Is there a luxury cruise out there for us?

[hipquest]

DH and I have been on one cruise, another booked and have both traveled extensively. We really enjoyed our cruise on the Carnival Glory and look forward to the Legend but.... a cruise without...(please don't take this as bashing, I spoil 7 neices and nephews) a lot of kids would be nice. We like choices for our evening entertainment and, so far, the luxury lines sound a bit dull for our taste.

 

We want great food, cabin, and service but we want choices for on-ship entertainment...any recommendations?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

[LHT28]

How about 4 out of 5 ....Try Oceania cruises ...depending on what type of entertainment you like this may not be the cruise

but for few kids, food, service and cabins it may be the one for you

[hipquest]

How about 4 out of 5 ....Try Oceania cruises ...depending on what type of entertainment you like this may not be the cruise

but for few kids, food, service and cabins it may be the one for you

 

Could you tell me more? We just want a variety of entertaiment, a bit of choice for our evenings. We don't need the Vegas style shows, etc.

 

Thanks for responding so quickly!

[caviargal]

Oceania has smaller ships and they are destination oriented. I would not recommend these if nightlife is important.

 

I do not think there is a "luxury" cruise, except for perhaps Crystal with its larger ships, that offers great nightlife.

 

Perhaps you should try a Celebrity sailing? The food and service are very good and they do not normally - exceptions being school holidays and summers - generally attract lots of families.

 

RCI's Radiance Class would be my other recommendation. WHile Voyager class has lots of activities and nightlife options, they are too big for me and attract lots of families, which is the opposite of what I look for on vacation.

[mnwildfan2]

From what I've heard, Celebrity and RCI (sounds like RCI has more choices for entertainment) would fit your needs. To make it even more likely that you'll not run into kids choose a longer cruise iternary (during the school year adds even more).

[LHT28]

Could you tell me more? We just want a variety of entertaiment, a bit of choice for our evenings. We don't need the Vegas style shows, etc.

 

Thanks for responding so quickly!

 

They have some shows but not the vegas type...they have a piano bar with music...when we were onboard they had a string quartet and a dixieland jazz band

I think it depends on the cruise what the entertainment is like

We do not usually attend the shows so I cannot comment on the style of show. I will check my programs if you want to contact me via Yahoo messenger (click on the Y top right) I can give you more info so as not to clutter up the board.

 

We usually end up chatting with our table mates then go and listen to the quartet. You can dine anytime, with anyone so it is meeting new people each night.

Depends on what your interests are whether you would enjoy this type of cruise.

Check out the Oceania group on Yahoo

http://groups.yahoo.com/

[getaway101]

Holland America has a bad reputation for "the geriatric line" but I tend to disagree with that. On both of our HAL cruises, we had an absolute blast. Never got to bed for 1 or 2 am. They have different types of entertainment. From casino to las vegas style shows to dancing of all sorts and even a quite piano bar.

 

Princess was also fantastic for us.

[hipquest]

Thanks for the great suggestions.:) I have another question, how do I find out when school vacations (outside of what I know about my local schedules) happen, like universtiy Spring Breaks:eek:. That was our main issue on our 1st cruise, college kids.

 

Thanks!

[pvangordon]

Avoid Mexico and the Caribbean in March and April. I would guess those are the number one destinations for college kids on Spring Break. Also skip holiday weeks, like Christmas.

 

I don't have kids and even though I've sailed DCL (and had a nice time), I prefer a less crowded ship with few kids. Choosing destination, time of year, and length of cruise, as well as the cruise line itself, would make a difference. Good news is that usually sailing in the off-season translates to lower rates too.

 

Good luck and have fun!

[hipquest]

Unfortunately we can't cruise June thru November. We have a sailboat that we have to deal with in hurricane season. DH has work issues January, February and part of March. So, I guess we are also dealing with a limited schedule.

 

Thanks for all of your helpful replies. When I find our perfect cruise I'll let you know. :)

[pvangordon]

Try early December then. It's my favorite time to travel - you can usually get good deals and it's a slow travel month, especially for families.

[hipquest]

Try early December then. It's my favorite time to travel - you can usually get good deals and it's a slow travel month, especially for families.

 

Unfortunately, early December is also out, DH hosts a holiday party for his employees.

 

I really want to cruise on my b-day (Dec. 19th) but until I divorce my family:eek:, it just ain't happin'. :mad::rolleyes:

 

Thanks again for all of the great suggestions.

[wrp96]

For the time of year you are restricted to, I would recommend a longer cruise, which tends to have less kids. Maybe try a Panama Canal cruise.

[LHT28]

If you want to do a European cruise May is good.

Sounds like you are very limited in timing.

We cannot travel between May & sept because the sailboat! :mad:

Hubby wants to make the most of the short season we have here.;)

 

Good luck and hope you get a chance to cruise soon!

[serene56]

We have cruised the last week in August and the first week in September- the most kids onboard any of our cruises was 35 kids. Sailed in February with just as many. I prefer the weather in February when cruising. LEave the cold for hot without the humidy. Consider a cruiseline in the off peak times. I think you will have a better cruise without many kids.

[kitty9]

You are correct that the luxury lines have much to be desired in the entertainment department. The only exception for that is Crystal. They have nightly shows in the Galaxy Lounge---Vegas type shows with lots of singing and dancing, they have guest performers like vocalists, classical musicians, comedians, three lounges with music for dancing, the Serenity has a disco that's also used for karoke, plus many other options for sea days. Crystal doesn't attract families and they have been named best large ship cruise line for 8 years in a row. Food and service on Crystal are outstanding.

 

If you're looking for luxury as your post indicates, some of the suggestions others have made aren't cruise lines that are even close to being considered luxury. RCCI, HAL, Princess and others are mass market lines and not at all luxury. The closest any mass market line comes to "luxury" would be Celebrity. If you cruise during school times or take a longer cruise, kids will be at a minimum.