For new cruisers: some tips & thoughts Pt. 2- The Cruise Lines

Okay, you’ve decided to take your 1st cruise! Great! Fantastic! Outstanding! Now there are basically FIVE questions you must ask yourself:

Where Do You Want to go? Caribbean? Alaska? Europe?

When Do You Want to go?

What kind of cabin/ stateroom would you like? ( You can read about those in Pt. 1 thread OR read “Thanks, cruise ship balcony” in the “cabin selection tips “ section on these boards..)

How long would you like to cruise ? 3-5 nights? 7 Nights?

Perhaps the MOST difficult decision - Which cruise lines are best for me / us ??

This is NOT an easy question to answer because there are so many factors that you must consider before choosing a cruise line..before I go into them, please remember these are MY opinions based on 3 things: my own experiences on all but 2 of the mainstream lines ( Costa & MSC ) as both a cruise agent & avid cruiser, reviews here on Cruise Critic ( CC) , and reviews from friends & family NOT on CC..as stated in Pt 1, reviews here can be confusing, intimidating & I’m sure OVERWHELMING to many…isn’t that how you feel when you start looking here on CC and see & read SO MANY different reviews on the same ship of the same cruise line, even on the same cruise sailing date?? I know I was- I couldn’t believe how 20 different posters could have 20 different opinions on the same cruise ship on the same cruise date sailing..well, the reasons actually make sense..different cruisers have different REASONS to cruise. I.E., are you looking for a lot of activities on board, OR are you looking to relax & chill out a bit? Is entertainment & seeing all those Broadway style shows you hear about important to you? How about a casino & gambling? Do you like “fine dining” or are you satisfied with casual dining? Would you like “traditional” dining ( eating at fixed times like 6 or 8:30 PM) or the more popular “anytime” or “my time” dining when you choose what time & where you dine? Do you like to drink, or go dancing or go to lots of bars. lounges, or Pubs? What age group are you in? Would you prefer the passenger age to be close to yours or does it not matter? All of these are VERY GOOD questions to think about and most important, ALL cruise lines offer something to satisfy most, if not all of these qualities you are asking.

Here’s an example of 3 different types of cruisers and what they may look for:

Cruisers # 1 - a family of 4, parents in their 30’s ,kids are grammar school age, 1st cruise..

Cruisers # 2 - a couple in their 50’s, kids gone , likes entertainment , looking to relax & drink a little, likes lots of dining options ideas, been on several cruises already..maybe looking for a cruise with people in their age group..

Cruisers # 3 - 2-3 single passengers looking for LOTS of activities, not much $$, loves dancing, partying, food not important, likes gambling & drinking, 1st time cruisers…

As you can see, these are 3 different groups of cruisers with DIFFERENT NEEDS..I would suggest different cruise lines & ships for all 3..I.E., let’s look at cruisers # 1, the family- forgetting $$ and cost, I would right away think about Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, & MSC. Why? Because those cruise lines purposely try & attract families & younger cruisers.They do this by having slides at the pool, Flowriders ( surf simulators), Zip-Lines, specific kid’s pool areas, cartoon or kid’s characters on board , huge arcade & video rooms, 3D movie theaters & rides, etc… some of the other cruise lines like Holland American ( HAL), Princess, & Celebrity are all wonderful in their own way, BUT seem to cater & attract a more mature, older passenger clientele. It makes sense if you think about it…I would bring a 4-5 yr. old to the Magic Kingdom, but I would not bring the same age to EPCOT, right? Same here. BTW, yes, you will find seniors on Disney cruises ( Like us!), and you will find some young people on HAL, but those examples are the exception, not the rule.

So once you have determined what you are looking for in a cruise, now you can look at not only the cruise lines, but, more importantly, the SHIPS themselves because as you will see, there are HUGE differences in size, amenities, dining options, entertainment, etc. Let’s look at some obvious ones: RCI soon will have 7 different classes of ships. The Sovereign class is the oldest & smallest and the Oasis class the largest..the Majesty of the Seas is 74,000 tons has one dining room, one pool & 2 hot tubs, and about 5-6 bars & lounges..the 2 Oasis class ships are 225,000 tons, have 10 pools & 16 hot tubs, 24 dining options, 16 bars & lounges, a zip-line, rock climbing wall, mini golf, adult pool area, Flowriders, Central Park, Boardwalk with a Carousel, a diving show & ice-skating show, and much more. Norwegian at one time all had smaller ships, from 77,000 tons to 93,000..now, the last 3 ships have been from 146,000 to 154,000 and have elaborate musicals & shows , dozens of dining options ( known as “Freestyle cruising”) and complex pool areas with slides and lots of activities at the pool..

How about cruisers # 2? The couple in their 50’s, no kids , likes entertainment , been on several cruises, and very important: they would like a cruise with people in their age group- they want less kids & young families, fewer young adults & singles,etc.. etc…for this couple one would think of Celebrity, Holland American & Princess..These cruise lines & ships tend to be more elegant & upscale and less “glitzy” or “Vegas” style…they are more “traditional” , and ships are a smaller than the giants at RCI & Norwegian , which many passengers, especially Seniors, find appealing ( some older passengers find mega ships confusing & intimidating)..the latest Celebrity Solstice class ships ( there are 5 ) , latest Princess ships ( Royal & Regal Princess) and the last 2 HAL ships ( Eurodam & Nieuw Amsterdam ) are all very appealing & combine both tradition & modern perqs..what you won’t find on most of these ships are the kid’s slides & fun zones , and mostly the differences are that the other cruise lines are active till 1, 2 even 3 AM, while the last 3 I mentioned often ( but not always..) close down earlier , perhaps by 11 or midnight…This is one of the concepts you must think about: is activities & entertainment important to you? Are you OK with dinner, a show, maybe drinks at a pub or bar, then to bed? Or after the show, do you want to visit many bars, dance, maybe gamble, & stay out late?

Which brings us to cruisers # 3 - the singles…from what I’ve said so far, what cruise line do you think I would recommend? If you said Carnival, RCI, or Norwegian , you are correct ! In fact, Norwegian was the first mainstream cruise line to build SOLO cabins on their latest ships- it started with the Epic, then the Breakaway, and now the Getaway. These cabins are small, about 100 square feet ( normal insides are 119-170) , BUT , I’ve seen them and they are comfortable for one..there’s a shower, flat screen TV , double bed, AND Norwegian even has a solo bar/ lounge & singles activities scheduled every cruise. It’s a great idea because until this happened, one would have to pay between 150-175% EXTRA for a cabin..remember cabin prices are based on DOUBLE occupancy …now RCI are putting single cabins on their new Quantum class ships, which debut in Nov of this year…I believe this will catch on & most cruise lines will include these solo cabins in future builds..

A word on Carnival: some people love Carnival, some hate them…very divided on CC..their newest ships ( Breeze, Magic & Dream) have had good reviews..their strengths are decent pricing & very good variety of itineraries, lost of activities on board, all- around fun, and the 3 G’s here are apparent: glitz, glamour, and gambling, constant upbeat music, etc…if this doesn’t appeal to you, Carnival may not be right for you- this is why many young people like Carnival- they are NOT hear to relax or chill, they are here to have fun & be active…to me, Carnival would be the opposite of HAL…both are well packaged and offer a lot to cruisers - just in different ways…next up what to do next after you’ve decided where, when, how long, and which cruise line is best for me / us…any questions or comments, please let me know..I’m sure I’ve forgotten something you may want to know…Happy Cruising!!

Big Al

Nicely put big al!

Very well put as suggestion box

Love it

Must have taken you ages to write

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Nicely put big al!

Very well put as suggestion box

Love it

Must have taken you ages to write

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you both...it did take about 3 hours to write ( on WORD 1st, then I paste..) , same as my Pt. 1..a newbie I was talking to was trying to write all my suggestions down on paper and said, "you really should post some of these thoughts & opinions down on CC- they are really helpful"...so I did...18 years of being an agent PLUS cruising since 1990, that's a lot of info AND cruising & ships have changed sooooo much since then, hasn't it? Ib 1990, biggest ships were 70-73,000 tons, one dining room & fixed times, one pool & 3 hot tubs ( all packed), no kid's areas, no slides, AND no balconies ( other than a few luxury ships)...

Big Al

Both parts were very informative even for a non-newbie. Thank you for taking the time to write them.

Both parts were very informative even for a non-newbie. Thank you for taking the time to write them.

You are very welcome..thank you for reading them!

Okay, you’ve decided to take your 1st cruise! Great! Fantastic! Outstanding! Now there are basically FIVE questions you must ask yourself:

 

Where Do You Want to go? Caribbean? Alaska? Europe?

When Do You Want to go?

What kind of cabin/ stateroom would you like? ( You can read about those in Pt. 1 thread OR read “Thanks, cruise ship balcony” in the “cabin selection tips “ section on these boards..)

How long would you like to cruise ? 3-5 nights? 7 Nights?

Perhaps the MOST difficult decision - Which cruise lines are best for me / us ??

 

This is NOT an easy question to answer because there are so many factors that you must consider before choosing a cruise line..before I go into them, please remember these are MY opinions based on 3 things: my own experiences on all but 2 of the mainstream lines ( Costa & MSC ) as both a cruise agent & avid cruiser, reviews here on Cruise Critic ( CC) , and reviews from friends & family NOT on CC..as stated in Pt 1, reviews here can be confusing, intimidating & I’m sure OVERWHELMING to many…isn’t that how you feel when you start looking here on CC and see & read SO MANY different reviews on the same ship of the same cruise line, even on the same cruise sailing date?? I know I was- I couldn’t believe how 20 different posters could have 20 different opinions on the same cruise ship on the same cruise date sailing..well, the reasons actually make sense..different cruisers have different REASONS to cruise. I.E., are you looking for a lot of activities on board, OR are you looking to relax & chill out a bit? Is entertainment & seeing all those Broadway style shows you hear about important to you? How about a casino & gambling? Do you like “fine dining” or are you satisfied with casual dining? Would you like “traditional” dining ( eating at fixed times like 6 or 8:30 PM) or the more popular “anytime” or “my time” dining when you choose what time & where you dine? Do you like to drink, or go dancing or go to lots of bars. lounges, or Pubs? What age group are you in? Would you prefer the passenger age to be close to yours or does it not matter? All of these are VERY GOOD questions to think about and most important, ALL cruise lines offer something to satisfy most, if not all of these qualities you are asking.

 

Here’s an example of 3 different types of cruisers and what they may look for:

Cruisers # 1 - a family of 4, parents in their 30’s ,kids are grammar school age, 1st cruise..

Cruisers # 2 - a couple in their 50’s, kids gone , likes entertainment , looking to relax & drink a little, likes lots of dining options ideas, been on several cruises already..maybe looking for a cruise with people in their age group..

Cruisers # 3 - 2-3 single passengers looking for LOTS of activities, not much $$, loves dancing, partying, food not important, likes gambling & drinking, 1st time cruisers…

 

As you can see, these are 3 different groups of cruisers with DIFFERENT NEEDS..I would suggest different cruise lines & ships for all 3..I.E., let’s look at cruisers # 1, the family- forgetting $$ and cost, I would right away think about Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, & MSC. Why? Because those cruise lines purposely try & attract families & younger cruisers.They do this by having slides at the pool, Flowriders ( surf simulators), Zip-Lines, specific kid’s pool areas, cartoon or kid’s characters on board , huge arcade & video rooms, 3D movie theaters & rides, etc… some of the other cruise lines like Holland American ( HAL), Princess, & Celebrity are all wonderful in their own way, BUT seem to cater & attract a more mature, older passenger clientele. It makes sense if you think about it…I would bring a 4-5 yr. old to the Magic Kingdom, but I would not bring the same age to EPCOT, right? Same here. BTW, yes, you will find seniors on Disney cruises ( Like us!), and you will find some young people on HAL, but those examples are the exception, not the rule.

 

So once you have determined what you are looking for in a cruise, now you can look at not only the cruise lines, but, more importantly, the SHIPS themselves because as you will see, there are HUGE differences in size, amenities, dining options, entertainment, etc. Let’s look at some obvious ones: RCI soon will have 7 different classes of ships. The Sovereign class is the oldest & smallest and the Oasis class the largest..the Majesty of the Seas is 74,000 tons has one dining room, one pool & 2 hot tubs, and about 5-6 bars & lounges..the 2 Oasis class ships are 225,000 tons, have 10 pools & 16 hot tubs, 24 dining options, 16 bars & lounges, a zip-line, rock climbing wall, mini golf, adult pool area, Flowriders, Central Park, Boardwalk with a Carousel, a diving show & ice-skating show, and much more. Norwegian at one time all had smaller ships, from 77,000 tons to 93,000..now, the last 3 ships have been from 146,000 to 154,000 and have elaborate musicals & shows , dozens of dining options ( known as “Freestyle cruising”) and complex pool areas with slides and lots of activities at the pool..

 

How about cruisers # 2? The couple in their 50’s, no kids , likes entertainment , been on several cruises, and very important: they would like a cruise with people in their age group- they want less kids & young families, fewer young adults & singles,etc.. etc…for this couple one would think of Celebrity, Holland American & Princess..These cruise lines & ships tend to be more elegant & upscale and less “glitzy” or “Vegas” style…they are more “traditional” , and ships are a smaller than the giants at RCI & Norwegian , which many passengers, especially Seniors, find appealing ( some older passengers find mega ships confusing & intimidating)..the latest Celebrity Solstice class ships ( there are 5 ) , latest Princess ships ( Royal & Regal Princess) and the last 2 HAL ships ( Eurodam & Nieuw Amsterdam ) are all very appealing & combine both tradition & modern perqs..what you won’t find on most of these ships are the kid’s slides & fun zones , and mostly the differences are that the other cruise lines are active till 1, 2 even 3 AM, while the last 3 I mentioned often ( but not always..) close down earlier , perhaps by 11 or midnight…This is one of the concepts you must think about: is activities & entertainment important to you? Are you OK with dinner, a show, maybe drinks at a pub or bar, then to bed? Or after the show, do you want to visit many bars, dance, maybe gamble, & stay out late?

 

Which brings us to cruisers # 3 - the singles…from what I’ve said so far, what cruise line do you think I would recommend? If you said Carnival, RCI, or Norwegian , you are correct ! In fact, Norwegian was the first mainstream cruise line to build SOLO cabins on their latest ships- it started with the Epic, then the Breakaway, and now the Getaway. These cabins are small, about 100 square feet ( normal insides are 119-170) , BUT , I’ve seen them and they are comfortable for one..there’s a shower, flat screen TV , double bed, AND Norwegian even has a solo bar/ lounge & singles activities scheduled every cruise. It’s a great idea because until this happened, one would have to pay between 150-175% EXTRA for a cabin..remember cabin prices are based on DOUBLE occupancy …now RCI are putting single cabins on their new Quantum class ships, which debut in Nov of this year…I believe this will catch on & most cruise lines will include these solo cabins in future builds..

 

A word on Carnival: some people love Carnival, some hate them…very divided on CC..their newest ships ( Breeze, Magic & Dream) have had good reviews..their strengths are decent pricing & very good variety of itineraries, lost of activities on board, all- around fun, and the 3 G’s here are apparent: glitz, glamour, and gambling, constant upbeat music, etc…if this doesn’t appeal to you, Carnival may not be right for you- this is why many young people like Carnival- they are NOT hear to relax or chill, they are here to have fun & be active…to me, Carnival would be the opposite of HAL…both are well packaged and offer a lot to cruisers - just in different ways…next up what to do next after you’ve decided where, when, how long, and which cruise line is best for me / us…any questions or comments, please let me know..I’m sure I’ve forgotten something you may want to know…Happy Cruising!!

 

Big Al

Ok, Big Al do the cruise you or ( they like) , I'm sure you will have a good time. Nothing is Taj Mahal

We are first time cruisers in our 50s. We chose RCI Independence 8 night. We are not big drinkers or partiers and don't have a great desire to be around children. Did we make the wrong choice? The folks on the roll call seem to be a great bunch.

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

We are first time cruisers in our 50s. We chose RCI Independence 8 night. We are not big drinkers or partiers and don't have a great desire to be around children. Did we make the wrong choice? The folks on the roll call seem to be a great bunch.

 

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

When determining how many children will be on board your cruise, TIME of year is the most important thing- as I said in my 1st post, ANYTIME the kids are on vacation ( summer, Thanksgiving week, X-Mas & New Year's eve week, & Spring Break), you will find the ships more crowded..the Independence is a GREAT choice, but WHEN is your cruise date?

When on the Independence, don't miss:

*Sitting in the hot tubs in the Adult Solarium pool ( deck 11)..they stick out a bit & great views of the sea ( do it on a Sea day!!)

* See the ice skating shows in Studio B ( decks 3 & 4)

* Have a drink in the British Pub when they have a singer at night in there ( you can sit outside & see all the people going by on the Royal Promenade)

* Dine one night in Chops or Portifinos ( might be Giovanni's), deck 11..specialty restaurant for $35 pp or $25 pp..much better food, better ambiance ( get a table for 2 by a window over-looking the sea- fantastic!)

* Go to the Schooner Bar on deck 4..piano guy in there..also good trivia contests

* If you want, try the Flowrider surf simulator on your tummy ( safer at our age..)..lots of fun..deck 13 aft...

* If they have the 70's retro party in the Royal Promenade, don't miss... lots of 70's music & good fun..

* Go to the shows at night in the main theater..

* Go for a stroll after dinner OUTSIDE on deck 5 around the ship & see the ocean & moonlight, stars, etc..very romantic...

* Boleros on deck 4 for latin music , if you like that stuff ( I do, I have a latin wife, no choice.)

Any questions/ comments let me know..hope this helps...

Alan

Ooh thanks for all of the great hints. Our cruise is the first week of March. I think spring break comes a bit after that.

In any case, I am so excited and determined to enjoy as much as possible.

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

Ooh thanks for all of the great hints. Our cruise is the first week of March. I think spring break comes a bit after that.

In any case, I am so excited and determined to enjoy as much as possible.

 

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

Correct, you should miss the Spring Break crowd...any more questions, please ask..I 've done 12 RCI cruises and 9 have been on the class you are going on plus the slightly smaller Voyager ships...

Big Al

P.S.- remember when reading CC reviews on here that FOOD, service & entertainment are very subjective....BTW, did you get a balcony cabin?

Correct, you should miss the Spring Break crowd...any more questions, please ask..I 've done 12 RCI cruises and 9 have been on the class you are going on plus the slightly smaller Voyager ships...

 

Big Al

 

P.S.- remember when reading CC reviews on here that FOOD, service & entertainment are very subjective....BTW, did you get a balcony cabin?

Yes we did get a balcony cabin. And I do understand that everyone has different expectations. I don't expect perfection. I am not expecting much from the food as I usually prefer my own cooking to going out to dinner. :) But not having to shop, cook, and clean makes it worthwhile to me.

And I recognize that patience and understanding and kindness go a long way in treating people well and being treated well. I think we shall have a wonderful time.

Yes we did get a balcony cabin. And I do understand that everyone has different expectations. I don't expect perfection. I am not expecting much from the food as I usually prefer my own cooking to going out to dinner. :) But not having to shop, cook, and clean makes it worthwhile to me.

And I recognize that patience and understanding and kindness go a long way in treating people well and being treated well. I think we shall have a wonderful time.

Great that you got a balcony cabin!! Now read my thread on balconies called,"Thanks, cruise ship balcony, a commentary"..it has over 26,000 views on the "cabin selection tips" section, and the responses will inspire you ,especially #'s 12,13,15,16,20,27,28,32,66,87,114,132,146,160 & 184..the post numbers are at the top right...if you can, either print this out, or take notes & bring with you on your cruise..you won't regret this:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947393

Big Al

Great that you got a balcony cabin!! Now read my thread on balconies called,"Thanks, cruise ship balcony, a commentary"..it has over 26,000 views on the "cabin selection tips" section, and the responses will inspire you ,especially #'s 12,13,15,16,20,27,28,32,66,87,114,132,146,160 & 184..the post numbers are at the top right...if you can, either print this out, or take notes & bring with you on your cruise..you won't regret this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947393

 

Big Al

Ok I took the time to read through that thread. (Meanwhile, my husband is asking me why I am spending so much time on the computer lately. Cruise Critic is to blame.)

I don't need any more convincing that a balcony is worth the extra expense. I really don't even like to spend much time in our nicely finished basement because there aren't windows. I am looking forward to quiet enjoyable times on our balcony on the sea.

Both parts were very informative even for a non-newbie. Thank you for taking the time to write them.

Yes. :D

This has been so helpful, we are taking our first cruise this November (next month) to celebrate our 40th Anniversary & my birthday. I'm a little scared and excited all at the same time :)

I also have been spending a lot of time looking at CC for information, tips and just to get some kind of ideas on what to do on excursions. Thanks to everyone who puts information on here it's a great help to me, with it being our first time on a cruise.

This has been so helpful, we are taking our first cruise this November (next month) to celebrate our 40th Anniversary & my birthday. I'm a little scared and excited all at the same time :)

I also have been spending a lot of time looking at CC for information, tips and just to get some kind of ideas on what to do on excursions. Thanks to everyone who puts information on here it's a great help to me, with it being our first time on a cruise.

Islandcrazy: I know it's a little scary with ALL the info you read, but most important thing to remember- no matter what, you STILL have no cooking, cleaning,WORK, etc..if your biggest worry is what to do on Caribbean island, that's not too bad, LOL...a few things: have you gone on the "ports of call" boards & look at things to do? Let me know...if not, I will tell you where it is..2nd: If you tell me what ship & what ports you are visiting, I may be able to help..3rd: what kind of cabin do you have ( inside, balcony, etc..)..that makes a BIG difference in your cruise experience...let me know...

Big Al

Thanks, I will look at the Port calls. We are going on The NCL Getaway out of Miami.

My wonderful husband booked a mini suite, thinking it might be a little more room lol.

Thanks, I will look at the Port calls. We are going on The NCL Getaway out of Miami.

My wonderful husband booked a mini suite, thinking it might be a little more room lol.

Great! You are both in for a treat..first, congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary..and also your birthday! 2nd, please read my thread on balconies & how to maximize your balcony experience & along with the responses below it..so many good responses:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947393

I would either print OT jot down some of these ideas & take with you on your cruise...3rd, NCL is known for 2 things: specialty restaurants & entertainment...I will make these recommendations based on my visit to the Getaway along with some friends who went on her:

DON'T MISS: Le Bistro ( French fine dining) very romantic & killer escargots & fruit fondue for dessert..

For steak, Cagney's ( Prime steakhouse) or Moderno's ( Brazilian- lots of beef)

For Seafood, try Ocean Blue ( a bit more $$ , but the Dover Sole fantastic)

BIG FAV: Teppanyaki Japanese Steakhouse..Hibachi style, cook the food at your table, lots of fun & great food!

Casual dining: O Sheehan's 24/7 Irish Pub..free fish & chips & dee-licious!!

Shows: Don't miss Illusionarium dinner show ( if you like magic & illusions)

Also Legally Blonde show

Jazz club & sports bar, & Grammy show

** have a drink OR dine OUTSIDE on the Waterfront, on deck 8- very romantic & great views of the sea**

** You should consider getting the "Ultimate Dining Package", which is $119 PP and let's you dine at ALL the specialty venues ( except Ocean Blue, which is discounted)..that's $17 PP only instead of the mediocre & sometimes boring main dining room ( also known as the "MDR")

My opinion is this being a special cruise for TWO celebrations, you should really try some of these specialty venues..My favs are Le Bistro, Teppanyaki & Cagney's..any questions, let me know..please read the balcony thread, you won't regret it, promise!

Big Al

Thanks. He booked LeBistro for our Anniversary dinner. And we plan on going to shows.

My first European cruise in November combines the Eastern and Western Mediterranean on Norwegian Jade. It's a challenge to get everything I want see on this cruise and still be able to walk. My cabin balcony is in on the 9th level mid ship. I hope it is a good choice. I also hope the weather won't be too hot or rain too much. I guess I am asking a lot!! Has anyone been in the Mediterranean in November? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Gitsugirl.

My first European cruise in November combines the Eastern and Western Mediterranean on Norwegian Jade. It's a challenge to get everything I want see on this cruise and still be able to walk. My cabin balcony is in on the 9th level mid ship. I hope it is a good choice. I also hope the weather won't be too hot or rain too much. I guess I am asking a lot!! Has anyone been in the Mediterranean in November? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Gitsugirl.

Gitsugirl- For sure, it won't be HOT at all in Nov in the Mediteranean! Max, I would think will be 55-60 F..deck 9 mid ship is PERFECT on the Jade...if you can, try some of the specialty restaurants on the Jade:my favs include Le Bistro ( French, very romantic, great views of the sea!), Teppanyaki, a Japanese Steakhouse, Hibachi style ( cook food in front of you- lots of fun & great food!) ,and Cagney's, a traditonal steakhouse. Make sure you eat OUTSIDE ( if not too cold) in the Garden Cafe ( buffet area for breakfast & lunch) on deck 12..I also like the Spinnaker Lounge on deck 13...Make sure you research the ports on the "ports of call" section, then click on "Europe" or "Mediteranean" and look at the individual ports...you can also use Tripadvisor.com for more info on cities...any more info/ questions let me know...congrats on your first cruise and you should read my thread on balcony cabins ( a few posts before this, page 1)..lots of info there on maximizing your cruise experience with a balcony...Have a great cruise!

Big Al

Both parts were very informative even for a non-newbie. Thank you for taking the time to write them.

great job.

great job.

Thank You!