kateharp

Thanks for the feedback! -- Just to clarify, I'm choosing Tampa because it's easiest for my aunt. From what I've read there are only 2 ships that go out of Tampa that are HA and RC (both lines are cutting back for 2016) Now that I understand there is a small bridge there, that might explain the limitations.

I'm just trying to decide if it's worth paying the extra money for HA or if it will make that big of a difference. It's easy to fret over these things too much :) when you don't have info. That's why I came here.

I also noticed neither ships have fridges in the inside cabins (?) In the past all trips I've taken have always had them. (My aunt needs one for her diabetes meds.) I was planning on getting us private/separate rooms and was hoping to book low cost cabins.

I bring a nightlight so I don't blind my roommate if I need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I am a 20 year cruiser and have been shocked at how the quality of cruises have gone down over the years. (cost cutting?)

I want to take my aunt on her first cruise out of Tampa and am trying to decide between RCL or Holland America. I have never taken HA before.

I heard HA has great service, but I also read the passengers are really old and all they play is songs from the 40's.

I'm from San Francisco, she's from SC. She has diabetes (is 59 years old) and I am 55. I like laughing and don't really care where my cruise goes.

I want her to have a good time since she was just diagnosed with a serious illness and this may be the first/last real indulgent vacation she gets. I want to do at least a 7 day cruise out of Tampa.

Thanks for any opinions!