Experienced cruisers only, please! need clear answers! how do i plan my cruise?

Question

So my husband and I are thinking of going on a cruise for our vacation this year. in typical husband fashion, all of the research/activity coordination has fallen to me. there are so many websites upon websites with pages of information--i just want to know which lines are the best, what to expect, all of the FAQs without the flowery language, from someone who has been there and done that. it's very confusing! i need help. thank you!

Answer 1

Your first cruise is the benchmark for all your other cruises, it will stay in your memory and if you get hooked on cruising you will be forever comparing it to the cruise you are on.

First of all you need to decide how much you actually want to spend on a cruise. This determines the type of cabin you get, inside, outside, outside with balcony or suite.

Then there are the itineraries, Alaska, Baltic, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean etc:

The cruise line, Celebrity, Holland America, Cunard (expensive but good) Princess, NCL, Royal Caribbean, (not so expensive but nearly as good) Carnival (not so expensive and reasonably good).

This web site gives good and unbiased reviews of all the cruise line ships and the areas they cruise to.

http://www.fodors.com/cruise/index.cfm and when you have decided on the line and the area you want to cruise to, register and investigate the boards on http://www.cruisecritic.com for information on the actual cruise ship and destinations that it sails to.

The reviews and comments are written by people who have been there and done it. You will find invaluable tips and recommendations.

Answer 2

I can see you are frustrated.  However, on the one hand it is not that simple and on the other hand it is not that complicated.

I have taken ten cruises on four different cruise lines and I have three more booked  on two different cruise lines (and I am working on booking another one).  

Asking which line is best is like asking which car is best.  What is best for a single person is not what is best for a contractor and it would be different again for a family of six.

In simple terms, if you like non-stop action, Carnival, Norwegian or Royal Caribbean would be a good choice.  If you have young kids, those three lines plus Disney would be a good choice.  Look at these as three star lines.

If you want less physical activities and more mental stimulation, then Princess, Holland America Line (HAL), Celebrity or Azamara would be a good choice.  You could look at Princess as 3.5 stars, HAL and Celebrity as 4 stars and Azamara as 4.5 stars.  

The five star lines (with the five star costs) are Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn and Regency.  

There are four basic kinds of cabins.  Inside (no windows), ocean view (the window does not open), balcony and suites.  

Some people only go to their cabins to sleep, shower and change clothes.  These people opt for the least expensive cabins (the inside cabins).  However, in order to find out what it is like outside, you have to leave your cabin.

Some people prefer the ocean view cabins so that they can maintain some connection with the outside and the ocean.  

Some people like their own private space.  These people will purchase a balcony cabin, as they get their own balcony where they can sit and sun themselves, read, watch the world go by, or watch as the ship goes in and out of the ports.

Some people like to entertain, and thus need a bigger cabin.  These people will pay for the suites as they are bigger than standard cabins.  

Where to go?  A Caribbean cruise offers something for everyone.  I would recommend either an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise as a good starter cruise.  You can opt for a shorter three, four or five night cruise.  This is a good way to gain some experience without investing a lot of time.  However, the most popular cruises are the one week cruises.  Of course even longer cruises are available.

What I have given you are just basics.  Which is why I say it is not that simply to just ask, which is the best cruise line.  While an entire book can (and has) been written on cruising, the fact is, if you just pick an ocean view cabin on a one week Caribbean cruise, any cruise on any cruise line, I would give you a 90% chance of enjoying it.  Which is why I say it really is fairly simple.

I can't cover everything in the space Yahoo provides for responding to answers, especially since this forum does not allow for the bilateral communication necessary to provide you with the information you need.  So I will leave you with the following reference material.  

Join a cruise forum where back and forth communication can take place.  Joining is free.  Two good choices are:

http://www.cruise-addicts.com/

http://www.cruisecritic.com/

Here is a link to an album that provides 34 photos are different parts of the Carnival Glory ...

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563...

If you want to read about my experiences on various cruises (which will give you an idea of what goes on), click on any of the links below.  The reviews represent cruises from three to thirteen nights ...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...

Answer 3

Best answer is go see a travel agent

Answer 4

There are a lot of things to know before you can choose your cruise, but the research can be fun and it's not that difficult.  

Go to your bookstore or library and get a book about cruising.  [There's even a "Dummies" book on cruising if you're so inclined.]  Read it over to get a general idea about the different cruise lines, the different itineraries, the cabin types, different ship sizes, etc.  When you have some idea of what you want, you can always go to a travel agent - preferably one who is experienced in cruise travel - and he/she will help you make the final decisions.

Once you've done that, you can then browse some websites to get more-specific info about what to do in the different ports, what to wear/pack, how to save some $ onboard, etc.  A site like CruiseCritic.com is wonderful, as it has posts from experienced cruisers about all aspects of cruising.  You simply click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then go to the area you are interested in.  You might also want to check on "Reviews" [especially "Member Reviews"], even before you decide on your ship.

A good first cruise is Carnival.  They have lots of activities, are relatively inexpensive, and are just generally lots of fun, with pretty good service and food, and no "stuffiness".  Some people think Carnival is "cheap" or "garish", and it's true that the ships are not subtle in their decor - very Vegas-like.  But they offer pretty good quality for the price you pay.  Some people prefer Royal Caribbean, but others feel they are not as good in food and service [or cabin comfort] as Carnival and they are usually somewhat more expensive than Carnival.  They are both in the same general class as to value and quality, though.  Norwegian seems to get "dissed" a lot but they have their fans.  Princess is a bit of a step up in quality and may be a little more expensive than Carnival.  Their cruises are a little more-adult, but still not stuffy or staid.

For a more premium cruise experience, at not much higher price, Celebrity and Holland America are good choices.  They have somewhat lower activity levels and are a bit more "traditional", but have excellent service and food.

It takes a bit of research to be able to decide on a cruise, but the research can be half the fun, in my opinion.  I hope you find just the right cruise for you.

BTW - An easy website to compare prices/itineraries is VacationsToGo.com, whether or not you buy from them.  [I wouldn't recommend purchasing through a website for your first cruise.]  Travelocity and Expedia also are good for browsing.

Answer 5

I have been on three cruises.  Two different lines.  Most of them are pretty much the same no matter what the advertisements say.  But depending on were you go there are all kinds of shore excursions.  Each one has its own price and you can purchase them prior to cruising on most of the cruise websites.  I would suggest you go to Cruises.com.  They offer a pretty fair deal on prices also.  

For the most  part all the food on the boat is free.  Drinks are another story but they do offer a drink card that allows you to get unlimieted drinks (non Alcohol) one per person.  All the alcohol drinks cost.  

There is alot of entertainment on the boat as well.  Each day they leave you a flyer that lists all that days activities and you can select the ones you want to do.   When you buy your tickets you will also select the time you would prefer to eat your dinner in the formal dinning hall but you don't even have to go there if you don't want to they have several dining halls all over you can eat at all day and all night.  

Most rooms are set up as single beds but you can push them together to make it a large bed.  once you do that the maid services will leave it that way.  You will also need to make sure you take enough cash to leave the gratuity tip at the end of the cruise for all the maids - waiters - cruise directors - blah blah  blah They tell you a general rule of thumb for each but it will cost you.  

They also have spas and gyms on board usually the gym is free the spa cost, but man is it great.  If you are not into shore exscursions they usually offer great spa deals when the boat is in port for those people that don't leave the boat.  

the shopping & Casino is only open whn ethe boat is out to sea (tax thing).

Otherwise have fun cruising.

Answer 6

Congrats on your first cruise, and being your husband's better (organized) half. ;-)  

If you want the straight scoop, laid out in a clear way, check out the "Savvy Guide to Cruising": http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide

It has an "introduction to cruising" that has FAQs and explains all the basics, then "how to choose you cruise" which discusses which lines are right depending on what you want.

There's also a ton of pictures of different ships, including cabins, menus, etc. in the Gallery: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/gallery

I also think Cruise Critic's forums are good -- for specific questions.  But people tend to have strong feelings about one line over another, so there can sometimes be heated arguments, and more "heat than light" if you know what I mean.

Anyway, hope that helps.  Feel free to contact me through my Yahoo account if you have specific questions.

Answer 7

This is how I decide. I have been on 23 cruises.

!. figure out where you want to go.

2. figure out your bu get (as it may be too late for some areas)

3. As for which lines depends on your taste.

a. Norwegian-freestyle cruising - casual attire & eat when you want. Great for famlies with kids. Great food, service & plenty of things to do each day for everyone.

b. Princess- similar to Norwegian in dress code etc.

c. Holland-first class all the way. (costs alittle more ).

Whether you belong to AAA you can pick up free brochures there.

Your biggest issue after you choose where is what type of cabin suits you. Inside & ocean view generally sleeps 4. A balacony is nice depending on where you are traveling to. Inside less, then ocean view (need to be careful as your view may be blocked by a lifeboat & then a balacony.

As for what to expect also depends on what you are looking for. The best ships may not be going to where you want to go. As Disney is great for kids but, as of now do not go everywhere. However whatever line they all do their very best to make everyone happy.

A cruise is not only a great vacation but, a vaction that the whole family can share & discuss for years to come.

Hope this helps.

ENJOY.

Answer 8

I have been on about 20 cruises on 4 different cruise lines and so here's what I say based on my experiences.

First you should know that all of the cruise lines give the best price for early bookings that are a year or more in advance. So its good that you are starting your cruise search process now.  Cruise lines also list specials on their web sites so do look for those.  The specials can many times save you a couple hundred per person over the price for the exact same cruise on a different date.

Second you should know that all cruise cabins are sold based on double occupancy and the prices listed will be per person and based on at least two people going on the cruise. The price you pay will depend mostly on the type accommodations that you choose.  There are 4 basic types of cabins on ships;

- inside (no window),

- outside (a window or porthole),

- balcony/veranda, and

- suites.

The "FROM" prices you see will always be for an inside cabin.  There are also some subcategories within each category with cabins on a higher deck, and/or a better location on ship (like midship), and/or that are slightly larger costing more.  So as you browse, pay attention to the square footage of the cabins.  You may not want to pay more for the same sized cabin on a higher floor; or vice versa do pay less for the same cabin on a lower deck.  

The terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom. The standard cabin that most people get is generally between 175 and 200 sq ft, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom.  Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, a mini-refrigerator, and a life jacket for each passenger.

You can reserve a cruise on line, by calling the cruise line, or through a travel agent by paying the minimum deposit which will be between $250 and $350 per person for a 7 day cruise, depending upon the cruise line.  The minimum will be more for a longer cruise, for example $450 per person for a 14 day cruise.  The balance will be due approximately 60 days before the cruise departure date.  But you can make periodic payment on line or with the cruise line.  I have reserved on line and made payments many times.

I have listed below the web sites for the medium priced cruise lines which operate from US ports.  These are the cruise lines that most people use.  There are some luxury lines that are much higher priced with prices starting around $4,000 for a 7 day cruise. The lines that I have listed below will have cruises starting in the range of $800 to $1,000 per person for a 7 day cruise, again depending upon the date and type cabin you select.

HOLLAND AMERICA

http://www.hollandamerica.com/

CELEBRITY:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/home .

ROYAL CARIBBEAN:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.d.....

NORWEGIAN:

http://www.ncl.com/

PRINCESS:

http://www.princess.com/index.html

CARNIVAL:

http://www.carnivalcruiselines.com/

I have been on Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean ships and can vouch that they are good cruise lines. However, there are some differences.

- Princess, Celebrity and Holland America have great ships are more classy and reserved. Holland America has more senior citizens cruising on its ships.

-Carnival has more first time cruiser and young people who want to party, party, party. If that is what you are looking for then Carnival is the cruise line for you.

-Norwegian cruise line is good and I have been on many of their cruises.  Its the line that you want to go on if you want to be informal for pretty much your whole cruise.  They have formal nights like other cruise lines but they do not stress dressing up; the call it "dress up if you want to" night.

-Royal Caribbean caters most to families and has the most and best on-board activities. Many Royal Caribbean ships have things like ice skating, roller blade track, rock climbing wall, surfing on ship on the "Flowrider", mini-golf course, pool tables. full sized basketball courts, and adults only pool and hot tub area called 'Solarium".

In my opinion Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have the easiest web sites to use to find cruises and specials.

Regardless of which cruise line you select, the things that are included are pretty much the same.  The price of your cruise includes your cabin, all meals (including breakfast, lunch dinner, snacks and free room service)(you do pay to eat in the specialty restaurants), all shows and entertainment, and free use of all facilities on ship. The things that you will have to pay for are:

GRATUITIES: They will amount to about $10 per person in your cabin per day; about $70 each for a 7 day cruise. When you check in at the pier they will set up an on-board charge account for you to cover any and everything you may buy on ship. They will issue you a "cruise card" which will also serve as your room key and pass to get on and off the ship. At the end of the cruise they will add the gratuity to your tab and you can pay with a credit card or cash, your choice.

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SOFT DRINKS: Coffee, tea, milk, juice, and lemonade and punch will be provided free but you must pay for drinks (alcoholic beverages) and they will add a 15% gratuity to each drink of soft drink order.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Cruise lines will take plenty of photographs of you all over the ship, in the dining room, and as you exit the ship in ports. These will cost a lot, like $15 to $20 for most.

TOURS/EXCURSIONS: You are not required to book any tours and can get off and on in the ports as much as you want.  But the cruise line will offer a lot of tours and these are expensive. These are listed on your cruise line web site and you can reserve them well before the cruise and pay for them also.  If you are going to the Caribbean, most places you can get a tour or taxi on the pier for a much lower price than on the ship.

SOUVENIRS: Anything you buy on ship from a gift shop or duty free shop goes on your on board account. Things that you buy on shore you pay cash or credit card for.

CASINO: If you plan to gamble on ship you will need cash for that.

OTHER: most cruise lines have what they call "specialty" restaurants where there is a gratuity/service charge. All other food on board is free and its not really necessary to budget for food; you cannot eat all of the FREE FOOD that will be available.

If you want/need to have your hair done, get a massage or wrap, or any services from the spa, you will have to pay for them. You can use the gym free but the spa stuff cost big bucks.

Ships now have internet cafe and some have WiFi but the there is a fee for internet access and it is very expensive (like about $50 to $60 an hour). Skip the ship's internet service and just look for an internet cafe in your port stops. You can usually get internet service in the ports for $5 to $7 an hour.

You cabin will likely have a minibar with soft drinks and munchies; you have to pay for them (but there is free room service 24/7).

BEST DEALS

I have found that the best deals can be had by going directly to the cruise line web sites and looking for their specials. Most will have their specials prominently displayed on their home page but I have found that Royal Caribbean and Carnival have the best web sites for this.

Another decision you will have to make is where you want to cruise to; Bermuda, Alaska, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, or Europe.  In general the shorter cruises of 3 to 6 days go to Bermuda or the Bahamas.  Cruises going to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and Europe are 7 days or more.  If you think you want to go to the Caribbean there are really three basic types of itineraries.

- Western Caribbean cruises typically go to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and a private cruise line island.

-Eastern Caribbean typically go to St Thomas, St Maarten, a private cruise line island and maybe another island like Tortola or Puerto Rico. If you want to do a lot of shopping then pick a cruise with St Thomas as one of the port stops. St Maarten is also mainly a beach and shopping stop.

- Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries typically start in Puerto Rico and go either to Aruba, Curacao, and St Thomas and St Maarten, OR they go to the southern Caribbean islands like Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia and maybe St Thomas and/or St Maarten. The main difference between these two itineraries, aside from the different islands, is the Aruba cruise has 2 "at sea" days with no port stops, while the other has a port stop about each day.

I suggest that you click on my profile and then click on and read some of my "Starred" questions and answers to give you a lot more information about cruising.

Answer 9

I can see how it would be overwhelming! I have been cruising for over 20 years to all parts of the world, and on several different cruise lines.

What type of vacation do you normally take? What type of hotel and destination? This will help narrow down your options.

If you're adventurous and outdoorsy, you might consider Alaska on Princess, or if you're more inclined to do beach vacations, try the Caribbean or Mexico on either NCL, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean. If you are Disney park oriented, try a Disney cruise! I have been on two of them, and they are fabulous!

Royal Caribbean is great for the active traveler, and has tons to do onboard, Princess is good for their classes and learning programs onboard. Norwegian is great for anytime dining and not wanting to stick to rigid dining times, and Carnival is good if you're looking for perhaps a quick vacation, they do 3-5 day.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have. Please email me if you'd like! [e-mail]