Please Help Me! I Have Never Been on a Cruise Before!

[Keys2Heaven]

The ships you have chosen generally sail 7 day itineraries. Older, smaller ships handle the 3-5 day ones. The $2000 balcony price is about what you'd expect for a 7 day cruise. Less days, and smaller, older ships, will be cheaper. I know it's overwhelming in the beginning. It may be helpful to call Carnival and request a PVP (Personal Vacation Planner). They don't cost extra, and mine has actually saved me money over the years. (We're not allowed to give out names on here, or I'd share.)

 

Good luck with your planning! If you stick with the 3-5 day itinerary, I'd suggest one that goes to Half Moon Cay or Cozumel. There are lots to choose from, and both are excellent first time ports.

 

Only thing I would add to that is you might want to work with a travel agent. Sometimes they are able to work magic that even a Carnival PVP can't.

[Muumuu]

Two critical things to remember:

Are one of you over 25 years old

Documentation, passport or valid birth certificate

Missing either and you cannot cruise

[ProgRockCruiser]

Two critical things to remember:

Are one of you over 25 years old

Documentation, passport or valid birth certificate

Missing either and you cannot cruise

If both are over 21 years-old, no need for the other to be over 25 years old.

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/kw/minimum%20age%20to%20cruise

 

MINOR GUEST POLICY

 

 

Guests are required to be 21 years of age (on embarkation day) to travel on their own. Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will result in denied boarding and no compensation will be provided at embarkation.

 

Guests Under the Age of 21 MUST travel with a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older

 

 

And if married (not this case, I know), it appears neither need to be over 21.

 

 

 

Exceptions: Guests under the age of 21 may travel without a relative or guardian of 25 years of age or older under the following conditions:

Legally married couples, including same gender couples

 

 

 

[loanshark]

If you want a balcony cabin with the 1500 budget, I highly suggest you look at the Carnival Victory 4 night cruises that go to Key West and Cozumel. Plenty of balcony cabins on that ship, so the you can sometimes get good prices on that type of cabin.

[beshears]

I have not had time to read all the postings, but as someone said, a TA or Travel Agent can really help if you can find one in your area. That is what I have been using for over 20 years.

 

Another suggestion if it has not been said, purchase travel insurance, especially if you are flying and cruising. If just cruising, you might be able to get by without it. I have found it to come in handy more than one time.

[beerman2]

Being OP lives in FLA she could possibly look for one of those last minute deals. Providing time-off work always her to.

 

Norwegian Sky that was mentioned ( includes open bar) I believe.

 

OP Good Luck!

[FSHLOT]

FSHLOT, I just read (didn't read all the responses) that you liked the Magic. We are to do the Magic for the first time the end of March. Would you mind (I know this is YOUR opinion) giving me your pros/cons of this ship?

 

Don't mind at all.

 

We had a balcony room. First thing we noticed when we got to the room, was how comfortable the beds were (That's a big plus for me), its the first thing we check. lol. The food was great in the MDR every night we ate there. We missed a dinner or two and just ate up at the Lido and did a specialty restaurant, which was good. I did not do a drink package because I don't drink enough to warrant it, but the drinks I had (Manhattan and rusty nails) were perfect every time. We liked the whole lay-out of the ship from the Serenity deck to the atrium were beautiful and spacious. We really enjoyed the casino, and the wife actually won a nice hand pay (2500$) on a penny machine. Our room steward was awesome, and was always greeted by the crew members with a smile. We didn't do too many shows, just the comedians, which were hysterical.

 

The one thing I didn't go crazy over was Guys burgers, just an average burger.imo

 

I'm not that great at typing reviews, but hope this helps.

[beshears]

Fshlot, thanks for your opinion. It does sound like you enjoyed the Magic. Yes, it just dawned on me when you mentioned it, I have always like the beds and covers, as I feel like a "baby" sleeping.:)

[smarks]

Hi there!

My name is Kiersten Peeples. I am trying to plan a surprise cruise for my boyfriend of 7 years. He is graduating nursing school and so I would like to give him something spectacular. He has always wanted to go on a cruise ship from the Carnival Cruise Line. I went on Carnival's website and picked out my top favorite cruise lines that the both of us would enjoy based on the amenities that each cruise had. Those are:





1. Carnival Vista

2. Carnival Breeze

3. Carnival Magic

4. Carnival Dream

5. Carnival Sunshine





I know for a fact that I would like a balcony. The cheapest ones I have found are over $2000 for the both of us. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find cheaper tickets or is this how they are usually priced?





Some more details:

Departure Date: Anytime in June 2018

Cruise Length: 3 - 5 days --- 7 days MAX

Departure Port: Anywhere in Florida

Price: I am looking to spend no more than $1500 for the both of us

Destination: It does not matter - anywhere is fine.





If anyone could help me I would be forever grateful as I have no idea what I am doing. :o Thank you so much for reading and I am looking forward to hearing back from you soon! :)

 

The Liberty is a very nice ship and does 4 & 5 days to the Bahamas. I would check it out. Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

[Pellaz]

The Liberty is a very nice ship and does 4 & 5 days to the Bahamas. I would check it out. Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

The Liberty meets all of the OP's requirements.

 

-- It has a spa. (All Carnival ships do.)

-- It ha a comedy club. (All Carnival ships do.)

-- It has a casino. (All Carnival ships and almost every mainline cruise ship has a casino except Disney)

-- It has dive-in movies. --And this is important for the OP because the smaller Fantasy-class ships don't, and those ships are the ones that usually do shorter itineraries. Liberty is one of the few Conquest-class ships that runs shorter, less expensive itineraries.

 

OP, as an alternative if June prices are still too high, consider an oceanview. Cheaper than a balcony but you DO get a window...and Carnival's oceanview cabins, at 225 sq ft. average, are among the largest standard cabins on any mainstream line.

[Drazil65]

Carnival's oceanview cabins, at 225 sq ft. average, are among the largest standard cabins on any mainstream line.

The Sunshine is one of the ships that have 220 sq ft OV cabins but most of the other ships are 185 sq ft just like the majority of the other regular type cabins (not suites or specialty cabins). The older ships may have even smaller OV's so make sure you check the cabin details on the ship you are looking at if the square footage is of importance to you.

[ProgRockCruiser]

We haven't heard from the OP in a while, but a couple of us have shown that cruises at her price-point with the stated requirements are available.

 

So I am hoping she has found something and returned to lurk mode. It would be nice to know what she selected.

[kierstenlpeeples]

We haven't heard from the OP in a while, but a couple of us have shown that cruises at her price-point with the stated requirements are available.

 

So I am hoping she has found something and returned to lurk mode. It would be nice to know what she selected.

 

 

Hello!

I actually took the advice of what most everyone is saying and contacted a travel agent. I am getting close to finalizing my decision and I am pretty sure that I am going to go with one of the ones that he was able to find me. It is a 5 night cruise on Carnival Conquest with a balcony. For June 2 - June 7 It goes from Port Everglades, Florida to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas, and then back to Port Everglades Florida. Its $1992.70 with travel insurance included. What do you think?

[kierstenlpeeples]

Carnival's oceanview cabins, at 225 sq ft. average, are among the largest standard cabins on any mainstream line.

 

The Sunshine is one of the ships that have 220 sq ft OV cabins but most of the other ships are 185 sq ft just like the majority of the other regular type cabins (not suites or specialty cabins). The older ships may have even smaller OV's so make sure you check the cabin details on the ship you are looking at if the square footage is of importance to you.

 

 

Thank you for this helpful tip!

[kierstenlpeeples]

The Liberty meets all of the OP's requirements.

 

-- It has a spa. (All Carnival ships do.)

-- It ha a comedy club. (All Carnival ships do.)

-- It has a casino. (All Carnival ships and almost every mainline cruise ship has a casino except Disney)

-- It has dive-in movies. --And this is important for the OP because the smaller Fantasy-class ships don't, and those ships are the ones that usually do shorter itineraries. Liberty is one of the few Conquest-class ships that runs shorter, less expensive itineraries.

 

OP, as an alternative if June prices are still too high, consider an oceanview. Cheaper than a balcony but you DO get a window...and Carnival's oceanview cabins, at 225 sq ft. average, are among the largest standard cabins on any mainstream line.

 

Thank you for this helpful tip!

I actually took the advice of what most everyone is saying and contacted a travel agent. I am getting close to finalizing my decision and I am pretty sure that I am going to go with one of the ones that he was able to find me. It is a 5 night cruise on Carnival Conquest with a balcony. For June 2 - June 7 It goes from Port Everglades, Florida to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas, and then back to Port Everglades Florida. It's $1992.70 with travel insurance included. What do you think?

[kierstenlpeeples]

The Liberty is a very nice ship and does 4 & 5 days to the Bahamas. I would check it out. Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Thank you for this tip! I will definitely check it out!

[kierstenlpeeples]

Thank you for this tip! I will definitely check it out!

 

As others have mentioned, June or any other times schools are out, rates are going to be higher. You may want to check the Victory which has a 5 days itinerary out of Miami to Key West and Cozumel. That's a really nice graduation gift. Whichever cruise you decide upon ENJOY!

 

 

Thank you! I will defiantly check that one out!

I actually took the advice of what most everyone is saying and contacted a travel agent. I am getting close to finalizing my decision and I am pretty sure that I am going to go with one of the ones that he was able to find me. It is a 5 night cruise on Carnival Conquest with a balcony. For June 2 - June 7. It goes from Port Everglades, Florida to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas, and then back to Port Everglades Florida. It's $1992.70 with travel insurance included. What do you think?

[kierstenlpeeples]

Hi there! I understand you said you would be interested in getting a balcony, but maybe try an interior room for your first cruise and then you could do more things, such as get a drink package, go on more excursions, get spa passes.

 

My husband and I took our honeymoon on the Vista and got an interior spa room (included spa passes for the ten days) and we loved it. This just may be more cost effective if you're trying to go at this time of year in that price range.

 

Whatever you choose will be a wonderful time! Enjoy!

 

Thank you for this! I will definitely take that into consideration!

[kierstenlpeeples]

This seems like the best response so far.

 

With gratuities, taxes and port fees, probably looking at $1600 total.

 

I quickly looked at a 4-day out of Canaveral, and saw a balcony room for $1490 including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

 

Yes, you can find something in your price range, maybe a squidge more, with a balcony, not including excursions or drinks.

 

Drinks will add $50 per day, per person, if you go with Cheers! If you pay-as-you-drink, then, well, that's up to you!

 

I agree!

[kierstenlpeeples]

You won't have any problems sailing on any of the ships that you posted. Sailing in June is more expensive than in the spring or fall. $1500 for a 5-day cruise shouldn't be a problem. Just remember that air fare, excursions, insurance (if purchased) and tips are extra. Have fun choosing a cruise and beware...you WILL become addicted to cruising!!!

 

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Hi there!

Thank you for responding to my post! I would like to get your thoughts on this ....

 

I actually took the advice of what most everyone is saying and contacted a travel agent. I am getting close to finalizing my decision and I am pretty sure that I am going to go with one of the ones that he was able to find me. It is a 5 night cruise on Carnival Conquest with a balcony. For June 2 - June 7. It goes from Port Everglades, Florida to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas, and then back to Port Everglades Florida. It's $1992.70 with travel insurance included. What do you think? Can I find one cheaper? Or is this a good deal?

[kierstenlpeeples]

If both are over 21 years-old, no need for the other to be over 25 years old.

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2544/kw/minimum%20age%20to%20cruise

 

And if married (not this case, I know), it appears neither need to be over 21.

 

Thank you for your concern! I was concerned as well and looked it up myself a while ago and found the same results. At the time of departure I will be 22 and my boyfriend will be 23.

[kierstenlpeeples]

As others have mentioned, June or any other times schools are out, rates are going to be higher. You may want to check the Victory which has a 5 days itinerary out of Miami to Key West and Cozumel. That's a really nice graduation gift. Whichever cruise you decide upon ENJOY!

 

 

Thank you for this tip! I know so I truly hope he likes it!

[kierstenlpeeples]

Your summer cruises will always be higher. We have a couple of teachers in our family, so our family cruise had to be after school is out. Big price difference, but we were able to book one at the tail end of May that was a little less than summer bookings. I'm guessing that not all schools are out at that time, so it was a tad cheaper going May 25 vs June 1. Would you consider a window as opposed to a balcony? It would give you the natural light, but not as pricey as a balcony.

 

 

Thank you so much for this tip! I truly want a balcony and so I am willing to pay more if necessary.

[kierstenlpeeples]

Thank you everyone for all these wonderful tips! I am taking the time out to respond to everyone individually! If I haven't responded to you yet, I will be shortly. I want to get everyone's thoughts on this....

 

 

I actually took the advice of what most everyone is saying and contacted a travel agent. He was able to find me a 5 night cruise on Carnival Conquest with a balcony. For June 2 - June 7. It goes from Port Everglades, Florida to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas, and then back to Port Everglades Florida. It's $1992.70 with travel insurance included. What does everyone think? Is this a good deal?

Edited January 19, 2018 by kierstenlpeeples

[JVilleGal]

Please make sure that you have the REQUIRED documents to board the ship! Read that section on the Carnival website, if either of you is NOT a US Citizen be very careful. If either of you is NOT traveling with a valid US Passport, then make sure you Acceptable Birth Certificate is actually exceptable (short form BC may not be). And Valid Govt Issue Photo ID.

 

Book under your legal names and not nicknames.

Have fun and do NOT use a Debit Card!!!

 

 

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