Is a cruise right for us?

[texasjess]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, although I've been lurking for a bit. My husband and I are trying to decide if taking a cruise (specifically, to Alaska) is the right thing for us. It would be the first for either of us (so be gentle!) I'll try to be brief in outlining our likes/dislikes/fears/concerns. (As another preface, the lines that we're thinking about are Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival).

 

First and foremost, we are a young couple (mid-20s). We're not really partiers by any means, but we like to hang out with people around our same age. We have several friends with young children, so we don't really mind kids. But I would hate to be one of the only couples our age without kids. Are most cruises young families and older (not necessarily retired) adults?

 

Second, we're pretty casual people (~75% of my wardrobe is from Old Navy), and I'm worried about the "formal" nights I've heard about. The only formalwear I have is an old bridesmaid dress, and it was a pretty casual beach wedding. My husband doesn't own a suit, although he has several nice shirts/ties, etc. I've read mixed posts on the fashion board, with some people sniffing at anyone not in full formal tuxedos/gowns, with others saying that a sports jacket and slacks or a nice skirt/blouse would be OK. Could anyone with experience on the more contemporary lines (Carnival/RCCL) give me some input? My travel agent said that you don't have to go to these events, but then where do you get dinner?

 

Third (or is that lastly?), I tend to think of cruises as an upscale vacation. WARNING: PLEASE DON'T TAKE OFFENSE AT THIS QUESTION! I don't want to sterotype anyone, but how accepting are the people in general? I guess I'm asking whether or not people are snobby or if they tend to be friendly. I'm a pretty outgoing person, but I've spent a good amount of time in and around resort areas (Cape Cod, Sun Valley, etc.) and I've run into my fair share of people that are more concerned about how much money you have than who you really are. Am I going to feel uncomfortable? Or is being on a cruise like most other vacations/tours (i.e. a broad slice of society).

 

It might sound like I have a lot of worries, but I'm actually quite excited about the possibility of going on a cruise. It's not something I would typically think about doing (we're normally very frugal), but I won a chunk of change on a game show (the one with Pat & Vanna ;)), and after our obligations are paid off, we're still going to have a decent amount of money to play around with. Hubbie and I grew up in the Pacific NW but moved to Texas about a year ago. We haven't been on a vacation that didn't involve visiting family since our honeymoon six years ago (and that was just a three day trip to the Oregon Coast). When thinking about places to go, I realized that I wanted to go somewhere that I needed to wear a jacket and that had REAL trees. I've been to Alaska once (my aunt and uncle live there), but my husband has never been. What sounds most exciting are things like glacier hikes, dogsledding, and the various animal spotting. Plus, we both really love boats and the ocean.

 

So while going on a cruise sounds like a blast, are two casual, nature-loving, liberal, 20-somethings going to enjoy everything it has to offer?

 

Thanks! I really appreciate learning what y'all think. :D

[johnql]

Based on your post, I would recommend checking out NCL. Their Freestyle dress code would suit you just fine. "Resort casual" dress is deemed appropriate every night. You don't have to worry about upsetting or offending anyone because formal dress is not suggested or required. I've been on 5 NCL cruises (4 Freestyle) and have enjoyed all of them. Their newer ships offer numerous dining venues with a wide range of cuisines. NCL's entertainment is quite good and I've never had a problem with their service staff.

[sandiegocruisedude]

Again, based on your comments.

 

1. Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian (although I personally do not like NCL). These are exactly your demographic, not Princess. Any other line is not going to be for you. All of them are resort casual but not shorts & tees at dinner.

 

2. The hell with the snobs. Many cruisers are "older" and expect cruising to remain as it used to be, a very formal experience. Truth is, that has changed dramatically. If you feel uncomfortable with the formal experience, go to the buffet that night. There are only two formal nights on a seven night cruise and a sport's coat is plenty for men. Women have an even easier time. A simple black dress or slacks and blouse will do.

 

3. Consider a land package. It's more bang for your buck, more casual, and you can definitely spend more time involved with nature and local culture. It's a vacation, if you have any worries it won't be fun. Mexico would be perfect for you. Local culture, Mayan ruins to explore, tons of activities, and so much cheaper than a cruise for an equally luxurious experience.

[Brucemcdou]

Hi, TexasJess - First off, welcome to Cruise Critic! You'll meet all kinds here, just like in "real life." Take everything you hear with a grain of salt and a good sense of humor - it sounds as if you've already got that!

 

Full disclosure: My partner and I are some of those cruisers who enjoy dressing up for formal nights and the assigned seating/assigned times of traditional cruising. Because of that, we're big fans of Celebrity or Holland America for their more traditional atmosphere. However, we're also big believers that everyone should find their own favorite cruiseline based on their likes and dislikes. Based on your description of yourself and your husband, I agree with JohnQL that you should look at NCL's ships in Alaska - with their freestyle dining they are designed for people who don't want to dress up if they don't feel like it. Plus, in my one experience on NCL I think they attract a passenger who doesn't want to dress up too much, so it's self-reinforcing. Their ships are fine, and their service is friendly and casual. You may also want to look at Princess, so long as you get on one of their newer ships with "Personal Choice" Dining - like NCL's Freestyle Dining you can pick one of several restaurants and dine when you want. I believe that RCCL and Carnival still generally have assigned seating and dining times, although they both have alternative venues on their newer, larger ships.

 

Cruising can be an "upscale vacation" but it can also be a bargain. Every cruise has some people who paid $899 to stay in an inside cabin on the bottom deck and others who paid $12,000 to stay in the Penthouse Suite. You'll all share the bumpy ride on the tenders to shore. Also, just as an aside, in my several Alaska cruises I've noticed that the passengers tend to be more focused on the destination and less on the ship/cruiseline. Alaska is a wonderful place for a first cruise, because you're almost never out of sight of land, and the shore stops all have very interesting, active options for things to do. We've gone mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and just walking on our Alaska cruises. It's much more engaging than a regular Caribbean cruise.

 

You asked about kids - Alaska is primarily a summertime destination, so there can be a good amount of families with kids on board. However, most of the newer ships have very good childrens' programs so the kids are occupied. Also, Alaska can get a lot of extended families - Grandparents, parents and kids, all sharing the experience of Alaska, so the kids are generally well looked after.

 

Whatever cruiseline you pick, go with an open mind about your experience and about your fellow passengers. There will be 2000+/- other passengers on board - if you happen to meet a few of them that you like - that's a bonus! Don't lose any sleep if some of them "look down" at you for not wearing the "right" clothes for dinner. It's your vacation. Enjoy!

[johnql]

1. Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian (although I personally do not like NCL). These are exactly your demographic, not Princess. Any other line is not going to be for you. All of them are resort casual but not shorts & tees at dinner.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't RCI and Carnival still have formal nights where the dress guideline for the main dining rooms is to dress up? I'm not counting the buffet, which is casual on all ships. And I also understand that many people choose to ignore the guideline, but I'm assuming that the OP doesn't want to be put in the position of having to ignore the ship's guidelines.

[cwc]

If you are willing to drop chuck of change and want to do something different than standard, try Cruise West for Alaska. You won't find any kids and super old people on board, casual all the time. (~4000$ per person, but they included excursion for all their port)

 

If you are willing to drop chuck of change, but want to stay within standard cruise Radisson seven seas. They will have minimum amount of kid onboard, country club casual (no tux in all Alaska sailing) and best food, room and service that is going to Alaska (~3000$ per person, include all soft drink and wine with lunch/dinner and tip.)

 

If you want a standard cruise experience, then Princess will do. Princess has any time dining and control limit on kid on-board. They are also the largest cruiseline sailing Alaska. (~700$ per person, everything extra)

 

Just my thoughs.

[2Cruise4Ever]

I've sailed on Royal Caribbean, Princess, and NCL and all are wonderful. We prefer NCL because of the freestyle dining concept (that and in our experience, the service was the BEST). You can eat when you want, where you want. And, you don't have to participate in the formal night. You can wear shorts and tees at the buffet (which is usually somewhere near the pool) for any meal, not just formal night. NCL also has several restaurants to choose from. Some are "free" (in that there is no cover charge) and some have a cover charge.

 

 

In my experience, I have never encountered any snobs on board the 3 cruises I've been on (nor a ton of kids or older people). And, since you don't mind kids, but also don't want to be over-run by them, I suggest cruising during the fall, winter, or spring months during a time that is not considered a school holiday (summer, spring break, Christmas break, etc). Those times will always have more kids than others.

 

The good thing about cruises is that they have something for everyone of all ages. If you are in the partying mood, you can go to one of the dance clubs. If you want to be entertained, take in a show. If you want to relax and be pampered, sign up for a spa treatment. Or, if you're like me and love to gamble, spend some time in the casino. I feel that cruising is the ONLY way to go (just my opinion). I would prefer a cruise because I wake up in a different country every day (Caribbean cruises, obviously), I'm waited on hand and foot (I'm usually the one waiting on people :eek: ), and I absolutely love the ocean.

 

Check out a couple of the cruise line discussion boards here and see for yourself. You'll find a myriad of ship reviews from people who have just come back from a cruise.

 

Happy Sailing !!!!! :D

[sross6019]

Welcome! We had the same worries you did on our first cruise. We have only done RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas out of Galveston and found it to be friendly. Most of the people are like us. Of course you will find some that are uppity, but that can be anywhere in life. On the formal nights, we wore Sunday clothes. On the first cruise, my husband and sons wore dress pants and shirt with a tie. To us this is dressing up and noticed we were dressed more "formal" than others. We decided that others were not to ruin our fun and we enjoyed every bit of it. Main thing is to relax and have fun!

[sportsterjohn]

A cruise is a great type of vacation, however you need to figure out what type of vacation you want. I sailed on CCL. RCCL and NCL and did not notice any real difference between the lines other then the NCL freestyle. I am a jeans and t-shirt type myself but I do bring the 'preppie' clothes for the cruises. All my cruises have been in the caribbean so I have been able to wear shorts the majority of the time except for dinner. We usually do 1 of the formal nights and I wear a suit however you have the option of eating in any of the other 10 or so places to eat if you don't want to do the dress up thing. As far as snobs, well there are some everywhere but most of the cruisers are regular middle class types or at least seem to be. The time of year will usually dictate how many kids are on a cruise. Alaska of course during the summer will have alot of kids. As far as partying etc, most of the newer ships have 20 or so bars so if you want to party late night, you shouldn't have a problem and if you don't there are enough other things to keep you entertained till about midnight or so most nights. 1 other thing to consider. My parents sailed on a ferry like boat up the inside passage. They did not have to follow any itinary, they could get off it at any stop and stay at a port for a few days then just catch another one when they were ready to move on. Now keep in mind, these things are not cruise ships, the are basically cheap transportation between locations up the inside passageway. The fare was only a few hundred dollars and they could go up or down the passageway as much or as little as they wanted for a month.

[Happy ks]

I didn't have time to read the whole thread, so excuse me if I'm repeating anyone here. I would probably go with NCL if I werer you. A little younger crowd, perhaps and a little more casual in dress.

 

I have to address your question of snobs on a cruise. I have been on several cruise lines and have never encountered a ship load of snobs. One or two here and there, but that is expected anywhere you go in life. Quite the contrary, I have found the vast majority of people on a cruise to be freindly, average, everyday folk on vacation, just like you!

 

So, go NCL for the casualness, but take along enough money to eat in the premium dining rooms, it is worth it.

[texasjess]

Thanks so much for your feedback so far, everyone! You've allayed a lot of my worries. Although NCL sounds like it would be fun, right now their itineraries don't really fit into our schedule. We also found a great deal on RCCL, so we think we may go with that. We might try to go to one of the formal nights (for the experience), but it seems like there are a lot of dining options, so we won't starve!

 

As an added bonus, I talked to my aunt and uncle in Anchorage, and they are going to be spending the week prior to our cruise on the Kenai peninsula fishing, hiking and generally having a great time with my cousins. Seward is less than an hour from where they will be camping, so tey can drop us off on the morning of our cruise. They are basically telling me that I HAVE to come with them. This is getting to sound more and more fun!

 

:D

[cpayne]

If you do decide to try formal night for the "experience" don't worry about what you wear! You can be as dressy (full length sequence gown) or as casual (black skirt/slacks and a sparkly top or plain black dress) as you want. You will see all types of outfits those evenings! The important thing is for YOU to have fun!

[clackey]

Hola Texasjess,

 

First of all, congrates on the game show and the decision to take a cruise. Someday we may do the Alaska trip, but let me warn you. If I go to Alaska, I will not need a round-trip ticket. Just drop me off in Ketchikan or Skagway.

 

As for formal night, don't let it worry you. Noone ever starved on one of todays cruise ships. If you don't want to dress formal, there are other places to eat. If you don't want to spend money on fancy clothes, go to the Salvation Army. Go ahead and laugh, I have a $4 suit that has been to Mexico 3 times. And I LOOK GOOD!!:D

 

You will see people from all walks of life, from Mrs. Fancy Pants and Mr. Snob to Plain Jane and Mr Dufus. They are all there to meet and sometimes to laugh at. When you finish your Alaska jaunt you need to try a Mexican cruise. Beautiful country, great people and lots of stuff to do.

 

I hope this puts you at ease.

[NM_Eman]

My parents sailed on a ferry like boat up the inside passage. They did not have to follow any itinary, they could get off it at any stop and stay at a port for a few days then just catch another one when they were ready to move on. Now keep in mind, these things are not cruise ships, the are basically cheap transportation between locations up the inside passageway. The fare was only a few hundred dollars and they could go up or down the passageway as much or as little as they wanted for a month.

 

Just to reiterate what Sportsterjohn said, if you’re feeling more adventurous the Alaska Ferry system can be a lot of fun. More of a backpacking kind of trip than a cruise which is much more like a stay in a really nice hotel. My wife and I have done the ferry thing a couple of times. You might work it into your visit with your relatives as well. Check the ferry system out at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/

[wallie5446]

texasjess what part of the Great State are ya'll in ? The DFW Cruise Critics are havin a little hoe down the 25th of June at the Ballpark in Arlington. Ck it out and ya'll come on down !

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=187809

 

Also here is a link to our main thread on the Floataway Board;

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=44223

 

EW

[texasjess]

wallie5446 - We're down in San Antonio, a little far from Dallas. But I'll follow up to see what fun y'all had! And thanks again to everyone - I was feeling a bit anxious in my original post, but I think that we'll be OK. I'm actually looking forward to heading to Ross/Goodwill this weekend to see what I can find for my husband and me to wear.

 

We're also staying a couple of days in Vancouver afterwards - can anyone recommend anything fun? We'll probably head to Stanley Park, but we don't have any set plans yet.

[wallie5446]

Jess, San Antonio has a great CC Group and their next get together is on the 18th ! Here is a link to their thread;

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=51709

[Wennfred]

There is really nothing to worry about, you will have a good time on these ships.

 

As for 20's, Alaska Cruises usually bring in the older folks, a 20 something couple would have a funner time in the Carribbean. Im 41 and will wait till Im abit older something like 60 before I hit Alaska, and from what I hear, you go out, take pictures and run back inside because its cold :confused: . Im still having a great time in the Carribbean with people around my age and younger.

 

As for your TA saying you dont have to attend these functions, you need to fire that TA. Formal nights are one of the coolest nights to do on your cruise, those are the 2 nights you get all cleaned up and shin, and also take some awesome professional pictures. Your husband can get a New Suit, some ranging from 95 to 149. dollars at Discount stores like The Mens Wearhouse. And you can also find very nice womens gowns at a Thift store for really cheap, under 50.00

 

If you dont attend the Formal Dining experiance, you can always grab a bite up on the Lido deck, the Buffet.

 

In General, you will find some of the coolest people, some you will probably become friends for years and email etc. Even the Canadians are cool, I always enjoy chatting with these folks from the north. On one of my last cruises, There was a nice guy that looked and sounded like Frank Sinatra, he played at the Karaoke every night, when I approched him, he had a strong English accent:eek: , The guy was from England and had us all fooled LOL.

 

I say go with the flow, get youre info here on Criuse Critic as I think your TA doesnt have the right info for you for making that remark as not to attend the formal nights, Your TA job is to tell you some cool stories and get you all fired up about going. Get the Suit and the Nice Dresses because Im sure you will use them again on your second cruise :)