Which cruise line is most affordable, yet really good and entertaining for a young couple?

Question

My boyfriend and I (ages 22 and 23) want to go on a cruise this summer, probably a weekend cruise or 4 or 5 days max. We'd like to do the Mexican Riviera (we live in California), and don't have tons of money, but don't want to compromise quality for price since he's never been on a cruise before.

Answer 1

Go with Carnival.   Ive been on 3 of their cruises and it is very reasonable, good service, good entertainment.   Depending on how flexible you are you could wait til a couple of weeks before your vacation and you can get the same cruise for over 1/2 off.  You have to be available to cruise whatever ship is available and to whatever islands are available.  If you get a very good price, who cares where you go on the cruise--they are all fun.  You can save a lot of money.  My boyfriend did it and had a wonderful time.  You can also try vacationstogo.com for some great deals.  Cant imagine not having a good cruise.  Have been on several cruise ships and you are pampered on all.

Answer 2

Check out onevacationclub.com. All cruise lines are listed and have very good deals.

Answer 3

Carnival has the best deals and is great for adults like you guys.

Answer 4

There are some cruise deals like carnival cruises/bahamas cruises etc which start from $249 and some which are 75% off on this website..try and see..

http://bahamas-resort.info

Answer 5

How tight is your budget?

Have you considered the Baja Mexico cruise by Carnival?  I live in Los Angeles and did this one twice (and going on 3rd!).  They're also the cheapest cruises I've seen around.

The first time I paid $259 for 5 days and 4 nights in an inside cabin (this past September).  We stopped at Catalina Island and Ensenada.  One of my girlfriends on the trip didn't have to spend a dime, so $259 was all she spent for a one week vacation!  (she doesn't drink)  I on the other hand did booze it up a little, but drinks on that trip were so cheap compared to clubs.  I think I paid like $4-5 for an apple martini.  Plus, your food's paid for on this trip - sounds even better huh?

Another time I did the weekend cruise to Ensenada - also by Carnival.  I paid about $329 or so for a cabin with a window, because even though I had the best sleep of my life in an inside cabin, I felt too groggy in the morning - whenever that was.  My fiance and I did a wine-tasting excursion, which was about $30/per person I think, but - get this! - they gave us 2 free bottles of wine each to take home!!!

Royal Caribbean also got GREAT deals for the same cruises to Ensenada (they leave out of San Pedro instead of Long Beach, which is Carnival).  They also run in the same prices, and sometimes you'll see that they charge $10-20 above or below Carnival - we're taking that in May for kicks.

Since you guys are young, I really recommend Carnival.  They've got a party-atmosphere going on on top of a ton of activities!  My friends and I range from 18-27 (my fiance's 37) and we all fit right in.  You're also allowed to bring on 1 bottle of wine or champagne per person onto Carnival too (you're not allowed to do this on Royal Caribbean), so if you're really on a tight budget and want party, this could be the way to go for you.  Plus, Carnival has more pools, jacuzzis and bars onboard than Roybal Caribbean.  This is a real plus when you and your honey want to jump into a jacuzzi but want more than 2 to choose from.  Plus, whether it's the weekend cruise or 5 day cruise, you'll get a "Day at Sea," which means the ship just floats in the middle of the ocean for a whole day - SUPER relaxing and tons of fun!  It's really great not having the pressure to go anywhere for the day, so you can fully enjoy the amenities the ship has to offer, including sipping on glasses of champagne while taking a romantic stroll on the deck at sunset, or having lunch on the deck while gazing at miles of ocean.  There's also have a topless deck where no cameras and kids are allowed - we had a ton of fun up there.  :p

Hope this helps, good luck!!!

Edit: By the way, I looked into the Mexican Riviera cruises; turns out, they run 7 days and a few hundred dollars more than the Baja Mexico ones.

Answer 6

carnival is the fun ships.. weekend trips (3 day) are usually a younger crowd and much more a party cruise. 3 day is a good way to find out  if you like cruising .. but be warned they are addicting!!!

Answer 7

Carnival

Answer 8

During the summer most of the West Coast ships head up to Alaska, however Carnival does offer year round sailings from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera.  They are a very good option given the information you have provided.

Carnival offers shorter itineraries and reasonable prices.  One thing to know, prices can vary greatly from sailing to sailing based on how well the ship is sailing.  If you have some flexibility in the dates you can leave I'd suggest comparing several departure dates in order to find the best price.

I'd also recommend that you speak with a travel agent that specializes in cruises.  They can help you find a sailing that will meet your needs, offer you the same prices as the cruise line and big online sites - and even better they don't charge service fees...  I recommend Cruise Planners at 888-286-9827 www.mycruiseplanner.net

Answer 9

Unlike all the other contributors I do not recommend Carnival.  I absolutely recommend a cruise with Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line.  You will not regret it.  I have been in the travel industry for 7 year and every client I have sent on a Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruise have come back satisfied, often thanking me and giving the ship raving reviews.  I mostly book them a second trip within 2 months with another couple they talk into a cruise.  Service is fantastic and more upscale then the other cruise liners.  The satisfaction rating of Royal Caribbean Cruises are at a superior rating. Pampering and the friendliness of staff is excellent.  you are definitely in for the time of your life below I have listed a few facts on RCI and the exact ship that will include the trip you are interested in

Monarch of the Seas. Departing from L.A. year-round, this remarkable ship is a 2,744-guest cruise ship  

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

1.  Leaves from Los Angeles, California

2.  San Diego, California   8:00 AM  5:00 PM Docked  

3.  Catalina Island, California   8:00 AM  5:00 PM Tendered

4.  Ensenada, Mexico   8:00 AM  5:00 PM Docked

5.  Los Angeles, California   6:00 AM  

Monarch is state-of-the-art and features a new, oversized spa and fitness center, specialty Asian-fusion cuisine at Jade, a make-your-own pizzeria, and, of course, Royal Caribbean's signature rock-climbing wall.

Ship Highlights:



Rock-climbing wall

Jade sushi bar and Asian-fusion restaurant

Latté-tudesSM coffee house featuring Seattle's Best Coffee®

Ben & Jerry's® ice cream

Casino RoyaleSM

Themed bars and lounges, including Boleros Latin lounge

2 outdoor pools

2 whirlpools

Adventure Ocean® youth facilities, including teen-only areas, Fuel and Living Room

ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center

Open-air basketball court

Conference Facilities

3 conference rooms

7 alternate rooms for use as meeting/breakout rooms

TV, VCR, cassette recorder, CD player, overhead projector, slide projector, podium, flipchart, easel

least expensive cabin is $229.00 per person  4nts in July

Answer 10

Holland America is my favorite cruise line.  I taught computer classes on cruise ships and had five months at sea over a five year period.  We  took an Alaska cruise on the Oosterdam last summer and it was the best cruise I have ever taken even if I had to pay for that one. Contact UAL cruises and you can get miles on United Airlines for the money paid for the cruise.  ~~

Answer 11

Carnival, better deal for a fair price.

But dont expect fantastic service.

For young people for sure.

Answer 12

Here's your answer: http://www.earnvacations.com/Freedom

For couples who want to cruise on a weekend through the Mexican Riviera and don't have tons of money but don't want to compromise quality with price.  This is it.