etexcat Posted April 9, 2008 #1 Share Posted April 9, 2008 For a 1st timer what would experienced cruisers suggest would be best-an Alaskan cruise or a Caribbean cruise? I am hoping to take a cruise in 2009. Any suggestions will be appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jollycruise Posted April 9, 2008 #2 Share Posted April 9, 2008 We thought about the same thing on our first cruise in January. We decided the Eastern Caribbean and loved it! We now plan on seeing the Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and then going to Alaska. What ever you decide I hope you love cruising as much as we did :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
First_Time_Sailer Posted April 9, 2008 #3 Share Posted April 9, 2008 Depends on your preference! We did the Caribbean first and we are going to Alaska next month. I had a great experience on my last cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UlvaZell Posted April 9, 2008 #4 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I have cruised both. It depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. Both destinations could not be more different. Alaska has beautiful, rugged terrain but can be a little cool even in the summer months. It was truly some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Some nice things about Alaska: same country, same currency, same language, no passport needed. The carribean is beautiful as well. Lush tropical landscapes and amazing blue water. Depending upon the country and port it's reasonably safe. Easier to pack for since the weather is always fantastic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloverseeker Posted April 9, 2008 #5 Share Posted April 9, 2008 We did an Alaskan Cruisetour through Princess last year and it was awesome for our first cruise. I have been on 2 since then and although the Caribbean is beautiful, there is just something about Alaskan Beauty that is spectacular. It is hard to compare nature at its best with the touristy beach places the Carribean is full of. Go and enjoy yourself with whatever you choose. You can't go wrong with any cruise I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted April 9, 2008 #6 Share Posted April 9, 2008 Do you like to veg out on vaction, or do you want to be more active? The Caribbean is great for relaxing, sunning, ....but Alaska will be more physical, if you want to really experience everything! (plus, there's the chance you'll come back without a tan---that kills that choice, for me!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikaBeMe79 Posted April 9, 2008 #7 Share Posted April 9, 2008 IMO, it totally depends on what you prefer.. so, really, only you can make that choice!! :) A LOT of people would LOVE to go to Alaska.. I have ZERO desire to cruise there and would never, ever do so. I'm of the particular mind frame that cruising =lots of sun and beach. That's why I want to cruise. Cruising from cold weather... right into warm. PERFECT! I have friends, however, who prefer to cruise to different destinations (not fans of warm weather, beaches, etc) and absolutely love Alaska and cruising there. So, I would do some research on each destination.. and come to a choice based upon what YOU want to do during this particular cruise! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
librarycin Posted April 11, 2008 #8 Share Posted April 11, 2008 A LOT of people would LOVE to go to Alaska.. I have ZERO desire to cruise there and would never, ever do so. And I'm the opposite of Erika! My first cruise last year was to Alaska (and I've never been to the Caribbean, and really don't have a desire to!). My next cruise won't exactly be a warm destination either (Scotland/Ireland), nor is the next one I'm thinking about after that (Canada/New England). For me, it's about scenery and sightseeing...has nothing to do with warmth or beaches. So, as Erika mentioned, it really is up to you - it's whatever type of vacation you'd prefer... You'll have to let us all know what you decide! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh2Travel Posted April 14, 2008 #9 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Try the Caribbean first---you can't go wrong, unless you hate hot weather of course. It's relaxing and has something for everyone. We're trying Alaska next month for the first time after MANY caribbean sailings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travel_Lover28 Posted April 21, 2008 #10 Share Posted April 21, 2008 My family have chosen Alaska as our first 7 day cruise. At first, I too, would have prefered warmer weather and beaches, but I have heard so much good things about the Alaskan cruise. Although, what decided it is we live closer to the departure/arrival port. I really don't want to fly for 7 hours before and after the cruise. Unless, you plan to stay a day or two before and after the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamagal in FL Posted April 24, 2008 #11 Share Posted April 24, 2008 We have chosen Alaska as our first cruise. Living only 1 hour from several beaches, cruising to tropical and HOT destinations doesn't appeal to us....so as you can see, it is DEFINATELY personal preferences and lifestyle. You will probably be happy no matter what you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisnGram Posted April 24, 2008 #12 Share Posted April 24, 2008 As others have said, it really is a personal choice. For me, getting on that ship and cruising the caribbean in February, when it's 10 degrees at home is simply paradise. However, I'm looking forward to booking an Alaskan cruise to cool off when it's 95 degrees at home in August! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseNut7 Posted April 24, 2008 #13 Share Posted April 24, 2008 WELCOME TO CRUISE CRITIC ..... there's not much you cannot learn about cruising and from helpful knowledgeable cruisers. My suggestion for a first cruise would be to the Caribbean. I prefer the Eastern Caribbean as there are usually more days at sea. Either is great. I grew up in South Florida and was able to go to the beach everyday, so that's not a factor for me. We loved our Alaska cruise and will sail there again - it's beautiful, but very different than the islands. Have fun deciding - thank goodness we have so many choices! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardening Girl Posted April 24, 2008 #14 Share Posted April 24, 2008 We just returned home from our very First cruise which was to the Eastern Caribbean on Regent Seven Seas Mariner! We had a fabulous time! Great ship, great food, great service, and wonderful weather!! It was very relaxing!! We also met some wonderful new friends!! We were on a 11 night cruise with 2 & 1/2 at sea days, which was not long enough, we both could have stayed aboard a few to several days longer. Glad we only had 2 at sea days, our last at sea day was rough and even though I was wearing the scope patch, still didn't feel very well, so I went to reception and asked for the pills that they give out which was Stugeron which worked like a charm after lying down for awhile! If you are prone to sea sickness I agree with what I have read on CC boards recommending a port intensive cruise with few at sea days. I agree with others on this thread it depends on personal choice as far as which itinerary you choose for your first cruise. Do you want a relaxing cruise or a one that you are on the go seeing sights, etc. The Caribbean is really for scenery and the beaches, not for sightseeing! Good Luck in your decision, and I'm sure you will love your first cruise as we did!! GG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasetf Posted April 26, 2008 #15 Share Posted April 26, 2008 For a 1st timer what would experienced cruisers suggest would be best-an Alaskan cruise or a Caribbean cruise? I am hoping to take a cruise in 2009. Any suggestions will be appreciated! Think about what you want to do while on vacation. Do you want to see the beach or a glacier. If you are the "fun in the sun type" and want to spend time around the pool go for the Caribbean. Alaska is much cooler in the summer and you will still need coats and sweat shirts during the day. But the natural sights are breath taking. My suggestion is pick one for your first experience, then do the other "next time". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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