inexpensive "classy" carribbean cruise??

My best friend is engaged and wants to go on a cruise (probably in August 2013) with her fiancee that goes to both St. Thomas and St. Maarten. They want to get married at St. Thomas, but also want to go to St. Maarten :) ...Probably around a week long cruise would be good?

It seems that a lot of cruise lines (like Princess) only offer Caribbean cruises during the colder months, so I've been comparing Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I don't know about a lot of cruise lines.

Can anyone suggest a CLASSIER type cruise line/ship that is still AFFORDABLE (no uber-expensive private cruises)..one that goes to those locations in AUGUST? It doesn't have to be over the top fancy or anything--just basically a little less of the young party vibe (and of course no Disney cruises where there are a billion children running around).

This friend, my mom, and I recently got back from the Carnival Legend (Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman) We all had a WONDERFUL time.

I did notice quite a bit of difference between the Carnival Legend and the Golden Princess (Alaskan cruise), the only other cruise I have ever been on. The difference seemed to be that Carnival was geared more towards the young, party crowd and Princess seemed geared more towards making you feel classy, if that makes sense? It just seemed classier and the staff (waitstaff in particular) seemed WAY more experienced and professional to me at Princess (but of course that might just be the particular staff we interacted with).

Thank you!!!

Both will be towards the low end of the cost range. "Classy" is subjective. I have never been on RCI. I have never heard the words Carnival and Classy used in the same sentance.

You might want to suggest to your friend that if they wish to get married on St. Thomas, to fly there. What would happen if for whatever reason the ship has to miss port?

Cruise lines also have private islands and often have wedding packages. You might also consider mentioning that option.

August is hurricane season so you have to consider weather problems. Sometimes ships aren't able to dock at a port. Personally I think being married by the ship's captain would be nice, but I don't know if it's an option.

Alaska cruises are in general a bit quieter and more family oriented than Caribbean cruises. That said, I'd guess that your perception of differences in the lines was spot on.

imo, which someone will quickly dispute, the classiest affordable lines are Celebrity and Holland America, followed by Princess and Royal Caribbean.

(sorry world, that is nothing more than opinion)

Both will be towards the low end of the cost range. "Classy" is subjective. I have never been on RCI. I have never heard the words Carnival and Classy used in the same sentance.

I have been on RCCL and would never use the word classy to describe the ship or the majority of the people I encountered on it.

And OP--there were far more kids "running around" on RCCL than DCL. DCL does a good job of sequestering them.

inexpensive "classy" carribbean cruise

Four words that really don't go together in the same sentence.

If you want classy then inexpensive isn't likely to be part of the equation. Same with 7 day caribbean sails: inexpensive maybe, classy no.

Celebrity is what I would consider "classy" and I don't think they are expensive but my budget may be vastly different from your friends. Their definition of "classy" may be different as well.

The best thing they can do is make a list of what they want on a cruise and then a budget. See if any of the lines fill the majority of the requirements and then book one. If not a good travel agent may be able to help them plan a trip that they would be very happy with.

RCI (RCCL) used to be a pretty classy cruise line but have now sunk (bad choice of words for a cruise line) into family oriented, nickel and dine (maximize onboard revenue) budget cutting, line designed to please many of the masses that want a floating amusement park as opposed to a real cruise ship. Celebrity (owned by RCI) , Princess and Holland America are certainly classier as are some of the smaller ship lines such as Azamara and Oceania (they are pricier). And of course there are the very "classy" luxury lines. But unfortunately for the OP none of these lines routinely cruise in the Caribbean during the summer season since the major summer market is now in Europe and to a lesser degree in Alaska.

Hank

OP, why don't you, or your friend, ask a travel agent who specializes in cruises? That's what they do.

As stated, "classy" is subjective, just like everything else about cruising is, from food to accomodation, to service, to entertainment, to activities.

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My best friend is engaged and wants to go on a cruise (probably in August 2013) with her fiancee that goes to both St. Thomas and St. Maarten. They want to get married at St. Thomas, but also want to go to St. Maarten :) ...Probably around a week long cruise would be good?

 

Can anyone suggest a CLASSIER type cruise line/ship that is still AFFORDABLE (no uber-expensive private cruises)..one that goes to those locations in AUGUST?

Well... you don't state what is "affordable". Great that you enjoyed Carnival Legend, but in no way would I consider a 7-day Carnival "classy".

Once you get to 7 days, you're going to find that the party attitute drops down quite a bit, but Carnival does retain it a bit more than other lines, IMO.

If you're looking for a more affordable price, you might want to look at early December. August is a tough month. Most kids are still out of school, hurricane season is revving up, and most ships are elsewhere.

I see you are in Carolina. If you plan to drive, I would check out the options in Port Canaveral first. If you plan to fly, I would check out Port Everglades first.

Either way, I hope you and your friends find something that meets your needs!

Wendy

You are very limited in August. There are many other cruise lines to choose from but you have to go later or earlier in the year.

Keith

Many would advise not to plan an island wedding during the hurricane season, and August is smack in the middle of hurricane season. What would happen if your friends put money into an island wedding, only to have it ruined because the ship couldn't get there because of weather? They probably would lose all the money they paid for the wedding.

Unfortunately, the word classy really doesn't fit with Carnival or RCI. And in summer, their choices will be limited because most ships are in Europe or Alaska.

I would advise to either get married before the cruise or get married on the ship. That way weather probably won't ruin the wedding.

btw we shared a tender with a couple getting married on Grand Cayman last year. The bride had her wedding dress in a plastic bag and they had to tote all their stuff ashore.

You might want to suggest to your friend that if they wish to get married on St. Thomas, to fly there. What would happen if for whatever reason the ship has to miss port?

OP, why don't you, or your friend, ask a travel agent who specializes in cruises? That's what they do.

 

As stated, "classy" is subjective, just like everything else about cruising is, from food to accomodation, to service, to entertainment, to activities.

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I would definitely seek the advice of a cruise specialist, but I'm guessing your friends might have to be more flexible or make a change in their criteria.

Some cruiselines avoid the Caribbean during the height of hurricane season as the storms will often cause changes in itineraries. And if they have their heart set on having a destination wedding, it's better just to go there directly. They can plan to honeymoon on a ship afterwards (maybe spend a day or two after the wedding at the site -- and I would guess pre-wedding there too, and then fly to the embarkation port.

I remember a couple of cruises ago, we had missed a port due to high seas and I was up on deck to see us move away after the captain's announcement. Someone said that there was a couple onboard who had planned to meet up with friends and family in that port for their wedding.

If you fly into St. Thomas, there is a ferry that can transport from st. thomas to st. maarten. :)

Classy to some people mean??????