Please Help a Cruise Newbie!

[MelissaS]

My friend and I are looking in to taking a cruise summer of 2005. So of course, being the obsessive planner that I am, I couldn't just leave it at, "yeah, a cruise might be fun..." I have ordered brochures, bought books and looked at websites. Which is how I came to find you guys.

The only thing we know for sure is that we want to go somewhere in the Caribbean for 7 days, and it will probably be the first part of Aug. 2005, beyond that we're not really sure. I am fairly certain that Carnival is the best option for us (hence why I'm posting here) as we are in our late 20's and Carnival seems to cater best to our age range, as well as being the best value. The Conquest out of New Orleans peaked my interest because NO would be a great place to spend a few days before hand, but I'm not sure about the itinerary.

So my questions are, for those of you that have cruised Carnival in the Caribbean:

 

1. Which route was your favorite (Eastern, Western) and why?

2. Which ports did you love, and which ones could you have done without? What did you enjoy/not enjoy doing there?

3. Which ship has been your favorite so far and why?

4. What tips can you give me that you wish you had known when booking your first cruise?

 

Basicly tell me everything!!! Thanks in advance for the help!

 

 

Melissa

[Cotton]

Hi, and welcome to the board. WOW, you are gonna love cruising, I can tell! I have been to many islands, and the itinerary on each ship is always good.

Y'all would probably enjoy the Conquest, as she does the Western Caribbean from N.O. There are MANY happy Conquest cruisers - however, most of them are not night-owls like you and I. (I can't seem to sleep tonight, so I came back to the boards.):rolleyes: So, you'll get lots more replies when everybody wakes up!

It would probably be a good cruise, with N.O. (my hometown) as an added bonus. If you haven't been to N.O., you'll love her as much as the cruise.

[Longin2cruise]

The Conquest is a great ship & New Orleans has to be the most fun place in the United States. That being said, so far as I'm concerned, the stop in Montego Bay is not exactly pleasant, at least to me. I don't feel safe there. However, I've read on this board that some people really do like it. Cozumel & Grand Caymen are both great ports with lots of fun things to do. I've also cruised to St. Maartens, Barbados, Martinique, Belieze, Limon Costa Rico, & Panama, all of which were very nice. I suggest that you go to Carnival's web site & read up on the shore excursions in each port. It will give you an idea of what is offered in each port. Whatever cruise you choose, I'm sure you'll have the time of your life! I took my 21 year old niece & one of her friends on the Conquest & they had a blast, they came in from the disco at 3 am every morning when it closed.

[NinaCO]

1. Which route was your favorite (Eastern, Western) and why?

2. Which ports did you love, and which ones could you have done without? What did you enjoy/not enjoy doing there?

3. Which ship has been your favorite so far and why?

4. What tips can you give me that you wish you had known when booking your first cruise?

 

Basicly tell me everything!!! Thanks in advance for the help!

Welcome to cruising. As an obsessive planner, I can tell you that cruise research is fun!

 

Route: I've done both. Tend to do Western more, but it's not really a preference.

 

Ports: The weather tends to be the same regardless of whether you go Eastern or Western. Both routes usually have a couple of terrific ports of call, and perhaps one you may not be as happy with. The Eastern routes frequently stop in San Juan. The problem is that by the time you get off the ship, it's almost always to late to do much except enjoy the nightlife. Easterns also usually stop in St. Thomas & St. Maartin, and these are two terrific ports! Many Western Caribbean cruises include Jamaica, and there are many who don't like or feel safe there. But, the Western's almost always include Cozumel and Grand Cayman, two wonderful ports.

 

Ship: I enjoyed both Celebration & Sensation. Didn't enjoy Paradise as much, but it was non-smoking at the time (something I liked!), and had a bunch of cabby people on board.

 

Tips:

 

You might want to consider booking a group cruise. There are several here on CC, and there are many more out there. Group cruises usually have good rates and little extras. Plus, you have the added benefit of sailing with dozens of friends who you've never actually met. It's not unusual for a group to have it's own shore excursions and parties on board the ship. I discovered group cruising a couple of years ago and wish I'd known about it sooner.

 

You're already talking about this, but I think flying in a day or two before the cruise is the best way to get the vacation started. I used to fly the day of the cruise, and it's very stressful.

 

After the cruise, don't book your flight too early. I've missed flights after cruises twice, and it's a lousy way to end a perfect vacation.

 

Don't stress too much about the details!

 

Have fun!

[roscoesdream]

My friend and I are looking in to taking a cruise summer of 2005. So of course, being the obsessive planner that I am, I couldn't just leave it at, "yeah, a cruise might be fun..." I have ordered brochures, bought books and looked at websites. Which is how I came to find you guys.

The only thing we know for sure is that we want to go somewhere in the Caribbean for 7 days, and it will probably be the first part of Aug. 2005, beyond that we're not really sure. I am fairly certain that Carnival is the best option for us (hence why I'm posting here) as we are in our late 20's and Carnival seems to cater best to our age range, as well as being the best value. The Conquest out of New Orleans peaked my interest because NO would be a great place to spend a few days before hand, but I'm not sure about the itinerary.

So my questions are, for those of you that have cruised Carnival in the Caribbean:

 

1. Which route was your favorite (Eastern, Western) and why?

2. Which ports did you love, and which ones could you have done without? What did you enjoy/not enjoy doing there?

3. Which ship has been your favorite so far and why?

4. What tips can you give me that you wish you had known when booking your first cruise?

 

Basicly tell me everything!!! Thanks in advance for the help!

 

 

Melissa

 

Just an opinion of cource but I do not think you can ever beat the St. Thomas and St. Maartin for Islands to visit. I have been on several cruises and those 2 Islands have the most to interest everyone I beleive. Everythings cool beach club is my fav place in the world to spend a day and it has all that cheep shopping real close.!!! If you want the most beautiful beach you will ever see take the ST. Johns tour from St. Thomas! You just can't beat that!

 

ps. the time of the year you want to go will have lots of kids on the ship. Before I get flamed I love to cruise with the kids its just maybe some don't>

[serene56]

The begining the August will be still swarming with kids. The last week in August to the first week of September is good. We sailed with onl 35 kids onboard. We also were home on Sunday then had Labor Day to Recooperate. its also a cheap week to cruise.

[imsulin]

Excellent point, serene56! Yep - expect lots of kids on board! The weather will be very hot and humid, too, at that time of year. I would choose Eastern over Western, but that's just my personal preference...both itineraries are great! I agree with Cotton...the Conquest out of NO doing the Western is really a ship to consider, and the Glory out of Port Canaveral, FL, doing the Eastern (every other week) is another great ship to consider! Good luck in deciding!

[pholter]

Just my opinion, but I'd choose a cruise that visits Jamaica, but doesn't port in Montego Bay. Try to find one that ports in Ochos Rios so you can really enjoy the beauty of the Island without driving 2 hours to find it.

 

Also, if you're trying to get the least amount of children, then I'd wait till September as another poster recommended. Or, book a little more exotic itinerary in a lower cabin to save the money you might have spent on airfare to get there.

 

We are doing the Southern Caribbean this time around flying to San Juan (which can be a party spot as well). I wanted to cruise outside of the Hurricane Belt to make sure there were no unexpected surprises in the weather or changes in itineraries.

 

I believe the Carnival itinerary cruising out of Florida may have better stops to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Just my 2 cents!

[Brneyznfl]

Hi, I've been on the Conquest out of NOLA and I think it would be a great choice for a first cruise. Go a few days early and enjoy this wonderful city. There is so much to do! I prefer the Western Caribbean over the Eastern, but that's just my personal preference. In Cozumel, there are several wonderful beaches. I've been to Chankanaab and Paradise Beach and highly recommend either. In Grand Caymen, I would recommend a stingray/snorkel excursion. A definite must do! There are many rave reviews about Captain Marvins. Montego Bay in Jamaica is my least favorite port but I've read some great things lately here about Sunset Beach Resort. Like the others said, the time of year you want to go will be really hot and humid and probably a lot of kids on board. I really prefer to sail in the fall for fewer kids and the weather isn't so miserable. Have fun picking out your cruise!! :)

[LSUtraveler]

Go back to the Cruise Critic Message Board and scroll down to Ports of Call. You can get a lot of info about the different ports.

 

Everybody's got there own favorite route and ship. They're all good and just different enough to enjoy each.

 

Yes I would look for a group that is sailing at the same time. Just surf the boards and read up. Your gut feeling will probably be right for you.

 

A word about Jamaica. The first cruise to Mo Bay I swore I would never get off the ship there again. But since I prefer the Western Caribbean, being close to New Orleans might have a lot to do with it, I got off at Mo Bay again but didn't do any of the tours. Went to Doc's Cove Beach and walked to Margaritaville and then back to the ship. The walk is only a few blocks and really not a problem.

 

Next trip went to Sunset Beach and throughly enjoyed that also. A lot depends on what you like to do. There's rafting, going to the falls, island tour, etc. Like I said eveyone will give you their favorite.

 

Whatever you decide to do, you'll probably have fun. Keep asking questions on the boards if you're unsure or want actual experiences on specific stops.

 

The people here are only too glad to help, we're all been there.

 

Have a great cruise.

[atonal1]

It really depends on what you want to do. If you like to shop, then a stops in St Thomas & St. Maarten are a must. Those are my favorite ports for buying gold (St. Thomas) and booze (St. Maarten). You can find deals on electronics & watches in both ports. I also like Curacao & Aruba, which is why I've done the southern route 4 times (#5 in November).

 

Because of my profession (teacher) I have to cruise in the summer, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I have enjoyed sailing these times, even with the abundance of children. My preference is Nov/Dec because it's nice having a tan during the fall/winter. :D

[MelissaS]

Thanks for all of your help everyone! Ideally I would like to cruise later in the summer/fall, but I'm a teacher so it's just not an option. I don't mind kids. A group cruise sounds interesting, but I've got about a 2 week time frame that I'm looking at. We have to go after my friend takes the bar exam and before I start school again. So I'm not sure it works.

 

I have another question. How do you normally go about booking your cruise? I have talked to a Carnival Personal Vacation Planner and his prices fell within $50 of the quotes I got on Cruise Compete. I really liked him and would feel comfortable booking with him, but would he look out for me the same way an independent travel agent would? Normally I'm totally comfortable booking things on my own, but since this is my first cruise and it works a bit differently I feel I need a little hand holding. I do not have a travel agent that I work with, so I would be forming a new relationship with whoever I book the cruise though. Any opinions on that? Thanks again!

 

 

Melissa

[Cotton]

How do you normally go about booking your cruise?

Melissa

________________________________________________________________

 

Hi again, Melissa. I book exclusively through a Carnival PVP, and have used the same one for my past three cruises, as well as an upcoming cruise. (Before that, I have used local TA services.)

Everybody has their own BEST way to book. Mine happens to be with the PVP. She has been exceptionally conscientious, calling me to let me know of special deals, getting me either reduced fares and/or shipboard credits on each cruise. I also feel comfortable calling her with any questions. I call her, as well, when I see a lower rate advertised, and I always come out ahead of the game.

There are a lot of online agencies, and lots of folks here like them. Just do a LOT of homework before actually booking your cruise. Make sure, when anybody gives you a quote that it INCLUDES taxes and port charges!

Good luck!:)

[NinaCO]

How do you normally go about booking your cruise? I have talked to a Carnival Personal Vacation Planner and his prices fell within $50 of the quotes I got on Cruise Compete. I really liked him and would feel comfortable booking with him, but would he look out for me the same way an independent travel agent would? Normally I'm totally comfortable booking things on my own, but since this is my first cruise and it works a bit differently I feel I need a little hand holding. I do not have a travel agent that I work with, so I would be forming a new relationship with whoever I book the cruise though. Any opinions on that? Thanks again!

 

Melissa

I wouldn't book the first cruise with an online-only travel agency. Instead, I would to deal with an individual -- either a cruise specialist travel agent or a Carnival PVP. I've booked online three times. One online agency never provided the name of a contact. The other two assigned someone to call for questions. That person changed frequently during the months prior to the cruise, and I never felt there was any support from the travel agency. (One of my cruises ended with some real problems, and some assistance would have been welcome.) Since I've been on eight cruises, the lack of support isn't a big deal. But, I haven't found the online-only agencies to be a significantly better bargain, so why not deal with a real person?

[LSUtraveler]

Melissa,

 

Generally with a group, even if you don't know anyone in the group it doesn't matter. They can provide you with money saving tips since they've been there before. Find the time frame you're looking at even if it's in a two week time frame, go to that topic and ask questions and then make up your mind.

 

As far as internet TA's vs local TA's vs Carnival. First the Carnival CPV's are good and will help you a lot. Of course some are better than others. If you're dealing with a cruise only TA you'll get some good advise on these boards on whom they've used. Again some better than others.

 

One of several things to remember, when you're quoted a price make sure that it includes all charges. You may notice there are some wide price differences in the quotes and often times it may have to do with the port charges and taxes being excluded or included, whichever.

 

Looking into insurance, cancellation fees; charges if changing from one TA to another just a few of the things to ask about on the boards and also you TA. You're gonna get a lot more advise so keep asking for information.

 

Whichever cruise you take, have a good cruise.

[MrNobody]

Hello Cotton...completely off topic but please indulge me...I read your posting about not being able to see the blue print with the blue background...figured others were having same problem also...started using RED...got in trouble for "shouting"...sorry...gotta go back to blue small print...you might want to send your understandable complaint to one of our Hosts/Super Moderators...Jake:)

[imsulin]

Very good advice, NinaCO! If I were a first-time cruiser, I would definitely feel more comfortable talking to a "real" person who works for the cruise line, or face-to-face with a local TA. I'm a retired teacher, Melissa, so I know what you're talking about in terms of when to be able to cruise! LSUtraveler also brought up some very good points about the total price, cancellation policies/fees, and trip insurance. Although I prefer Eastern, I don't think you can go wrong with the Western on the Conquest, and I've always had such fun in New Orleans!! It's a beautiful city with a great history...just ask Cotton!

[early_iron]

You ask if Southern, eastern or western Caribbean is best. Depends on what you like to do. If you like to play on beautiful beaches and shop til you drop then eastern( St. Thomas for the shopping). You can now go on exotic southern cruise without flying to San Juan. You can go out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Southern Caribbean is fun if you like snorkling and more foreign islands. Barbados(British) Netherlands Antillies(Dutch) Martinique(French) St. Maartin(half french half Dutch). Western Caribbean is great for snorkling and has many tours such as Mayan ruins of Cancun Mexico.

 

We are in our 50's and have cruised other lines. Carnival is our favorite cruise line. It is most reasonable but is much more fun(I ain't quite dead yet......lol)We have found that carnival is every bit as good as the more expensive lines and their food equals or surpasses most.

 

Fun ports to leave from: Never been out of New Orleans but want to should be great. Miami is our favorite as we like the music, food and never ending things to see and do on the beach there. From eating at Bubba Gumps to visiting the Original Hard Rock Cafe or the Marina at sunset Miami is fun. Not much to do leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale without a car. Cruised out of San Juan once and lovedour two day stay there but needed a week........lol

Cruising out of Houston Galvaeston area on a Cruise to Cancun Roatan and Belieze is great fun.Not only the best snorkling and diving in the world but Houston has Astro world, Houston Space center(NASA) and a billion great sea food restaurants up and down the gulf coast.

 

One thing you might want to consider How busy an Itinery do I want. Our first cruise stopped at five islands in seven days and we learned really quick that this was not what we wanted. Like going to Disney world Tireder when we got home than before we left........lol

We discovered we enjoyed the ship and the fun days at sea more than everyday on an island so we like to book cruises that hav lots of "fun days at sea". We just booked our first non Caribbean cruise. An exotic Mexico cruise out of San Diego, Cal. It is an 8 day cruise with 3 ports, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa and Manzanillo. It sails Oct. 24 and as it is over Halloween should be a lot of fun.

 

You ask about favorite ship? All of the ones I have been on are my favorites. Each one is a one of a kind. They are all differend and beautiful in their own way. I wouldn't be afraid to sail on any of them. We do prefer the larger ships for the simple reason that there are Way more balcony cabins which makes a balcony mor affordable by far.

 

Hope some of this helps you.

 

Ps. One more tip. If you book a balcony pack a couple of bungies to tie the balcony doors open at night that way you can sleep to the sound of the ocean and the sea breeze and having the door open automaticaly shuts off that arctic air conditioner.........lol

[cruzzza]

ROUTE: I've only done Western, but I LOVE IT. Lots of fun.

 

PORTS: Never been to Montego, but you might want to do some research on that port if you do Conquest - Jamaica can be scary, but beautiful, and a place you will either love or hate (I love it.) Grand Cayman was nice, but ship's tour sucked. Cozumel is awsome! Calica was amazing.

 

FAVORITE SHIP: Conquest, by far. Although the Destiny will forever hold a special place in my heart (honeymoon, first cruise), the Conquest's beauty was overwhelming. The buffet area was ample - if you ever sail on a small ship, you'll appreciate this. The dining room experience was my best yet. The massiveness of the ship was breathtaking. I could go on.

 

BOOKING: This one is tricky. If you research enough, you will be well informed and be able to decide on your cruise without the help of a TA. I know some folks totally disagree, but I've talked to TA's that knew about cruising, but didn't know NEARLY as much as I know from these boards. You can either use a PVP or a TA, whichever you feel most comfortable with. Try to get a few different price quotes, but remember, cruise pricing is almost like the airlines - it can change quite often, and your neighbors may have paid a lot more or a lot less than you did.

 

These boards are the most valuable research tool you could utilize. Use common sense when reading reviews. Most of the time, you can see when someone gives a fair account of a ship, even if they point out bad things. There are "perfect" cruises, but not all of them will be that way. In fact, more than likely, yours won't be either. But how many vacations do you know that have such a loyal following among their prior travelers? Cruises are magical. Disney is the only place I've ever felt that way, and Disney is so exhausting, so that's why (for me) cruising is the best way to travel. I actually feel like the ports of call are bonuses to an already outstanding vacation.

 

Whew! Off my soapbox now! That all said, I highly recommend the Conquest. New Orleans is great, but you may want to research that city a little, too, if you've never been there (it gets kind of crazy, use common sense). NO's port is a madhouse. Galveston was the best port to leave out of for me. Still, I'd suggest the Conquest for your 1st cruise!

[serene56]

There are questions you want to be asking your agent.

 

What are the agencies cancellation fees. What about document processing. is there a fee.

 

Do they charge you to make changes

 

and will they honor any rate reductions on your sailing up to the daye you sail.

 

So a price that may seem cheap now may be in the long run a lot more expensive. I learned with my cuise on the Victory to ask these questions now. Our agent did not give any price reductions after final payment and we lost hundreds of dollars.

 

 

SOme agencies charge for document handling. They charge you up to 20 bucks to mail your documents to you or pick them up at the pier for free.

[Travelitis]

We prefer Western, because we love to snorkel and scuba. We shop at Cozumel when doing Western. The only places I really like on an Eastern itin have been St Thomas/St. John, and private islands. We don't care for St. Maarten at all and are at the point we stay on the ship. Last time we got off to take pics of the ship, then went back to enjoy a deserted ship. The shopping is nothing great, (we were looking for perfume, jewelry, snorkel mask, and T-shirts) the snorkeling is worthless, and the island is trashy. I'm not talking about poverty. I'm talking about excessive litter. Many people love this island, so go explore it if it's part of your itin. Don't let my cynical view of it cloud yours.

My favorite ship is the one where I had the best suite (Sun) - lol! No, cabins aside, the Grand Princess (sorry, haven't been on Carnival yet) was my fave. I love the big ships. Bring on the megaliners. Next year I'm on one of those RCCL rock-climbing, ice skating behemoths! When it comes to ships, size does matter!

I wish I would've been more aware of online agencies when I booked our cruise on the Grand. Now I use Crucon and Best Price Cruises as well as check Orbitz and Expedia for cabin availability. I figure they are about $100 pp higher than what I can find elsewhere. Utilizing resources like CC, though, I don't think you're likely to have big newbie disappointments.

Good Luck and Bon Voyage!

[MelissaS]

Thanks again for all of your insight! I feel like I really can't make a bad decision here! Isn't it a wonderful dilemma to have?! Thanks again!

 

 

Melissa

[early_iron]

Melissa,

This is just my opinion but I don't think you can make a bad choice. Some cruises have been better than others but I have enjoyed everyone no matter what. I feel that the worst cruise is still one hundred times better than the best land vacation that I have ever had but that is just me