1x cruisers, 25yo married couple, help!!

hi there, my husband and i will be first-time cruisers. i have been lurking and doing tons of research over the past 3 months and i am still sort of lost with a few details. we're planning on booking a 7-day cruise in august 2004. we want a balcony stateroom.

i think i want to book this cruise w/o a travel agent if necessary...the last 4 times we've booked thru a TA (different each time) has been nothing but a nightmare, they've always had their own agendas ahead of ours and we've suffered because of it.

first of all, where to cruise?! we are 25 years old, married for 4 years and are not too big of "party animals". i'm leaning towards the caribbean. eastern or southern...which is a good impression maker for the first-time cruisers?

-which line? carnival, princess, rccl, etc.? our budget including airfare is about $7,000 so maybe that will help. i've been reading that princess is maybe too 'stuffy' for our age group? but then carnival is overflowing with kids (not too big an issue, but we'd go on disney if we want tons of kids running around). any opinions?

-to add airfare thru cruiseline or not? i'm reading that if you do book air thru the cruiseline you are subject to their itinerary and choices...we don't want to be stuck on a red-eye on an unknown airline. does this happen? any advice on maybe booking air seperately?

-we will definitely be getting travel insurance, but what is a reputable company? would our regular insurance carrier (liberty mutual) have something?

-my husband is a strict vegetarian and i am a pollo-vegetarian. will this pose a problem?

thank you in advance for all your help, sorry to have thrown so many questions out! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
christine [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

smyhtee,
there will always be kids whereever you go.I was on a disney cruise without kids, There were 1100 kids on board,but you wouldn't know it. they have an 18yo only area at the head of the ship eith a pool and bar. the night life there are bars and ounges just for adults only.we had a good time there.as far as dinning rooms go you rotate every night and you have the same people sitting with you and the same waiters.we had a blast. disneys private island castaway cay has an adults only beach as well. its where the massage cabanas are(must get one)howerver disney is a little more pricey than the others. sailed on carnival glory to the west. carib. had a great time. had a suite with balcony, was worth the money, we booked thru carnival.as far as airfare it depends on where you need to fly into for rates.I would first decide on where to go then which cruise line.once that is done figure out if it would be cheeper cruise and air or cruise without air added on then check rates for different airlines.check out cruises going to the west. out of texas or someplace closer to where you live.there are lots of options. good luck!!as far as your husband being a veggie there is always somthing offered at dinner thats for veggies as well as the other meals.

<img src=http://home.rochester.rr.com/suer182/a3.gif>
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victory...august, 2004
glory...2003
disney...2000
sun line...1984

A few thoughts in response to your questions:

Cruising on almost *any* line in August will subject you to kids. At least Princess controls the number that they allow on board in a given week. But book soon, it *is* peak time.

The eastern Caribbean is a good "introductory" cruise. The southern itinerary *may* be too port-intensive for first-timers.

Booking airfare: Doing it on your own will usually be cheaper, plus you have the flexibility of picking your own flight times, etc. Many people(myself included) swear by the practice of flying in a day early, booking a hotel through Priceline, and awakening refreshed and ready for the cruise.

You may alert the cruiseline to any special dietary concerns when you book. Most lines *will* offer at least one veggie entree at meals.

Enjoy your cruise.

[img]http://img64.photobucket.com/albums/v196/tef43/demon2.gif[/img]
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Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Carnival Valor 10/30/05 CC Group
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Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

[I]Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.[/I]

Hi Christine
We are doing an Alaska trip aboard the Radiance of the Seas. We will be flying out of LAX to Vancouver for an August 28th sailing. Balcony cabins for this cruise is going to be the ultimate vacation [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img].

[img]http://home.bak.rr.com/vthompson/sunset_gd_e0.gif[/img]

Hi:

Congratulations on deciding to take a cruise! No matter where you go, you will find something that you enjoy.
If you are planning on going this Aug., you had better book soon. A lot of sailings are either full or close to it and final payment needs to be made at least 60 days prior to sailing.
I would definitely book with a TA as a lot of them who book a lot of cruises hold cabins and they may have some available for you to choose from. This way you may get a better cabin.
As far as air, I would book it separately. Just keep in mind to schedule the flights well before sailing-doing a pre might even be better and you won't be as tired. On the return, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get off the ship and to the airport. Even though you may dock at lets say 8a.m. that doesn't mean you'll be able to get off that time. So give yourself several hours leeway. You will find that usually booking separately is cheaper, but have you TA price both ways out. Just keep in mind that when you do it separately, you will either need to purchase transfers from the cruise line or pay for taxis to and from the pier and airport, so add that to the cost. I usually book separtely because I want to make sure I get a non-stop whenever possible.
Kids are on every sailing but I have never experienced a problem. Most of them attend the ships organized activities for them while Mom & Dad get a little R & R for themselves.
Regarding the menu-RCL always has at least one vegetarian meal on the menu and the rest of the menu usually includes a chicken dish or 2. When you book, make sure you or your TA lets the line know about your dietary preferences and I'm sure you will be okay.
If I think of anything else I let you know.

Sandi

Hi:

I thought of one other piece of info regarding the Insurance;DO NOT use the cruise line insurance. Go to Travel Insured or some other independent group and get it through them. One should never take out insurance from the same company that they are booking with. After all, if something happens, you are dealing with the same company who may not represent your best interests. Also, you usually get better coverage and prices when you do it separately.

Hope this helps.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sscruising:
Hi:

Congratulations on deciding to take a cruise! No matter where you go, you will find something that you enjoy.
If you are planning on going this Aug., you had better book soon. A lot of sailings are either full or close to it and final payment needs to be made at least 60 days prior to sailing.
I would definitely book with a TA as a lot of them who book a lot of cruises hold cabins and they may have some available for you to choose from. This way you may get a better cabin.
As far as air, I would book it separately. Just keep in mind to schedule the flights well before sailing-doing a pre might even be better and you won't be as tired. On the return, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get off the ship and to the airport. Even though you may dock at lets say 8a.m. that doesn't mean you'll be able to get off that time. So give yourself several hours leeway. You will find that usually booking separately is cheaper, but have you TA price both ways out. Just keep in mind that when you do it separately, you will either need to purchase transfers from the cruise line or pay for taxis to and from the pier and airport, so add that to the cost. I usually book separtely because I want to make sure I get a non-stop whenever possible.
Kids are on every sailing but I have never experienced a problem. Most of them attend the ships organized activities for them while Mom & Dad get a little R & R for themselves.
Regarding the menu-RCL always has at least one vegetarian meal on the menu and the rest of the menu usually includes a chicken dish or 2. When you book, make sure you or your TA lets the line know about your dietary preferences and I'm sure you will be okay.
If I think of anything else I let you know.

Sandi<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How about a Celebrity cruise. Great line, fabulous service. The Century has an eastern and western itinerary in August. The western on August 28 (less kids, many back in school) has prices of $1600 pp for a sky suite. That should spoil you. Plus, keep you within your budget. Have a great cruise no matter what you decide.

Stefanie

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Cruise on the pride

Nothng quite like a first cruise...hope it is the first of many! Lots of good advice here...I have been booking my own cruises thru the cruise line's website for the past several trips...don't know if I'm saving any money or not but - always having to pay the single supplement anyway - can't seem to get a break on the fare even with a travel agent. I also have had luck talking directly with the cruise line...and I get my air lumped in with everything (usually I can request my preference of airline and get my miles). Nice thing about that is the cruise line meets the flight and I don't have to fiddle with getting to the ship. Like the idea of going to the port a day ahead...if one has the time...I think you get good value for your money on RCCL and really like Celebrity for a more genteel crowd - but not stuffy. I'm put off by Carnival's reputation as a "party boat" and this is probably not fair as I know people who have sailed on Carnival and did not come back with horror stories. Never seen anyone out of line on any of my cruises...but teenagers seem to find it amusing to be noisy in the corridors not remembering that, must perhaps, people may be sleeping behind those hundreds of doors - just like a hotel in that respect...never been a real problem. Just go and have fun...you'll love it...bon voyage!

Jay Plotts
Cunard Franconia

Chandris Britanis
Sheraton Nile Cruises Aton
Triton 9-96
Nordic Empress 2-97
Nordic Empress 2-98
Majesty of the Seas 12-98
Nordic Empress 2-00
Olympic Voyager 2-01
Galaxy 2-02
Majesty of the Seas 6-03
Sovereign of the Seas 4-04
Queen Mary 2 9-04

I would suggest the Carnival Legend out of NYC. My husband and I did that last year and it was fabulous! It's an 8 day cruise and the extra day is heaven! Carnival has worked hard to get away from the "party boat" image and it shows! On our cruise there was a mix of all ages. The ship was not overflowing with kids, there were a number of them, but in August all ships will have kids! Also, the ports are fabulous for a first time...only 3...San Juan was so so but St. Thomas and Tortola were tropical heaven. I definately would NOT do a port intensive cruise for your first cruise! The Legend is absolutely stunning, the cabins are larger compared to other lines, food is great, entertainment is top notch...I could go on and on. I highly recommend the Carnival Legend!!!!! Any other questions feel free to ask!

*******Proud member of O.A.T.C.******

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6/12/04 2nd Anniversary on The Carnival Miracle

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6/2003 Carnival Legend
1st Anniversary
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6/2002 Celebrity Mercury
Honeymoon

Hi Smytheee
We have cruised NCL, Celebrity and Princess and enjoyed them all. NCL and Princess offer FreeStyle and Personal Choice dining where you can pick your time to dine. The down side of this style is that if you want to eat during a peak period you may encounter a wait, you will not have the same wait staff or tablemates each evening. On Princess we have requested reservations for a specific time and table if you find a serving team that you enjoy. On the positive side you can arrange your own schedule so that <UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>You can see the sunset and still not have to wait until 8:30 to eat.<LI>Go to a show and eat later one day and reverse the order the next.<LI>Not be torn between staying ashore for some extra time and enjoying the dining room.[/list]

If you like to dress for dinner, Celebrity and Princess may be preferable. NCL is more relaxed in their dress code, you will see more polo shirt-khaki combos than coat and tie.

I agree with the idea of a less port intensive cruise for a start. Southern Carribean is frequently a 5 port cruise. We enjoy the ports but also love the sea days. (Next up for us is Mexican Riviera on RCCL - 3 ports and 3 sea days [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img])

We have never used a TA for cruises. The times I have tried they were way overpriced compared to online. When you have already decided ship, date and cabin category what else are they going to do for you?

Definately suggest flying in a day early for your first cruise, especially going from the west coast to Florida or Puerto Rico. Be rested and if anything goes wrong there is still time to adjust. (It will save on the cost of Pepto Bismol if you're not rushing to get there [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img])

As for stuffiness, we have seen people of all ages on all ships. If you are selecting among the mass market ships you should have no problem. Thought: Larger ship = Larger pool of passengers = Better chance of encountering people with similar tastes/lifestyles, etc.

Happy cruisin' [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

I think any cruise line you go on you will enjoy. I am 26yr and hubby is 31. We just went on our first cruise to Eastern Carib on the RCCL Explorer of the Seas. We also went with 2 other couples. We had a blast. There were a lot of kids on board but didn't really care. I think most of the adults were more childish by the way they behaved.

We booked directly with the cruise line and we were able to get rooms by eachother. When we talked with a TA she quoted us $200 more per person then the cruise line did. My Dh and I were on a pretty tight budget. We booked a Junior Suite and really enjoyed all the extra space. A lot of people will say that you don't spend a lot of time in your room but we sure did. We booked our excursions directly through the cruise line. Again people will tell you to book your own but I wasn't to worried in saving a whole $15 and take the chance of not being back in time. And yes I visted all the websites that people tell you to so you can find the best deal. I would say a ruff estimate of our total bill was around $3600. We didn't drink a lot of the special drinks we just bought a couple of bottles in San Juan.

I also agree with the previous post fly in a day early. You will be well rested and will be able to enjoy the first night on the ship.

I too am a vegetarian. We've sailed 8 times on a variety of lines and itineraries. All ships have had one vegetarian option at dinner. However, many nights I have made a special request for steamed vegetables with rice or something like that and they have always been able to accomodate. You can make your preferences known to the cruise line before sailing, but probably won't do you any good. Your best bet is to tell your waiter the first evening and they'll take good care of you.

We always book air separate and travel in the day before. A must do! Even if you book the air with the cruise line it's still a stressful day wondering if you'll encounter delays, etc...Go in the day before and be at the ship bright and early. Be one of the first to board the ship and you'll have your bags, be unpacked, enjoyed a nice lunch and know the layout of the ship while some people are still flying!

Which cruise line and which ship to choose? Very hard question to answer. I don't think it's fair to judge the various cruise lines, but is more accurate to judge each individual ship. It all depends on what you like to do. During days at sea do you prefer to be very active or lay by the pool? Days at sea do you prefer to sight see, shop or participate in water activities such as snorkeling and boating? The answers to those questions can help you choose a ship and itinerary that's best for you.

As for children on board, all the ships have good children's programs that keep the kids very busy. We do not have children ourselves and this used to be a concern for us as well. Now, you don't even notice kids on board a great deal of the time.

August is not only prime time for kids to be traveling, but another word of caution....it's hurricane season. Having lived in Houston for 7 years after being a midwesterner my other 25 years I know first hand how this can be! I sailed last Sept directly through a hurricane and it's not a pretty sight! The season is at it's prime in Aug/Sep so know this is a risk you may take if sailing the Caribbean.

No matter where you go, though, you'll have a great time!

Cheri

I am a kid myself (12 in 4 weeks) and love cruises (been on 12) and suggest Holland America for a almost kid free enviroment. Also for first time cruisers i suggest Alaska. A friend of mine went on a Alaska cruise and now he is hooked.

iloveclea
katie

cant wait for caribean princess
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Celebrity is a great line with a good mix of people. The food is wonderful. Hal also tends to be quieter. Although during the summer all ships will have some kids. If you are not partiers I would stay away from Carnival. Alaska is great, as for the Caribbean I like the western itinerary. The other thing is for $7000 you can probably can do 2.5 balcony room cruises with a little price shopping. Good Luck and enjoy your time together.