Never cruised before..

[Cuizer2]

Why would anyone want to pay so much for a room? Sure it sounds real nice to have a suite on a cruise but for what?

 

For the same reason people like big houses. Some people do spend a lot of time in their cabin, or on the balcony. Some people like to host parties and need the extra space. There are some perks that go along with being in a suite verse being in a regular cabin. Some people like the extra space. Even two in a normal sized cabin means some maneuvering around the other person. If you have three or four, a suite can prevent people from stepping on each other's tows.

[Cuizer2]

Why would anyone want to pay so much for a room? Sure it sounds real nice to have a suite on a cruise but for what?

 

Unless you plan on spending lots of time in it then maybe. We recently did our first cruise and had a hard time deciding on what type of room to get. First we were considering a balcony then decided to save $500 and just go with an inside. Glad we did, spent zero time in the room other then sleep, shower, change.

 

Take a look at NCL they are offering free beverage packages for many cruise dates if you book ocean view or higher. There are many 10, 11, 12 night cruses from Miami and Tampa. Some cover the many stops that poster bigal listed.

 

You are in the minority here..read this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947393

 

The reason why you didn't spend anytime in your cabin ( not room), is because you had a crappy cabin- I didn't spend anytime in my inside cabin either...aaahh but the BALCONY- now that's a whole different ballgame...the salt air, the wind & sun on your face, the dolphins swimming along side the ship, the AMAZING, ROMANTIC sunsets from your private heaven, all missed in an inside ....read what the others have said, too..my favorite is about a couple who booked 16 straight inside cabins with me, and FINALLY was convinced to try a balcony hump cabin on the Freedom Of The Seas..they called me FROM THEIR BALCONY as they were sailing away, and they both screamed into their cell phone,"this is fantastic- we are ON our private balcony w/o 2000+ other jerks screaming at who knows who on the top deck...NEVER AGAIN AN INSIDE- you were right, no more broom closets for us!!"...when they returned they had numerous stories about their adventures on their balcony..he said it perfectly: "A balcony completely changes your cruise experience from that of an inside- completely!"..Period...

 

Big Al

 

Either you are confusing balcony with suite or you are not responding to what jb456 wrote (see the words in red). jb456 asked about a suite, not a balcony. All balcony cabins have balconies. Not all suites do.

 

The cost difference between a suite and a regular cabin is much greater than the cost difference between a balcony and an inside. I've been in an inside, and ocean view, a balcony and a suite - all more than once. Unless you need the room, it is very hard to justify the additional cost of a suite over a normal cabin. However, there is a reason suites are offered. It is because there are people out there that are willing to pay the extra cost for the suite.

[big al]

Either you are confusing balcony with suite or you are not responding to what jb456 wrote (see the words in red). jb456 asked about a suite, not a balcony. All balcony cabins have balconies. Not all suites do.

 

The cost difference between a suite and a regular cabin is much greater than the cost difference between a balcony and an inside. I've been in an inside, and ocean view, a balcony and a suite - all more than once. Unless you need the room, it is very hard to justify the additional cost of a suite over a normal cabin. However, there is a reason suites are offered. It is because there are people out there that are willing to pay the extra cost for the suite.

 

Fair point..

[southernat_Heart]

Thank you all for the really fantastic and very detailed(!) suggestions. As far as the debate on suite or not, at least for me, it would greatly depend on the price difference. Typically we like a larger room when we travel, and I know we would at the very least want a balcony, which I do think could be rather romantic and worth the cost. A suite would be decadent, and I could think of a few ways to find reasons to stay inside if that's what I had to look forward to. ;) I have quite a bit to look into here, but I promise to keep you all updated.

[Lerin]

I'd suggest you lower your budget and save some of that for your first Family cruise. Cruising with children is a wonderful experience.

 

If you are looking for a younger crowd then cruising on almost any line during holidays, spring break, and summer is best. Shorter cruises also tend to bring out a lower age category. No clue where the poster upthread got the stats on age demographics, they look made up to me and I wouldn't put much weight on them.

 

You may want to post on the RC board since Oasis is the ship you have chosen. They can help you with specifics for room choice and best time to sail.

 

Then in a few years you can post on the family board so you can find out how much more exciting your life is about to become. ;)

[southernat_Heart]

Thank you Lerin for your suggestion. The thing is, our long delay wasn't a financial one, but just for a lack of time with very busy lives.

 

That being said, I think we have made our decision. After looking at countless Western Caribbean cruises, weighing our options with time frames with ports etc etc we have chosen (tentatively) NCL's Sun for the 7 night cruise leaving from Tampa and doing the the South America circuit rather than anything involving islands, as that seems to be more of interest to us.

 

My question now is about any possible tips about this particular ship. Also, after marveling on how anyone fits into some of the little rooms, we are definitely doing a well deserved splurge and getting a suite. I understand that there's just the owners suite and the penthouses on this ship, of which I am interested in the latter. What's the best room or deck/location for ease of movement while still being relatively private/quiet?

[zoncom]

I was on Sun this Fall in Alaska when not allowed to do B2B Celebrity to Hawaii due to Maritime law Only ship that fit in prior to HA repo..Please go on a nicer newer ship.Sun is small, no amenities, so so in all respects.So many wonderful new ships, even NCL.Look around.

[southernat_Heart]

That's disappointing. I know they are not the 'dream' ship, and I was actually just looking at photos in dismay. Back to the drawing board.

[Folk Singer]

Hi there, I figured I'd make a new post to help guide me in a more specific direction with cruises. Firstly, my husband and I are looking to possibly (we are not entirely sold on taking a cruise, but we are seriously considering it) book a cruise for a very long awaited late honeymoon. We are in our 30s, and active adults that want to have our last 'amazing' experience before we really settle down and have a family, so this trip has been the subject of many evenings of internet research.

 

To give you an idea (for those that might be of some assistance), I am looking for a cruise that is about 7-10 days, not Europe. Our budget's high point is 8,000, but we'd prefer to keep it at about 5 grand. I think that doing a cruise that involves some historic sightseeing opportunities, or the possibility of some ancient pyramids would be the most interesting to us, with the opportunity for some snorkeling, etc.

 

Additionally, I've done some research on the various cruise lines and am very interested in booking on Royal Carribean's Oasis of the Seas, mostly because it seems to be in the category of good ratings and being recently updated. However, i noticed the mention of it having a larger 50+ crowd (no offense meant, I am just looking for something that will be appropriate for our age).

 

So with all of that being said, I'd really appreciate any suggestions, whether that be a specific ship/cruise or destination that would offer the opportunities that we are seeking. Thank you guys!

 

 

Western Caribbean with stops at Cozumel to see the Mayan Pyramids

[mattmax11]

:

You are in the minority here..read this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947393

 

The reason why you didn't spend anytime in your cabin ( not room), is because you had a crappy cabin- I didn't spend anytime in my inside cabin either...aaahh but the BALCONY- now that's a whole different ballgame...the salt air, the wind & sun on your face, the dolphins swimming along side the ship, the AMAZING, ROMANTIC sunsets from your private heaven, all missed in an inside ....read what the others have said, too..my favorite is about a couple who booked 16 straight inside cabins with me, and FINALLY was convinced to try a balcony hump cabin on the Freedom Of The Seas..they called me FROM THEIR BALCONY as they were sailing away, and they both screamed into their cell phone,"this is fantastic- we are ON our private balcony w/o 2000+ other jerks screaming at who knows who on the top deck...NEVER AGAIN AN INSIDE- you were right, no more broom closets for us!!"...when they returned they had numerous stories about their adventures on their balcony..he said it perfectly: "A balcony completely changes your cruise experience from that of an inside- completely!"..Period...

 

Big Al

 

Wait..... your able to see dolphins when at sea.

[midnitefire21]

Ok, ive never been on a cruise yet (first will be in Nov and did not pay xmas gift), but I did read an article about first timers shouldn't go with the most expensive room for a first cruise, as it will ruin the experience for other cruises. Do y'all think that's true? I'm sure after this one I.will want to go again lol!

[GUT2407]

Ok, ive never been on a cruise yet (first will be in Nov and did not pay xmas gift), but I did read an article about first timers shouldn't go with the most expensive room for a first cruise, as it will ruin the experience for other cruises. Do y'all think that's true? I'm sure after this one I.will want to go again lol!

 

 

Enjoy that first cruise. You will either become addicted or hate it.

 

Many people can go back and forth between suites and insides, others say they can never go backwards. Like so many things in life we are all different.

[notentirelynormal]

Why would anyone want to pay so much for a room? Sure it sounds real nice to have a suite on a cruise but for what?

 

Unless you plan on spending lots of time in it then maybe. We recently did our first cruise and had a hard time deciding on what type of room to get. First we were considering a balcony then decided to save $500 and just go with an inside. Glad we did, spent zero time in the room other then sleep, shower, change.

 

 

Every time I hear someone say they spent zero time in their room - I KNOW they had an inside cabin. :D Besides not having the balcony, the inside cabin is much smaller. If you are having company over, expect to have to sit on the bed. In a larger room you would have a chair and/or couch. Probably a bigger bathroom too.

 

 

 

As to your other comment later on "Why would anyone pay an extra $2000...." well unless you know their cash flow, how much they make and their expenses .... Maybe the guy makes $15,000 or $20,000 a month and $2000 isn't that much to them.

Edited February 16, 2015 by notentirelynormal

[Cuizer2]

:

 

Wait..... your able to see dolphins when at sea.

 

Yes, and sometimes whales.

[jb456]

Every time I hear someone say they spent zero time in their room - I KNOW they had an inside cabin. :D Besides not having the balcony, the inside cabin is much smaller. If you are having company over, expect to have to sit on the bed. In a larger room you would have a chair and/or couch. Probably a bigger bathroom too.

 

 

 

As to your other comment later on "Why would anyone pay an extra $2000...." well unless you know their cash flow, how much they make and their expenses .... Maybe the guy makes $15,000 or $20,000 a month and $2000 isn't that much to them.

 

To each their own! Maybe there is a difference between a newbie cruiser who wants to explore the ship compared to a pro cruiser that has spent months cruising and prefers inviting people to their cabin.

 

Even if I had the captains suite I would spend "ZERO" time in it.

 

Money is not an issue, it's trying to justify that amount on something that seems foolish. Currently considering a 14 night cruise and the difference from inside vs mini suite is $3275. Seems a bit ridiculous if you ask me. Just like many threads I read on pre-cruise hotels where people mention they are arriving late in the evening and "although it's stretching their budget" they still go and book a $400 room to sleep 8 hours before a cruise lol. Makes no sense.

 

I was not speaking about people that make 30k a month and got money to burn! My comment was more towards the many threads I read where people mention they saved for years to go on a trip then they blow it on a room for an extra 40 square feet to have a couch and balcony lol. Which is why I was curious and asked why someone would spend that amount. I never considered a suite so I thought maybe there were extra special perks that I might have missed in my readings, but apparently there is not many just a bigger price tag.

 

Sometimes it appears that those of you who have many cruises under your belt forgot about your first time cruising. On your first cruise did you really spend all this time in your room like you discuss now? Or was it over time, after a couple cruises, that you really got involved with cruise critic and having CC meetings on the boats, showing off rooms, inviting people for drinks, needing a suite??

 

My guess would be that many on these forums first time on a cruise had much less time spent in a room then what everyone talks about now about all these wonderful things to do in a room for a couple thousand more.

 

The OP said it's a long awaited honeymoon, first time cruise. They listed a decent cruise budget and right away the advice given was to blow most of it on a suite. They could still cherish their bedroom romance in a balcony and be quite content for their first trip. Use all the other funds on fantastic excursions, nice meals, souvenirs, wtv.

 

First response to the OPS questions was consider a "Grand Suite" or a "Royal Family Suite", "the FS suite is amazing, you could hold a party on the balcony"

 

Now do you really think that is good advice given? I don't! How the person was going on and on talking about all these different categories was like they were talking to a seasoned pro cruiser NOT a newbie!

 

A brief summary of the different types of cabins (inside,ocean,balcony, etc) and recommendations would have sufficed so the OP could get an understanding of each. Not just list off expensive suites because they have a nice budget then fail to mention all the additional expenses, (daily tips, high bar bills, speciality dinners, cruise photos, excursions, shopping, casino, airplane, transfers to port, pre hotel, etc, etc, etc) Pretty quick way for someone to blow a budget.

 

Only my opinion but I believe for their first cruise they would be content with a balcony.

Edited February 16, 2015 by jb456

[GUT2407]

:

 

Wait..... your able to see dolphins when at sea.

 

Yes, and sometimes whales.

 

And turtles and seals and fish and birds and pretty much all types of sea life if you keep an eye out.

 

Sometimes I think the dolphins might be laughing at us for needing a ship. One cruise they were with us for days, swimming under the bow, jumping at at one stage one was tail walking chattering away.

[RSLeesburg]

That's disappointing. I know they are not the 'dream' ship, and I was actually just looking at photos in dismay. Back to the drawing board.

 

 

What about a partial Panama Canal trip? I think Princess still offers this out of FLL. 10 days, you go through the first set of locks and then back. Some great ports too. Not exactly Western, but would be an amazing trip. If you want South America, and can stretch your vacation a bit longer, RCI Rhapsody is doing four 'around the horn' cruises - 14 days.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[notentirelynormal]

To each their own! Maybe there is a difference between a newbie cruiser who wants to explore the ship compared to a pro cruiser that has spent months cruising and prefers inviting people to their cabin.

 

Even if I had the captains suite I would spend "ZERO" time in it.

 

Money is not an issue, it's trying to justify that amount on something that seems foolish. Currently considering a 14 night cruise and the difference from inside vs mini suite is $3275. Seems a bit ridiculous if you ask me. Just like many threads I read on pre-cruise hotels where people mention they are arriving late in the evening and "although it's stretching their budget" they still go and book a $400 room to sleep 8 hours before a cruise lol. Makes no sense.

 

If you are on a budget than yes spending $400 a night is silly. But again - you can't really speak for other people's budgets.

 

I was not speaking about people that make 30k a month and got money to burn! My comment was more towards the many threads I read where people mention they saved for years to go on a trip then they blow it on a room for an extra 40 square feet to have a couch and balcony lol. Which is why I was curious and asked why someone would spend that amount. I never considered a suite so I thought maybe there were extra special perks that I might have missed in my readings, but apparently there is not many just a bigger price tag.

 

As I've gotten older I've found that I want a nicer hotel room then Motel 6 and I don't go camping any more and sleep on the ground. So for me it is worth the extra money for the extra comfort.

 

Sometimes it appears that those of you who have many cruises under your belt forgot about your first time cruising. On your first cruise did you really spend all this time in your room like you discuss now? Or was it over time, after a couple cruises, that you really got involved with cruise critic and having CC meetings on the boats, showing off rooms, inviting people for drinks, needing a suite??

 

Well, when I started cruising on the Pacific Princess - the original Love Boat they didn't have cabins with balconies. We slept in a cabin with 4 berths is a cabin a third the size of my current bathroom. As the ships grew so did the cabins and I've moved up. By the way, paying for a cruise back then is about the same dollar amounts of today. There was no room to invite anyone over.

 

My guess would be that many on these forums first time on a cruise had much less time spent in a room then what everyone talks about now about all these wonderful things to do in a room for a couple thousand more.

 

As we cruise a bit we find that sitting enjoying our balcony together as a couple, or with family and friends, is much more enjoyable then watching napkin folding or such. Of course we did all the "out and about" stuff over the years. When we started cruising there was no children's section, no movie theater and fancy stuff. There was the ship and the people. Cruising has changed over the years.

The OP said it's a long awaited honeymoon, first time cruise. They listed a decent cruise budget and right away the advice given was to blow most of it on a suite. They could still cherish their bedroom romance in a balcony and be quite content for their first trip. Use all the other funds on fantastic excursions, nice meals, souvenirs, wtv.

 

I totally agree we didn't get enough info from the OP and that money needs to be spent on airfare, hotels, excursions, etc.

 

First response to the OPS questions was consider a "Grand Suite" or a "Royal Family Suite", "the FS suite is amazing, you could hold a party on the balcony"

 

I also agree they don't need this huge suite for just the two of them on their first cruise. I'd still go with a cabin that had a balcony though.

 

Now do you really think that is good advice given? I don't! How the person was going on and on talking about all these different categories was like they were talking to a seasoned pro cruiser NOT a newbie!

 

A brief summary of the different types of cabins (inside,ocean,balcony, etc) and recommendations would have sufficed so the OP could get an understanding of each. Not just list off expensive suites because they have a nice budget then fail to mention all the additional expenses, (daily tips, high bar bills, speciality dinners, cruise photos, excursions, shopping, casino, airplane, transfers to port, pre hotel, etc, etc, etc) Pretty quick way for someone to blow a budget.

 

Only my opinion but I believe for their first cruise they would be content with a balcony.

 

Every body values money differently. I have friends that would love to go on a cruise but tell me it is more money then they can afford. Then I hear them say they went away for the long weekend, got two hotel suites, gambled, etc. They spent more money on that weekend then I did on my cruise.

Edited February 16, 2015 by notentirelynormal

[Cuizer2]

And turtles and seals and fish and birds and pretty much all types of sea life if you keep an eye out.

 

Sometimes I think the dolphins might be laughing at us for needing a ship. One cruise they were with us for days, swimming under the bow, jumping at at one stage one was tail walking chattering away.

 

Which eye, left or right?

 

 

 

 

 

[southernat_Heart]

So I am back and we have booked our cruise (we actually did last week, but it's been a crazy busy time getting everything ready, passports etc..)

 

This is what we booked: RCC 6 night western Caribbean with ports in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel on the Allure of the Seas with a Grand suite. Picking this cruise has been hard, the ports were not really what I would have preferred, however leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale will allow us to stay with family, and I will at least get to see some sort of ruins in Cozumel.

 

We chose the grand suite over a balcony (which I would have probably had been fine with and will do if/when we have a second cruise) on my husband's insistence to be 'spoiled a little'. Is it the best way to spend our money? Maybe, maybe not, but I am sure we will love it and I know I'll spend time in it for some peace and quiet if the ship gets to be too many people for me. Also comfort and space are things that we enjoy, and it's not like the money in our vacation budget wasn't going to be spent on -something-. (The talk of family cruises is nice, but that's still at least 3 years down the line)

 

So anyway, that's the cruise. I haven't booked our excursions yet, but after looking at whats available, I've thought about para-sailing in Hati and (if this is actually available for us) the Chicken Itza trip in Cozumel. We had planned on staying aboard the ship in Jamaica and probably take advantage the time with some intense minigolf action. I've heard Jamaica can be a little scary for travelers and that even the taxi cabs push drugs. Not really something I'm interested in dealing with! For those that have done these ports, do you guys have any advice?

[Cuizer2]

So I am back and we have booked our cruise (we actually did last week, but it's been a crazy busy time getting everything ready, passports etc..)

 

This is what we booked: RCC 6 night western Caribbean with ports in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel on the Allure of the Seas with a Grand suite. Picking this cruise has been hard, the ports were not really what I would have preferred, however leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale will allow us to stay with family, and I will at least get to see some sort of ruins in Cozumel.

 

We chose the grand suite over a balcony (which I would have probably had been fine with and will do if/when we have a second cruise) on my husband's insistence to be 'spoiled a little'. Is it the best way to spend our money? Maybe, maybe not, but I am sure we will love it and I know I'll spend time in it for some peace and quiet if the ship gets to be too many people for me. Also comfort and space are things that we enjoy, and it's not like the money in our vacation budget wasn't going to be spent on -something-. (The talk of family cruises is nice, but that's still at least 3 years down the line)

 

So anyway, that's the cruise. I haven't booked our excursions yet, but after looking at whats available, I've thought about para-sailing in Hati and (if this is actually available for us) the Chicken Itza trip in Cozumel. We had planned on staying aboard the ship in Jamaica and probably take advantage the time with some intense minigolf action. I've heard Jamaica can be a little scary for travelers and that even the taxi cabs push drugs. Not really something I'm interested in dealing with! For those that have done these ports, do you guys have any advice?

 

You seem to have a well thought out plan, so I'll just offer a few comments.

 

1) The Allure cruise is seven nights (not six).

2) You can take a ship sponsored excursion in Jamaica. You will avoid all the problems you have heard about and still have an enjoyable day on shore.

3) You will spend three sea day on the ship, so no need to add a fourth one just because you've heard a few scary stories.

4) If you earned the money, then you've earned the right to spend it. If you want a little extra luxury and space, then the Grand Suite is the way to go.

5) Labadee Haiti is a beach day. It is Royal Caribbean's private beach. If you want, you can rent a cabana for the day. Para-sailing is fun, though I will not do it again (the swaying caused me to get seasick).

6) I would only do Chicken Itza as a ship sponsored excursion. Better yet, visit there when you have more time (like a land vacation) and less concerns if you are late.

7) Enjoy your cruise.

[big al]

So I am back and we have booked our cruise (we actually did last week, but it's been a crazy busy time getting everything ready, passports etc..)

 

This is what we booked: RCC 6 night western Caribbean with ports in Haiti, Jamaica and Cozumel on the Allure of the Seas with a Grand suite. Picking this cruise has been hard, the ports were not really what I would have preferred, however leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale will allow us to stay with family, and I will at least get to see some sort of ruins in Cozumel.

 

We chose the grand suite over a balcony (which I would have probably had been fine with and will do if/when we have a second cruise) on my husband's insistence to be 'spoiled a little'. Is it the best way to spend our money? Maybe, maybe not, but I am sure we will love it and I know I'll spend time in it for some peace and quiet if the ship gets to be too many people for me. Also comfort and space are things that we enjoy, and it's not like the money in our vacation budget wasn't going to be spent on -something-. (The talk of family cruises is nice, but that's still at least 3 years down the line)

 

So anyway, that's the cruise. I haven't booked our excursions yet, but after looking at whats available, I've thought about para-sailing in Hati and (if this is actually available for us) the Chicken Itza trip in Cozumel. We had planned on staying aboard the ship in Jamaica and probably take advantage the time with some intense minigolf action. I've heard Jamaica can be a little scary for travelers and that even the taxi cabs push drugs. Not really something I'm interested in dealing with! For those that have done these ports, do you guys have any advice?

 

Congratulations on your cruise! The Grand Suite will be wonderful...if you are going to Falmouth in Jamaica, you have no worries- that has less locals & peddlers than Ocho Rios or Montego Bay..there is nice shopping & beaches right at the port...Chichen Itza is a long way from Cozumel ( 2+ hrs each way), so make sure you book with RCI to guarantee safe return to the ship ( they MUST wait for you when you book an excursion through RCI, but NOT when booked privately)..Tulum is closer for a Mayan excursion, and although not as impressive as CI, it's decent & allows you to maybe do something else in Cozumel..make sure you have breakfast on your balcony one morning on a SEA day ( not a port day..)..this is included in your fare and it's a great experience..read my post on "cabin selection tips" under "Thanks Cruise ship balcony, a commentary"- you will get plenty of tips & ideas on how to use your balcony..it has 28,000 hits on it & read what other passengers suggest as well...anymore questions let me know..Allure is a great ship!

 

Big Al

[Ofmyheart]

Southernat heart,

 

You say you want to have a cruise before you settle down and have a family. In our recent experience there are more families cruising than ever! I have seen more kids cruising that have more cruises under their belt then I do! Please don't think that once you have kids you're cruising life is over.

[southernat_Heart]

Thank you guys for your comments (You are probably right about the 7 night thing, I just didn't have the email handy, Cuizer ;) )

 

I'll give the excursions some serious consideration this weekend. I've never been seasick (but I've also never been para-sailing, on a ship, or pretty much everything else I'm doing on this trip) but perhaps the cabana thing is the way to go. We shall see.

 

Thanks guys again for the help and advice, I'll be sure to check out that post of your's Big Al.

[Kthypear]

You have a nice budget for your cruise, we also did a GS on last RCCL cruise which was great. The GS or above gives you many perks which will make the cruise more enjoyable such as a concierge , free drinks, priority seating for shows and a great cabin. As for age, you will find all ages on most ships. We avoid the summer since some of these ships may have a lot of children running around.

 

 

Speaking of children, I booked the week of Sept 3rd, RCCL GS kids are in school by this time right? Taking my mother on a cruise, first time for both of us.

 

Kathy