veggies yuk's Journal, 08 May 2009

Carnival is awesome. I'm taking my son on one in december with a bunch of other families from the baseball team. But if its you and your hubby, go on Royal Caribbean 

I won a cruise way back almost 20 years ago. The ship was from a no-name Greek cruise line and was no Love Boat, but it was free and decent so we had no complaints. My best advice is to get the cheapest cabin on the best ship/iternary you can afford. Everyone on the ship gets access to the same ammenities (except I'm sure that the upper crust get invited to the captain's table... who cares!?) so the pricier rooms aren't worth it since you spend so little time in them. The cheapest are the lower inside cabins which also makes them better for having less movement on rough seas. Think of an upside down pendulum, the higher up on the ship you are, the more you are going to sway. Also, after you get on the ship, they usually offer you an upgrade to the higher decks if they aren't full up. We were offered an upgrade but it was only to another inside cabin 2 decks up so we declined since we were already unpacked, to boot. Also, some ships have several days where they are at sea whereas others are in a different port almost every day. You may want to consider that when choosing a particular cruise - whether you want to be stuck on the ship for 2 or 3 days out of the 7 you are away. But, all in all, I enjoyed the cruise concept - getting to visit several places in one trip. Oh, one more thing, I'm not sure if this is applicable to all ships but I was surprised that they empty the swimming pool(s) when you are at sea. It's not like you see on tv at all! I suppose it makes sense with that, with the sway of the ocean, the water would be sloshing all over the place. So anyway, I was disappointed that we couldn't go swimming while at sea like they did on The Love Boat! Hope that helps : ) 

shia...we dont have kids...thanks 

evelyn...i was posting as you were...thanks so much...i think im leaning toward a 4 or 5 day with at least 3 stops...hubby does not sit still for very long...thanks again 

I went on a Carnival cruise for a week to Mexico after I graduated college. It was my gift to myself. They didn't empty the pools out while at sea and we were at sea for 2 whole days without stops, so that was cool. There's a lot of cool things, like casinos, shows, cocktail parties, formal nights, massage and beauty parlors, etc. And tons and tons of food. That was the best part, the food!!! I agree with Evelyn about the rooms. Get the cheaper rooms. You're not in them that much so it doesn't really matter where you are. But the staff was super nice and very diverse. They were awesome and you were treated like queens because they do almost everything for you. It sucked having to go back home and having to go back to doing things for yourself. Hahaha. I had a lot of fun on it and would do it again if I could afford it. No complaints on Carnival at all!  

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise line is geared more toward couples whereas Carnival is geared more toward kids and families with kids. 

Veggies, email my mom. She has been on at least 7 or 8 cruises in the past decade and she has comparisons on them that might help ya out. 

cool will do 

No you shouldn't be embarrassed! Take it as a compliment. ; ) 

i am...i just think its funny 

Let's see.....I want on two Disney Cruises, but you wouldn't want that....LOTS of kids. LOL Also went on a cruise on my honeymoon but that was looooong ago. We went on Norwegian Cruise Lines and they were EXCELLENT. I think they're still around. Check it out as another option! One thing about cruises though, is that there is food available almost 24 hours a day, so it's really easy to eat lots! You should take a cruise though, it's much fun. Just do your homework and find the cruise line that's suitable for you!  

Hi Veggies, thanks for all your support! Royal Carribean & Norweigan Cruise Line (NCL) are both great cruise lines. NCL has a more relaxed atmosphere (formal dinners are not required..that means hubby can leave his suit at home; can eat whenever you want and dress in whatever way you want- except nude of course). Alaska, Hawaii & the Carribeans are nice. If I had the opportunity, I would love a European cruise. It really depends on what you're looking for. Keep us updated on what you finally choose! 

I concur with Julie C. I have been on two cruises-one on the QE2 to Newport Jazz Fest. The best part of the trip was when we were off the boat-oh, don't call it a "boat"-that really ticks the crew off! I felt restless most of the time. The other was NCL to Alaska and it was spectacular. Smaller newer boat, er I mean ship and less like a floating casino. I think the fact that we could view so much fantastic scenery from the deck made it less boring for me and the stops were interesting-chances to explore rather than the just shopping like a tourist. I would take that cruise again and I really don't like cruising (can you tell?). lol. There are so many types of cruises available-I am sure you will find one that will suit. There are cruises on yachts in the Caribbean that are very romantic. Smaller groups and boats that can get to more isolated bays and beaches. Guided eco-tours and snorkeling-bbq's on the beach, ah.... one day.......