Need help taking the first step

[designgirl]

DH and I are planing our first cruise for our 15th anniversary. I have been dreaming of a cruise for over 5 years and I have finally saved enough to buy. We will be sailing Carnival, because of budget. We are planning to sail Aug. 2013.

 

So I have a top 10 list of cruise dates and ships, but how do I chose one? I'm nervous about committing to one and then in the next year finding something I like better or that's cheaper.

 

Any advise?

 

Erica

[susie8862]

DH and I are planing our first cruise for our 15th anniversary. I have been dreaming of a cruise for over 5 years and I have finally saved enough to buy. We will be sailing Carnival, because of budget. We are planning to sail Aug. 2013.

 

So I have a top 10 list of cruise dates and ships, but how do I chose one? I'm nervous about committing to one and then in the next year finding something I like better or that's cheaper.

 

Any advise?

 

Erica

That is wonderful...I understand how difficult it is to narrow it down. First, is there a port that you have to leave out of, or can you fly to a port?

Usually, once the dates for cruises are posted, then that is it. They do not change. Carnival is a great cruise line and will insure tons of fun and things to do. Just give us a little more info and I am sure we can steer you in the right direction.

[sparky-elpaso]

I tend to look at itinerary first and then the cruise line and ship. So the first thing is where do you want to go? Is there a port(s) in one of those top 10 that you wouldn't want to miss? Check the shore excursions for the different ports to see if there's something special you would like to do.

 

One of the things I do is look at the ports in Google Earth to see what it looks like. Sometimes you can actually see a cruise ship so you know exactly where it docks. On our Caribbean cruise I found that there was something within walking distance at several of the ports so we didn't need to do any type of excursion.

 

And as long as it's before final payment you should be able to call the cruise line and get the better price if the price drops. I haven't sailed Carnival so I'm not sure what their policy on that is. A good place to ask your questions is on the Carnival board here where you'll find folks who sail Carnival a lot who will have more detailed info.

[poppetts]

we started looking at cruises close to home , but that quickly changed once you get the bug.

[tak81288]

Here is another vote by looking at itinerary. If there are places you would rather visit then others, then I would weed out the cruises that don't go to those places. Then just look at the ships, dates, price...etc...that you think will work best and book it.

 

I'm not sure exactly when you plan on booking on the cruise, but you do mention costs. I know it is too early to view plane ticket prices for Aug 2013, but the flight costs to get from from one embarkment port to another can vary. So although a particular cruise may be cheaper, your overall costs may become just as expensive as another cruise once you add in flights, pre-cruise hotel, shuttles, taxi or rental to actually get to the ship...etc...That is something that you just want to keep in mind when comparing prices. Look at the trip as a whole and not just the cruise ticket price.

 

If you commit to a cruise and you find something else you like better, there is a window of time where you can cancel, get a full refund and book something else (make sure you read and understand the refund policies). If it is all done within the same cruiseline, they should be able to just transfer the $$ from one booking to another.

 

Since it looks like you are sailing with Carnival, I suggest NOT booking under their Early Saver rate. Although that rate will give you the lowest price and allows you to get credit for price drops up to two days before your ship sets sail, there are restrictions when it comes to canceling and you actually lose money if you change your mind. The other rates may costs a little more, but they are less restrictive if you decide to change something. They do allow you to get either an onboard credit (if your cruise is paid in full) or they will knock down the balance you owe if the prices drops before the final payment date. You have to keep an eye on prices and call them yourself to get the new price though. It doesn't happen automatically.

 

I suggest once you settle on a cruise, get your tickets...etc...to just focus on the cruise you booked. If you start looking at other ships, itineraries...etc...it may just cause you to become undecided again. Otherwise, if you do see something else, but it is too much of a hassle to change everything, I would just put it on a bucket list to do at another time.

 

Have fun planning!

[Cuizer2]

DH and I are planing our first cruise for our 15th anniversary. I have been dreaming of a cruise for over 5 years and I have finally saved enough to buy. We will be sailing Carnival, because of budget. We are planning to sail Aug. 2013.

 

So I have a top 10 list of cruise dates and ships, but how do I chose one? I'm nervous about committing to one and then in the next year finding something I like better or that's cheaper.

 

Any advise?

 

Erica

 

Until final payment is due you can cancel without penalty, unless you book the Early Saver (ES) rate. Then you are only really risking $50.

[jlajla]

Hmm.... let me present the other side. There is often a HUGE difference in amenities/activities between ships, so I think that you should also heavily consider what you want in a ship, along with what ports you want to go to.

 

If there is a port you really want, make a first "cut" of the ships that do not go there. Then, look at the ships that go to that port and start browsing, reading reviews about the ships and looking at photos. Carnival has some smaller, older ships and some new, big ones. Make sure you know what you are getting into if you have a preference.

 

Honestly, I cruise for the ship rather than the ports. Partly because I have been lucky enough to have been to most of the "traditional" caribbean ports already, but mostly because I just LOVE SHIPS and figure that because the majority of your time is at sea, rather than on land, I want to be on a ship I love.

 

Feel free to check back if you have narrowed down some "must haves" in terms of ship and itinerary, and I'm sure people can give more advice. I have not been on a carnival ship since 1990, so I am not much help with specific ships. lol.

 

Enjoy that first cruise!

[designgirl]

I suggest once you settle on a cruise, get your tickets...etc...to just focus on the cruise you booked. If you start looking at other ships, itineraries...etc...it may just cause you to become undecided again. Otherwise, if you do see something else, but it is too much of a hassle to change everything, I would just put it on a bucket list to do at another time.

 

Have fun planning!

 

Great advise, I am looking at so many different options right now that I am a bit overwhelmed. So, once I pick the cruise I need to just focus in on it and not get distracted!

 

Thanks for your help.

[designgirl]

Until final payment is due you can cancel without penalty, unless you book the Early Saver (ES) rate. Then you are only really risking $50.

 

This is good to know. I probably won't change once I book a cruise, but to know that I have options puts my mind a ease. :)

[moviejunki]

When my husband and I were noobs we just picked the cheapest cruise that appealed to us. We didn't figure the cost of airfare into our plans. On one of our Florida cruises our round trip airfare cost us more than the cruise itself! :eek:

You mention being on a budget so my suggestion to you is research EVERYTHING before you book! If you are driving to a port, look into the cost of gas, hotel, food, and parking your car while you are gone.

If you are flying in you need to think about transportation, hotels, meals, etc. Research flights from ALL airports near your home. Sometimes a couple of hours in the car before your flight can save you hundreds!

 

Look at online agencies for help with hotels and rental cars. We have made deals with William Shatner for all of our pre-cruise hotels. Using the bidding route we have stayed in 3 1/2 and 4 star hotels in Florida and California for $60-$70 a night.

 

Good luck with your trip!

[cb at sea]

I think you have to choose your cruise (if you're choosing by budget) on what you can afford NOW....after you book....stop comparing! Be happy with your choice!!! Do check for price drops on the cruise you've booked.....but don't compare to other ships/itineraries! Prices can vary wildly from week to week....you'll drive yourself crazy!

[designgirl]

I will save myself the embarrassment of explaining my detailed spreadsheet for comparing ships, ports, and prices, but I have done my homework.

 

As far as airfare I just looked at 2012 prices for the times we would be flying in 2013 to get a general idea of which ports are cheaper for us to fly into. Living in the landlocked west there isn't much difference between cities in FL :) And it looks like our flight will be about the same, if not more than our cruise price.

 

My DH is real good at getting deals from Mr. Shatner, so that is our plan for hotel, and maybe airfare.

 

Our top picks are

Dream W. or E. Caribbean,

Liberty E. Caribbean,

Conquest E. or W., or

Paradise W. Caribbean

 

Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

Erica

[Lrnlvr]

My wife was all about the Design and theme of the ship, with our first cruise we never really realized their was a theme so we voted by itinerary, we are not the most political people and went aboard the valor, the ship was beautifully designed but we just could not relate to the theme very well. Our next cruise is Carnival as well, but this time having known better we are choosing dream for its size and design. I would say for your first cruise you can't go wrong, we had a blast and you learn as you go. Ive spent hours looking through forums and such trying to better prepare us for the cruise, and i learned more the first day of the cruise then i thought to read about in the forums. Also i would highly recommend not looking at ship reviews, while they can be helpful and have their place i think they are just to stressful to look at as a first time cruiser with a large investment. If i took every review to heart i would never cruise again, or see a movie for that matter. I remember being in your situation wondering if i chose the right ship after a bad review and just about switched, I'm very glad to say that i did not, and knowing my luck i would have switched and had a bad experience :D I wish you luck and a short wait until 2013

[jlajla]

My wife was all about the Design and theme of the ship, with our first cruise we never really realized their was a theme so we voted by itinerary, we are not the most political people and went aboard the valor, the ship was beautifully designed but we just could not relate to the theme very well. Our next cruise is Carnival as well, but this time having known better we are choosing dream for its size and design. I would say for your first cruise you can't go wrong, we had a blast and you learn as you go. Ive spent hours looking through forums and such trying to better prepare us for the cruise, and i learned more the first day of the cruise then i thought to read about in the forums. Also i would highly recommend not looking at ship reviews, while they can be helpful and have their place i think they are just to stressful to look at as a first time cruiser with a large investment. If i took every review to heart i would never cruise again, or see a movie for that matter. I remember being in your situation wondering if i chose the right ship after a bad review and just about switched, I'm very glad to say that i did not, and knowing my luck i would have switched and had a bad experience :D I wish you luck and a short wait until 2013

 

Good advice on the review thing, actually. That will drive you nuts if you put too much into what others say.

 

Also good advice about design. I know some Carnival ships are pretty heavy on the neon thing, which would not be pleasing to my eyes. lol. Some of the newer ships are a little more simple in design, so just keep that in mind. Ships do have their own personality, for sure.

 

Looks like you are not set on west or east. I would take a look at Carnival's website. Go through the pages/photos for the ships you are interested in. See what kind of features each has. When you make a choice, don't doubt yourself and then go have a blast.

 

Welcome to the wild world of cruising. :)

[johneeo]

DH and I are planing our first cruise for our 15th anniversary. I have been dreaming of a cruise for over 5 years and I have finally saved enough to buy. We will be sailing Carnival, because of budget. We are planning to sail Aug. 2013.

 

So I have a top 10 list of cruise dates and ships, but how do I chose one? I'm nervous about committing to one and then in the next year finding something I like better or that's cheaper.

 

Any advise?

 

Erica

 

Not knowing your likes and dislikes, it is hard to recommend.

 

If you are like me, itinerary means absolutely nothing. The ship is everything, as I do not care about tours, culture, history, etc.

 

Get me to an island, I will find a beautiful beach with a bar, or maybe a sailboat snorkeling tour.

 

But, if history and culture and touring are your things, you need to look at itinerary.

 

That is my two cents.

[designgirl]

Not knowing your likes and dislikes, it is hard to recommend.

 

If you are like me, itinerary means absolutely nothing. The ship is everything, as I do not care about tours, culture, history, etc.

 

Get me to an island, I will find a beautiful beach with a bar, or maybe a sailboat snorkeling tour.

 

But, if history and culture and touring are your things, you need to look at itinerary.

 

That is my two cents.

 

Well maybe this is my problem, my husband is a history buff and teacher and I am an interior designer :) Is there a "best of both worlds"?

 

We both like more active excursions, I can't see either of us wanting to sit on a beach for more than a few hours.

 

Erica

[t_car]

Personally, I would drop the Paradise. They are all good ships, but Paradise just does not have the same choices and amenities as the others on your list.

Itineraries of the rest are fairly similar, ships are very similar, Dream a little bigger, but not noticeably so in the public areas. Choose the one that suits your time frame and budget best.

One thing to remember is your expenses on board. Gratuities, drinks, casino, purchases. And of course excursions can add up too.

Do your research, and enjoy your first cruise.

I am sure you will get hooked on cruising, like the rest of us.

[navyrotorhead]

Well maybe this is my problem, my husband is a history buff and teacher and I am an interior designer :) Is there a "best of both worlds"?

 

We both like more active excursions, I can't see either of us wanting to sit on a beach for more than a few hours.

 

Erica

As you can see by the different interests and attitudes of the posters here, you're going to get an infinite number of views and ideas. Here's my two bucks worth. :D (inflation ya know)

 

I read a at LEAST a couple of dozen RECENT reviews of any and every ship I am considering cruising on. (if nothing else it makes you wonder how some people can be so unhappy with their lives that all they can do is COMPLAIN about being on a cruiseship):confused: I read the description, look at the pics, and check the floor plan/layout of the ship from the company's websight and/or related google search.

 

I check the embark/debark port for location of airport, cruiseport, hotels shuttles and attractions. ALWAYS fly in a day early, ONE little glitch with a plane, an airport, a flight attendant, a storm or what-have-you, can ruin your whole vacation if you are late to the pier. :(

 

I check each and every port on the itinerary (google and google maps) as well as the cruiselines description and pricing of shore tours available. You can even view the dining and bar menues of the different venues onboard.

 

Finally, I spend A LOT of time on the cruise critic websight! :) Learning the answers to questions I never even thought to ask! (as well as realizing that some people here have COMPLETELY different ideas/views than I do on EVERYTHING!):eek: Good luck, but most of all HAVE FUN!!!

[LOVINCRUIZIN]

Don't stress this - enjoy the decision making process. It's part of the fun! And whatever you decide, you are going to have an awesome time. Good luck!

[serene56]

I tend to look at itinerary first and then the cruise line and ship. So the first thing is where do you want to go? Is there a port(s) in one of those top 10 that you wouldn't want to miss? Check the shore excursions for the different ports to see if there's something special you would like to do.

.

 

 

this is not something you want to do during hurricane season (peak no less)

 

if you book a ship based on the ports and there is a hurricane out in the waters you can be rerouted.

 

you can miss whole ports and it becomes a sea day--or you can go somewhere else.

 

Booking based on a port-- and there is a change it could be disappointing-- and dissappointments can ruin a cruise.

 

TO the OP-- Book your cruise then dont look at other sailings. Look at excursions etc. plan.

[serene56]

 

Our top picks are

Dream W. or E. Caribbean,

Liberty E. Caribbean,

Conquest E. or W., or

Paradise W. Caribbean

 

Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

Erica

 

 

Did you not look at cruises closer to home-- like out of New Orleans?

Texas even

[luv2cruise67]

I will save myself the embarrassment of explaining my detailed spreadsheet for comparing ships, ports, and prices, but I have done my homework.

 

As far as airfare I just looked at 2012 prices for the times we would be flying in 2013 to get a general idea of which ports are cheaper for us to fly into. Living in the landlocked west there isn't much difference between cities in FL :) And it looks like our flight will be about the same, if not more than our cruise price.

 

My DH is real good at getting deals from Mr. Shatner, so that is our plan for hotel, and maybe airfare.

 

Our top picks are

Dream W. or E. Caribbean,

Liberty E. Caribbean,

Conquest E. or W., or

Paradise W. Caribbean

 

Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

Erica

 

You will love the Liberty! It is the most beautiful ship I've been on yet!

Ports-If you sail to Cozumel(my favorite) you must book a day at the beach at Nachi Cocum! You will pay the taxi driver 5-7pp to take you to this beach. You go online to book it. You do not pay until you arrive at the beach. Trust me....it is a bargain! I think it cost 55.00 pp. This includes all-you can drink,(alcoholic and non-alcoholic) lunch(which is delicious), pool, hot tub, non-motorized equipment and snorkeling equipment. The staff are very friendly. The beach is beautiful! You stay there as long as you wish(depending on ship return time). Usually we stay around 6 hours. I am very full of tequila after all this time there!! LOL!

If your cruise sails to Ocho Rios, make sure you guys stay together. I do not like this port at all. The locals will haggle you to death! They are everywhere!

St. Maarten looks like you just stepped into a Kenny Chesney video! It's beautiful! There is a lady that sells beer out of a cooler for 1.00!

If you sail to Antiqua, book the Jolly Beach Resort. It's all inclusive. The view will make your mouth drop open! The french fries, burgers and chicken are great! The pool is enormous! Check them out on the web.

St. Thomas- Take the tour of the island. 20.00 pp. Worth every penny.

Costa Rica- I've been here several times. Take the cocoa tour. Very informative. Costa Rica has industrial surroundings everywhere. The monkeys there have been known to throw their poop at folks!!!

Panama- When you arrive here, you will see beautiful pastel building and shopping area. I would not advise leaving the shopping area past the grocery store. TIP: Make sure to shop in the grocery store. You will find medicines/cosmetics that you can't buy in the states.

Key West- Love this place! Take the city tour. Also make sure to try a slice of chocolate dipped key lime pie on a stick!!! MMMMM!! Duvall Street is where all the action is. It's right there near the port. You can look up some of the bars right now on their live web cam. Hogsbreath is one place. Check out mile 0. Take your camera here.

Nassau, Bahamas- Go check out the straw market! Lot's of neat gifts for purchase! There's lot to do here. Check online. Senor Frogs is a happening place if you like the party scene.

If you fly in to Ft. Lauderdale, you will love, love, love this place!!! Take the Riverboat tour!!! Amazing! You will get to see some of the famous peeps houses and you will enjoy an all-you-can eat bbq! It is beautiful!!! Only costs around 15.00pp!

I would type more but my carpal tunnel says to stop. LOL! l will more than happy to help with anything I can!

SHARON

[luv2cruise67]

I will save myself the embarrassment of explaining my detailed spreadsheet for comparing ships, ports, and prices, but I have done my homework.

 

As far as airfare I just looked at 2012 prices for the times we would be flying in 2013 to get a general idea of which ports are cheaper for us to fly into. Living in the landlocked west there isn't much difference between cities in FL :) And it looks like our flight will be about the same, if not more than our cruise price.

 

My DH is real good at getting deals from Mr. Shatner, so that is our plan for hotel, and maybe airfare.

 

Our top picks are

Dream W. or E. Caribbean,

Liberty E. Caribbean,

Conquest E. or W., or

Paradise W. Caribbean

 

Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

Erica

 

You will love the Liberty! It is the most beautiful ship I've been on yet!

Ports-If you sail to Cozumel(my favorite) you must book a day at the beach at Nachi Cocum! You will pay the taxi driver 5-7pp to take you to this beach. You go online to book it. You do not pay until you arrive at the beach. Trust me....it is a bargain! I think it cost 55.00 pp. This includes all-you can drink, lunch(which is delicious), pool, hot tub, non-motorized equipment and snorkeling equipment. The staff are very friendly. The beach is beautiful! You stay there as long as you wish(depending on ship return time). Usually we stay around 6 hours. I am very full of tequila after all this time there!! LOL!

If your cruise sails to Ocho Rios, make sure you guys stay together. I do not like this port at all. The locals will haggle you to death! They are everywhere!

St. Maarten looks like you just stepped into a Kenny Chesney video! It's beautiful! There is a lady that sells beer out of a cooler for 1.00!

If you sail to Antigua, book the Jolly Beach Resort. It's all inclusive. The view will make your mouth drop open! The french fries, burgers and chicken are great! The pool is enormous! Check them out on the web.

St. Thomas- Take the tour of the island. 20.00 pp. Worth every penny.

Costa Rica- I've been here several times. Take the cocoa tour. Very informative. Costa Rica has industrial surroundings everywhere. The monkeys there have been known to throw their poop at folks!!!

Panama- When you arrive here, you will see beautiful pastel building and shopping area. I would not advise leaving the shopping area past the grocery store. TIP: Make sure to shop in the grocery store. You will find medicines/cosmetics that you can't buy in the states.

Key West- Love this place! Take the city tour. Also make sure to try a slice of chocolate dipped key lime pie on a stick!!! MMMMM!! Duvall Street is where all the action is. It's right there near the port. You can look up some of the bars right now on their live web cam. Hogsbreath is one place. Check out mile 0. Take your camera here.

Nassau, Bahamas- Go check out the straw market! Lot's of neat gifts for purchase! There's lot to do here. Check online. Senor Frogs is a happening place if you like the party scene.

If you fly in to Ft. Lauderdale, you will love, love, love this place!!! Take the Riverboat tour!!! Amazing! You will get to see some of the famous peeps houses and you will enjoy an all-you-can eat bbq! It is beautiful!!! Only costs around 15.00pp!

I would type more but my carpal tunnel says to stop. LOL! l will be more than happy to help with anything I can!

SHARON

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