Cruise for parents??

Question

I'm planning to give my parents a cruise as a gift in june, it is probably going to be in the caribbean somewhere and I was wondering what the best cruiseline for them would be

Answer 1

You didn't say how old your parents are but I would recommend Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, or Holland America.  Those cruise lines cater to an older crowd, i.e., people in their 50's and older.  Of those Holland America generally has THE oldest people on board.  All of these cruise lines have great service and food and staffs and your parents will enjoy.  If you anat to go top of the line consider Cunard, Crystal, Windstar, or Radisson. They are the high end cruise lines that run smaller ships and have more amenities, but a higher price tag.

You do need to make reservations soon as your options will start to dwindle as the time approaches.  You also need to be concerned, since you are talking about the summer, about the hurricane season in the Caribbean, so the earlier in June the better.

I do suggest that you get them a balcony cabin as they will enjoy their cruise experience more with one of those.  Don't be concerned about the new mega ships that hold 3,000 plus passengers as the cruise lines do a great job of managing their passengers getting on ship, getting to meals and off ship on tours.

Answer 2

Royal Caribbean is my suggestion. I sailed on the Navigator or the Seas. It was a beautiful and fun-filled ship.

Carnival is lower-quality, lower-class.

Answer 3

depends on your budget.  carnival is low priced for a 7day cruise to caribbean and princess is a little bit upscale and if you book now, you can get a good rate.  try calling princess reservation dept directly for inquiries or you can check their website.  food is excellent on both ships and they're sister companies.  been on princess for a caribbean cruise and we had a great time.  we had it first week of july and it was kind of hot but tolerable.

Answer 4

Norwegian.  I've heard Carnival is party, party, party.

You need to find a cruiseline that is geared towards their lifestyle and likes.  

I hope you've asked them if they'd like to cruise.  I'd hate for you to spend your money and then find out that they don't really want to go.

Answer 5

I have been on 5 cruises on different cruise lines, and Holland America is by far the best. They cater to middle aged and older passengers and everything is first rate. The food and entertainment are excellent, the cabins are beautiul and they take good care of everyone. I highly recommend this line.

Answer 6

Carnival is great.

I don't care what others say Carnival knows how to take care of the ones that board their ships!

Why June?

If it is all possible do it before the end of May. Prices go up June 1st. Plus once you hit June you can anticipate tropical storms and hurricanes.

If they have never been on one let me give you some advice.

All cruise lines now automatically add the gratuity to your bill. No questions asked! Have them go to the Purser's Desk once they board (before the cruise ends) and have them tell them to take all gratuity off their bill and provide envelopes for them to tip them self. This way they can tip who they choose and how much they choose.

Excursions are expensive and crowded. All they guarantee is that the boat will not leave without you if you are late.  Depending on where they dock there is plenty to see and do without the added expense of the ships excursion package. Most docks have taxi's and people waiting to help you.

Other than that I hope they have a marvelous time! Cruising is the best way to go! If you can give them a seven day with a balcony. If you book ahead of time they will be upgraded! Got to have that balcony!

Answer 7

I go on two cruises or so a year. I don't at all recommend Carnival. To me Royal Caribbean is the way to go. You only spend a tiny bit more, probably under $100.00 and you get better food, better entertainment, just an all around better time for all. Carnival and Royal Caribbean next to each other are like comparing Walmart and Saks Fifth Avenue. I've been on 2 Carnival ships and both of them were old and rickety. I've been on two RCCL ships and they are great. Depending on where you are going the Rhapsody of the Seas(been on twice<) is to be going or has already gone to San Diego. I don't remember its newest ports of call except for the Panama Canal. Most parents love the Panama Canal.I believe it goes to more cool tropical islands as well. The ship is beautiful. Just don't look at the cheap prices of Carnival. Its' a great disappointment.

Answer 8

Royal Caribbean.