Please Help Me! I Have Never Been on a Cruise Before!

You won't have any problems sailing on any of the ships that you posted. Sailing in June is more expensive than in the spring or fall. $1500 for a 5-day cruise shouldn't be a problem. Just remember that air fare, excursions, insurance (if purchased) and tips are extra. Have fun choosing a cruise and beware...you WILL become addicted to cruising!!!

 

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The ships you have chosen generally sail 7 day itineraries. Older, smaller ships handle the 3-5 day ones. The $2000 balcony price is about what you'd expect for a 7 day cruise. Less days, and smaller, older ships, will be cheaper. I know it's overwhelming in the beginning. It may be helpful to call Carnival and request a PVP (Personal Vacation Planner). They don't cost extra, and mine has actually saved me money over the years. (We're not allowed to give out names on here, or I'd share.)

 

Good luck with your planning! If you stick with the 3-5 day itinerary, I'd suggest one that goes to Half Moon Cay or Cozumel. There are lots to choose from, and both are excellent first time ports.

Like was mentioned, the ships your named usually do seven days plus. Take a look at Liberty, you can do a four day on her. I have been on Vista and Breeze. I love Breeze, but Liberty is my current favorite.

June is more expensive as kids are not in school nd families are travelling. Maybe look into cruising at a time that kid are in school, if that fits your schedule. We cruise in September usually and have no problem finding a 7-day for the cost you mentioned.

I agree with what everyone has said but the problem with going with the older ships is that they usually have less balconies so the price of a balcony is usually higher.

You may find a 6 day cruise on some of those ships. I would go to Carnival booking where you can check the month and then check off the list of ships to find all available.

Well, you came to the right site for answers. First time cruiser threads are usually pretty good. Hopefully you'll get the info your looking for.

 

I would suggest the Magic, I really like this ship. Plenty of balconies to choose from, but I think they only do 7 days? Either way you'll find whats best for both of you eventually.

6 days June 10th on the new Vista. It's out of Miami with a Balcony. With taxes and prepaid gratuities $2533 with $50 on board credit to spend. . That would be my choice. The new Vista is a very good ship with all the latest bells and whistles. I have another but it's with Norwegian ......

"Price: I am looking to spend no more than $1500 for the both of us"

If you are talking a total price, good luck. Unless you do not drink and don't want to do any shore excursions.

Carnival ... 4 day cruise out of Florida JUNE 21st, with an Aft Balcony $619 Per Person BEFORE taxes, port fees, gratuities, drinks and excursions.

 

https://www.carnival.com/itinerary/4-day-the-bahamas-cruise/ft-lauderdale/conquest/4-days/ba3?Military=N&PastGuest=N&Senior=N&numGuests=2&rateCode=&roomType=IS&sailDate=06212018

It might be difficult to find a balcony cabin for a 7 day cruise for $1,500.

 

Your daily gratuities will be added to the base price. I'm not sure of the exact amount but they are around $12.95 per person per day.

 

You might want to find a travel agent in your community who specializes in cruises to talk with. A reputable one can lead you in the right direction to match your wants, and will disclose fees up front. No one can charge you a fee to book. Some might charge fees if you make changes to your booking or request price adjustments. Run away.

 

Or, as others have suggested, call Carnival to request a Personal Vacation Planner, PVP.

 

Hope you find one that fits your needs and enjoy it!

Thank you everyone for all of this information! I really appreciate it! I guess I should have been more specific. I did mean $1500 price range for just the tickets.

 

How much more money can expect to be spent outside of the tickets?

 

In regards to airfare, I live in Florida and so airfare will not be a factor as I plan on departing from a port in Florida.

 

If anyone has any better cruises for first time cruises I will take any suggestions that you have that are budget friendly

 

I don’t care about water features on the boat.

 

I am looking for one that has adult entertainment like a casino and spa.

 

I was interested in the carnival cruises I mentioned because they have a comedy club, a dine in movie, casino, and mens and women’s spa services.

 

 

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Thank you everyone for all of this information! I really appreciate it! I guess I should have been more specific. I did mean $1500 price range for just the tickets.

 

How much more money can expect to be spent outside of the tickets?

 

In regards to airfare, I live in Florida and so airfare will not be a factor as I plan on departing from a port in Florida.

 

If anyone has any better cruises for first time cruises I will take any suggestions that you have that are budget friendly

 

I don’t care about water features on the boat.

 

I am looking for one that has adult entertainment like a casino and spa.

 

I was interested in the carnival cruises I mentioned because they have a comedy club, a dine in movie, casino, and mens and women’s spa services.

 

 

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Costs outside of cruise fare includes gratuities (tips for wait staff and cabin steward) which run about $13 per person/per day, any purchases made onboard the ship, beer/liquor/sodas bought on ship, art purchases, raffle tickets & bingo chances and souvenirs. Shore excursions are also extra. Internet, WiFi and laundry services also cost extra. My wife and I usually take around $1000 for all of the above but have never spent it all. We don't drink (well maybe a Miami Vice or Mango Swirl now and then) and we stay out of the casino.

 

Keep watching these boards and you'll find the answers that you need to make your first cruise a memorable one.

 

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You can do a 3 day cruise on the Norwegian Sun out of Florida in June with a balcony for $1560 with tips and taxes. It has a casino, spa, comedy evening, etc. You have to remember the cost of alcohol, the casino itself, and spa services can add up. You'd better bring another $750 with you .......

I think Carnival would be a good fit for you. They offer, in my opinion, a good value for money spent.

 

They offer opportunities to stay as busy as you want, and the opportunity to do nothing in quiet areas, and you can choose how busy to be.

 

They also offer a lot of eating venues that are included in your fare.

 

Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy!

My recommendation would be to choose the ship you want and then go to the AARP website and create an account. You DO NOT have to be a member of AARP to do this, and your age doesn't matter to create an online account. You're not joining AARP. Then take quizzes and/or sign up for e-mails from them to get points. Once you have enough points, you can buy Carnival gift cards at a 10% discount through their Rewards for Good program. You can spread this out and buy a few at a time, but you've basically just gotten 10% of your cruise if you amass enough gift cards to cover your deposit and your cruise fare. If you buy more, you can apply those to your on-board account and effectively get 10% off that as well.

 

I like all the ships you have listed and have been on most of them. Most of them do 7-day cruises, but some alternate between 8 days and 6 days, so you could look at the 6-day (usually western) intineraries. Not having to buy airfare is obviously a great savings--wish I had that opportunity ;)

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

Royal Caribbean 4 night on June 25th out of Miami to Bahamas with balcony $1512 total. Casino, spa, outdoor, shows, movies at night on deck on the big screen. That's in your range and criteria.

It sounds to me like you need to speak to a carnival pvp.

 

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I’m not sure if your budget will really work for a June cruise. Anytime during the summer months, vacation rates are much higher. Here are the results that my favorite cruise search came up with

 

 

So, would have to be on different ships. Also, is $1,500 your max for the cruise fare or for the entire trip? If it’s for the entire trip I don’t think this cruise will work out... again, if you can go outside if the June-August months, I think you’ll have much better results. If it’s just for the cruise fare, look for double occupancy rates as close to $600 as you can to account for port fees and taxes.

 

 

 

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As others have mentioned, June or any other times schools are out, rates are going to be higher. You may want to check the Victory which has a 5 days itinerary out of Miami to Key West and Cozumel. That's a really nice graduation gift. Whichever cruise you decide upon ENJOY!

Hi there! I understand you said you would be interested in getting a balcony, but maybe try an interior room for your first cruise and then you could do more things, such as get a drink package, go on more excursions, get spa passes.

 

My husband and I took our honeymoon on the Vista and got an interior spa room (included spa passes for the ten days) and we loved it. This just may be more cost effective if you're trying to go at this time of year in that price range.

 

Whatever you choose will be a wonderful time! Enjoy!

Carnival ... 4 day cruise out of Florida JUNE 21st, with an Aft Balcony $619 Per Person BEFORE taxes, port fees, gratuities, drinks and excursions.

 

https://www.carnival.com/itinerary/4-day-the-bahamas-cruise/ft-lauderdale/conquest/4-days/ba3?Military=N&PastGuest=N&Senior=N&numGuests=2&rateCode=&roomType=IS&sailDate=06212018

 

This seems like the best response so far.

 

With gratuities, taxes and port fees, probably looking at $1600 total.

 

I quickly looked at a 4-day out of Canaveral, and saw a balcony room for $1490 including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

 

Yes, you can find something in your price range, maybe a squidge more, with a balcony, not including excursions or drinks.

 

Drinks will add $50 per day, per person, if you go with Cheers! If you pay-as-you-drink, then, well, that's up to you!

Your summer cruises will always be higher. We have a couple of teachers in our family, so our family cruise had to be after school is out. Big price difference, but we were able to book one at the tail end of May that was a little less than summer bookings. I'm guessing that not all schools are out at that time, so it was a tad cheaper going May 25 vs June 1. Would you consider a window as opposed to a balcony? It would give you the natural light, but not as pricey as a balcony.

FSHLOT, I just read (didn't read all the responses) that you liked the Magic. We are to do the Magic for the first time the end of March. Would you mind (I know this is YOUR opinion) giving me your pros/cons of this ship?