Cruise 1st time...HELP!

So my girlfriend graduates her radiography program next May, so I'm starting to save up for it. I've never cared to go on one, but I don't have a choice and it sounds like fun! It will only be the two of us

What cruise line is best? I've been looking at Royal Caribbean and Carnival, as she does not want to go Disney. She mentioned Bahamas, but everyone goes there, so would the Caribbean or a NYC/Canada cruise be better?

Any other tips/advice would be awesome!

 

i have cruised carnival several times and love it! I have heard mixed reviews about RC mostly due to the size of the ships, while they have everything, its hard to get great service.

stick to a ship around 2000-2500 total passengers and around the 100 tonnage range and you get a new ship, with lots to do.

i have done the western Caribbean twice, but with different stops.

if you can, wait until a few weeks prior to book, the deals just before the ship leaves are killer, i have done a 6 night for less then 600 bucks for 2 people.

try doing that at a resort with all your food included!


its your first so get the cheapest room, you never spend much time there.

 

What he said. I'll add I've had a good time on Crystal and Princess cruises. Holland line was the nicest for amenities and service. Yeah, cheap rooms are the best imo. The room is to store your stuff.

 

Yeah, because they are about the size of a large walk in closet.

 

actually they do a very good job with the space provided.

we have now moved up to balcony rooms, but like i said we worked our way up

our first was on the lowest level of the ship, and is basically to sleep in, and change

 

Thanks for the input so far everyone! The girlfriend said also to plan $100 for tips, $200 for shore activities and then money for drinks.

Are all meals included, including regular soft drinks and room service? I think I might try the Caribbean if she is up for it. I live in Florida, so the Bahamas is kinda in my backyard...

Bump!

 

I have cruised with princess lines to alaska, they were great. Google some reviews from the others. I know some of the ships are pretty much party ships while some are nothing but blue hairs. Check out what they offer and what will give you the most fun for your money. Everyone is looking for something different in a cruise, so just see what they offer. Good luck.

 

I dont know about carnival, but my wife and i have always cruised with Royal Caribbean, and have always loved their service. As a matter of fact we just finished a 5 day cruise for 700 dollars for 2 people last month. This is a break down of what we paid.

700- Cruise
500 dollars spending money (we ususally do 100 a day)
100 dollars Tip (varies depending on the length of cruise)
100 dollars per person per shore activity (some are cheaper, some cost more money)


Royal Caribbean has a drink package where you can get unlimited softdrinks for ususally 30-40 dollars a trip (depends on the length of the cruise) I would get one, becaue they have it printed on my card and if my wife wanted a soft drink she would take my card and get it... Cheaper that way. Also another thing to understand is that they do charge you a tip everytime you use the bar. So if you get a beer or a mixed drink, they charge you a 15% tip. the reason why is because most of the bar tenders and wait staff only get a 50 dollar a month salary, and the rest of the money is made by their tips. the drinks tends to be a little bit more expensive than the Normal drinks you are used to... Example a Miami Vice was about 7.00 to 9.00 depending on if you get to keep the cup or not. Spa services cost more also, and if you book directly with the cruise line or a travel agency you can make payments. Thats what my wife and i do. As a matter of fact, we are scheduled to go on the worlds biggest cruise ship, the Oasis of the Sea, We sail on November 2010. True you dont spend alot of time in the room, except to sleep and change, so you can get an inside stateroom but keep in mind it is dark and easy to oversleep. I would suggest getting a ocean view room, usually 50 to 100 dollars more per person but worth it because you get some view, but also you dont have a dark room when you wake up in the morning. Stuff on the cruise ships such as shopping and spa do cost money so bring extra for that, and gambling as well. If your under 21 they wont let you drink. The food and drinks are included but drinks being juice, milk, water, coffee (basic brewed coffee not the starbucks coffee) unsweet tea. Some of the upscale restraunts do have a cover charge for it for example Royal Caribbean has the Chops grill which cost 25 dollars cover charge per person, never ate there but was told the food was amazing. My wife and i always budgeted 100 dollars a day, and we always pay at the end of the night before we go to bed, since it helped us keep track of how much we have spent because it is easy to go overboard, since you charge it with your ship card, which is also your id card for getting off the ships in the island, and getting back on the boat, and is also your room key. Any more questions pm me or leave a message on here.

 

Carnival is a well known party ship, while Royal Caribbean is a all around ship. NCL is the Blue Hair Ladies ship. As a Matter of fact, Carnival just introduced a Cougar Cruise departing out of LA or San Diego!!!!

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/c...-first-ever-international-cougar-cruise-17023