Couple Looking to Book Cruise

[Urb23]

In the early stages of researching cruises, and I have come across a plethora of information. So much that I feel overwhelmed in my pursuit of finding the "most educated" cruise line and cabin. So, I felt it best to provide some information about ourselves, along with questions, in hopes of letting the experienced sailors provide us with some insight. So, thanks to all that provide their input. Here we go:

 

A little bit about us...

We are a young couple (23 & 27 yrs old). We do not want to lessen the experience if money were called into the equation, but budgeting our money is certainly of importance. We enjoy shows and entertainment of all kinds as we tend to be highly adventurous and eager to try new things. We are athletic and enjoy physical activity, while we enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We certainly enjoy our share of food...and will try ANYTHING.

 

We are looking to book our cruise sometime between January - March 2016. 5-7 day cruises are preferable.

 

Cabin: Where do we begin?! I understand cabins/balconies can be crammed, have soot problems, noise problems or have no oceanic view. How do we determine or minimize the risk of ending up with a poor view, balcony experience? How can we determine if a cabin is more convenient relative to cruise activities, hot spots, or a more secluded part of the ship?

 

Destinations: I understand certain cruise lines travel specific routes. Is any one route better than others, or do most satisfy the average traveler? Are some more couple friendly vs family friendly?

 

These are the first questions that I can prepare initially, as I don't want to get too overboard in wasting your time. More are certain to follow. But, if more insight is available beyond the above comments, feel free to reply with whatever info you deem important!

 

Thank you for your time and responses!

 

-Zach

[KBD1516]

What port(s) of departure are you considering? Getting to the port will always be part of your decision ( and maybe your budget). You sound like you will like cruising and your first cruise is always an adventure!

 

To find your cabins, go on a general cruise website and see what cruises are available at what price during your time frame. Write down cabin numbers that appeal to you. Then, Get a good site for deck plans, one where you can see every deck easily. Find the cabin number so you can see what's around it, whether it is midship, fore or aft., near elevators if that matters. Then look at the deck above and below the cabin to,see what is there. The quietest cabins have cabins above and below them. You can see if that cabin is under the theater, over the casino, under the pool deck etc. this will give you a pretty good idea quickly.

[Jiffymom]

Caribbean sounds like a good fit for 25-27

Just some of my own opinions

A balcony is a must. You don't need a suite your first time.

You will be enjoying the ship and activities so a balcony cabin will be fine

A suite when you are older and want to relax more

Late seating or MTD is good for younger couple

Take a highlighter to mark all the activities you don't want to miss

Enjoy and participate in all you can.

Make some great memories. I can almost guarantee it won't be your

Last cruise

Now Ship's...that's a difficult choice. So look at dates and the islands interest you.

Great snorkeling and water activities you will enjoy.

I prefer a medium to large ship That seems to have young couples and families a lot more fun in my opinion

Love the freedom size

Hope this helps

[MOcruiserman]

Most folks in your age group prefer a lively ship, which generally means a ship from Carnival or the newer ships from Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. The Caribbean is a popular destination, especially for younger folks, and you can get some good deals. Most ships to the Caribbean leave from Florida, though you can also board ships in New Orleans and a few places on the East Coast (Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston).

Edited October 8, 2015 by cruisernewbieman

[NemoCrownie]

Go to a cruise travel agent. They have been on numerous ships and lines and know the questions to ask for a good fit. We used one for our first cruise and she was correct in her assessment about what was the best fit for us - fewer sea days, activities, atmosphere, dining and cabin selection.

[cincicruisers]

JMO

 

A Caribbean cruise for a first cruise is good. There are three main routes~Southern/Eastern/Western.

 

I like all routes but southern has some beautiful backdrops. Western has beaches, stingrays, ruins to offer. Eastern has the best shopping and the water is pristine.

 

Everyone will have information on the islands and they may be completely opposite. It's wierd, but everyone has an opinion. Just take everything with a grain of salt. Drop the first 10 and the last 10 and you will have middle of the road reviews for your subject.

 

I would not go on a cruise for less than 7 days to start. Some of the shorter cruises have a party vibe that you won't see on 7 day.(imo)

 

Hmmm cabins..everyone has their own opinion on cabins.

 

You will get a lot of "you only sleep and shower in room, it's dark, pitch dark sleep like a baby" take an inside cabin.

 

Thenu have the "daylight needed" folks. They say "I will sleep anywhere just need some natural light" OV-ocean view

 

Balcony cabins "I love to sit on the balcony to read or eat breakfast. You have great views and fresh air in room. Balcony cabin

 

Balcony Hump- there are balcony cabins the sit on the hump allowing for a larger balcony. You can clearly see them on deck plans.

 

Balcony AFT- Roaming around the boards you will see mentioned over and over that someone was able to get an aft balcony balcony. To be an aft balcony the room faces the back of the ship. These balconies are quite a larger than a normal balcony. AFT Balcony ****note, if you book an aft cabin that the walk to and from your cabin will be long.***

 

Suite life- Royal has several options for suites and offers some nice perks for them.

 

FORWARD- motion is very noticeable

MID SHIP- not as much motion (better motion control lower decks)

AFT - moderate.

Movement varies by ship, weather, time of year,and Mother Nature.

 

My personal favorite to recommend to couples is a mid ship balcony. You will have a nice room, personal balcony and be centrally located. You can have breakfast on your balcony. (It's free)

 

Planning is so fun for cruise vacations. :)

 

My favorite cabins are the JS & GS. Junior Sutes has some extra floor space and a bathtub. Grand Suites have large room concierge services and other niceties. When we can't get a suite we chose mid ship balcony (6th, 7th, or 8th floor)

Edited October 8, 2015 by cincicruisers

[rudeney]

Hi Zach and welcome to Cruise Critic and cruising. I think you will like it. There will be a lot of opinions and information offered, so here is my $0.02:

 

We are looking to book our cruise sometime between January - March 2016. 5-7 day cruises are preferable.

 

The closer to spring break (March-May) you get, the more expensive it is and the more spring break kids you'll have on the cruise.

 

Cabin: I understand cabins/balconies can be crammed, have soot problems, noise problems or have no oceanic view. How do we determine or minimize the risk of ending up with a poor view, balcony experience? How can we determine if a cabin is more convenient relative to cruise activities, hot spots, or a more secluded part of the ship?

 

Cruise ship staterooms are small. Even the suites are small compared to land-based hotel rooms of comparable luxury. The balconies also tend to be small, though on the newest ships, they have some luxury suites with very large balconies. As long as you have a balcony room on the side of the ship, you are going to have a great view. There are some balcony rooms on some ships on the front (bow) or rear(aft or stern) that may have slight obstructions, plus the aft balconies are the ones where guests occasionally complain about soot. Any outside area of the ship will be prone to getting dirty, just like a deck or balcony at your home.

 

Non-balcony rooms with an "ocean view" can be nice if on the upper decks, but the lower deck rooms will have a portal and can be very close to the water with a somewhat limited view. It's nice to have it for the natural light, but it's no replacement for a balcony.

 

As for location, most people will say mid-ship is best as that puts you the shortest distance to things at either end and you may feel less motion, if that is a concern. As for as which deck, the top deck just under the outside pool deck generally is considered the best for the views, and t's where most of the suites are located. It can be noisy as these rooms may be directly under venues on the pool deck, but how noisy and whether it bothers you is subjective (we always stay in the top stateroom deck and have never been bothered).

 

Using RCCL's website, select a cruise and then a stateroom category and you'll have access to the available rooms with a deck plan to see where it is on the ship. Once you find a room you think you'll like, try a web search for it, like "Navigator of the Seas room 1328" to see if there are any photos or even video posted by previous guests. Also, check the reviews here on the CC forums.

 

Destinations: I understand certain cruise lines travel specific routes. Is any one route better than others, or do most satisfy the average traveler? Are some more couple friendly vs family friendly?

 

I would think the Caribbean routes would be best for your age and activity level. I prefer the Western, but Eastern can be nice, too, especially if you've never been there. Once you tentatively pick a cruise, go look at the available shore excursions to see the types of things offered there. That will give you the best idea of what to expect in port.

Edited October 8, 2015 by rudeney
fix quoting

[cb at sea]

Only on Oasis/Allure are there balconies on the interior portion of the ship...all other ships ONLY have Ocean view balconies! Soot isn't a normal problem, especially on the side of the ship balconies. Obstructions are few and are noted on the deck plans. Most aren't really obstructing any of the view, but you might see a ladder (for window washing, etc...) or have a lifeboat BELOW you. The deck plans will tell you what you need to know! Never, ever book without the deck plans in front of you!

 

For you activities ashore, a guidebook is a must, so that you can see what is available to do in each port. Read up on where you're going!

 

All of the mass-market lines are "family friendly", but you'll find plenty of "couples" sailing without families! No worries about that!

Edited October 8, 2015 by cb at sea