haven't cruised for 20 years

[mar126]

Hi everyone,

I haven't cruised for 20 years. Cruised on NCL twice 15 and 30 years ago. Loved it. Now separated from husband and recently retired. Now 2 girldriends and I want to go on a cruise in 2017. Need some guidience on wheather to go through a travel agent, cruise line or other. We are interested in a 7 day carribean cuise 2017. Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreiciated.

[Honolulu Blue]

Hi everyone,

I haven't cruised for 20 years. Cruised on NCL twice 15 and 30 years ago. Loved it. Now separated from husband and recently retired. Now 2 girldriends and I want to go on a cruise in 2017. Need some guidience on wheather to go through a travel agent, cruise line or other. We are interested in a 7 day carribean cuise 2017. Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreiciated.

 

Welcome! There are many cruise lines that go to the Caribbean, so unless you're willing to do a lot of research, I would suggest going through a travel agent that knows their stuff.

 

Also, cruising has changed a lot in the past 15+ years - MOSTLY for the better (IMHO). I think you'll enjoy what you eventually get.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Your girl friends and you need to sit down and decide what Caribbean ports you want to visit and what you all want to do in them -- beach, shopping, touring the cities, etc.

Then go and see a travel agent and tell him/her what your interests are.

Also decide what type of category cabin you want. If you want Open Seating dinner or fixed dining.

Things have changed a lot.

[OCruisers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

There are so many more ships and options now than there were 20 years ago.

Please do consider using a local travel agent who can sit down with you to discuss what you want and make suggestions.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Welcome to CC.

 

Would suggest working with a travel agent, or doing lots of research on line, and calling cruise lines directly.

 

Suggest you and your friends sit down, establish a budget, ports of call, cabins needed, etc. and go from there.

 

Be advised you may find three in a cabin tight - is there a fourth person who would like to go along so you could book two cabins. Sailing in solo cabins is also possible if you want privacy and a bathroom each, but you would pay a single supplement on most lines.

[Treven]

Another vote for using a travel agent. They can really help you get the most bang for your buck. I would also recommend paying the extra and getting individual cabins. However the "single suppliment" can run you 150-200% of the base fare. But it's well worth it having the cabin, and especially the bathroom, to oneself. I'm a senior citizen and I always cruise by myself and pay the suppliment.

Edited July 8, 2016 by Treven

[mar126]

I have been looking on line. We thought about a mini suite or jr suite. I will look into separate rooms too. We all want a balcony. We figure we aren't in the room all that much mostly to sleep. We don't do alot of make-up or hair stuff so 1 bathroom may be ok. Thinking about NCL out of new orleans. One friend would like to see New Orleans. The 2 times I cruised was on NCL and the last time got upgraded to an Owners suite. Talk about pampered. Any way we can't wait.

[navybankerteacher]

You've made a good start on your homework - I would second those who suggested that you and your pals work with a TA - after forming a good idea of your general preferences. Planning on a debarkation port you want to see is a good idea - more bang for your buck.

[SuiteTraveler]

I don't know why people are suggesting you use a travel agent. It sounds to me like you already have an idea of what you want and there are very few ships that sail from NOLA, so the decision should be a very simple one. Let me recommend you consider staying at the Monteleone Hotel - it is safe and newly refurbished and it's a historic hotel in the French Quarter - the service is absolutely fantastic! Just take a taxi to the pier for your cruise. There is an awful lot to do in NOLA - even a whole week would not be enough to take it all in. Do make a reservation at one of the classic NOLA restaurants well in advance and try to make time for a carriage ride from Jackson Square around the French Quarter.

[CPT Trips]

Can you get away in short notice? You can often get terrific " last minute" deals where "last minute" typically means 90 days or less. Do a search for "last minute cruises" and you will find on-line agencies as well as specific cruise line offers.

 

You have plenty of time to research cruise lines and itineraries.

 

We use several on-line agencies that provide either reduced prices or on board credits. We also use a reverse bid site.

[mar126]

Thank you all. I will get with my friends and get our plan secured. New orleans isn't our only choice.We are open to other ports. Again thank you. :)

[cb at sea]

Today's cruises are NOTHING like a cruise 20 years ago...you will find it less fancy and more Wal-Marty".

I'm not kidding....it's nowhere near the experience you remember.

[mar126]

Walmarty!!!!! NOOOOO!!!! I hate walmart.:mad:

[Langley Cruisers]

Walmarty!!!!! NOOOOO!!!! I hate walmart.:mad:

 

It's not, good grief. In my opinion, cruising is what you make of it. Don't sweat the small stuff that may go wrong, have an open mind, be kind to others, have few expectations, enjoy your time away. ;)

 

In my experience and opinion, the service has not declined, but the quality of some things has. Food is subjective and everyone has an opinion. :D You will find more things cost money - in other words, there can be upcharges for various items like whole lobster in the dining room and freshly squeezed orange juice. The standard items are included in your cruise fare, and honestly if you are not a big drinker, you can spend very little "extra" on your cruise.

 

Most lines now have an automatic gratuity/service charge/hotel charge, per day per guest. If you do not prepay this on your final bill before leaving home, it will be put on your daily account, to be settled in cash or on your credit card before disembarking. It takes the place of handing people cash tips that you will remember from a few decades ago. This way, in my opinion, is better. Everyone who needs to get tipped is tipped, and it's certainly acceptable to give a cash gratuity on top, if you so desire (but you don't have to, of course).

 

I will echo the local travel agent suggestion. Spend some time with a cruise specialist who can direct you, then perhaps come back here with any specific questions.

[mar126]

Looks like with the dates for our one employed friend we will most likely go from Miami on eastern carribean on NCL. What is a cruise specialist? Is that a travel agent or something else? Also should you go through them for airfare too?

You are all so helpful :)

[zoncom]

Google discount cruise online agencies.Pricing now quite competitive. White glove service of yesterday is gone on most lines. So forget NCL,RCL and CCL, the so called budget lines. Good alternatives to start with are Princess and Celebrity, especially Silhouette and Reflection. If your group is over 75 Holland America. Oceania one step above those listed.

[zoncom]

NCL was nice 10-20 yrs ago. Now Walmarty. You can do better for same price range elsewhere. Usually the older marginal ships go out of New Orleans too.

[mar126]

Thanks, our date was not available on Princess or Celebrity.

[Beachdude]

Elegance is gone in favor of casual. In all things, not just attire. "Subjective" food quality has dropped considerably at all level from buffet to special dining. Also, what is rarely mentioned is that the demographic of passengers has changed a lot as well. Price changes have been fairly timid the last 20 years to keep the ships full and to pull in new passengers. The typical passenger today from 20 years ago have less desire for an upscale experience. Thus the Walmart reference.

 

Burt

[Grandma Dazzles]

Thanks, our date was not available on Princess or Celebrity.

 

Not that familiar with NCL ships, etc., however, if you preferred Celebrity or Princess, which sounds like you were leaning towards them, make sure you call before assuming date is not available. On line information isn't always 100% accurate. Also, travel agents could be holding blocks that haven't been released.

[zoncom]

Grandmas correct. Average cruise cabin sold/resold 6 times.

[CruiserGuyWPB]

Ok i read it all and I am surprised to know i am the first to bite........ Its 20 years? but you said your last cruise was 15 years ago.... i am confused? 20 or 15??? yes i know i am too logical, just call me sheldon...:D

[mar126]

Sorry I meant to change that. Last cruised in 2005 for 20th anniversary. First one was 1985 for honeymoon. Now that ship has sailed. So the girls are going on a cruise. Both were NCL and enjoyed the more casual dress. Don't want to be with a lot of 20 year olds. Getting together with the girls next week. Have family vacations this week and part of next.

 

Again thank you all for your comments.