Thinking of going on a cruise for our 10 year anniversary?

Question

Can anyone give me information about good cruise lines, ways to get good prices, which roms to book, which places to visit etc etc? We've never been on a cruise before so I would love to benefit from yourexperience! Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Hi there I would personally recommend Royal Caribbean.  I have been on three with them myself and will go on my next one in October.  I have always gotten my cheapest rates going through a travel agent.  They can give you different brochures so you can see different places and choose which one is best for you.  As far as which room to stay in I love the balcony rooms.  Nothing like being able to enjoy breakfast on the balcony watching the sun rise over beautiful crystal clear blue water.

Answer 2

If you know nothing about cruising, then you need a lot more info than you'll be able to get from this board.  Go to your library and get a book about cruising, or get one from your bookstore/Amazon.  You can read about the different aspects of cruising and get a general overview of the different lines/ships.  

Once you've done that, you can work with a travel agent, preferably one who specializes in cruises, or, if you feel you've gotten enough info from your reading, you can book it yourself online.  [I wouldn't recommend that unless you've done a TON of research - there are just too many variables.]

You can also check out some cruise websites for prices/itineraries and for cruise tips and strategies and recommendations.

Some sites to check:  VacationsToGo.com, Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, CruCon, etc for prices etc;  CruiseCritic.com for all the info/advice you could possibly need from experienced cruisers.  Click on "Boards" and/or "Reviews" and/or "Cruise Styles" at the top of the board.  Be sure and check out the passenger reviews.  Prices don't vary all that much from one seller to another and you can sometimes find the best prices at the cruiseline's own website.

Cruising is a wonderful vacation, but there's so much to know about before you go.  Reading through some of these resources will let you match what's important to you with what is out there to choose from.

Some advice I'd offer:

   If you have to fly to your departure port, go the day before and stay in a hotel.  Delays are common and you don't want to be fretting about getting there on time.

  Make your own separate air arrangements [i.e. not through the cruiseline].  You'll get to choose your route and it will probably save you money [unless you have different departure/return ports].  Also, don't use the cruiseline transfers from aiport to port to airport.  It's a mob scene - you'll have to wait until the bus fills up both ways.  Just grab a cab or shuttle from your hotel to the port [some hotels even offer this service - check the "departure" board at CC for lots of recommendations].  On return, it's well worth tipping a porter to get you to a cab and on your way to the airport.  Re that:  don't schedule your return flight before noon of arrival day, just in case....]

  You can save money and avoid the "herd" by doing your own excursions in most ports, rather than using the ship's tours, especially if you mainly want to go to the beach.  Some islands are easy/safe to do this [Cozumel, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas], some aren't [Jamaica].  The CC "Ports of Call" board has great advice on this.  HOWEVER - DO NOT go on your own if you haven't done your research about the port, are at all nervous about it, or can't keep track of time.  If you're late returning, the ship will not wait for you unless you are on one of their tours.

There's a lot to research you need to do before you can choose a cruise, but it can be part of the fun.  Good luck - I hope you find just the right cruise for you.

Answer 3

Dunno about where to find good prices, but Princess Cruise Line is a good choice.  As for places, it depends on how far you're willing to go; a Mediterranean cruise is nice but its a lot more expensive.  It also depends on how long you want to be out at sea.  Then as far as rooming goes, midship cabins are probably the best to go for as there is less of a swaying effect from the water.

Ultimately, though, any cruise is something you'll remember and cherish for a long time, so whatever you choose should be great.

Answer 4

go to www.cheapcaribbean.com. they have deals all the time. especially if you're flexible on your dates. make sure you don't go during hurricane season because the waters can be rough. anywhere in the caribbean is going to be nice to cruise to, it just depends on what you're looking for. i'm not big on cruises because i get bored, i'd rather fly and be somewhere! go to carnival.com and they tell you the type of ships they offer.

Answer 5

My husband and I went on a cruise for our anniversary last year.  We had a great time!  We've been on 4 cruises so far, and we love it.  We've been on Royal Caribbean 3 times, and Carnival Cruise this last time.  Both cruise lines are good, the RC ships seem alot bigger.  Carnival cruise was alot of fun, lots of excitement, the crew was awesome!  The best cabins would be at mid ship and on one of the mid decks.  Don't stay on the lower decks because you won't have a good view and it's alot noisier down there.  Get a cabin with an oceanview it's awesome to wake up and see a different port of call everyday.  While on board go to the shows onboard they're really good.  On your days spent at sea take your ships itenarary and join in on poolside fun and games, bingo, go shopping, get a massage, or just relax by the pool with your husband.  You won't be bored there are lots of things to do.  The best cruise we ever took was on RC.  Our ports of call were Key West, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.  I definitely suggest renting mopeds in Key West and touring the island, we had a blast.  In Jamaica go to Ocho Rios and climb the waterfall, it's an unforgettable experience.  Grand Cayman drink the rum, visit the turtle farm, and get you a piece of jewelry they have great prices. Cozumel, lay back and have a drink on the beach.  Ours was a 7 day cruise and that was just enough time to enjoy every port.   Good luck and happy anniversary.

Answer 6

If you are going on a cruise for your anniversary you should probably not go on a Carnival cruise it is mostly for kids. The best one would be Royal Caribbean. You would get the best prices if you went on their web site and if you book early. For your room the best would be a baloney room. They are more expensive, but they are so worth it. Some times you can see dolphins! The Caribbean cruises are if you love shopping. The best islands for shopping are St.Martin and St.Tomas. They have the best shopping, I say. If you are more of a sight seeing person go on a Europe cruise. Which ever one you chose you are going to have a lot of fun!  P.S. I have been on 27 cruises so I know what I am talking about.

Answer 7

the best prices will be found at www.cruisecompete.com but you will have to select your cruise before you go to that site.

As for what cruise line, my top pick is Princess.  I found it to be the best value for the money and the most fun.

But you should also try www.cruisereport.com  it is a rating of all the different cruise lines by ordinary people who have cruised before.   go there and really take your time to read through some of the reviews,  it is an important decision  and worth some time.  Your 10th anniversary will never come around again.

Answer 8

First think about which part of the world you would like to visit on your cruise -- choices range from the Caribbean, to Alaska (in the summer) , to Europe -- and even to Tahiti on a tall ship!

Also qualify your choices by your budget -- you can take a short cruise over to Nassau for less than $200 per person -- or do an exotic sailing on one of the luxury liners for $10,000+.  There are a lot of choices and it's best to chose a cruise based on what you enjoy.

Happy Anniversary!

Answer 9

well,for good prices, go to trussvilletravel.com . they have cruises for under $400(5 day)