Best for Never-Ever who want quiet experience - less crowds

[Underwatr]

Cunard deserves a mention. Queen Mary 2 only makes a couple of Caribbean cruises in the fall in a normal year - November just after Thanksgiving and over the Christmas-New Year holidays. Not super-premium like Oceania and Seabourn, but a cut above the true mass market lines plying the Caribbean.
There would be around 2500 passengers on a ship about the same size as other lines' ships built to carry 4-5000.

[navybankerteacher]

On 10/26/2020 at 9:28 AM, Underwatr said:

Cunard deserves a mention. Queen Mary 2 only makes a couple of Caribbean cruises in the fall in a normal year - November just after Thanksgiving and over the Christmas-New Year holidays. Not super-premium like Oceania and Seabourn, but a cut above the true mass market lines plying the Caribbean.
There would be around 2500 passengers on a ship about the same size as other lines' ships built to carry 4-5000.

We sailed the December 2019-January 2020 Caribbean cruise from New York.  QM 2 is definitely a cut above HAL and Celebrity; a couple of cuts above Royal Caribbean and Princess;  and far above Carnival and NCL if you want an uncrowded, quality cruise.

[getting older slowly]

Just a thought...... one of the most important things is to set a budget..... 

 

this will help guide you...... if you go main stream line in a mini suite or suite

or a premium line in a balcony cabin...... and please do the sums yourself

 

Also another extra cost can be drinks.... premium include most drinks

but if you pay as you go and buy bottled wine it can work out cheaper than beverage package ...

 

So do compare prices.... and enjoy   Don

Edited November 29, 2020 by getting older slowly

[SwellsAtSea]

Hello. I'm new here and looking to cruise after retirement in a couple of years. Do drinks come with the cruising cost? All meals? Are any trips off the ship included, such as tours? Thank you.

[Essiesmom]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.  So far, the questions you are asking can be answered on the websites of the cruise lines.  If you have further questions, you can ask here on the boards for the various cruise lines you are considering.  EM

[Host Kat]

On 12/11/2020 at 6:16 PM, SwellsAtSea said:

Hello. I'm new here and looking to cruise after retirement in a couple of years. Do drinks come with the cruising cost? All meals? Are any trips off the ship included, such as tours? Thank you.

 

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[cruiserking]

I would suggest looking at Celebrity Cruise Lines new Edge class of ships; Edge, Apex and brand new Beyond coming in 2022. These are beautiful, modern ships with a variety of wonderful specialty restaurants and beautiful public spaces. 

 

From the moment you board to the day you disembark you will be pampered. Suite passengers on Edge board the ship via a completely private section with comfortable seats and check-in representatives who stop by while you are seated and check you in. There are also comp beverages and snacks nearby. It's all very civilized. 

 

Consider booking in suite class. The Sky Suite is the starter suite on Celebrity and in addition to the extremely innovative, state of the art cabins you will be afforded entrance to the Retreat.  

This exclusive suite sanctuary includes both an elegant indoor lounge with snacks and complementary cocktails plus and outdoor deck with loungers, cabanas and a small pool. 

 

All suite guests dine at the fabulous Luminae restaurant. We cruised in a sky suite on Edge a couple of years ago and were thoroughly impressed by the excellent service, the sheer beauty and attention to detail. Suite class also includes a butler who will be eager to handle your every whim. 

 

Jonathan

[Mary229]

My brother and sister-in-law are exactly like you.   Try Windstar.   Here is how they introduce themselves 

 

Any cruise ship lets you see the world. Windstar brings it close enough so you can fully live it. With just 148 to 342 guests per voyage, you will feel like you are on your own private yacht. See, hear, smell, taste, and feel what it's like to sail on a lovely yacht into a small port, explore a hidden beach, see a parade of penguins, taste a spicy Norwegian Bacalao stew, and altogether lose yourself in a strange and wondrous culture. Windstar's small cruise ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port and an unpretentious and relaxed ambiance onboard.
 

Edited May 29, 2021 by Mary229

[cruiserking]

@Warren Miller

 

Here is a list of cruises that would suit your wishes for a quiet fall cruise to Caribbean. 

 

Celebrity Cruise Lines

 

Celebrity Edge is sailing a series of 7-night Caribbean/Bahamas cruises round trip Fort Lauderdale, Fl - stopping in Nassau, Bahamas - St. Thomas - Saint Maarten - starting September 11. 

This is a gorgeous, state of the art, brand new ship (2019). Beautiful, relaxed, plenty of great restaurants both complementary of specialty. You would love the Edge. 

Every other week Celebrity Edge will sail a Western Caribbean itinerary with 2 stops in Mexico along with Nassau, Bahamas

 

Celebrity Equinox - September 17 will feature 4 cruise dates on a 9-Southern Caribbean voyage. Equinox is also a very elegant ship, low key, great food, beautiful ship. 

 

 

Holland America Line.

Nieuw Amsterdam - Very beautiful ship from their more modern Signature Class (2009). Holland America Line has long been known to attract an older clientele and be rather sedate. We have sailed them several times and have always enjoyed ourselves immensely. More recently their new ships have been designed to offer an array of activities and lounges that appeal to a broader range of passengers. However, this would be a perfect line for you if you are looking for a easy going, quieter cruise experience. 

 

Sail dates October 23 - 7-nignt Western Caribbean - November dates as well that also include a 10-night Western Caribbean itinerary. 

 

Princess Cruise Line

Sky Princess - 2019 - Elegant brand new ship, many comfortable lounges, terrific first class service. Club Class is their slightly pricier mid-range suite class and worth every penny especially if you enjoy  quiet intimate meals and spacious cabins. We have sailed sister ship Regal Princess three times and she is a knockout. Highly recommended. The Sanctuary pool is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy peace and quiet. The Wheelhouse Bar features a British Pub lunch, the Piazza is the main hub surrounded by shops, restaurants and the place to enjoy events throughout your cruise. Sky Princess is doing a 7-day Eastern Caribbean November 20 and 7-day Western November 27. 

 

Brand new Enchanted Princess offering a series of 10-day Southern Caribbean beginning November 10.

 

Let us know which cruise you book. Have a wonderful cruise. 

 

Jonathan

 

  

[Hlitner]

Has anyone else noticed that this thread started over a year ago and the OP has not posted in over a year?

 

Hank

[cruiseaholic777]

Celebrity, Holland America or Princess

[matamanoa]

Please keep in mind that hurricane season extends into the fall, actually up until Nov.  This may alter your cruise itinerary.

 

Barb

[donaldsc]

On 7/18/2021 at 12:27 PM, Hlitner said:

Has anyone else noticed that this thread started over a year ago and the OP has not posted in over a year?

 

Hank

 

We have 38 responses to an OP who obviously doesn't give a damn.  Don't know why we bother to respond.

 

DON

[broberts]

4 minutes ago, donaldsc said:

 

We have 38 responses to an OP who obviously doesn't give a damn.  Don't know why we bother to respond.

 

DON

 

Post #10:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2747665-best-for-never-ever-who-want-quiet-experience-less-crowds/?do=findComment&comment=59937087