Panama Cruise Suggestions?

[Kwitel]

Hello all,

Thanks for taking the time to read this post; could use some help.

Myself, and three of my buddies (age range around 30), would like to take a cruise to some destination in South America from Christmas through New Years. We were thinking Panama...

That said, a few questions:

1. I have no clue where to start. What cruise line would you recommend for a trip like this? Is Panama a good destination?
2. We arent rich, but arent poor either. We'd like something affordably priced and finding a great deal would be obviously be ideal.
3. We are all based in NYC so I guess we would be leaving from Miami
4. We dont necessarily want an insane party-singles cruise, but we do want to be with other young adults.

Any help, advice and/or input is greatly appreciated!

[Jimbo]

It's not cheap but it covers everything you asked for.

Royal Caribbean, Jewel of the Seas

Day Port *** Arrive Depart Activity

21-Dec Miami, Florida 5:00 PM

22-Dec Nassau, Bahamas 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

23-Dec At Sea

24-Dec Labadee, Haiti 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Tendered

25-Dec Cruising

26-Dec Cartagena, Colombia 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

27-Dec Cruising

28-Dec Colon, Panama 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

29-Dec Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

30-Dec Cruising

31-Dec George Town, Grand Cayman 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

01-Jan Cruising

02-Jan Miami, Florida 7:00 AM

[Kwitel]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

It's not cheap but it covers everything you asked for.

Royal Caribbean, Jewel of the Seas

Day Port *** Arrive Depart Activity

21-Dec Miami, Florida 5:00 PM

22-Dec Nassau, Bahamas 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

23-Dec At Sea

24-Dec Labadee, Haiti 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Tendered

25-Dec Cruising

26-Dec Cartagena, Colombia 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

27-Dec Cruising

28-Dec Colon, Panama 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

29-Dec Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Docked

30-Dec Cruising

31-Dec George Town, Grand Cayman 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

01-Jan Cruising

02-Jan Miami, Florida 7:00 AM

Thanks for the reply JIMBO; do you think we'll find other people here in their 20's and 30's?

Finally, when going on a cruise like this is it cheapest to buy direct from RC or can a travel agent potentially find me a better deal?

[Jimbo]

Yes, there will be some people your age. Lot's of different age groups cruise during the holidays.

I reread your post, you said from Christmas through New Years, be aware this cruise starts on the 21st. By leaving at that time you should be able to get lower airfare though then leaving closer to Christmas.

As far as the cruise fare goes, Doesn't matter booking direct or with a Travel agency, price for the cruise fare will be exactly the same.

But where you will gain by booking with a travel agency is some give perks. Ask about onboard credit and/or paid gradtuities. Every little bit helps.

Jimbo

[Nukesailor]

Be advised, though, that the Jewel of the Seas does NOT enter the Panama Canal. Only Holland America and Princess seem to be doing the half-canal trips. Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and others do full canal transits.

The Jewel of the Seas is a nice ship, though. Been on it twice.

As Jimbo says, while the cruise cost may be the same booking through an agent or directly with Royal Caribbean, you may get some additional incentives using an agent. Example - pre-paid gratuities.

Cruising over the holidays seems to be significantly more expensive than other times.

Each cruise line has a different character. Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean tend to have a somewhat older crowd. Carnival tends to the younger (lots of parties, lots of kids).

If you want to get some ideas on itineraries and prices, try one of the on-line cruise travel agencies. You may have to register with them, but you can get information on what's available.

Finally, look in the various forums here on CruiseCritic to get information on the cruise lines, ships and ports. There's a lot of good material here.

Art