27 year old Cruise Virgins

[Spicey477]

Hi there, my husband and I (both 27) are trying to plan a cruise at the end of the summer to coincide with my graduation from college and his exit from the Navy as a US Naval Officer (what a fitting way to celebrate, we think). I am in that phase of extensive research to find the BEST cruise (for us, and for the money, of course) and we are both crusie virgins (unless you count my 1985 trip on the Bermuda Star which could probably fit into the atriums of the new ships!). We are leaning towards the Celebrity Century and the Caribbean Princess, but don't really know which is best for us. We aren't into partying too much, but definitely like to have a good time, and would probably fit in more with a 40 year old crowd than a 21 year old crowd. Food/casino/cigar/spa is important as are interesting ports and all around fun and friendliness. I have been reading up on both the Celebrity and Princess boards to see what kind of atributes these ships have and what types of people to expect, but the only certainties found are that all of the people are just super excited to go on these awesome vacations!
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[AmyinGA]

My husband I started cruising with Princess when we were 32. After researching all of the lines, it seemed to have the right balance of nightlife--both fast and slow. It's a good mix of passengers in terms of age. We don't drink a lot and don't really dance, but we wanted that option if the mood hit us. And we wanted to make sure that there were plenty of options when we wanted a fun night without a lot of partying. Princess was the right mix for us. We have been on three Princess cruises and I am planning #4.

[srphnx]

Better luck in the next 27 years, I bet you get hooked like all the rest.

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Spicey477]

Amy, thanks a lot for your advice. I agree with you about having the nightlife available if wanted, and I think not having to have a designated driver may 'up' our partying quotient a bit too http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif All of the early reviews of the Caribbean Princess are pretty much the same due to the fact that the ship is working out its kinks, but hopefully by Sept. there will be no worries. We were really leaning toward it because of its itinerary and because of the Movies Under the Stars. Thanks again, Amy!

[MaryPoppinz]

Okay, I don't mean to be judgmental, and it's your life, and all, but seriously, this isn't one of those things you should have been saving yourselves for. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I think either is a great choice for you two. Does one itinerary have the edge for you? Time in port? You're in Florida, so I'm assuming flying to the pier isn't a consideration? We went back and forth MANY times between Celebrity and Princess for our first cruises. What put me over the edge was the freshwater pools and PC dining. I love to snorkle, but enough of the salt already! And, I love people, but I wanted to eat dinner alone with my husband already! The crew won us over on the first cruise, and they've been doing it ever since.

You aren't going to go wrong, either way. But, if it's a concern, we will still respect you in the morning, even if you choose Celebrity.

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."
-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'