Couple looking to take first cruise

[NikonD7200]

My wife and I are looking to take our first cruise to the carribean this winter and am looking for some advice on which cruise lines to consider. We are in our mid sixties and have travelled to the carribean several times before but have always stayed at ocean front resorts.

 

A couple we know suggested "Oceanica", we live in Ontario ourselves so would fly from Ottawa ot Toronto.

 

Second question is from the Oceanica material we have looked at it indicates you can choice one of the following free:

 

(1) 4 Shore excursions

(2) Beverage Package

(3) $400 Shipboard Credit

 

We are not set on this cruiseline but only am using it to find out what would be the best of free options to select on any cruise.

 

We are thinking that an adult only would be fine; we do not drink at all so obviously the Beverage Package is useless. We would likely get off the ship each port and I do photography extensively so shore excursions that are nature related would be best.

 

Wife wants to try a cruise for the first time so I am game to give it a go. Any opinions and suggestions are most welcome. We feel it would be best to have a travel agent handle it being our first time doing so. All in package including airfare; hotel prior to depature and after would make it easier for us.

 

Not really interest in going to museums or art galleries. Outdoor excursions would be the best IE: wilderness parks; forests etc.

 

 

[Heidi13]

You will find a wide range of cruises from the mega ships of mainstream cruise lines to the smaller ships of the premium/luxury lines.

 

The mainstream lines generally have minimal included options, other than getting aboard and meals in the main dining room/buffet. They tend to have lots of kids, especially on shorter cruises.

 

Noted you mentioned Oceania, which is one of the premium/luxury lines, which could be a good fit based on your ages and expectations. The premium/luxury lines have higher base fares, but are more inclusive and generally better quality meals & service. They are also less crowded. While premium/luxury lines have higher base fares, we generally find the total cruise cost is not that more expensive than mega ships, as the end of cruise bill is substantially smaller.

 

Oceania is one of the better options and are renowned for having the best meals.

 

Another option is Viking Ocean, which have zero kids (18+), no casino, comp wi-fi, comp excursion in each port and comp specialty dining. While mega ships have shopping hosts, Viking provides a resident historian. I also note that Viking only provide CAN$ pricing for us Canadians.

 

Other premium/luxury lines to consider are Azamarra, Seabourn, Regent & Crystal.

 

Concur on finding a local travel agent and having them assist with your research. Unfortunately the rules do not permit us recommending TA's.

[paul929207]

On any line you consider, you will need to find the value for any perks based on what you will use and spend money on. Looking at the ones you list, we rarely take excursions in the Caribbean. When we do, we find a guide with an open air bus at the end of the pier. Price is about $25 for a morning tour.

 

That would leave the drinks package versus the OBC. How much will you drink? If the answer is $400  or more, than go with the package. If less, take the OBC.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

if you were looking to start your cruising with a premium line without paying exorbitant prices, I'd go with Princess.

 

If you are ok with paying luxury prices for a luxury cruise, then Oceania and the other cruises mentioned above are fine.

[NikonD7200]

Great feed back and information from all, will help alot. We are non-drinkers so beverage package is out for sure, use ship board credit instead. A couple we know that are a little older took Oceania and were happy with it so that suggested that cruise line. We are going to a TA for sure.

[Aquahound]

If you know that couple well, have similar likes, and they recommended Oceania, you're probably good to go ahead with that recommendation.  From what I've read in consumer reports and publications, Oceania is known for having great cuisine and service.  I've yet to try them, but hope to someday soon.

[cb at sea]

As you probably know, the Caribbean is pretty easy to navigate on your own, without any excursion at all!  Simple research your ports (if it's somewhere you don't already know), and see what's available!  If photography is your thing, I doubt you'll be  getting as much time in a certain place that you might want or need, especially on a ship's excursion.  Saves you money when DIY, too!

[NikonD7200]

As this is our first cruise do they require you to give a credit card when on board on can you as you go for extras. Not keen on doing that as I then loose control and who knows what will show up when we go to leave. I have read a couple of reviews on this site regarding extras etc. Is it better not to give your credit card and pay as you go with cash so you don't get a bill at the end for charges they may not be explained to you up front when boarding.

 

Do alll inclusive cruises exist so that you pay nothing extra except for maybe a shore excursion. What is the best way to tip and who should get tipped on board.

Edited January 26, 2019 by NikonD7200

[wheezedr]

You will not be able to spend cash on the ship.  Your cruise card will not only act as your room key, ID to get on and off ship, but also be used to buy drinks, purchase sundries and anything else you would spend on the ship.  The cruise line will ask for a CC to which it will ultimately send you accumulated charges.  While I have never done so, it is possible to deposit cash to cover those charges, but once you reached that level of cash in expenses you would need to deposit more.  Millions of people cruise with the cruise line holding an open CC account.  You can check your balance at any time.  Used to have to go to the bursers desk but now you can print it on a machine or check it online depending on which cruise line you are sailing.  Most mainstream lines will add an auto gratuity which covers all of the people, room stewards, waiters, busboys who used to be individually tipped. Generally drinks have a basic price with tips added automatically.  That is true of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic 

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, NikonD7200 said:

As this is our first cruise do they require you to give a credit card when on board on can you as you go for extras. Not keen on doing that as I then loose control and who knows what will show up when we go to leave. I have read a couple of reviews on this site regarding extras etc. Is it better not to give your credit card and pay as you go with cash so you don't get a bill at the end for charges they may not be explained to you up front when boarding.

 

Do alll inclusive cruises exist so that you pay nothing extra except for maybe a shore excursion. What is the best way to tip and who should get tipped on board.

With Mainstream Line mega ships you will most likely be required to either provide a credit card or a cash deposit when you board.

 

All-inclusive cruises do exist, but are generally premium/luxury lines and also some ships in the UK market. Our next cruise on Viking Ocean is all-inclusive and also includes a comp excursion in each port. Other benefits included in base price - tips, all drinks < $15, bottled water, specialty teas/coffees, unlimited internet, specialty restaurants, cabin service, self-service laundry, spa pool/sauna/ice room, airfare, Visas, etc. The ships also have no casino or annoying photographers, art auctions or shopping hosts.

 

Yes, the base price is more expensive, but in our experience when you add all costs on a mega ship the difference is minimal, unless you don't drink, use the internet, laundry, etc.

 

You can also check out the other premium/luxury lines - Oceania, Azamara, Regent, Seaborne, Crystal