Cruises!

kwrecks · March 2014

So DH and I had plans on going to Vegas in September to celebrate our anniversary and our birthdays. We were looking up flights today and they are stupid expensive. So we are looking up other options, and going on a cruise is one of those. DH has never been, and I was on a 3 day cruise when I was 13 and had a miserable time because I was a bratty teenager and didn't want to spend time with my parents.

So, tell me what you know. What cruise lines you have been on, ways to save money, when/how to book, etc.

shivers7 · March 2014

We went on a Carnival cruise along the Mayan Riviera for our honeymoon and it was fantastic! They have kids clubs as well as adults only areas. It was a lot of fun. It wasn't exactly cheap lol We got a free trip with some pots and pans we bought before we got married and just upgraded. I don't have any tips on making it cheaper sorry.

Bunnyfer · March 2014

Where do you want to sail? That's the first decision. Then decide what interest you on a ship...you want to party all the time, or looking for more relaxed environment. I have heard great things about Royal Caribbean. I have yet to cruise, but Dh and I are looking into a RC for later this year

kwrecks · March 2014

Bunnyfer said:

Where do you want to sail? That's the first decision. Then decide what interest you on a ship...you want to party all the time, or looking for more relaxed environment. I have heard great things about Royal Caribbean. I have yet to cruise, but Dh and I are looking into a RC for later this year

We are really open to anything. And any port.

Michelle N · March 2014

DH and I cruised for our honeymoon, and the three of us are cruising in April! We cruised Carnival, because IMO, they have the best itineraries at the best prices. We like to have very few days at sea. In terms of saving money, it's harder to find deals cruising than resorts. I would book early to get the discounts on the flights - because you won't really get last minute deals on the cruise itself.

We arrive at port a few days early to enjoy that area, which doesn't end up costing much because we save so much flying mid-week rather than the weekend (we're Canadian, flights end up costing almost as much as the cruise itself!)

We're cruising the Liberty out of Miami this time!

kwrecks · March 2014

Anyone hear of or been on MSC cruises?

starshower22 · March 2014

I did a 4 day Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas from Miami. It was really fun and I'd totally go again. Lots of stuff to do on board and of course the beaches when we docked. RC even had (has?) their own private island that we spent a day on. Nassau, the RC island, and Key West plus one day at sea. We booked through VacationsToGo.com and got a great deal!

ludali · March 2014

I absolutely love Bermuda...cruised there 3 separate times. Expensive to stay on the island, so a cruise is the perfect say to see it. All of those were on Norwegian. I've also done an Alaska cruise...which was AMAZING. That was on Holland America and I thought the boat/experience was way better than Norwegian.

MissyCee · March 2014

I did a Carnival cruise back in '05 and had a great time. I did a Southern Caribbean itinerary and it was fantastic, saw a lot of beautiful places. Carnival is great for families, but if it's just you and DH, consider Princess. They're a little more money but well worth it. My parents cruised with them a few years ago and loved it. You won't have a million kids running around sneezing into the buffet line.

And seriously consider booking with a travel agent. There is no fee to use one and you have an actual person to help you make sure everything is taken care of (airfare, transfers, picking a good cabin number, helpful advice, etc). If you find a great price online, print out the info and take it in and have them price match.

Also wanted to add that the earlier you book the better. You can get early booking discounts through the cruise lines and also get a better choice of cabins. If a better price comes up, you can get it (if you use a travel agent anyway). Obviously any times that are school breaks or holidays will be more expensive and in most cases airfare on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are more expensive. Hope that helps!

Starynightsky24 · March 2014

Hey! I mostly lurk but have some experience in cruising that I thought you might find helpful. Where you go makes a big difference. I've found the more affordable cruises usually go to the Bahamas/Caribbean. If you book during hurricane season it's always cheaper (for obvious reasons) but you have to be OK if it gets cancelled.

I've found that when it's just DH and I cruises are cheaper than other vacations because it includes the food. All you can eat

. And also entertainment while you're on the ship (Of course island excursions not included). So unless you're drinking a lot or gambling (if your ship has a casino) it's harder to blow money.

So it really just depends on how you like to vacation

. Good luck!

Revez · March 2014

Where ever you go, take me with you!

kkay1982 · March 2014

We did a carnival one on the pacific side of Mexico when I was in high school and had a lot of fun. I'm looking at a possible one next year for my parents 60th birthdays and I think we would try Alaska for that.

V&G101808 · March 2014

I've done a few cruises, all in Carnival. No complaints whatsoever. I've gone on the 5 day to Key west and Cozumel. The 3 day to the Bahamas. And the 5 day to Cayman Islands and Cozumel. The last was by far my favorite.

If you book early you get great rates through the carnival website.

V&G101808 · March 2014

FTR our last cruise was during hurricane season and we experienced zero problems. Nothing but sunny skies.

All cruises have been out of Florida but each from a different port.

Our next cruise will be a Disney cruise with LO. I'm stupid excited for it! (Probably 2015)

Ffrey1119 · March 2014

We have only done disney cruise line and I loves it. Everything was so amazing on the ship and tons to do, and geared toward kids but adults too. They have adult only zones.

I will return to disney again in 2016 as far as cheap we had a military discount

MitsB707 · March 2014

We've sailed on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity. My favorite has alwas been RC. They have a low staff to guest ratio, which I liked, and it never seemed super crowded like we felt it was on Carnival. To save money, we usually do the Caribbean during the off season in March (still just as warm) and if you get an inside stateroom, it's super cheap. If you don't plan on being in the room much, an inside stateroom would be the way to go. We did that for a 12 day cruise in March and it was only 1400 total for the two of us. We were only in the room to sleep, so we didn't care.

V&G101808 · March 2014

I like sleeping in the inside bottom cabins. The rooms get so dark and it's the best for great sleep!

sftbllstr87 · March 2014

I've never been on a cruise, I've always wanted to though! My inexperienced thoughts, if you like to eat and drink go to an all inclusive resort someplace instead! We went to riviera maya Mexico for our honeymoon and it was amazing, the most expensive part was the flight

V&G101808 · March 2014

^^cruuses are way cheaper if you plan in advanced. I do love a good AI though. Ours for our honeymoon was adults only and it was amazing.

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