Cruise questions

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:12 pm

Ok, well now I'm considering a short cruise late in February or early March, cause it's been pointed out to me that it may not be that warm in Florida, and my GOSH! they're cheap!
I'm looking at these: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacrui ... Y&x=62&y=5
a three day cruise to Bahamas.
I've never been on a cruise before. What do I need to be cautious of? Any hints?

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:21 pm

Well, since it was my suggestion, I'll tell you what I know. I've been on one cruise, Eastern Caribbean on Royal Caribbean, back in 2005. Pretty much all RCI cruise ships will be nice - overall it's a reputable line. That timeframe (especially March) may see a lot of families because of Spring Break. February could be a better bet.

In addition to your cruise fare and taxes, you will be responsible for daily tips (about $7 pp per day), alcohol, soda and any shore excursions. If you just want to grab a taxi to a beach though, it should be fairly economical.

Some people love cruising, some don't. What I think is cool: the actually engineering of the ships, being on the water, waking up somewhere different each day, the level of excitement of the journey. What I don't like: being around a ton of other people on non-port days (not an issue for your short cruise), sometimes can feel cheesy, small rooms.

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:24 pm

We have enjoyed many cruises but I still enjoy staying on island. You don't have to end your day to make the port before the ship departs. On a cruise you are pampered with meals, drinks and amenities but you miss what is the island before 8am and after 5pm. Sunrises and sunsets are almost exclusively on board.

That said, when cruising we prefer to make our own excursions because we enjoy quit beaches and snorkeling. We have done the organized shipboard excursions and felt we paid too much and recieved too little. I usually rent a car in port and drive to where we want to go and do what we want to do. We have on occasion rented a taxi and driver for the day.

One thing I just found is that our timeshare company (interval international) has a section for excursions at many locations.

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:31 pm

Thank you! I've never had any desire to cruise, but I could hardly pass up a deal like this...IF my friend will go for it.
Is there a certain position on the boat that is more comfortable or has less motion apparent?
And she would need a passport, for Nassau and Cococay, right?

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:40 pm

Yes to the passport. As far as ship location, anything mid-ship is better than either forward or aft. Aft (the back) is better than forward if no middle is available. You really won't be on the move that much though on this type of itinerary.

pipanale · Post by **pipanale** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:53 pm

Go to a site like <a href="http://trvlnet.adbureau.net/adclick/CID ... ogo.com</a> (I'm not making anyone mad by posting a link to another travel site...am I? I sincerely apologize if I am...and edit at will).

They show lots of discounts. Keep this in mind, a short cruise may cost almost as much as a full week. It may be only slightly more to go for a week.

I love cruising..just haven't done it in 8+ years. It's a good time.

michele · Post by **michele** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:24 pm

I've been on several cruises and have cruised on the Monarch's sister-ship, the Soverign of the Seas....twice actually. It is a great ship and a great itinerary. I have found that March is a great time to cruise, as far as the weather goes. And of course, having a fun cruise to the Bahamas planned helps the winter blues! Hope you have a great time!!

JJShaw · Post by **JJShaw** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:37 pm

Hi Minde,
Ive started booking for Expedia Cruiseship Centers...Ive got some great deals...take a peek and let me know if I can help you with anything or if you have any questions..I can also search for anything you might want...feel free to contact me..and register for the free cruise to be given away while you are there...
Janice

http://www.janiceshaw.cruiseshipcenters.com/

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:07 pm

mindehankins wrote:Thank you! I've never had any desire to cruise, but I could hardly pass up a deal like this...IF my friend will go for it.
Is there a certain position on the boat that is more comfortable or has less motion apparent?
And she would need a passport, for Nassau and Cococay, right?

We still love cruising. Earlier someone mentioned not liking days at sea. That was actually my favorite on a 7 day or longer. Gave me time to relax. Cruises can be hectic if you allow them. There is so much that you can do.
Stay away from elevators, stairs and any area where noisy groups would either congregate or pass on a regular basis. As someone else mentioned forward cabins can feel a bit more of the ocean motion than midship, although modern cruise ships are so much more stabil than in the past.
Yes, Passport is a must.

philbetm · Post by **philbetm** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:08 pm

Hi Minde...

Tom and I are leaving for Miami the 13th for
a cruise leaving out on Mon. the 14th with
RCL on "Navigator of the Seas". It is a 5 night
trip to the western caribbean with stops in
Belize and Cozumel. We are booked in an
inside Promenade room. The total cost for
both of us was only $716 that's taxes and
port included. Never have I found such a
deal! This will be our 11th. cruise. We have
gone with alot of different lines, Carnival,
Norwegein, RCL, Celebrity and Princess. Our
favorites that we seem to always return to
are RCL and Celebrity.
If there are any specific questions I can
answer for you just pm me.

Hope your day is GREAT!!!

Sherry in SC

Post by **Anthony** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:34 pm

pipanale wrote: (I'm not making anyone mad by posting a link to another travel site...am I? I sincerely apologize if I am...and edit at will).

They are a sponsor (indirectly) - there is a link at the top of every forum page!

JJShaw · Post by **JJShaw** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:18 pm

Minde...I Pm'd you

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:39 pm

Thank you all! IF I can clear a cruise with my friend, then I'll be back with more questions. She wasn't thrilled about even flying, but I'm hopeful

A cruise would put us on more level ground....being new to both of us.
She's a single mom working a minimum wage job, and I am hoping to treat her to something really neat!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:40 pm

Oh, and that's why only 4 days. She has to save her vacation time for when kids get sick, need to go to the doctor, etc.

pipanale · Post by **pipanale** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:52 pm

Anthony wrote:They are a sponsor (indirectly) - there is a link at the top of every forum page!

Is that how I discovered them?

usvi-on-line

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Cruise questions

Cruise questions