HELP, I'm LOST!

[lostmarbles]

Hi all! :)

 

I'm totally new to cruising, but after much consideration about the best way for us to get married, my fiancé (also a newbie) and I decided a cruise would be wonderful and solve so many “issues” about where to wed, who to invite, and such. I've spent hours researching packages, itineraries, ships, etc. and even made several charts to compare. There is so much information out there though and I would really appreciate anyone's advice before we lock into our plans. We've finally almost settled on Carnival Glory 8/20/05 East. Carib. sailing out of Pt. Canaveral and plan to be married while in port at St. Thomas. We'll have at least 15 and as many as 30 or more family and friends joining us, including my 11 year old daughter and 2 preschool age children. We want something for everyone, good value since they are paying to join us,and I really want the kids to have a good time so their parents will too! Naturally, I want my own daughter to be entertained, but still able to join us when appropritate.

 

Is Glory a good ship for this mix of ages (youngest will be 3 by then and oldest is in her 70's)? We are also strongly considering the Victory. It goes to San Juan instead of Nassau, but otherwise similar itinerary, price, etc. Has anyone been on both? How do they compare, especially for families?

 

We considered any East. Car. Sailings as we’ve been told that is the best itinerary for newcomers and good for families. Is this true? We also considered the Valor (Glory’s sister?); Legend; Celebration; and other lines, including Norwegian, Royal Car., and Celebrity. Carnival seems to have the best comments for kid's programs. Are they as good as they sound? I still remember Carnival being the party boat from classmate's stories.

 

 

Overall, we are pretty flexible in where we go so long as it is next summer (mid June to mid August) and getting married is pretty straightforward, but still nice. The children's programs are of utmost importance. We have given up on ships sailing form Norfolk or Baltimore, though those are the closet ports. We do not want to do the Grandeur Bermuda sailings and that is all I've found so far from either port, besides the luxury Radisson cruises. If you know of others, please clue me in.

 

ANY advice is GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

 

THANKS!!!:)

[Host Walt]

If you're not wedded to Port Canaveral, you can find good itineraries out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami on HAL, Celebrity and Princess (larger cabins) and more varied itineraries. Disney is also a good option but it is a bit more pricey. Check with your TA or each cruise line for their special programs for weddings. Each line has it's own package plans and will be willing to work with you on details.

 

If you're driving down from Hampton Roads, the added distance to south Fla. isn't bad. If you're flying the cost may actually be lower if you go further south.

 

St. Thomas (and the eastern Carib.) is a great choice for your first cruise and for a wedding that will be enjoyed by all your guests.

[serene56]

if all those people are cruising with you--you will want to talk to a group specialist to get group rates.

 

You are aware that August is VERY HOT. VERY humid- Maybe you want to rethink about getting married on an island and keep it on the ship in the airconditioning.

 

 

Carnival is a fun ship- there is a difference between party and fun ships. I have not encountered a bad cruise yet. A cruise is what you make it to be. I am sure what evr you pick you will be happy.

 

Have fun planning the wedding and dont stress the small stuff

[lostmarbles]

Thanks, Walt! Someone else mentioned Ft. Laud. So I’m going to look into it now. We definitely plan to fly. I’ve checked into all the major lines and even have a chart of their wedding packages. I get a bit obsessive in my research and planning. I’m glad East. Car. is a good choice. There are so many decisions to make and that is one of the few I feel set on. So is marrying on board while we are in St. Thomas though I do not have any real reason why I’m set on that location. Disney does not have a casino, so they’re out (plus pricier and too many kids, though I want to have some there since my own daughter is going). Looking into the other lines you mentioned. Thanks again and Take Care!

 

 

Thanks to you too, Serene! I know it is awfully hot in August and I meant that we plan to get married on the ship while in port (as I’ve told others, this type of thing is precisely why I need guidance!). Because of my job, I can only go mid-June to mid-August and August worked best for most of our guests and the end of Aug. is cheaper because in many states the kids are already back in school, but not here! I appreciate the reminder about small stuff!!!!! I wanted to do it this way to avoid all the wedding stress, but am knee dip in it anyway trying to do what’s best for everyone. Everyone’s responses on the various forums have helped me feel better about this whole thing. Thanks again and Take Care!