Has anyone ever been on a cruise?

Question

I will be 40 in October and have thought about going on a cruise. Can anyone recommend one or what they thought of it.

Answer 1

We booked Royal Caribbean and went to the Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel. It was my first cruise and it was so much fun. There was so much to do on the ship as well as in port. Just go.

Also, for a real experience, look up Windjammer Barefoot cruises, it's an experience of a lifetime.

Answer 2

Like what other people have posted before, cruising may not be for everyone. If you have never been on a large boat before, try going on a shorter cruise (3-5 days) just in case of motion-sickness. If you think you can handle the rocking of the boat, bring sea-sick pills or pressure bands just in case because the last thing you want is to be flat on your back for the whole trip.

Other than that, I believe that cruises offer all ranges of activity from the laid back relaxing vacation to an action-packed adventurous vacation. It all depends on what you want (and what you're willing to pay for).

I have found that if you want bang for your buck, go with the larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Princess. If you want to be pampered and don't mind paying for it, try the Crystal, Cunard, or Silversea lines.

The best thing to do to figure out what you want is to read online reviews of other people's experiences. The best site for that is www.cruisereviews.com.

Answer 3

I haven't but my granddad and step grandma have been on like 20 in spain all these cool places they love them and go on at least one or two a year. So I think they would recommend one!

Answer 4

I have been on 5 cruises.  Royal Caribbean is by far my favorite cruise line, it is also the one that my travel agent recommends.  I love cruises and so does my hubby.  At the same time, I will say this, they aren't for everyone and everyone will have a different experience.  I am not overly outgoing so I don't participate in alot of the group activities but I still manage to have a good time.  I really do think that everyone should go on at least one cruise before they die.  It is just something they should experience.  You can go on Royal Caribbeans website and check out the Hot Deals... they had so really good deals on there when I looked yesterday.  San Juan and St. Maarten has been my favorite places I think so far, but I have enjoyed them all!  Hope you decide to go!

Answer 5

Go!  You will have the time of your life!  So much to do and see and eat!  I've been on one and want many more!!!

Answer 6

Best vacation in the world and the best value for the money

It's a nice hotel that goes places and a fab retsurant too

Answer 7

Yup, I've  been on 2, one to the east side of mexico, and then the west. great way to see many places in a short time. And com'on all you can eat food (at whatever time you want), entertainment, and sun. Just make sure you pick out a reputable cruise line, and watch out for the ones that cater to lots of kids as well. If you wish to avoid them, go after the holidays.

Answer 8

Went on one years ago.  Problem with cruises you have to figure out which one is the best one to go on.  Everyone has different taste so it is a hit or miss. I particularly did not like the confinement of it although there was plenty to do.  I could not wait to hit land.  Other friends that went along loved it.  So first you need to figure out how much you can afford, where you want to go and for how long you want the cruise to last.  Then research cruise ships and its ratings.

Answer 9

I've been on four. There is nothing like a cruise.

I love talking about them, looking at them and thinking about where the grandships will take me next.

I am a huge believer in Royal Caribbean. I will not cruise with anyone else.

Start with a 3 or 4 night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaverl, FLA. The Fall is a good time to go becuase the prices are cheeper.

Good luck, I am totally  jealous.

Answer 10

There are a lot of cruise lines out there and it's easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find out when/where/who.

I'm a travel agent and my specialty is cruises. I'm 30 yrs old and I've done 13 cruises already (last one was Jan for my honeymoon).

A few questions I go thru when trying to qualify my clients as to what cruise is the best for them are the following:

1. Where are you wanting to cruise to? Alaska? Mexico? Panama Canal? Caribbean? Europe? To no where? Is there a particular port of call you're wanting to see?  

This answer helps in answering the second question.

2. When are you looking to sail? You mention turning 40 in October, are you wanting to do it in Oct or maybe buy it as a gift for yourself for later? Caribbean in Oct is not really recommended since it's the end of the hurricane season (into the beginning of Nov). Alaska cruise? It'd have to be the summer months of May - Sept. etc.

3. What are you looking for in a cruise line?

Each person's preferences are different. Are you an early person? Like late night stuff? Do you want to be able to play golf while on board? How about skeet shooting? Want to climb a rock wall? Want lectures about the history of where you're going?

With Carnival owning Princess I'm really seeing that the differences between the two are becoming few and far between. The thing I've noticed more is that the average age on a Princess runs about 60 where on Carnival (if you don't travel when kids are out of school) the average age is about 50. They've done a lot to get away from the party boat image of the 80's. Carnival's ships are very luxurious and fancy and the meals are amazing.

These all will help limit you to what cruise will really fit you the best. I'd come up with some answers for these kind of things and then go and talk to a local travel agent and see what they have that matches what you're looking for.

Personally I enjoy Carnival's ships much more than Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Princess (the 4 companies I've sailed with). I'm more of a night person (not a bar fly or drinker) so at 10pm when the show's typically over I want to go out and have fun - hit the late night comedy show or play some slots in the casino. When I went on my Holland America cruise at 25 I think I was the only person under 50 on the cruise (minus staff) and so after 10pm the cruise seems almost like a ghost ship.

Carnival has stuff going on until about 1-2am in the morning so there's stuff going on late night for me.

But like I said that's what I liked about it. It may not be what you'd like. Using any of the large companies are going to be good. Carnival, Princess, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, etc.

Answer 11

It is the best vacation you can have, there is constant entertainment , great food, great sightseeing and I just went to Encenada, Mexico for a 3 day cruise twice it was really fun both times!

Answer 12

Go its so much fun!  

go on the Carnival Liberty

or the Royal Caribbean Navigator

             You will have the time of your life!!!!!!

Answer 13

Hi!

  We went on a cruise a couple of years ago. It was our first and it was great. I highly recomment Carnival Cruise Lines. They really take care of you. But you need to stop and ask questions or you will get lost. It was a lot of fun. You will meet a lot of great people and have a lot of fun. But if you must want a quiet get away, you can do that too on a cruise. Good Luck!! Go for it!!!

Ed

Answer 14

I LOVE CRUISES!!!!!!!! i'm actually considering working on one!!! ROYAL CARIBBEAN IS THE BEST CRUISE LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A caribbean cruise is AWESOME! cruises arent scaring you can hardly even tell you moving and it's a vaction you'll never forget (for the good) but i would only go on Royal caribbean especially for your first time! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 15

Yes I have. I went on a 4night 5 day cruise through royal carribean. I absolutly loved it! Not only do u get free food, but there arealso soooo many things to do on the ship. I am constantly looking uo more cruises to go on and I would highly reccommend that you register at priceline.com! Every couple of days they will send you DEALBREAKERS that have cruises for VERY VERY VERY CHEAP!!! Just make sure you dont book the airfare/cruise deal... Its a rip off! Hope that helps! Also I joined EBATES.COM! anytime you order anything online u earn money back. Please it has discounts/coupons for free! WRITE ME IF U HAVE ANYTROUBLE!

Answer 16

I was only on a 2 hr cruise downtown Chicago,, it's called Spirit of Chicago.. my landlord went on a cruise to Cancun Mexico.. lasted 2 wks.. and he loved it...

Answer 17

no totally freaked to! after i saw titanic u cant get me on a boat even!

Answer 18

I have been on 5 cruises.

They were all fun and memorable.  Mostly I go to the Mexican Riviera.  (Cabo San Lucas, Matzatlan.)  It primarily depends on where you live. Cruises from the east coast go to places in the Carribean.  West coast have cruises to Alaska, Hawaiia and Mexico.  there are also cruises out of Galveston Bay in Texas.  I prefer  Carnival Cruise Lines.

In general, it really isn't too important where you go.  It is the time you spend on the ship that you will remember the most.

There is lots of entertainment and great food.  My wife and I generally get 2 or 3 other couples to go, which adds to the fun, but we have also been alone.

Answer 19

Go on the Carvical Destiny. It goes to the Carribeans. There are 6 or 7 diff. ports of call. It's beautiful. It's great to go with family.

Answer 20

I've been on several cruises and personally I think they are the only way to go. I recommend Princess Cruise lines because they tend to be more upscale and they don't allow children. I have been to several places and the top two most relaxing destinations are Alaska and the Panama Canal. Happy Birthday in advance! Hope it is one to remember.

Answer 21

I went on a 10 day cruise to the mexican riviera.  We went to Acapulco (saw cliff divers), Ixtapa, Zhuatenejo, and many other places.  IT was amazing.  I can't wait to go on another cruise.  I keep trying to talk my husband into going on one with me.  I would definately recommend one.  My friends went to Alaska and they said that was awesome too.  That will be the one I do next!

Answer 22

I've been on two, both to Mexico. I am 38. I really enjoyed them both, but not Mexico itself so much. I am in California and can't wait to now try Alaska or Hawaii. It depends how long you want to be gone for? And how much time you want to spend onboard vs. onland. Hawaii from SF is a lot of time on the boat.., which I love! I would reccommend Celebrity.., I would NOT reccommend Princess until you want to be hounded by pushy sales people with drink and cameras. I hated that! Both had good programs for kids if that's a question. Both had good food and service. Princess rooms were a little nicer. But ship was so huge it was kind of rediculous trying to get from one place to another. Way too crowded too.

I would suggest talking to your Dr. and getting motion sickness pills boforehand. If you've never gone before, you don't want to chance being sick and not having something.., the ship stores are extremely overpriced, onboard "doc" is only there at certain times and very expensive, and the last thing you want to do when ill is try to figure that all out. Also, pack for simplicity! They reccommend way too many clothes and provide only very small closets. Shore excursions cost a lot less if you do them yourself.., there are lots of places on the docks just waiting for you.

Now, on to drinks. On most ships food is all inclusive. the only drinks that are.., is tea & water & coffee.., sometimes juice/milk with breakfast. Most ships have a policy of what you can bring on board. On princess you were allowed to bring your own sodas and wine, and many people did. The alcohol is also very expensive if you drink, so you may want to check into what they will let you bring on.