Hello all,
Thank you in advance for any ideas, suggestions or modification you offer to the following plans.
My wife and I have never taken a cruise (any and all previous plans at this fell through the cracks). We have been on small boats before (a catamaran being the most recent example) and I found I do get motion sick on this size of craft. This particular outing was in Hawaii and the surf was estimated at 3-6 feet. This was a swim with the manta rays...which was quite memorable.
Anyway, I want to give cruising since the wife has mentioned this on more than one occasion so I came up with the following idea.
We own timeshare holdings and can take a trip to Florida in February and/or March. I would like to have a timeshare stay (and then take a cruise - in that order) to get the most from this trip. I am looking at cruises lasting somewhere in the 3-5 night range as I want the cruise to be long enough (time wise) where we can enjoy the cruise but not so long that in case I am miserable that I would be wishing for the cruise to be over. (I will definitely read and follow the advice to -hopefully- avoid / minimize the possibility of seasickness!)
Again, considering that we can be in Florida anytime in the months of February and / or March, is there a particular route / destination that is more likely to produce a smoother sailing experience than other destinations? For example, I see several cruises to Mexico from Florida but given this would be over the Gulf of Mexico (with what appears to be very little shelter) would there be a better route / destination? For example, might some of the Caribbean destinations be a better choice given this background?
I should also not the destination is not as important as the sailing experience so whether the destination is Mexico or the Caribbean makes no difference here.
A (more) perfect cruise for us would be one where we could be alone to some extent when desired. For example, we would enjoy sitting on the ship taking in the sunrise / sunset as much as (if not more than) whatever shows or attractions the ship may have to offer. I have read a bit about the day(s) some cruise lines spend at their island (ex: Perfect Day at CocoCay) and while I do not know if we would enjoy such a crowded area, some time back on dry land may be beneficial in shaking off the effects of the sea on me (in case of motion sickness).
Might anyone have some suggestions as to which cruise line / destination makes sense here? I am certain of the date range (hoping crowds will be a bit smaller) and that we are budgeting for a balcony cabin. Also, the point of departure is Florida (all ports are in play). Beyond that, I hope to find a smooth sailing experience.... we have no previous or existing ties to any cruise line.
Thanks again!