME was Carnivals Glory and the best a small Regent ship no longer in service.
If you want more than average food and service and an adult atmosphere, HAL and Celebrity are your best bets unless you can afford luxury lines.
They are both more traditional, elegant and service oriented so and not focused on families. Personally, we prefer HAL by a wide margin but we like quiet elegance, great cabins and very good food and service. For us, HAL delivers.
I would suggest you make a list of what is important to me. A lack of crowds means IMO to avoid Carnival, RCI's Voyager and Freedom class, any NCL ship. Look at the size of the ship (GRT) versus the capacity. aDivide the second into the first and you will get the SPR (space to passenger ratio). This is a help in determining how crowded the ship will fell. The worst ever IME was Carnivals Glory and the best a small Regent ship no longer in service.
If you want more than average food and service and an adult atmosphere, HAL and Celebrity are your best bets unless you can afford luxury lines.
They are both more traditional, elegant and service oriented so and not focused on families. Personally, we prefer HAL by a wide margin but we like quiet elegance, great cabins and very good food and service. For us, HAL delivers.
Jan 1st, 2008, 07:09 AM
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Sorry, posted too soon.
Yes there are lots of extra costs depending on what your priorities are. We spend on a fresh cup of coffee (some lines use syrup for coffee unless you pay extra), nice wines, surcharge restaurants (on some lines like RCI we eat in the extra charge restaurants every evening), fitness classes, etc. You can easily spend 100-200 per day. IMO cruising is not the value it once was unless you are content with what is already included.
Port times are pretty short most of the time. We head to the best beach and spend the day there.
We are independent types so organized activities and entertainment are not important to us. You really need to determine your priorities and choose accordingly.
Cruisecritic.com is the best source of reviews and info.
Yes there are lots of extra costs depending on what your priorities are. We spend on a fresh cup of coffee (some lines use syrup for coffee unless you pay extra), nice wines, surcharge restaurants (on some lines like RCI we eat in the extra charge restaurants every evening), fitness classes, etc. You can easily spend 100-200 per day. IMO cruising is not the value it once was unless you are content with what is already included.
Port times are pretty short most of the time. We head to the best beach and spend the day there.
We are independent types so organized activities and entertainment are not important to us. You really need to determine your priorities and choose accordingly.
Cruisecritic.com is the best source of reviews and info.
Jan 2nd, 2008, 03:28 PM
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I took my first cruise last September with my girl friend. We were on Princess and sailed from Whittier to Vancouver.
The only thing I can tell you is to go ahead and do it. I would do a week and see how you like it. I enjoyed it, but to be honest, I'm very neutral about it. I like to get away, and my girl friend really likes to cruise...she's all about the bling and shopping...so, depending on what, when, where, and price, I would probably go again. Am I dying to cruise again...not really at this time.
I like being at a destination and being able to explore it and not have to think that I'm running out of time, have to get back to the ship etc. Also, I got tired of the sell, sell, sell. I felt I was sailing with QVC, but I'm a big girl so it was easy to say no, but like I say, I got tired of it. To me, the cruise is about the cruise and less about the destination.
I have to say, we were two full days at sea and I really enjoyed those days. It was "forced" relaxation, and I don't relax all that often, so having a nap in the afternoon was heavenly.
The only thing I can tell you is to go ahead and do it. I would do a week and see how you like it. I enjoyed it, but to be honest, I'm very neutral about it. I like to get away, and my girl friend really likes to cruise...she's all about the bling and shopping...so, depending on what, when, where, and price, I would probably go again. Am I dying to cruise again...not really at this time.
I like being at a destination and being able to explore it and not have to think that I'm running out of time, have to get back to the ship etc. Also, I got tired of the sell, sell, sell. I felt I was sailing with QVC, but I'm a big girl so it was easy to say no, but like I say, I got tired of it. To me, the cruise is about the cruise and less about the destination.
I have to say, we were two full days at sea and I really enjoyed those days. It was "forced" relaxation, and I don't relax all that often, so having a nap in the afternoon was heavenly.
Jan 5th, 2008, 04:00 PM
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My family loves to cruise. We started in 1994 with our mother on Sovereign of the Seas. Back then she was one of the most fabulous ships afloat. She is still great, but only sail 3-4 day cruises. We sailed in 20' seas on that cruise and we weren't seasick. They closed the pools and the decks and drew the drapes on lower decks for at least one day. Our cabin was on deck 10 midships and we had no problem. In fact we went back same ship the next year for 7 days.
We have also sailed on the Grand Princess and Celebrity Millennium. Both these ships are newer and larger. Service is more subdued, but really friendly. Celebrity owned by RCCL prides itself in being a more upscale experience. We liked the smaller passenger spaces on Grand Princess better. The ship was huge, but you never felt crowded. You could also find small deck spaces separated by windbreaks on the pool deck. If you want to be away from the crowds seek out the forward sundecks and the spa pools which are usually age restricted and quieter.
Our last cruise was on the RCCL Empress of the Seas to Bermuda. This ship is older and 1/3 smaller than the ones mentioned above. We loved it! Because of its size I believe we met more people and established some great service relationships especially with the bar staff who worked many different venues. A tip: find a bar person that you like around the pool or in your favorite lounge or casino and stick with that person. Tips are added to the bill automatically and they get their tips plus you get personal service for the length of your cruise. Also, an extra tip at the end of the cruise is always appreciated.
Have fun. Do as little or as much as you like. Nap, eat, spa . . . Days on the ship when it's in port are heaven and they run special discounts on spa services on those days.
We have also sailed on the Grand Princess and Celebrity Millennium. Both these ships are newer and larger. Service is more subdued, but really friendly. Celebrity owned by RCCL prides itself in being a more upscale experience. We liked the smaller passenger spaces on Grand Princess better. The ship was huge, but you never felt crowded. You could also find small deck spaces separated by windbreaks on the pool deck. If you want to be away from the crowds seek out the forward sundecks and the spa pools which are usually age restricted and quieter.
Our last cruise was on the RCCL Empress of the Seas to Bermuda. This ship is older and 1/3 smaller than the ones mentioned above. We loved it! Because of its size I believe we met more people and established some great service relationships especially with the bar staff who worked many different venues. A tip: find a bar person that you like around the pool or in your favorite lounge or casino and stick with that person. Tips are added to the bill automatically and they get their tips plus you get personal service for the length of your cruise. Also, an extra tip at the end of the cruise is always appreciated.
Have fun. Do as little or as much as you like. Nap, eat, spa . . . Days on the ship when it's in port are heaven and they run special discounts on spa services on those days.
