First Time Cruising

[crazytemp]

Planning on a anniversary trip/cruise for our 25th anniversary and I am overwhelmed by the different cruise lines. Which one has better food? Which gives you the bigger bang for the buck? We live in Florida so traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Port Canerveral is not a problem. Any advice would be appreciate. Thanks

[philv]

So many to chose from and Cruise Critic is a great place to start. Check the how to cruise tab on main page and first time cruisers and you will get some ideas. Of course you can't go wrong with Princess when it comes to food and amenities. All our cruises have been on Princess and we have been very satisfied.

[nukesubsailor]

Planning on a anniversary trip/cruise for our 25th anniversary and I am overwhelmed by the different cruise lines. Which one has better food? Which gives you the bigger bang for the buck? We live in Florida so traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Port Canerveral is not a problem. Any advice would be appreciate. Thanks

 

Without knowing you likes and dislikes, I cannot suggest which cruise line you would most enjoy. So many things about cruising are subjective so what one person finds pleasing, another would not.

Things to consider, in addition to food and cost, in choosing a cruise line would be:

The itinerary of the cruise. Princess has very good itineraries.

The average age of the typical passenger. Princess tends to attract an older set with fewer children on board. If you are in your 40's, you will be amongst the youngest passengers onboard a Princess ship.

The degree of "party-like-you-are-a 20-something-young-adult-atmosphere" you want. If so, Princess is not likely to be for you.

What type of shipboard activities you enjoy. Do you want rock climbing walls, surfing, ice skating, water slides, zip lining? If so, Princess is not for you.

These points would be part of calculating the bang for the buck in comparing cruise lines.

There are books and websites that compare cruise lines that might be helpful to you but I don't recall their names.

[paul929207]

You might want to talk to a Travel Agent who specializes in cruises. They can give you an idea of what is available and discuss your interests.

[Colo Cruiser]

Planning on a anniversary trip/cruise for our 25th anniversary and I am overwhelmed by the different cruise lines. Which one has better food? Which gives you the bigger bang for the buck? We live in Florida so traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or Port Canerveral is not a problem. Any advice would be appreciate. Thanks

 

 

Welcome to CC!

 

If I lived that close to the port I would be in trouble :eek: .

[frac]

First cruise - definitely use a travel agent that specializes in cruises. They will have all the information you need and will be able to answer your questions. Also will be savvy as to deals, promotions, perks, etc. We did our first cruise on our 25th and used a travel agent. Going on cruise number 59 for our 56th anniversary. You really have something to look forward to.

[BroncoLvrs]

Welcome to CC!

 

If I lived that close to the port I would be in trouble :eek: .

 

Us too! :eek: Colorado is amazing but it does take effort to get to any port!

[BroncoLvrs]

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary! We did our first cruise for our 25th (Alaska). When I began planning I purchased a book from Frommer's (Alaska cruises Ports of Call) which gave a review of the different cruise lines. My book is from 2008 and much has changed but to give you an idea the book lists the following:

Best Ship for Luxury

Best of the Mainstream Ships

Best of the Small Ships

Best Ships for Families

Best Ships for Pampering

Best Shipboard Cuisine

Best Ship for Onboard Activities

Best Ships for Entertainment

Best Ships for Cruisetours

 

Once you know which itinerary you want I would suggest going to a book store and browsing through their cruise section :)

[BroncoLvrs]

First cruise - definitely use a travel agent that specializes in cruises. They will have all the information you need and will be able to answer your questions. Also will be savvy as to deals, promotions, perks, etc. We did our first cruise on our 25th and used a travel agent. Going on cruise number 59 for our 56th anniversary. You really have something to look forward to.

 

Larry and Pat, you are living my dream! CONGRATULATIONS on 56 years!

[TWA4Ever]

I've asked Princess when they will be homeporting a ship in South Dakota to save me airfare, but so far no response!

 

As for first cruise, ours was on US Lines in Hawaii. Made all the reservations myself directly with the cruise line (from an ad I saw in Washington Post). I was very satisfied with the service received; however, had I been smart enough to use a TA, I might have gotten a few perks.

 

Definitely use a TA, but also follow your instincts. After all, it is your money!

[Cruisin' Chick]

I would definitely go see a cruise specialist. Have your budget in mind (be aware that this is for the fare itself; most cruiselines don't include travel to the port, shore excursions, alcohol drinks -- some don't include soda -- casino, gratuities, etc. But it'll give your TA something to work with. Also if you have dates (especially if you want to celebrate the actual date on board) in mind and if there are ports you're interested in.

 

You can research ports on line-- just google, or go to your public library and get a guide book for that area.

 

If the embarkation port (where your cruise starts) is more than a few hour's drive or involves a flight, consider going there a day early. You'll be much more relaxed when you first get on board if you aren't on the road on the morning of your cruise.

[AquaAdventurer]

The advice given so far is well worth acting upon. May I presume to suggest a few points. Assuming I have your permission, here goes . . .

 

What is most important:

• the shipboard experience
  
• the ports of call
  
• the region (e.g. Alaska, Europe, home waters)
  
• the expense
  
• a balance of above
  

Would you prefer:

• lots of people in a large ship with many shops and restaurants
  
• more intimate setting of fewer folks in a classic ship
  

Pace:

• high energy experience with lots of activity
  
• sitting in a lounge chair reading with few distractions
  

This is not necessarily and either/or situation - more of a balancing act - but there are distinct differences among the ships and lines.

[AquaAdventurer]

The advice given so far is well worth acting upon. May I presume to suggest a few points. Assuming I have your permission, here goes . . .

 

What is most important:

• the shipboard experience
  
• the ports of call
  
• the region (e.g. Alaska, Europe, home waters)
  
• the expense
  
• a balance of above
  

Would you prefer:

• lots of people in a large ship with many shops and restaurants
  
• more intimate setting of fewer folks in a classic ship
  
• shorter trip to test the waters or jump right in and sail for a week or more
  
• more sea days or port hopping
  

Pace:

• high energy experience with lots of activity
  
• sitting in a lounge chair reading with few distractions
  

This is not necessarily and either/or situation - more of a balancing act - but there are distinct differences among the ships and lines.

[Talisker92]

Us too! :eek: Colorado is amazing but it does take effort to get to any port!

Try going to Europe from the West Coast

[crochetcruise]

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary! We did our first cruise for our 25th (Alaska). When I began planning I purchased a book from Frommer's (Alaska cruises Ports of Call) which gave a review of the different cruise lines. My book is from 2008 and much has changed but to give you an idea the book lists the following:

Best Ship for Luxury

Best of the Mainstream Ships

Best of the Small Ships

Best Ships for Families

Best Ships for Pampering

Best Shipboard Cuisine

Best Ship for Onboard Activities

Best Ships for Entertainment

Best Ships for Cruisetours

 

Once you know which itinerary you want I would suggest going to a book store and browsing through their cruise section :)

 

I borrowed this book from my local library. Now if only I could win Lotto to enjoy an Alaskan Cruise with a friend!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[shredie]

Try going to Europe from the West Coast

 

Long tortuous flight with jet lag. ;) I get to do it again in May. Cruising is so much better than flying. :)

[caribill]

You asked this question on the Princess board, so most of the answers you receive here will be highly suggesting Princess for you. If you asked the same question on the boards for the other cruise lines, they would also be likely to suggest their cruise lines.

 

Others have posted things to consider when picking a cruise line. If you can post your thoughts on those items, people on this board can help answer your question better.

 

There are probably several cruise lines that you will have a great first cruise on. Princess is one of them.