Which cruise line and avoiding spring break.

[Lorenky]

Hello. After going in a bunch of different directions we decided we want to take our first cruise next year. Better late than never, lol.  We want to go to the Caribbean. We are an active couple in our early 60’s. We don’t need an adults only cruise but would like to avoid the huge influx of families and also drunken spring break partying if possible. Easter is March 31 next year. What are the primary weeks to avoid? We're looking at Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.  Princess has a cruise we like on March 10-17 but I’m concerned that’s too close to Spring break time?

Also interested in feedback on which cruise line is right for us. We want maximum port days, great excursions, active but not crazy crowd, not a huge emphasis on families, good food, good value and service, interesting varied entertainment and shows. Mid range price.  It sounds like Princess and Celebrity might be best for us, but I do like some of the itineraries on Norwegian. Would that be a mistake? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[janetz]

Aside from school week vacations in Dec and Feb, spring break is anytime April-March…We avoid Feb, April and March 

NCL attracts families, with their slides, go carts, etc as does Royal

Princess and Celebrity are more laid back without the big toys on deck

 

I would go with Princess 😊

[Lorenky]

Thanks. Most of the Princess Cruises go to the Bahamas. Is the water warm enough for swimming in January? I looked it up and it looks like it's only around 75 degrees that time of year? We loved the 80 degree water in Antigua in April 🙂 

[CarnivalShips480]

34 minutes ago, Lorenky said:

Thanks. Most of the Princess Cruises go to the Bahamas. Is the water warm enough for swimming in January? I looked it up and it looks like it's only around 75 degrees that time of year? We loved the 80 degree water in Antigua in April 🙂 

The water is a bit chilly for swimming in the Bahamas during Jan and Feb. I'd go farther south

[Lorenky]

Thanks. What if we went in early April, is the water warmer in the Bahamas then? Of course if we go later on that particular cruise it goes to Cozumel and we have increased risk for Sargassum seaweed, lol, it's always something. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

9 hours ago, Lorenky said:

Hello. After going in a bunch of different directions we decided we want to take our first cruise next year. Better late than never, lol.  We want to go to the Caribbean. We are an active couple in our early 60’s. We don’t need an adults only cruise but would like to avoid the huge influx of families and also drunken spring break partying if possible. Easter is March 31 next year. What are the primary weeks to avoid? We're looking at Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.  Princess has a cruise we like on March 10-17 but I’m concerned that’s too close to Spring break time?

Also interested in feedback on which cruise line is right for us. We want maximum port days, great excursions, active but not crazy crowd, not a huge emphasis on families, good food, good value and service, interesting varied entertainment and shows. Mid range price.  It sounds like Princess and Celebrity might be best for us, but I do like some of the itineraries on Norwegian. Would that be a mistake? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

I’m betting that, not unlike many new cruisers, you’ve been looking at cabin fare comparisons without considering the substantial costs of required and/or optional add-ons including things like beverages, booze, excursions, airfare, internet, gratuities, specialty restaurants et al. Most/all of these items are usually extra costs (yes, even bottled water) on the cruise lines you’ve mentioned.

I suggest that you look instead at the daily net rate of your proposed trip (door to door including everything you need and want for amenities). Once you’ve done that, add consideration of what you don’t want - things like huge crowds, unending sales pitches, spring breakers (which, given that colleges may have semesters, quarters, trimesters and public schools generally do break pre-Easter while Catholic and many other private schools do post-Easter, pretty much cover all the spring months), nickel-diming you for everything,

Also look at your usual travel profile including quality of food, service, accommodations.

Once you’ve done all of that, take a look at more than the “mass market” cruise lines you’ve cited. In particular, consider a premium cruise line like Oceania which has small ships (670 to 1200 passengers), mostly inclusive (airfare or air credit, specialty restaurants, internet, beverages and a choice of booze, tours and/or SBC) and an earned reputation for the finest cuisine at sea. 

Consider itineraries as well. If you already love the Caribbean (which IMO is an overrated “one and done” location overrun with ultra huge floating amusement park cruise ship), OK. But, if you want true paradise, consider Polynesia and the Maldives.

I suggest that you contact a cruise specialist Travel Agency - particularly one that handles a lot of Premium (and even luxury [i.e., all-inclusive] cruise lines). They’ll show you a true comparison of the industry segments and U expect that you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what true “value” is within your means.

 

[CarnivalShips480]

53 minutes ago, Lorenky said:

Thanks. What if we went in early April, is the water warmer in the Bahamas then? Of course if we go later on that particular cruise it goes to Cozumel and we have increased risk for Sargassum seaweed, lol, it's always something. 

Yes it should be warmer then. Mid to late March should be fine too. 😎

Edited May 8, 2023 by CarnivalShips480

[Lorenky]

Thank you. I will look at your suggestions. At this point focused on Celebrity for an 7 or 8 eastern Caribbean cruise, PR, STT, DR, St Maartin and maybe BVI. Looking at March 9, March 16, or 2nd or 3rd week April. We like warm swimming water(around 80 degrees), want to avoid Sargassum and minimize spring break families and partiers. Not sure though if Celebrity has a problem with this. Which dates do you recommend for this route?

[Flatbush Flyer]

18 minutes ago, Lorenky said:

Thank you. I will look at your suggestions. At this point focused on Celebrity for an 7 or 8 eastern Caribbean cruise, PR, STT, DR, St Maartin and maybe BVI. Looking at March 9, March 16, or 2nd or 3rd week April. We like warm swimming water(around 80 degrees), want to avoid Sargassum and minimize spring break families and partiers. Not sure though if Celebrity has a problem with this. Which dates do you recommend for this route?

Not sure who you’re replying to…

But, if I was of a mind to go to the Caribbean, it would be the BVIs and we’d do it with a crewed yacht charter (another item that is not as expensive as most folks think).

[mom says]

The 8 night Eastern itinerary on Reflection looks like a good one if you want a port intensive cruise. The earlier you go, the greater the likelihood of avoiding spring breakers. We like to go after Presidents day in late February, but early March might be OK, too.

[Lorenky]

Thanks. So still Spring breakers in mid April? And March 16 is too close to Easter? Or is this even a problem if not alot if Spring breaker use Celebrity? All things being equal we would take the March 16, 8 night cruise that includes BVI.

[Lorenky]

We just booked! Celebrity 8 night Eastern Caribbean, mid April 2024, deluxe Veranda mid ship, flexible dining, wifi/drinks/tips package. So excited!

[Essiesmom]

Spring break for colleges varies but is not as dependent on Easter as grade/high schools.  Those schools will either have break Easter week- berween Palm Sunday and Easter, or the week after Easter.  An 8 day cruise will have less children and families as it involves more days off work and school.  But go to the websites of the cruise lines you are considering.  Check the prices.  The higher the price, the more families they expect.  EM

[mrgabriel]

2 hours ago, Lorenky said:

We just booked! Celebrity 8 night Eastern Caribbean, mid April 2024, deluxe Veranda mid ship, flexible dining, wifi/drinks/tips package. So excited!

 

Much of Spring Break will have wrapped up by then so there shouldn't be as many kids. And Celebrity doesn't tend to attract a lot of drunken partiers ... more people who spend too much time in the martini bar - lol.

 

Enjoy! 

[janetz]

👏👏You wont be disappointed 

[SPacificbound]

4 hours ago, Lorenky said:

We just booked! Celebrity 8 night Eastern Caribbean, mid April 2024, deluxe Veranda mid ship, flexible dining, wifi/drinks/tips package. So excited!

Congratulations!!! 

[Aquahound]

On 5/8/2023 at 1:48 PM, Lorenky said:

We just booked! Celebrity 8 night Eastern Caribbean, mid April 2024, deluxe Veranda mid ship, flexible dining, wifi/drinks/tips package. So excited!

 

You picked a great cruise on an excellent cruise line.  Nice choice!  

 

You also did good by avoiding March.  Mid-April should be mostly clear, but that might still fall during some grade school Spring breaks.  I wouldn't worry though.

[Lorenky]

Can’t wait. You’ve all been really helpful, I’m sure I’ll have a million more questions before we cruise. Thanks again.

[Host Kat]

5 hours ago, Lorenky said:

Can’t wait. You’ve all been really helpful, I’m sure I’ll have a million more questions before we cruise. Thanks again.

 

@Lorenky

 

The Cruise Critic website and message boards are a great resource for new as well as experienced cruisers and we are so glad you found us! Please feel free to browse the Cruise Critic Community categories list for the various message board forums. Read a few threads in the different forums to get a feel for what each forum is about. Make sure you read any pinned threads (aka Stickies) on the top of the first page of threads in most forums. You will find very important instructions or information there.

 

Want to let you know about the Cruise Critic Roll Call thread for your specific line, ship and departure date. It is where you would post along with other Cruise Critic members sailing with you. It will be the ONLY place on the Cruise Critic message boards where you and your fellow Roll Call thread members are allowed to post personal ads about sharing private tours, excursions or transportation with each other to save money. There is a "captive audience" there since you are all sailing together! Your fellow Roll Call thread members may post important information in your Roll Call thread. Especially those that have sailed your line, ship or itinerary before.

 

Be sure to find & post on the Roll Call thread for your cruise departure date if it has been created. If not, create it yourself! For information about our Roll Calls, please read What is a Roll Call? Everything you Need to Know and How To: Create A New Roll Call. For more information about our famous Roll Calls, please read the Roll Calls and Our Policy Regarding Facebook and Roll Calls sections in the Guidelines we all agreed to follow when registering for our free Cruise Critic memberships. We also have the following Cruise Critic article you might enjoy: 8 Reasons to Join a Cruise Critic Roll Call

 

And don't forget, after your cruise be sure to submit your review for publication by Cruise Critic. Many cruisers will benefit from your experience! Make YOUR voice heard. Your honest cruise review will influence next year's Cruisers' Choice award winners and help others choose the right sailing. See How To: Submit a Member Review.

 

I sincerely hope this will be helpful and glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic! 

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat 

[navybankerteacher]

On 5/8/2023 at 4:48 PM, Lorenky said:

We just booked! Celebrity 8 night Eastern Caribbean, mid April 2024, deluxe Veranda mid ship, flexible dining, wifi/drinks/tips package. So excited!

Mid April is likely to be well clear of Spring-breakers, and Celebrity does not attract as many of that demographic as NCL and Royal Caribbean.

Edited May 14, 2023 by navybankerteacher

[broadwaybaby123]

If you want to avoid kids on your cruise, it's best to go during the "off" weeks of their vacation.  Find out what the school vacation weeks are for where you're sailing from and try to find a cruise either for the week before or the week after.  In my state, the vacations are in December and April.

 

Aside from that, many families also cruise during the summer, so you might be better off going in the Fall, Winter, or Spring.

 

As far as the Spring Break goes, that's a little harder to plan for since the college vacations don't always align with the local school system.  Cruise lines that tend to attract a more refined crowd, such as Celebrity or Princess tend to have less of the "party" vibe.  Holland America tends to attract and older crowd as well.