Carnial Suites or Vegas?

[anil099]

hey guys I'm going to turn 21 in August and I was planning on going to Vegas in December. Vegas has great hotel deals around december and I figured I'd just go there to gamble and stuff nothing more. I calculated the whole trip might cost me around $2000 max. (I wanted to stay in a nice suite on the strip)

 

Anyways so I look back again after a month or so of deciding this just to pre pre plan lol and Airline prices have sky rocketed I guess due to gas by $100 or so in some cases to Vegas.

 

This got me thinking I should just go to a nice Cruise on spring break, they have casinos there.

 

But my question is do they have nice suites? I'm talking about the ships sailing from florida mainly. And do the crusie ship's suites have jacuzzis in them? and what other emeneties?

 

I see there are many different types of suites...penthouse...balcony...and what not...what are the differences.

 

I figure the cruise won't cost me more than $300-$400...gas and stuff $100 to get there ( I live in Atlanta)....and $500 on board for gamblng/drinking

 

maybe more who knows

 

So what would you do? Vegas or Cruise?

 

I've been on a cruise before on the sensation once I loved it. Never been to Vegas always wanted to go

 

The only disadvantage of this is that I could go to Vegas alone, as for the cruise I need to take somebody otherwise they'll make me pay twice as much for the room. Can you get two seperate beds in a suite or something or there is no such thing?

 

Anyways sorry for the long post

Thanks for your help.

[Chigirlcruzin]

If you've never been to Vegas before and you can afford it, I'd do Vegas. If you look at my signature, I was doing Vegas all the years I wasn't cruising. Now that I'm a bit older (31) and I go to Vegas for business, I prefer cruising because it's more laid back and less expensive (and I don't gamble). In Vegas you'll have TONS of choices for gambling, night life, restaurants, etc. I did Vegas for my 21st, and it was awesome...something way more exciting about that than a cruise, since you've been able to gamble on a cruise before. I can't help you with the suite questions.

[MyImagination]

 

I figure the cruise won't cost me more than $300-$400...gas and stuff $100 to get there ( I live in Atlanta)....and $500 on board for gamblng/drinking

 

maybe more who knows

 

Its going to cost much much more than $300-400 for any cabin during spring break.

 

Vegas might be cheaper...If I was 21, I would go to Vegas, especially if you have never been.

[anil099]

ohhk thanks for the advice you're right I didn't think about that I think it would probably cost a lot more especially If I do the suite and solo? lol

[firefly333]

If you do a nicer ship that does 7 days in a suite, it will run at least $1500 Id guess per person, assuming 2 to the cabin. Well over $2000 for a suite on a ship for a week.

 

The cat 11 suites on Fantasy class ships are not more than glorified balcony cabins on the newer ships. They are mostly the ones doing the shorter 3/4/5 day cruises. There are spirit class ships, but not sure any near you.

 

The Glory for instance out of Port Canaveral, or whatever ship is going out of Baltimore for 7 days coming up...those would be the better ships.

 

On the other hand I find it expensive in Vegas, unless you gamble a lot, then the shows easily cost $100 per person to get in now, etc. You have to plan on serious gambling to get comped.

 

Cruising is cheaper for me .... but then Im not cruising in suites.

[anil099]

Yeah I guess I just want to give myself a Nice vacation for graduation or something haha

 

gotta live a little sometimes...figure I'm gonna be working from then on so why not eh?

 

thanks for the advice

 

any one know if any of the suites have jaccuzzis in them or not

[SoonerOne]

I'd do the cruise and do a balcony, not a suite (keep the cost down:) ).....been to Vegas several times and it's nothing like cruising.....you can't really compare the two, it's two different types of vacation:D

[jpbullfrog]

Speaking from experience, the cruise is much better. It all depends on what you want for the birthday. My 21st birthday was last year and I went on a 4 day cruise of out L.A. and a few months later to Vegas. Vegas is unique in that you can drink outside and pretty much anywhere (expect while driving); But a cruise allows you to visit so many more places for about the same price. I had a Cat 12 for the cruise and since "we" are young and hardly spend much time there, a balcony will suit you just fine. In fact i am going on a 8 day mexico cruise at the end of this month and it will cost me about as much as i spent in vegas

[RaiderFaninNM]

Being that you are turning 21.................

 

 

I say VEGAS BABY!!!! :D :eek: :p

 

Cruising so fun and awesome, Vegas may be more what your looking for, MUCH faster paced, drinking, parties, drinking, awesome eats, LOTS to do and see in Vegas. Cruise lines will always be there in the future and you only turn 21 once, do Vegas and cruise later trust me you will be glad you did...

[anil099]

Yeah I was gonna do a cruise in spring break anyways

 

but I thought if i saved on vegas I could do a 7 day instead of 3 or 4

 

but I guess I'll do vegas in december and cruise witha buddy in march

 

i looked up prices....not too bad

 

just gotta start saving now lol

[RaiderFaninNM]

Yeah I was gonna do a cruise in spring break anyways

 

but I thought if i saved on vegas I could do a 7 day instead of 3 or 4

 

but I guess I'll do vegas in december and cruise witha buddy in march

 

i looked up prices....not too bad

 

just gotta start saving now lol

 

 

GREAT deals in Vegas in Dec!!! Plus its WAY cooler in Dec. Ask a local TA to help you seek out deals on Resorts and airfare, compair them to what you find and most of all go and have FUN!!! We are planning our second cruise in 2010 but am DEF going to Vegas in March 09.

[crusinpsychRN]

There are age restrictions also on a cruise. You have to have someone 25 with you or be married. And you won't make it to any port but Jax on $100 in gas.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

hey guys I'm going to turn 21 in August and I was planning on going to Vegas in December. Vegas has great hotel deals around december and I figured I'd just go there to gamble and stuff nothing more. I calculated the whole trip might cost me around $2000 max. (I wanted to stay in a nice suite on the strip)

What hotels are you thinking about? I'll tell you if it's good or not...

Also, you should sign in and check out:

http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/

For massive amounts of specifics and expertise there (just bear in mind, there won't be a single person that will be pro-cruise there;)).

Anyways so I look back again after a month or so of deciding this just to pre pre plan lol and Airline prices have sky rocketed I guess due to gas by $100 or so in some cases to Vegas.

 

This got me thinking I should just go to a nice Cruise on spring break, they have casinos there.

Just realize that a ship casino, is a tiny casino with no reason to give you good odds to win - it's the only one there, and you have no other options.

If you go to Vegas, you have tons to choose from, with different vibes and specialties - and ones that are just more fun to play in, regardless of the odds.

 

But my question is do they have nice suites? I'm talking about the ships sailing from florida mainly. And do the crusie ship's suites have jacuzzis in them? and what other emeneties?

I see there are many different types of suites...penthouse...balcony...and what not...what are the differences.

I don't think any have jacuzzis, just tubs.

Click here for Fantasy Class suites...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=298868

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=6392925

Bigger ships have bigger suites, but then you are also paying more (and double) so you'd have to calculate.

I figure the cruise won't cost me more than $300-$400...gas and stuff $100 to get there ( I live in Atlanta)....and $500 on board for gamblng/drinking

maybe more who knows

You're getting a suite for $300 to $400 on a cruise? Are you sure?

I'd really double check and calculate prices and costs if I were you.

So what would you do? Vegas or Cruise?

I've been on a cruise before on the sensation once I loved it. Never been to Vegas always wanted to go

The only disadvantage of this is that I could go to Vegas alone, as for the cruise I need to take somebody otherwise they'll make me pay twice as much for the room. Can you get two seperate beds in a suite or something or there is no such thing?

yes, check the links above

Anyways sorry for the long post

Thanks for your help.

Here's a few things to consider as well.

On a cruise, it is more laid back. More low key. But also fewer people your age. If you are going in December, it will also be warmer (humid tropical weather).

 

In Vegas, there is way more going on 24 hours a day. More clubs. More bars. More casinos. More shows. More people your age. (Especially if you have a weekend, or it's a college break in there).

 

But, in December it won't be tropical warm. But then that is the time of year in Vegas to dress nice and hit up the clubs. Voodoo Lounge. Rain. Studio 54. Etc.

 

More things to think about, and it depends on what kind of person you are, or what you are in the mood for...

 

I do both Cruises and Vegas each year. The thing to realize and remember though that today's cruiseships, are just trying to be a small contained version of Vegas anyway.

So the pro on that - it's a small contained version of Vegas.

The con on that - it's a small contained version of Vegas.

 

I don't know if I'm helping, but there you go.

:cool:

[dan40]

I would toss a coin and hope for a cruise to win, but would not be disappointed if LV won. Overall I'd think the cruise would be cheaper [with a roomie]. Shows in Vegas will cost you $100. a night, zero on the cruise. Plus dining in a room equal to a cruise ship dining room will cost a minimum of $50. each day, maybe $100. You have do the cheapo buffets in Vegas to avoid that expense. Clubbing in Vegas is likely to have some cover charges but none on the cruise line.

 

Dan

[anil099]

well age isn't a concern i would be 21 (thats the min age for cruise right?)

 

and also in Vegas I could care less for the shows I'm mainly just going there to gamble....drink...not a big clubber but I will definitely check out the spots since Ill be in vegas

 

but mainly im going there to get away from it all and relax before I start my life in the "real world"

 

haha

[Chigirlcruzin]

There are age restrictions also on a cruise. You have to have someone 25 with you or be married.

 

This is one of the biggest misconceptions on this board. If you are 21 or older, you can sail in a cabin as long as other occupants are also 21 or older. The 25 age restriction only applies when you're dealing with someone under 21. For instance, the OP and his 21-year-old buddy can sail together; the OP and his 20-year-old buddy cannot.

[CruiseCentric]

well age isn't a concern i would be 21 (thats the min age for cruise right?)

 

and also in Vegas I could care less for the shows I'm mainly just going there to gamble....drink...not a big clubber but I will definitely check out the spots since Ill be in vegas

 

but mainly im going there to get away from it all and relax before I start my life in the "real world"

 

haha

 

Sounds like Vegas is more suited for you. I love cruising, but it wouldnt have been fun for me when I was younger.

 

Looks like you have done a cruise. Go check out Vegas. You also check out some of the sights of Vegas. There is no destination like it.

[anil099]

alright folks thanks for all your help

 

I will deifnitely pos tsome cruise questions as I will probably still doa short crusie witha buddy or something in march

 

I really appreciate all the fast responses this board is awesome!

 

and thanks a lot for that vegas message board link...I'm discovering a lot of neat stuff

 

you got me all excited for my trip now haha

[Curt Jerome Wild]

well age isn't a concern i would be 21 (thats the min age for cruise right?)

 

and also in Vegas I could care less for the shows I'm mainly just going there to gamble....drink...not a big clubber but I will definitely check out the spots since Ill be in vegas

 

but mainly im going there to get away from it all and relax before I start my life in the "real world"

 

haha

 

And even though I'm obviously a big fan of cruising (otherwise, I wouldn't be on this board) - for your situation that why I think Vegas.

A ship, has ONE small casino that is closed certain times of the day.

And expensive drinks (in comparison to Vegas).

 

In Vegas you'll have a million different casinos and games to choose from...

Try out the different hotels, and you'll find places you love hanging out in more than others. Drinks are free while you are gambling.

If not, there are several casinos that have $1 drinks.

 

And there's lots of places to chill out and "Wander". You could even hit up some roller coasters or whatever.

 

Just sayin'

[babyher]

When I was 21 (more years ago than I care to think about *LOL*) Vegas wasn't that cool a place to go at 21.

 

It was still the city of Sinatra, and Wayne Newton and Liberace.

 

Today through MTV and these reality shows and with The Palms, and The Hard Rock, and Hooters , Las Vegas is a very cool place to go when you are 21.

 

See I am the opposite of you, at 21 I wasn't interested in gambling, but was wayyyyyy too interested in clubbing.

 

My DS is chomping at the bit until he turns 21 in March , him and his buddies are going to go.

 

I love Las Vegas at my age , at your age I would go in a heartbeat :)

[jayscore]

IMHO, do Vegas! For what you would pay for drinks alone on the ship could be bankroll cash. If you go to the right casino on the north end of the Strip, you can find great deals for rooms and gambling both. Don't get me wrong, I love my cruises, but Las Vegas is cheaper, if you're careful....:cool:

[VegasMark]

Hey - I feel the need to chime in since I am "VegasMark". Actually, I just moved from there a couple months ago, but I lived there for 3.5 years. Anyway, the thing to know about Vegas is you will do fine on $2000 for a week - just realize that it is very expensive these days. Long gone are $10 buffets. The best buffets (Wynn, Bellagio) run about $35 a head on weekends. Even something like Harrah's or Luxor will run $20-25. And these are just the buffets. The nice restaurants on the Strip will run $50-100/head on up. Here is a great website: www.vegas4visitors.com The guy who writes there is very knowledgable about the city. He promotes locals casinos - places off the Strip by 5-20 minutes by car, which are far less expensive. Rent a car and you can stay and eat for less in pretty good places. Of course if you truly want life on the Strip, then stay on the Strip. Also, weather in December can get downright cold - 50s during the day and perhaps below freezing at night. The dry air that makes it more tolerable in the summer also makes it cooler in the winter. You are fine in the middle of the day, but it can be pretty cold wandering around at night. Definitely not pool time - most places close their pools Nov-Feb or March. Another thing to consider is gambling minimums. Just in the time I was there it was growing harder and harder to find low minimum tables on the Strip. Don't expect Craps or Blackjack lower than $15 a hand on weekends at most Strip casinos. You can always go to a place like Casino Royale (which is decent if you just want low mins). I've always seen $5 tables on cruise ships. You can loose several hundred dollars rather quickly playing $15 a pop. A friend of mine lost about $500 in a day playing $15 craps and roulette at Caesar's Palace. At $2000 for the week, that is probably the extent of your gambling bankroll. Finally, if you are not good at meeting people, you can really feel alone in Vegas. There are tons of people, but they are all having fun with groups. Most folks visit/go out in Vegas in groups. I think it is a little easier to meet people on a cruise ship given all the organized activities. Personally, I'd go on a cruise, stay in an interior cabin and live it up on excursions, gambling, and whatever else. I'm just curious - what is your suite fascination? I've always booked interiors and only slept and changed in the room. You can save tons of money that way and use it for other things. I know there are websites out there that link up solo travelers if you'd be interested in something like that. I've read some cruise lines actually help with this proceedure and will book you at a one person double occupancy rate if they can't match you up with someone. Hope this helps - I don't think you will go wrong either way as long as you evaluate all the pros and cons. Write back if you want more specific Vegas info.

-Mark

[anil099]

Thanks a lot VegasMark

 

Anyway, the thing to know about Vegas is you will do fine on $2000 for a week

 

the 2 grand is probably going to be for 3-4 nights not a week...and I'm gonna go there on weekdays from dec 21-24 or so

 

yeah ill be flying back on christmas or chirstmas eve but hey i got time haha

 

I don't know about the suite when we went on our cruise it felt kind of cramped and what not

 

I don't do a lot of these ship activities...I eat, I drink, I gamble, and maybe check out a show and then I'd just like to go to my room and actualyl relax instead of sleep in a cramped room

 

same with Vegas I'm not a big party guy but I like to drink/gamble/etc...I haev some money saved up so I was saying why not get a suite it's not that much of a difference especially in Vegas in December I looked there are tons of deals.

 

I think Right now I'm leaning maybe 3-4 days vegas which would be around $2000

 

and then as soon as I get back from Vegas Ill save till March and go on a cruise probably....the cruise, if I do interior and split gas with a buddy shouldn't be more than $800-$900 everything included

 

 

PS: Mark would you reccommend vegas alone or with a buddy or buddies?

 

reason I ask is I've never done a solo vacation that's why I wanted one before I graduated ...everything on my own terms...I've always gone on family vacations and trips to new york with buddies and stuff...just wanted to fly solo once

[jbanana1]

Not even close...VEGAS! Although you've already been given a couple of websites to go to, this one is my favorite...http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com. The member info is better than the "free" side. The membership is reasonable and you get a coupon book also.

 

Also, sign up on the casino websites and you'll start receiving emails for discounted rooms, especially now that the economy is going down, there are a lot of good deals. You'll have to wait closer to your month of travel for the winter deals to start. Also, you can get a regular room and ask if they can give you a complimentary upgrade at check in. This has worked several times for us.

 

Vegas is an experience all it's own. Personally, I would prefer to go with a friend my first time, but you should still have fun on your own.

 

Good luck.

[123traveller123]

Another vote for Vegas! A cruise wasn't even a close second. I think you'll have a much better time given the things you mentioned you wanted to do.