Never Cruised before

Hi, First time poster here. My wife and I have never cruised before, and I am trying to convince her to try it. This November is our 15th Anniversary and we are planning on going away. We were thinking about going to the Florida Keys, but for some reason Airline Tickets are very hight this year. So, I broached the subject of going on a cruise. We live in Southeast PA and it would be an easy ride to New York or New Jersey or even Baltimore. We arent rich, we are looking to spend under $2000. I guess my question is/are:

 

1. On a week long cruise is there enough to keep a couple busy?

2. Are the OV cabins really cramped?

3. We aren't very formal people, so, are formal suit and tie dinners required?

4. If the ship is full is it crowded?

 

My wife's questions are:

 

1. If she doesn't want to eat in the main dining room, can she eat elsewhere, and does it cost alot?

2. Is cruising safe? (Thinking Titanic here)

3. Seasickness?

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments in advance.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

1. Lots to do. Ship will have many activities on sea days. Most people are off enjoying the ports on port days. You can take an excursion offered by the ship, take a private one, or go off on your own. Yu can also relax on board if you want. You will get a schedule of the next days activities each evening.

2. All cabins are small :) We spend little time in our cabin other than sleeping and dressing

3. No, formal not required. Many liines have either eliminated or de-emphasised formal nights. You can also go to the buffet or get room service any night and not dress. Other options vary by cruise line and ship.

4. It can be crowded. Depends on the ship

Wife Q's.

1. See your number 3. Also, most lines have "Specialty Restaurants". They cost $20 to $75 per person. They are in addition to all the included places to eat.

2. Yes, there is a danger doing anything.

3. Some get it most do not.

Hello and Welcome to C.C.;

 

Cruising is very safe and there is always plenty to keep you busy.

Formal nights are not mandatory and you can eat anywhere you want for free (other than specialty resturants):D

Ocean View is no more crowded than a balcony room, you just dont have a balcony(something we must have)

Crowds vary by ship and ports of call, but you can always find a quiet place if you look hard enough.

We are advid cruisers so we may be a little one sided, we don't need a lot to make us happy, cruising is the best vacation on earth, give it a try, I think you will have a great time.

Call the cruise line tell them what you want and how much you would like to spend, they can give you a good idea of what will fit for your needs.

Enjoy your cruise and Have A Cocktail For Me...:eek:

Any more questions just ask, we are all here to help!!! C.G.

Hi, First time poster here. My wife and I have never cruised before, and I am trying to convince her to try it. This November is our 15th Anniversary and we are planning on going away. We were thinking about going to the Florida Keys, but for some reason Airline Tickets are very hight this year. So, I broached the subject of going on a cruise. We live in Southeast PA and it would be an easy ride to New York or New Jersey or even Baltimore. We arent rich, we are looking to spend under $2000. I guess my question is/are:

 

1. On a week long cruise is there enough to keep a couple busy?

2. Are the OV cabins really cramped?

3. We aren't very formal people, so, are formal suit and tie dinners required?

4. If the ship is full is it crowded?

 

My wife's questions are:

 

1. If she doesn't want to eat in the main dining room, can she eat elsewhere, and does it cost alot?

2. Is cruising safe? (Thinking Titanic here)

3. Seasickness?

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments in advance.

Welcome aboard. First things first, the $2,000 price is doable, but keep in mind that several things will be added on to the price you see on the cruise line's website or that of an online travel agency. You'll have to add on about $100 per person in "government taxes and fees," about another $100 in gratuities and probably some more in drinks and/or excursions. So a cruise that costs $699 on first glimpse easily becomes a $1,000 per person. Still, it's a great bargain compared to other weeklong vacations.

 

I think Paul answered your other questions nicely, so I'll just add that there has been only one Titanic. There have been some small and not-so-small problems with cruise ships, but really very few compared to the number of ships at sea at any given time. Enjoying life means taking a little chance once in a while, and this to me seems like a little chance indeed.

 

Jim

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Just like you we are not crazy about paying a lot of money to fly to get to a ship. (Not this year though)

We are from Ontario, Canada, and have enjoyed many cruises from New York (Manhattan, and Brooklyn), New Jersey side and Baltimore.

The other two responses have answered most of your questions. Maybe I can add to that.

First, A lot depends on where you want to go, and for how long.

 

You are cruising right near the end of Hurricane season, but do not let that scare you. Our first cruise left on Oct 28th, 1984, and ships were a lot smaller then and less stable. If there is danger to the ship and passengers, they will decided to go a different route and avoid trouble. This is a lot better than a land-based vacation, where you are stuck there and have to bear with it.

 

Manhattan and Brooklyn ports offer 6 and 7 day cruises to Canada and New England (loved it - Carnival Triumph at the time), 7 days to Bermuda (really loved it), 8 and longer days to bahamas and carribean (loved them too - Norwegian Gem and Carnival Miracle at the time).

New Jersey offers 9 days and longer to the carribean (ours was 12 nights - great cruise - Explorer of the seas)

Baltimore offered a 7 night to the bahamas (Very nice cruise - Carnival Pride).

 

By far the most spacious normal cabins are offered by Carnival at 185 sqft, others are generally around 150 - 160 sqft.

 

For your first cruise, I would suggest you look for a Travel Agent that specializes in cruises, so that your planning questions can be answered and later on, once you are hooked on cruising like all of us on cruise critic, then you will be more comfortable to plan your own

 

If you have other questions, feel free to ask.

 

Have fun on your first cruise.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You've taken a great first step in planning a cruise vacation. To answer your concerns in order:

1) There is more than enough to do, or not do, on a cruise. The Cruise Directors staff is fantastic at making your vacation a special one.

2)Most all cabins are compact. But to be very honest you will probably sleep and change clothes in your cabin. You'll be too busy to spend a lot of time there. An ocean view is a good choice for a first cruise, not as expensive as a balcony but you do benefit from natural light.

3) Depending on the line you choose, a shirt and tie are acceptable attire for "formal" night. You will see tuxes and gowns but that is becoming the exception with suits and sports coats more the norm. And if you don't want to go to the Main Dining Room (MDR) there are many options available to eat, a lot at no additional cost.

4) The ship can seem crowded at times, especially on embarkation day, but that quickly passes as the cabins are open for passengers and sailaway has taken place. We were on Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship, and never felt crowded except for that first afternoon.

 

Now for The Bosses questions:

1) See #3 above. The buffet is a great alternative dining option no matter what night.

2) A cruise ship is probably the safest place on earth. But, the folks that sail with you may not be the most honorable. I worry (and I don't) more about the humans than the ship itself. There are many, many systems in place ti ensure your safety but you are ultimately responsible for your own safety as well. YOU ARE NO LESS SAFE ON A SHIP AS YOU WOULD BE AT HOME. As far as a "Titanic" or Concordia thing. These are the vast exceptions. Concordia was an example of human error and so was Titanic, just a different scenario. Laws have changed a lot since then. Instead of not enough life boats there are now enough for 110% of everyone on board. I never worry, but I do attend the Muster Drill and pay attention, even after 13 cruises.

3) Seasickness is always around but with the new ships it has become almost a thing of the past. If you are susceptible to motion sickness there are many techniques you can employ to quell any queasy feelings. Bonine, Dramamine are among the drugs you might use. We prefer to go with ginger in capsule form. Check with your doctor to find what may be best for you.

 

Hopefully this helps. Keep "cruising" the boards for a plethora of knowledge available on every thing cruise related.

 

As far as booking might I suggest a "brick & mortar" Travel Agent (TA) you feel comfortable with. Make sure they know cruising and are a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Agency) this is an agency that "rides herd " on the industry and certifies TA's.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am stuck between NCL and Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean out of Bayonne NJ would be the closest. And my Dad lives in north Jersey so he could probably drive us to the terminal. At our Anniversary date the cruise on RC is to Bermuda. 7 Nights. Does anyone know about the Explorer of the Seas? Will the weather be comfortable in Bermuda in late October/Early November? If we choose not to take a sponsored excursion ashore, can we just leave the ship on our own? Do we need a passport to do that?

 

I tell my DW that cruise lines are very safe. That air travel is far more risky, but she has no problem flying. I think the fact that we haven't cruised before, and the unknowns of cruising is what she fears, rather than the actual safety of the ship.

 

Thanks again for the replies.

If you drive to the port you can book a cruise for about (1,400). The ov isn't much better than an inside cabin, both will be small. You will love cruising, most people never do any other vacations. You can eat at any number of different locations. You will always be able to find something to keep you busy. And you will be seeing the world. ;)

Hi again,

 

A passport is needed anytime you travel outside the U.S.:(

N.C.L & R.C. are both fine ships with lots to do and very good food selections. Be ready for the time of your life!!!:D C.G.

Hi again,

 

A passport is needed anytime you travel outside the U.S.:(

N.C.L & R.C. are both fine ships with lots to do and very good food selections. Be ready for the time of your life!!!:D C.G.

THis is INCORRECT. A passport is not required if you are taking a closed loop cruise. If you are a US Citizen. That is a cruise that starts and ends in the same US port. It only goes to countries listed in the Western Hemisphere Initiative. These are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, etc. For these cruises, you can sail with an original copy of your birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.

 

Note that should there be a problem such as missed the ship, or an emergency requiring to to fly from another country, you could not do so until you got a pasport.

I have been on the Explorer of the Seas twice now. Great ship! Love the solarium- adult pool area. Bermuda is wonderful. You don't need to book excursions you can get a bus pass to use for the time you are there. We take the bus to Horseshoe Beach...beautiful beach. You can also take the ferry to Hamilton. I have done inside, outside and balcony cabins. When money is alittle tight I just book inside...not really doing much in cabin except sleeping and showering. Formal nights, you can eat at the Windjammer Buffet, lots of choices there. You don't have to get all dressed up for formal to eat in the main dining room, just a little dressier. Your wife could wear slacks with a pretty top.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am stuck between NCL and Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean out of Bayonne NJ would be the closest.

 

The Explorer gets high marks by most that have cruised her.

 

We have done it twice, loved it, easy drive to Bayonne.

 

I have a link with pictures from our last cruise in my signature, take a look, and you will get a very good idea of what the EOS cruise has to offer.

 

Only difference is we did the 9 day, only one day in Bermuda.

1. On a week long cruise is there enough to keep a couple busy?

Absolutely. Especially if you go on Excursions. But over time we've found that while we're terrible at doing nothing on land, we're very skilled at doing nothing on a ship. One thing we've never done is gotten bored.

 

2. Are the OV cabins really cramped?

Cabins are small. The secret FOR ME (you might be different) to not be cramped in a small space is to unpack carefully and keep things somewhat neat and orderly.

 

3. We aren't very formal people, so, are formal suit and tie dinners required?

No, you can eat in the buffet or your cabin (included in the price) or for a small surcharge in specialty restaurants

 

4. If the ship is full is it crowded?

Yes and no. If you go to get off the ship the moment it arrives in port - it will be crowded. If you get to the main dining room right before one of the set serving times, there will be a line until the MDR opens. If you get to the theater right before they open the doors, there is a line.

 

But generally no.

 

1. If she doesn't want to eat in the main dining room, can she eat elsewhere, and does it cost alot?

The buffet is free for every meal. Room service is available but it's nice to tip the server. Depending on the ship there are other free eating venues and some small extra charge venues (less than it would be to eat out in that type of restaurant on shore).

 

2. Is cruising safe? (Thinking Titanic here)

Statistically yes - very. Can you fall down in the shower and hurt yourself? Sure.

 

3. Seasickness?

Yes it exists. There are great meds to avoid it. Talk to your doctor. BUT remember the cruise you're talking about - NJ to Bermuda is open Atlantic ocean for a while. The Atlantic can get rough. The big ships are very very stable and honestly sometimes a slight rocking will cause bigger sea sickness problems than a very rough sea in some people.

 

you're best bet is to talk to your Doc (and read the threads here about OTC meds) and prevent it. Curing sea sickness is harder than preventing it.

 

And bottom line the ships' doctors have meds that can cure it - but again, you'll already have been miserable - best to avoid it entirely.

There are already alot of great advice by other posters on this thread but i'll add my two cents.

 

My wife and two kids once did a 7 day from Tampa for $1300 TOTAL! So a cheap under $2000 cruise is very possible.

 

If you want some easy tips to save money... Don't drink too much, don't gamble and don't buy every photo that you appear in! Those tips alone will save you lots of money :)

Hi, First time poster here. My wife and I have never cruised before, and I am trying to convince her to try it. This November is our 15th Anniversary and we are planning on going away. We were thinking about going to the Florida Keys, but for some reason Airline Tickets are very hight this year. So, I broached the subject of going on a cruise. We live in Southeast PA and it would be an easy ride to New York or New Jersey or even Baltimore. We aren't rich, we are looking to spend under $2000. I guess my question is/are:

 

1. On a week long cruise is there enough to keep a couple busy? Theres a lot to do. My favorite cruise line for price, value and experience is Carnival. They have on any given day in addition to visiting ports of call: Las Vegas Style show, Comedy Club with 2-3 shows, Karaoke, Salsa Club, Disco, Piano Bar, Trivia, Bingo, Casino, Pools, hot tubs, Gym, water slide, mini-golf, other pool side games, and of course 24 hour food.

2. Are the OV cabins really cramped? Ocean view cabins on Carnival range from 185 sq ft to 220 sq ft and are larger than on most cruise lines. Not cramped at all for 2 people.

3. We aren't very formal people, so, are formal suit and tie dinners required? No. On formal night they do recommend a jacket for the guys and nice pantsuit or dress for ladies but I've seen people enter the formal dining room wearing Polo shirt and Khakis.

4. If the ship is full is it crowded? Yes all cruise ships are fairly crowded except on sea days when everyone is ashore.

 

My wife's questions are:

 

1. If she doesn't want to eat in the main dining room, can she eat elsewhere, and does it cost alot? There are usually at least one pay resturants (cost approx $35-$45) but I find plenty to enjoy in the Main dining rooms (Carnival has lobster one night and other Gormet foods in the main dining rooms).

2. Is cruising safe? (Thinking Titanic here) You are in much more danger driving your car than you are cruising.

3. Seasickness? The ships are so large that they are like big floating cities. If you are prone to motion sickness they make medications that can take care of this. For instance the Scopalamine patch is stuck behind the ear and works for 3 days. The motion is less in the center and lower levels of the ship so a lower level inner room or at least a lower level OV would be least problematic for most people.

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments in advance.

 

You can sail on Carnival Miracle for the Nov 14-22 cruise to Bahamas:

 

8 Night Bahamas Cruise

• Depart: New York,
  
• New York
  
• Wed, Nov 14, 2012
  

• Return: New York,
  
• New York
  
• Thu, Nov 22, 2012
  

• Ship Name: Carnival Miracle
  
• Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
  
• Stateroom: 8C,
  
• Balcony
  

Details:

Stateroom: $1,058.00

Taxes & Fees: $235.98

Total Cruise Price: $1,293.98 for 2 people.

 

This is well below your $2000 budget which leaves you with some money for booze, tours, and specialty resturants.

Above is based on a computer search done at 2:16pm on 7/16/2012 and prices can change at any time.

as cheap as $ 499 for a 7 day to Bahamas! Plenty of room for tips, an excursion or two, a few drinks.

 

May be a little chilly going to and from, but nice there.

We have been on the Explorer of the Seas and we are going back on her in December of this year. It's a great ship. Alot to do. Once you start cruising you will get hooked. We always go on our anniversary in December. If you tell the Matre D they will do something special for you at dinner. My husband and I are going on Explorer this December for 10 nights and its only costing us $1300.00 total with port charges and taxes. It is doable to have a great vacation and not spend that much money. If you have someone dropping you off at the port I would say its a no brainer. You don't have to fly, the cost is great and you will have a blast! Go for it!!:)

We have been on the Explorer of the Seas and we are going back on her in December of this year. It's a great ship. Alot to do. Once you start cruising you will get hooked. We always go on our anniversary in December. If you tell the Matre D they will do something special for you at dinner. My husband and I are going on Explorer this December for 10 nights and its only costing us $1300.00 total with port charges and taxes. It is doable to have a great vacation and not spend that much money. If you have someone dropping you off at the port I would say its a no brainer. You don't have to fly, the cost is great and you will have a blast! Go for it!!:)

 

Only problem with this is that the prices are no longer that low. The least expensive Balcony stateroom during November (the date of the OPs Anniversery) on Explorer of the Sea would cost $3198 with room, tax and port charges. Even the Ocean view would cost more than the Balcony on Carnival. The only thing RCCL has that Carnival does not is smaller rooms and a higher price. Some ships have an ice skating rink and rock climbing wall. If you like to Ice skate or climb you might want to go the extra expense. Otherwise save your money.

Only problem with this is that the prices are no longer that low. The least expensive Balcony stateroom during November (the date of the OPs Anniversery) on Explorer of the Sea would cost $3198 with room, tax and port charges. Even the Ocean view would cost more than the Balcony on Carnival. The only thing RCCL has that Carnival does not is smaller rooms and a higher price. Some ships have an ice skating rink and rock climbing wall. If you like to Ice skate or climb you might want to go the extra expense. Otherwise save your money.

Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion about which cruise line they like. The OP asked about the Explorer and I was just giving my opinion about that ship. It is possible to get a great rate on RCL. And I was just encouraging his idea about taking a cruise over a land vacation. I don't understand your hostility tward me for just giving my opinion. If you like Carnival good for you, go on Carnival and have a blast too. My goodness, why can't people just be kind and appreciate everyone has there own feelings and opinions.

If you are not sure about cruising, you can try a shorter one to start with. Keep in mind, the really short cruises on Carnival tend to be a party atmosphere. But a 5day might be a good way to test the waters.

 

Or, just do it and get addicted like the rest of us. Why, even my dad, who has a fear of water, now loves cruising. :cool:

Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion about which cruise line they like. The OP asked about the Explorer and I was just giving my opinion about that ship. It is possible to get a great rate on RCL. And I was just encouraging his idea about taking a cruise over a land vacation. I don't understand your hostility tward me for just giving my opinion. If you like Carnival good for you, go on Carnival and have a blast too. My goodness, why can't people just be kind and appreciate everyone has there own feelings and opinions.

 

No Hostility here! :confused: The OP asked about cruises for less than 2000 dollars out of his area, OV or better for their wedding aniversary in November. Mentioned the Explorer but I assumed that OP meant if it was within his budget. I just did a search and discovered that it would be impossible for them to get an OV or Balcony cabin on Explorer within their price range for this November. Not Hostility. Just a fact. If you know of a site where they can get the Explorer for the 1300 that they can get the 8 day Carnival then please let them know where but I was not able to find it.

No Hostility here! :confused: The OP asked about cruises for less than 2000 dollars out of his area, OV or better for their wedding aniversary in November. Mentioned the Explorer but I assumed that OP meant if it was within his budget. I just did a search and discovered that it would be impossible for them to get an OV or Balcony cabin on Explorer within their price range for this November. Not Hostility. Just a fact. If you know of a site where they can get the Explorer for the 1300 that they can get the 8 day Carnival then please let them know where but I was not able to find it.

 

I did find Explorer of the Seas Bermuda cruise within OPs budget if they don't mind going in October instead of their Aniversery month of November. :)

Hi, First time poster here. My wife and I have never cruised before, and I am trying to convince her to try it. This November is our 15th Anniversary and we are planning on going away. We were thinking about going to the Florida Keys, but for some reason Airline Tickets are very hight this year. So, I broached the subject of going on a cruise. We live in Southeast PA and it would be an easy ride to New York or New Jersey or even Baltimore. We arent rich, we are looking to spend under $2000. I guess my question is/are:

 

1. On a week long cruise is there enough to keep a couple busy?

2. Are the OV cabins really cramped?

3. We aren't very formal people, so, are formal suit and tie dinners required?

4. If the ship is full is it crowded?

 

My wife's questions are:

 

1. If she doesn't want to eat in the main dining room, can she eat elsewhere, and does it cost alot?

2. Is cruising safe? (Thinking Titanic here)

3. Seasickness?

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments in advance.

 

Try this web site for lots of great info about your ship! It includes ship newsletters that show dining options and times, activities, tips about the ship and many pictures of your ship! (ENJOY)!

 

http://www.beyondships.com/index.html