Are you bored with the Caribbean?

[gizmo]

I've only been on one cruise so far so I am not bored yet ;) However, I do find myself looking at the itineraries and thinking, "Oh, Cozumel is on there *again*." I think they need to mix up the ports a bit. Isn't there anywhere else to dock around the Cozumel area that isn't Cozumel? I like the prices of the shorter cruises but I don't want to have to visit Cozumel every time.

 

There isn't much choice. Look at map. There are not many places a ship can visit on a short cruise.

[Happy ks]

I haven't been yet so I can't say that I would be bored. I might be a bit overwhelmed with a lot of ships in a port, that does not interest me in the least. I've only been to a port once where there it was terribly crowded (3 ships in Ketchikan, Alaska) and I did not enjoy it.

 

So, I read here a lot about numerous ships in some of these ports and cannot imagine what it must be like, so crowded and touristy. I know many people simply get off the ship and stay close by and only shop on vacation, that seems so odd to me. I think we'd have to have an excursion waiting by the dock, to whisk us away from the madding crowd ;) !

 

So, if I were to cruise the Caribbean, it would be done carefully, checking port calendars first to see how many ships are in port on a given day. I think that probably we'd be happier with a southern route.

[pa_heather]

The Caribbean definitely has its high points, and you pretty much can't go wrong with a beach, but we decided a break from the Caribbean would be good this year. Luckily there are lots of other cruises so we're doing New England/Canada in September. :D

[travel girl23]

Could not partake in the poll because it did not specify Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean. We like to drive to Galveston (and New Orleans) since we are so close (compared to other ports) but we have exhausted the Western Caribbean itineraries out of both ports. We have done some itineraries two and three times. We just returned from driving to Florida for an Eastern Caribbean cruise which we loved. However, when one of the hurricanes was in the area several years ago, one of the ships out of Galveston cruised to the Bahamas to avoid it. We are ready for some new ports of call from Galveston and New Orleans. And, yes, I realize it would take more than 7 days for some of the ports in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean but Key West and Bahamas would be a nice change. TG23

[Dremac373]

I have yet to take my 1st cruise but with the exception of Hawaii, all of my vacations have been AI's to the caribean and I love it

[airlink diva]

I think that some people are saying no because most of the ships go to the same ports over and over again.

I still want to sail the Caribbean because of alot islands in the southern part that the cruiselines really don't go to.

I want to cruise to Guadeloupe (insland hop to Marie-Galante),Saba,St. Vincent,St. Bart's, Tobago & Trinidad, and Guyana. Either the cruiseline don't visit the island or not often.

Now some of the high end cruiselines visit these places, but I'm a normal working person so high end to me is HAL or Celerbity. I would like to see Carnival,RCCL, and Princess visit these islands on a regular basis and if the price was right, you see more people going.

[Gingee]

Bored with the Carribbean? Well, I would welcome some new ports. I like the idea that someone else mentioned about staying a little longer at some of the ports. I would like to be in some places at night or a second day to do more.

[Grandpaul]

I got bored with work.

[caviargal]

Yes, I am bored with the places visited by the mass market lines.

 

I love the islands on land trips when one can get out of the tourist mess and enjoy as well as the non touristy ports visited on smaller ships.

[dolfansam]

I have been on 3 on about to embark on my 4th Caribbean Cruise and all have been the diffferent itineraries. Some stops have been the same, but not completely the same. I also have been on 2 different ships (this summer will make ship #3). I am definitely not bored with the Caribbean.

 

What I am tired/bored with are stops in the U.S. that I can drive to on my own time. I elect not to go ashore in these places, except to make a Margaritaville run in Key West. :D Then again, Key West is not as easily accessible via car as Miami, Port Canaveral or Tampa.

 

I will likely continue to only cruise the Caribbean for awhile, unless I persuade my family to go to Alaska with me. Keeping fingers crossed for next summers cruise.:rolleyes:

[agabbymama]

Sure am. I did a land vacation to Jamaica, then flew to San Juan Puerto Rico for a cruise to St. Martin and St. Thomas. Between the four islands, I've seen enough of the Caribbean. Not interested in going back.

 

There are to many new and interesting places to go, to keep going back to the same place over and over. But then, I cruise for the ports, I don't consider the ship the destination.

 

I'm not interested in the pool, or sunning by the pool, trivia games, cooking classes, the library, don't gamble so don't go in the casino, don't drink so don't visit the bars, bingo was fun but terribly expensive couldn't afford to play too many games, karaoke was fun to listen to, not interested in the spa or gym. I do enjoy the food, dressing up for formal night, and the evening shows. But my friend and I played cards or read in our cabin more than what we wandered around the ship. Oh yeah, the shops are fun too, when they have their sales.

[wingsrcl]

I'm bored with the Caribbean, however there is a new generation that has never seen it. The Caribbean is perfect for many people, new cruisers, honeymooners, younger folks, or those who love staying on board. Message to the Cruise Lines: advertise to the right demographics. I personally rather not get off the ship when I'm in the Caribbean islands, it becomes the perfect cruise for those who want to enjoy the ship. As for the suggestion of the Mediterranean becoming the new Caribbean... Airfares to Europe, and expenses in Europe, are far more than any cruiser will pay to depart from any Florida port. That's my two cents!

[cruzincurt]

Why doesn't some cruise line start departing on Wednesdays? Then maybe so many ships would not stack up in the same port?

 

Cheaper airfares to fly Wednesday morning, includes a Saturday stay over, less people trying to get to the ports at the same time. The docks sit empty all week.

 

It would be great, two short work weeks back to back.

[JDRMYS]

With the QM2 and the Noordam now sailing from New York in the winter and spring, we have new motivation to take winter cruises to the Carribbean. Yes, many of the islands are crowded and boring if you've been there previously, but the beaches are beautiful and the weather is hot and sunny when we are freezing at home. Not having to take an airplane to get to the tropics is a huge bonus for us. We don't even mind the 2 cold sea days down and the 2 days back up. Now, if Regent (our favorite line), Seabourn or Silversea would position a ship in New York for the winter we would be really happy campers. I believe that the QM2 and the Noordam sail full on most Carribbean cruises from New York, so there really is a market here.

[cruisecd]

I have been on eight cruises and six have been to the Caribbean - not bored yet. I have visited some ports multiple times but with different people and looked for different things to see/do.

 

Next trip booked on Celebriy Quest which is introducing ports not as common to the mass market ships. Really excited to go to some new places such as St. Vincent, St Barths, Tobago, Ponce, Virgin Gorda, Grand Turks.

 

Bored? NOT ME! :)

[zantedeschia]

I'd like more sea days. Five ports on a 7-nighter is way too much for me. Three ports in 7 nights would be perfect.

[Shawhayden]

I'm a bit bored with the Caribbean, but living 10 minutes from Port Everglades and 30 minutes from Port of Miami, I just can't resist the bargain rates and the many Caribbean choices.

[joramrose]

So long as there is ice and snow and cold cold winds in the States, I will always jump at the chance for sun and sand and sea.

Who cares what port?? Just lead me to a beach.

 

love

joan

[ce2000]

Bored? On a cruise ship. Never heard of such a thing.

 

I've been on 5 cruises, 4 to the Caribbean, 1 to Alaska (Vancouver to Seward). Of the four Caribbean Cruises I have been on I have been to the following: Cozumel, Play del Carmen, Roatan, Grand Cayman, Nassau (twice), Jamaica (Ochos Rios), St. Thomas, St. Martin, Coco Cay, Princess Cays.

 

I will be on my sixth Caribbean cruise in May, with stops at the following ports. Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya. This will be my first appearance in Belize and Costa Maya. There are still many other places for me to visit in the Caribbean. How many cruises would it take to visit all of the islands in the Caribbean, if one set out to do it? (This might be a good question for nmNita, I believe that she could figure it out)

 

I must admit that my favorite cruise experience was the Alaska cruise on the Celebrity Summit. Please don't get me wrong, I would love to cruise the Mediteranean, and Hawaii someday.

 

Bored? On a cruise ship, I don't think so. I play about 12 hours a day and eat about 4 hours a day. It just don't get no better than that does it? I have met a lot of interesting people aboard ship, including many of the ships crew members.

[RevSmith]

going

 

[SLH]

I love the Carribbean but it might be nice to visit different islands. Perhaps if there were more 8 night cruises they could venture a little further south. I also would like to visit the British V.I. on RCCL which is the cruiseline of choice for me.:)

[jeanied]

Agree with those who asked for another category to select in the poll. We're not necessarily bored with the Caribbean, but we would like a few more choices.

 

If money were no object, we'd cruise the world - Hawaii, Europe, South America, you name it. But, the Caribbean remains the most affordable and within our budget, so that's where we go. It'd be nice if there were a few more islands or activities to choose from. Perhaps more theme cruises? Not really sure what the answer is.

 

That said, the best post was from the cruiser who's bored with work. I'm totally there. Give me a "boring" day in the Caribbean over a good day at work anytime. =o)

[seagoingJLW]

The Caribbean is great if you want beaches, if you want to snorkel, but not if you want to explore historical areas. Europe and Asia are by far the best destinations. My favorite cruise ever (called Journey to the Antiquities) started in Dubai, and called onMuscat, Salalah, Aqaba, Sharm el Sheik, Suez Canal, Port Said, Ashdad, Haifa, Kusadasi, and ended in Athens.

 

Why aren't there more of these interesting cruises?

 

Joan

[Jimsgirl]

It is not just the Caribbean, it is access to getting on the ship. I live in Florida, bet a lot of people would say "easy to get to Ft Lauderdale or Miami then" The answer is a resounding NO.

 

Cruise Connection bus Gulf coast side - only if cruise line arranges this or special "senior group cruise" arranged by some Travel agencies. Tried to arrange for a ride a few months ago, bus was "not going to that ship"

No rail connection, nearest rail is Orlando from Ft Myers

If you cannot drive across the state (about 3hours) you have to try a limo cost about $400 per cruise.

Fly, well if I go out of Tampa, limo is also about $400, out of Ft Myers, I have to go first to Atlanta, change planes, then back to Ft Lauderdale (time taken at least 4-5 hours) Same on the way back cost $450, Miami is no better.

[isujim]

Not bored but RC really needs some new itineraries...........and they are starting to do this.........but Princess has the best itineraries going.......I love RC but think they need to work out some new ports in the Caribbean