Definitely taking a cruise, need HELP making a big DECISION!!!

[pseudochicken]

Hello!

I need help making a decision on what cruise to take this January! Keep in mind my girl friend and I want relaxation and convenience, but at the same time are not opposed to saving money. I'll list the options and the approximate cost of everything (cruise itself, airfare, approx excursions, tip, parking expenses, spending money + a discount we've obtained). I'll also have a "+" rating for showing convenience getting to the disembarkation port for us. (1 + being poorest, 5+ being best). I've capitalized what I think is that cruise's particular strength. Here it goes:



Carnival Imagination: 4-nights, Key West and Cozumel. Ocean View Room. Departs from Miami on January 4th. TOTAL COST: $1010. Convenience: "++"

Carnival Triumph: 5-nights, Progresso and Cozumel. BALCONY. Departs from New Orleans on January 4th. Total cost: $1370. Convenience: "+"

Carnival Pride: 7-nights, Port Canaveral (eh), Nassau, Freeport. Ocean View Room. Departs from BALTIMORE on January 3rd. Total cost: $1600. CONVENIENCE: "+++++"



--------------------------

So essentially the Imaginations is the shortest but definitely the cheapest. Triumph we get the balcony room but it is somewhat inconvenient for us in terms of flights (plus my girlfriend has to haul around extra baggage from Winter Break). The Pride gets us a nice long cruise (though one port seems kind of silly to me) and is definitely the most convenient in terms of port location. No flights, and we can keep the extra bag in the car while we cruise. But it is the most expensive.

So, essentially, I don't know what to pick! And I will consider your input highly! IN FACT, I may even just totally pick the cruise based on what you guys vote on! Thanks for any constructive in put, or a vote! Thanks in advance!!!

-the fake chicken

[pseudochicken]

I see one person voted already! Keep em comin!

[KenMo]

I'd take a 7 nighter anytime over a shorter cruise, but those ports kinda suck, IMO.

So....it's either Triumph or Imagination.

I like Progresso, but lots of people don't.

I voted for Imagination.

[Chacooe]

Originally Posted by pseudochicken

Hello!

I need help making a decision on what cruise to take this January! Keep in mind my girl friend and I want relaxation and convenience, but at the same time are not opposed to saving money. I'll list the options and the approximate cost of everything (cruise itself, airfare, approx excursions, tip, parking expenses, spending money + a discount we've obtained). I'll also have a "+" rating for showing convenience getting to the disembarkation port for us. (1 + being poorest, 5+ being best). I've capitalized what I think is that cruise's particular strength. Here it goes:



Carnival Imagination: 4-nights, Key West and Cozumel. Ocean View Room. Departs from Miami on January 4th. TOTAL COST: $1010. Convenience: "++"

Carnival Triumph: 5-nights, Progresso and Cozumel. BALCONY. Departs from New Orleans on January 4th. Total cost: $1370. Convenience: "+"

Carnival Pride: 7-nights, Port Canaveral (eh), Nassau, Freeport. Ocean View Room. Departs from BALTIMORE on January 3rd. Total cost: $1600. CONVENIENCE: "+++++"



--------------------------

So essentially the Imaginations is the shortest but definitely the cheapest. Triumph we get the balcony room but it is somewhat inconvenient for us in terms of flights (plus my girlfriend has to haul around extra baggage from Winter Break). The Pride gets us a nice long cruise (though one port seems kind of silly to me) and is definitely the most convenient in terms of port location. No flights, and we can keep the extra bag in the car while we cruise. But it is the most expensive.

So, essentially, I don't know what to pick! And I will consider your input highly! IN FACT, I may even just totally pick the cruise based on what you guys vote on! Thanks for any constructive in put, or a vote! Thanks in advance!!!

-the fake chicken

Did you include the airfare into the cost for the Imagination and the Triumph, because that should be taken into consideration as well as the cost of your luggage. If they add up to be just a couple of hundred dollars difference then what you would be paying to be on the Pride, I would go with the Pride, because you will get a longer cruise for about the same amount of money. So add your airfare, baggage costs and your cruise fare together and see your final costs. I have a feeling that you will be sailing on the Carnival Pride and you will really enjoy that ship.

[sharecruises]

I didn't vote ..and you probably won't like my answer LOL

but....I would look into the Valor, Glory or Libery all out of South Florida..
they have some really low rates cause they have similar itnerary and lots of cabins to fill

Pride in January will be cold...and the Bahamas and Port Canaveral may be chilly
I live in South Florida and January is our "cold" time...swimming, beaches, maybe too cold to enjoy..windy...and chilly...well at least no snow

Imagination would be my other pick....getting down to Key West and Cozumel you should be warmer

Even better is the exotic western on Valor...Glory...you go further south and it will be warmer

JMO I would look into them...get cheapest inside cabin and you should still have a blast

IF you can't swing a 7 night on one of them, then I would seriously consider the Imagination....cause you are leaving from Miami and you will be in warmer zones quicker

hope this helps...enjoy your cruise and keep checking on alternatives

Keep the time of year in mind...

I would choose the Carnival Pride for several reasons:
1. Convenience- keep in mind weather conditions & traveling to an embarkation port in January.
2. Go for the longer cruise- why wouldn't you want more time cruising?
3. The Pride is a great ship. We've been on her twice. Loved cruising out of Baltimore just a few weeks ago.

Those are just my opinions. Have fun whichever one you choose!

[glrounds]

Hands down, the PRIDE . . . Spirit-classed ship . . . great layout. You absolutely can't go wrong.

[CorvetteLady]

I picked the Pride because it is 7 days and it is the most convenient for you. If you are looking for relaxation then 4 days is just not enough. The cost for the 2 extra days is really not that high, only $115 pp which makes it just $57.50 per day. If you break down the cost, the per day charge is cheapest on the 7 day cruise.

Port Canaveral is not that great so save money and just enjoy the ship.

[pseudochicken]

Originally Posted by Chacooe

Did you include the airfare into the cost for the Imagination and the Triumph, because that should be taken into consideration as well as the cost of your luggage. If they add up to be just a couple of hundred dollars difference then what you would be paying to be on the Pride, I would go with the Pride, because you will get a longer cruise for about the same amount of money. So add your airfare, baggage costs and your cruise fare together and see your final costs. I have a feeling that you will be sailing on the Carnival Pride and you will really enjoy that ship.

Yes, airfare is included where it is required. EVERYTHING is included. The tip, baggage, PARKING even. And airfare.


I would LOVE to do a seven day cruise from Florida to the Caribbean, but the price will go up quite substantially. Agreed that the price per day will be cheaper, but the price will be similar to the Baltimore cruise + the airfare.

FURTHERMORE, the reason why my airfare is cheap is because I've earned a free round trip flight with Southwest, so I'd only have to pay for 1 round trip ticket instead of two. However, January 3rd (the Sunday most of the 7-day cruise ships are leaving) is blacked out for that free flight.

So I'd have to pay for TWO tickets.

I'm noticing none of you are heavily advocating the Triumph. Interesting.

[rednose83]

Originally Posted by pseudochicken

Yes, airfare is included where it is required. EVERYTHING is included. The tip, baggage, PARKING even. And airfare.


I would LOVE to do a seven day cruise from Florida to the Caribbean, but the price will go up quite substantially. Agreed that the price per day will be cheaper, but the price will be similar to the Baltimore cruise + the airfare.

FURTHERMORE, the reason why my airfare is cheap is because I've earned a free round trip flight with Southwest, so I'd only have to pay for 1 round trip ticket instead of two. However, January 3rd (the Sunday most of the 7-day cruise ships are leaving) is blacked out for that free flight.

So I'd have to pay for TWO tickets.

I'm noticing none of you are heavily advocating the Triumph. Interesting.

Can you fly on the 2nd? I'd look into a 7 day from FL. The pride itin is not that great. I voted for Imagination. Book the Legend for the 3rd and you'll sail with me

[estella15]

I agree with PP about looking at other ships that leave from Miami. DH and I will be on Liberty on Jan 2 leaving from Miami and doing 7 days to the western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios). The prices have been going up and down, but we got our balcony room plus airfare for 2 for about $1600. So if Jan 2 isn't blocked out on your free ticket, definitely check it out. Also, if blackout dates are an issue, you may want to consider flying in a day or 2 early and extending your vacation a bit that way. Good luck making your choice!

[Nunu]

For me sailing out of a northern port like that just wouldn't be that appealing in January. I agree with the suggestion to try and go out of miami.

[minncruisers]

We're sailing on the Valor Jan 10th because we did a comparison and it's the cheapest 7 day cruise we could find. We've done the same itinerary and we don't mind because we love to cruise so much.

Good luck with your decision.

[pseudochicken]

Yes, unfortunately, it HAS to be that first week in January because of Winter and all for my girlfriend in grad school.

I do see people's points with leaving from Baltimore in January being a bit too chilly, particularly since the ports of call could be chilly themselves.

When all said and done, those 7 day cruises are going to bump up the price to $2000 when parking, tip, shore excursions and spending money are all accounted for. I think that may be a bit more than I was thinking.

I am starting to think the Imagination might be the way to go. At least that way it'll be warm the whole time (I'd hope, ) and I'd spend the least amount of money.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Originally Posted by pseudochicken

Hello!

Carnival Imagination: 4-nights, Key West and Cozumel. Ocean View Room. Departs from Miami on January 4th. TOTAL COST: $1010. Convenience: "++"

Carnival Triumph: 5-nights, Progresso and Cozumel. BALCONY. Departs from New Orleans on January 4th. Total cost: $1370. Convenience: "+"

Carnival Pride: 7-nights, Port Canaveral (eh), Nassau, Freeport. Ocean View Room. Departs from BALTIMORE on January 3rd. Total cost: $1600. CONVENIENCE: "+++++"

You are both young. Imagination as a ship, and the itinerary is easily the best for your choices.
Pride is not the best ship for people your age.

My advice, book Imagination. Then you can easily find an inexpensive and convenient hotel nearby to extend the trip a day or two.
Use that to either get a day early to chill out and start the vacay early...
Or more importantly, use it to chill out, sleep in, and relax a day or two afterwards. Then you don't have that last early morning, not enough sleep, debarkation, get on a flight, get home exhaustion on the last day.

It's so great to debark the ship, check into a nearby hotel, chill out, extend the vacation and use MIAMI as an extra port!
Miami is a great place for a young couple for a day or two of extra vacation...
With Imagination and Miami, you can relax, but also have the opportunities to have a nightlife if you want. You can have both options.
Not much good nightlife in your other choices.

You might consider the age range and family situations of the people recommending different things in your poll here...
I don't think there's a lot of college couples that are excited about Pride's current offering (great for families, or people who go to bed really early)...
You're a young couple, Imagination is the only ship and itinerary that makes the most sense in your context!

[BigDoug]

Originally Posted by pseudochicken

Yes, unfortunately, it HAS to be that first week in January because of Winter and all for my girlfriend in grad school.

I do see people's points with leaving from Baltimore in January being a bit too chilly, particularly since the ports of call could be chilly themselves.

When all said and done, those 7 day cruises are going to bump up the price to $2000 when parking, tip, shore excursions and spending money are all accounted for. I think that may be a bit more than I was thinking.

I am starting to think the Imagination might be the way to go. At least that way it'll be warm the whole time (I'd hope, ) and I'd spend the least amount of money.

If you are a Maryland resident, the cost of the Pride should be under $1300 right now.

Sorry, I didn't see that you added parking and other expenses in your total. I like the Spirit class ships and voted for the Pride.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

PS Imagination has the over 21 adults only Serenity Deck, which is great for relaxing both day and night.
2 Hot tubs, and no kids!

[pseudochicken]

Originally Posted by Curt Jerome Wild

You are both young. Imagination as a ship, and the itinerary is easily the best for your choices.
Pride is not the best ship for people your age.

My advice, book Imagination. Then you can easily find an inexpensive and convenient hotel nearby to extend the trip a day or two.
Use that to either get a day early to chill out and start the vacay early...
Or more importantly, use it to chill out, sleep in, and relax a day or two afterwards. Then you don't have that last early morning, not enough sleep, debarkation, get on a flight, get home exhaustion on the last day.

It's so great to debark the ship, check into a nearby hotel, chill out, extend the vacation and use MIAMI as an extra port!
Miami is a great place for a young couple for a day or two of extra vacation...
With Imagination and Miami, you can relax, but also have the opportunities to have a nightlife if you want. You can have both options.
Not much good nightlife in your other choices.

You might consider the age range and family situations of the people recommending different things in your poll here...
I don't think there's a lot of college couples that are excited about Pride's current offering (great for families, or people who go to bed really early)...
You're a young couple, Imagination is the only ship and itinerary that makes the most sense in your context!

Thank you for your input Curt. You do bring up good points for the Imagination. We're not really into the whole party scene anymore, at least I'm not. But adding one extra day in Miami could be an extra source of relaxation. I had not thought of that.

Any good recommendations for a 1 night Hotel stay in either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? We'll be flying in and out from Ft. Lauderdale, not sure if that affects the whole scenario.

In my total cruise price, I DID account for transportation (including tip) from the airport to the pier. I understand there is a shuttle service that is not that expensive for the Miami area. Am I right?

[Bobbareeno]

We're sailing on the Carnival Miracle out of FLL on January 7th. Thats a Thursday so you may not be blacked out on that date with Southwest? It's an 8 day cruise. We booked a balcony but friends of ours booked a 4A inside for $1100 for the two of them. Not sure if the price is that low still, but to me we couldn't pass it up. Just food for thought. Hope you have a great cruise!

Bob

[pseudochicken]

Originally Posted by Bobbareeno

We're sailing on the Carnival Miracle out of FLL on January 7th. Thats a Thursday so you may not be blacked out on that date with Southwest? It's an 8 day cruise. We booked a balcony but friends of ours booked a 4A inside for $1100 for the two of them. Not sure if the price is that low still, but to me we couldn't pass it up. Just food for thought. Hope you have a great cruise!

Bob

That would be PERFECT in my opinion, but we need to be back by January 10th, since classes start up on January 11th. Thanks for your concern though Bob!