First Cruise, 24yr old w/ girlfriend

[ovie08]

Hey guys, been a long time ''watcher'' of this site but haven't actually posted much.

 

Just a couple questions to all the experienced cruisers....

 

1. Is there a certain cruise line which is more suited towards people my age?

 

2. Do you recommend seeing a travel agent or is it more expensive that way?

 

3. I found a cruise in Feb 14th @ Carnival Glory & the ports are Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas Usvi, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk - has anyone had experience with these ports or do you recommend another one?

 

4. We're going during the Canadian reading week (college break)...is there any downsides to this (we don't mind spending time partiers)

 

5. If our cruise departs @ 4PM, when is the LATEST we can be at the port at Miami. I am wondering if I need to arrive a day before and stay in Miami or if I can just take a morning flight

 

Thanks everyone for your help

[mcarlson]

First of all, welcome aboard, you will have an amazing vacation!! I am 23, and have been on 3 cruises, the most recent of which was with my first time cruiser boyfriend (25). We both agree this is the ultimate vacation, great opportunity to see different places and do as much or as little as you want!

 

Now onto your questions, I'll answer as many as i can....

1. Everyone is different and wants something different from a cruiseline. In my opinion Carnival is a great cruiseline for any age. It is affordable, has loads of activities which you can chose to ignore or take part in, and leaves from a wide variety of ports all across the US. RCI is another popular option, however I have no experience with them, but they have lots of great ships that you might also be interested in checking out if you place the types of things they have higher on your priority list then I do (ie. ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, etc)

 

2. People also view this differently, I personally do not like using a travel agent, I LOVE the planning part! I get really into planning, finding great deals, researching options, etc. I do, however, use a Personal Vacation Planner from Carnival (just give the toll free Carnival number a call and they will help you out). I use this differently than others. Normally I call and tell my PVP exactly what cruise I want, or ask her help to decide if I have a few options. She helps me get the best price and I love working with her!

 

3. That sounds great to me! I have been to Nassau and Grand Turk, and while they are not my two favorite ports they are far from my least favorite! I am really not picky, and just love seeing new places! Myself and my boyfriend were on the Glory and loveddddd that ship! Make sure to check out the spa, the girls/guys saunas are different but that's how we ended every evening and then met in the hot tub which is in the gym so you can have a nice relaxing chat about your day!

 

4. Nope, doesn't seem like there is any downside to going during Midterm break. Sounds like a great break in the semester!

 

5. I suggest ALWAYS flying down at least a day if not two in advance. Not only does this give you a day or two to relax and begin your vacation before the cruise but it also ensures you don't miss it. That would be too stressful for me. My first cruise we booked a flight two days before the cruise and due to delays managed to make into Florida the night before the cruise left.... so we don't take chances on missing our vacation after that experience! You never know when there will be a snowstorm or a delay that would lead to you having to fly to the next port of call and missing out on your cruise, that's no way to spend your first cruise!

 

Anything else, feel free to ask, the more you find out now the better your first cruise will be, it helps avoid some of the newbie mistakes (but not all of them!!)

 

Happy Sailing,

 

Megan

[Kaboochi]

Hey guys, been a long time ''watcher'' of this site but haven't actually posted much.

 

Just a couple questions to all the experienced cruisers....

 

1. Is there a certain cruise line which is more suited towards people my age?

 

2. Do you recommend seeing a travel agent or is it more expensive that way?

 

3. I found a cruise in Feb 14th @ Carnival Glory & the ports are Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas Usvi, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk - has anyone had experience with these ports or do you recommend another one?

 

4. We're going during the Canadian reading week (college break)...is there any downsides to this (we don't mind spending time partiers)

 

5. If our cruise departs @ 4PM, when is the LATEST we can be at the port at Miami. I am wondering if I need to arrive a day before and stay in Miami or if I can just take a morning flight

 

Thanks everyone for your help

1. Carnival is a great line for your age group - it is def a fun ship. Royal and Celeb are good too but there may be elders on board it will be quieter. My vote - Carnival

2. Go through the cruise line - with the economy they seem to be offering great prices, plus if there is a price drop on your cabin you can call them directly and get the reduction. You might want to check Crucon or BHJ's travel too.

3. I've been to all ports but Turk - I like them all - check the "ports" board about things to do.

4. I am from the US, does "reading week"mean you should be studying? If so, a cruise is not the place to be (my daughter is 2nd yr university so I know). Spring break is party time.

5. I believe you need to be at port 1.50 hours before the ship leaves port.

 

I hope I helped. Book it, have a great time, but be responsible - your parents have skyped the ship with your cabin zeroed in, plus everywhere else you will roam onboard:D Have fun and please report back on your decision.

[IGGY63]

Cruise Carnival....more value, more fun.....

 

Personally, the fewer ports, the better. You really want to take advantage of the amenities on the ship. There is lots to do...for free......

 

The more ports, the busier you are, the more money you spend.......

 

But it all depends on what you want to gret out of your vacation.

 

I find that the cancellation insurance is cheaper through a TA, and the cruise price is the same, as the TA will call that day for any specials....

 

You certainly will not go wrong with CCL, but never fly in the day OF the cruise. Too much can go wrong....especially flying from Canada or northern USA.

[BIG_Steve]

never fly in the day OF the cruise. Too much can go wrong....especially flying from Canada or northern USA.

 

ESPECIALLY in the winter!

[tandemcruzr]

Dave mentioned travel insurance. It is highly recommended.

 

We always buy a policy which includes a 'cancel for any reason option' due to elderly parents in poor health. We don't use TAs. We book directly with the cruise line. We have always found good insurance deals at insuremytrip dot com.

 

Have a great trip.

[cccer]

You will have a great time. Please do go the day before, it will avoid a lot of stress. I agree with others, get the travel insurance. Earlier this year my wife had the flu and we had to cancel until the summer. We got everyting back.

We have gone to most of the ports two or three times and they are all great. Some are better than others, but if it is your first cruise enjoy where you go.

[mathgeek1978]

Hey guys, been a long time ''watcher'' of this site but haven't actually posted much.

 

Just a couple questions to all the experienced cruisers....

 

1. Is there a certain cruise line which is more suited towards people my age?

 

Carnival. And don't miss the deck party. :D

 

2. Do you recommend seeing a travel agent or is it more expensive that way?

 

No reason why you can't book directly online with CCL. You are in college and you should be tech savvy enough to do that. Any questions about cruising, just ask here. Plenty of people will help you out.

 

 

3. I found a cruise in Feb 14th @ Carnival Glory & the ports are Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas Usvi, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk - has anyone had experience with these ports or do you recommend another one?

 

4. We're going during the Canadian reading week (college break)...is there any downsides to this (we don't mind spending time partiers)

 

When is that? Most US college spring breaks are around mid to late March. If you enjoy the party, how can there be a downside, other than the fact that prices are usually a bit higher.

 

 

5. If our cruise departs @ 4PM, when is the LATEST we can be at the port at Miami. I am wondering if I need to arrive a day before and stay in Miami or if I can just take a morning flight

 

Fly in a day earlier.

 

 

Thanks everyone for your help

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[ovie08]

Wow thanks to everyone for the responses....

 

I'll get back to everyone's responses...

 

The flight the day of is like 150 vs the day before @ 400

 

I would arrive at 9:30 in Miami....

 

I understand there is risk, what would you guys do in my position.

[Coco83]

Hey guys, been a long time ''watcher'' of this site but haven't actually posted much.

 

Just a couple questions to all the experienced cruisers....

 

1. Is there a certain cruise line which is more suited towards people my age?

 

2. Do you recommend seeing a travel agent or is it more expensive that way?

 

3. I found a cruise in Feb 14th @ Carnival Glory & the ports are Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas Usvi, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk - has anyone had experience with these ports or do you recommend another one?

 

4. We're going during the Canadian reading week (college break)...is there any downsides to this (we don't mind spending time partiers)

 

5. If our cruise departs @ 4PM, when is the LATEST we can be at the port at Miami. I am wondering if I need to arrive a day before and stay in Miami or if I can just take a morning flight

 

Thanks everyone for your help

 

1. I'm 26 and have been cruising with Carnival at least once a year (sometimes twice) since I was 21 with my hubby! I've been on RCL as well, but I definitely prefer the "Fun Ship"

 

2. I've always booked directly with Carnival online, except for once. An aunt gave us a cruise as a wedding gift and she booked through a TA which was quite a hassle.

 

3. We're going on this same exact cruise on 1/3/10 so I can't answer those questions just yet!

 

4. Nope, sounds like a perfect time to travel. On a side note --- I try not to travel during spring break because I do not want to be bothered by a bunch of kids as we don't have any of our own yet. Some say they can be a problem, while others say they barely saw any and were perhaps consumed with Camp Carnival. So I guess it could go either way. You said the cruise you were looking at leaves 2/14 which is probably work in your favor, not a bunch of little kiddies & less expensive than going in March/April or summer (before hurricane season) which are probably your only other options since you are a college student.

 

5. I wouldn't get to the port any later than 2:30PM, but it is better to arrive the night before, just in case there are any issues with your flight. Plus, Miami is absolutely gorgeous!!! We are arriving 3 days before our cruise :)

[Coco83]

Wow thanks to everyone for the responses....

 

I'll get back to everyone's responses...

 

The flight the day of is like 150 vs the day before @ 400

 

I would arrive at 9:30 in Miami....

 

I understand there is risk, what would you guys do in my position.

 

That's a huuuuge difference. I would keep the 9:30 flight but probably also consider buying insurance, just in case. It's early enough to be OK if there were any delays... but what if it was canceled?

[iceshots]

What Canadian airport are you flying out of? Toronto?

 

Ask yourself, how many times do you hear of flights out of Toronto being delayed for de-icing or other reasons in February.

 

I agree that a 9:30 arrival will give you some leeway, but what time are you getting up to catch that flight? You are giving yourself a very long day which may mean you don't enjoy the impact of the ship as much.

 

Take it from a usually uptight traveler. You don't want to be tired and uptight when heading off for a dream vacation. Starts the whole thing off on the wrong foot. :D

 

Saving money is important, but don't skimp on the important things.

 

Enjoy the cruise.

[conchead]

What Canadian airport are you flying out of? Toronto?

 

Ask yourself, how many times do you hear of flights out of Toronto being delayed for de-icing or other reasons in February.

 

I agree that a 9:30 arrival will give you some leeway, but what time are you getting up to catch that flight? You are giving yourself a very long day which may mean you don't enjoy the impact of the ship as much.

 

Take it from a usually uptight traveler. You don't want to be tired and uptight when heading off for a dream vacation. Starts the whole thing off on the wrong foot. :D

 

Saving money is important, but don't skimp on the important things.

 

Enjoy the cruise.

Delayed or cancelled flight...not getting there, is one of

those important things

[leadout_kv]

Personally, the fewer ports, the better. You really want to take advantage of the amenities on the ship. There is lots to do...for free......

 

The more ports, the busier you are, the more money you spend.......

 

But it all depends on what you want to gret out of your vacation.

 

 

I'm not sure if I agree with this...of course this is your opinion vs mine vs what the OP likes. I know when I was 24 I'd want to see and do as many activities off the ship as possible. With a little research from this board you'll find that there are plenty of inexpensive excursions that can be booked through the ship and privately at each port. When I was 24 I'd certainly not want to miss the opportunity to go cave tubing or zip lining or snorkeling or etc... Heck, I'm mid-40's now and I still want to do this stuff. Of course, as you mentioned it depends on what the OP wants to get out of the cruise.

[pjhootch]

Flying from Canada to Miami in the spring can be tricky, especially if you have connecting flights. All it takes is one good storm near a major airport (like Atlanta or JFK) to start the dominoes falling down.

 

On the other hand, it is hard to find a more expensive city for hotels in the spring. Not only are you saving the money on the flight you're saving the money of a hotel for a night in Miami. At that time of year the hotels are making a killing and the prices are pretty awful.

 

I'm usually kind of a thrill seeker/risk taker when we travel. For instance... I didn't purchase our flights at Christmas time for San Juan, until just a couple of weeks ago. My family was making jokes about blowing up life rafts and innertubes to catch our ship in Puerto Rico.

 

HOWEVER- Since this is your first cruise and budget is an issue- I think you would be better off paying for the more expensive flight and getting there the day before your cruise. It might cost you $250 more for the flight.. PLUS a hotel in Miami, but if you miss your embarkation you'll either miss the whole cruise or pay for flights to catch up with it on an island.

 

If you do decide to fly in on the day of cruise you absolutely need insurance for your trip.

 

If you decide to fly in the day before, try looking at nearby airports for pricing such as FLL instead of MIA. It can make a difference.

 

Also try priceline for a hotel in Miami. There are several downtown hotels that are very nice and convenient to the port that regularly offer rooms on priceline (60-100) a night instead of around $300.

[iceshots]

If the OP needs to be convinced of the perils of flying in the day of the cruise, just check out this link.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1073455

 

The story has a happy ending but I could live without that kind of stress.

[kenrod]

If the OP needs to be convinced of the perils of flying in the day of the cruise, just check out this link.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1073455

 

The story has a happy ending but I could live without that kind of stress.

Eeek! That was one hair raising story. I appreciate the link.

[Sdallnct]

The most important thing to remember on going on a cruise is that it is what you make of it. You mention your age, so I assume that means you want to be able to hit the bars, dance floor, perhaps the casino? All that is available.

 

IMO, cruising is much like going to Vegas. You can have a nice quite day/evening, or your can "party" all night long. It is your call. And you will run into people your age, and people acting your age...LOL

 

Oh and yes, you want to arrive the night before. It is not worth the stress. You can fly out the same day you return, but I would always arrive the night before.

 

It is long, but if your curious as to our schedule and day to day activity of our recent cruise, you can see the blog I created by clicking on the link in my signature.

[ovie08]

Wow great replies lol

 

Iceshots - Thanks for the link, that story was crazy!

pjhootch - Appreciate the time you put into your post, I will take a look at priceline.com and I also have considered doing a couchsurf experience (google it)

LubbersLine - I agree & I definitly want to do as much as I can, within a price range of course. Did you say you can book outside of the cruise ship for excursions? Is that for better price?

mathgeek1978 - Deck party? Go on..... :) I'm assuming thats the first night?

mcarlson - I appreciate your long post as well, you gave us the idea to call the travel planner @ Carnival and they answered tons of our questions...

 

I am contemplating flying out the day OF...reason being.. I am thinking of getting the insurnace. I will NOT fly out the day of without insurance...but most likely I will be flying out the day before so we can just relax.

 

I'll keep everyone posted, thanks again for the help...

[broberts]

My first cruise I flew in day of. Despite an early flight and relatively decent weather (Mid January, Toronto) I was stressed. Check your credit card you may already have some type of travel insurance. What you need is emergency medical. Trip cancellation and trip interruption would provide financial protection but will not relieve the stress. If your credit card doesn't have the insurance you want you can probably buy it. Most Canadian cc companies offer reasonable cost plans. (BTW typically the difference between a single trip emergency medical policy and an annual one is very small.)

 

With a 4pm departure you likely have to be in the cruise terminal before 3pm. Check the Carnival FAQ for confirmation.

 

I personally like Nassau, especially as the first port. I like to walk off the ship and amble over to the second floor Starbucks that overlooks the water. I buy my favorite beverage and sit out on the very small balcony watching all the excursion activity. Eventually I walk around the downtown area snap the obligatory pics then pop into one of the many internet cafes to check my email (it's much, much, much cheaper doing this in port).

 

St Thomas is a great port. If you are into snorkeling or killer beaches look into taking an excursion or self guided day trip to St John. Or walk into town, Charlotte-Amalie, (about 20 minutes) and cruise the many shops and the tourist market. You don't have to buy anything, it's fun people watching and you'll see a boat load of pretty trinkets.

 

I love San Juan, it's one of my favorite ports. But lots of people don't particularly like the port. If you are into history walk to San Cristobal and El Morrow forts. One of the things I like to do when the ship first docks is to walk along the outside of the old wall - take a left turn outside the cruise terminal and keep walking until you get to a really fancy fountain, the harbor mouth will be directly in front of you. Then bear left and follow the walkway.

 

If you like snorkeling or SCUBA then take an excursion in Grand Turk. Of your ports this one is superior for these activities. There isn't much else to do on the island but find a nice piece of beach and relax. There is a beach at the cruise terminal, but it can get crowded.

[jayscore]

Long story short. 9:00 AM flight, non-stop, Minneapolis to Miami, same day as cruise. Delayed 3 hours. Got on the ship at 3:45 PM. Never again!

Catch my drift?:cool:

[glrounds]

Coming from So Cal I fly in the DAY OF (sorta :rolleyes:). Always take a late night "red-eye" from LAX or Long Beach. Sleep like a baby (one time fell asleep before we took off and had to be awakened by the steward to "get off the plane please"). But I don't have weather with which to be concerned. This flight dumps me in either NYC, Miami, or Orlando around 5:30am which leaves extra time for mechanical delays, etc. I arrive fresh as a daisy, get a cup of coffee, read the local paper at the airport and catch the bus to the port around 9:00 am. Has always been without incident (knocking on wood). :D

You ask a lot of questions, you get a lot of answers. You're a college student. You've probably already built a matrix with all the pros and cons of each critical decision. :DI'm sure you'll have it planned out terrifically. Have a great cruise. :)

[nrdsb4]

Hey guys, been a long time ''watcher'' of this site but haven't actually posted much.

 

Just a couple questions to all the experienced cruisers....

 

1. Is there a certain cruise line which is more suited towards people my age?

 

2. Do you recommend seeing a travel agent or is it more expensive that way?

 

3. I found a cruise in Feb 14th @ Carnival Glory & the ports are Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas Usvi, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk - has anyone had experience with these ports or do you recommend another one?

 

4. We're going during the Canadian reading week (college break)...is there any downsides to this (we don't mind spending time partiers)

 

5. If our cruise departs @ 4PM, when is the LATEST we can be at the port at Miami. I am wondering if I need to arrive a day before and stay in Miami or if I can just take a morning flight

 

Thanks everyone for your help

 

Just wanted to cover one more base. Is your girlfriend at least 21 years old?

 

Doing independent excursions in port will save you a lot of money. It just requires doing some research to find reputable companies. You can get great advice here on excursions by going to the ports of call board.

[btorlv]

If you fly in the day before try using priceline for you hotels. Priceline works very well for fll and mia. We usually start the bids at $55 for there 3 stars and have never paid more the $62. Use the ports of call boards for your port days. I think ccl is perfect for your age group your going to have a great time.