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 Perky Gal
    
Location: On a paint horse... | Any info would be appreciated...from when to go to who to stay away from and everything in between. My only wish is to go somewhere with turquoise blue water and white sand beaches...and preferably not a bazillion people!  |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| My folks did a Caribbean Cruise many, many years ago and they loved it, Holland America lines and it was all inclusive. I think they are a very reputable line. But I think I'd just jump ship and fly to Hawaii for a week or two! I can see those white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters as I type. :) Have fun!!!!! |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I did a Carnival to Jamaica (will NEVER go there again), Grand Cayman (Would love to go back there!) and Cozumel (indifferent about it) back in 2007. It was great. Only bad part was I go so seasick the second day in and slept the entire day. Thankfully it was just a travelling day and we weren't at a port. |
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  That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| Carnival...food was not nearly as good as everybody told me it would be. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 292
Location: Northeast Nebraska | You couldn't pay me to take a cruise. The SS Tomaine is also rife with crime, including many murders. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | We went on a cruise this last December with Royal Carribbean. We had fun. The food was not great but not horrible. There was plenty of variety just not lots of quality. They do upcharge everything so plan for that. We did enjoy the port visits the most. We went reef snorkeling in Honduras, saw the Mayan ruins in Belize, and did a Tequila tour in Cozumel. They were all fun but in future we'd probably just fly to the destination and really enjoy it for a few days instead. My hubby got bored on the boat several times. |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24955
Location: WYOMING | Do a Disney cruise! They arent just for kids. They have their own island they go to. Nobody does it like Disney. |
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Expert
Posts: 3147
| Pay the extra and get a room with a balcony. Zip line in Jamaica was the most fun I've had on a cruise. Snorkeling was also great-beautiful fish-unfortunately the coral reefs had been destroyed by a hurricane the year before we went. Take full advantage of all the free entertainment offered on the cruise. We had a blast at the trivia games and the shows were great. Don't waste your time on the late night "adult" comedy unless you like pure filth. The island tours just driving you around pointing out various sites was also interesting. |
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That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| BMW - 2014-03-17 5:26 PM Pay the extra and get a room with a balcony. Zip line in Jamaica was the most fun I've had on a cruise. Snorkeling was also great-beautiful fish-unfortunately the coral reefs had been destroyed by a hurricane the year before we went. Take full advantage of all the free entertainment offered on the cruise. We had a blast at the trivia games and the shows were great. Don't waste your time on the late night "adult" comedy unless you like pure filth. The island tours just driving you around pointing out various sites was also interesting.
I agree on the balcony, and if you can pay for vip so you dont have to wait in lines to board. |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Just as there are different types of cars -- there are different types of cruise lines.... you have the economy models and the luxury models and everything in between. If you do your home work you can end up on the luxury model at a VERY good rate and enjoy top-rate service, food and accommodations. Many people are surprised to find out you can do a European cruise for just a little bit more money than one of those "loop" cruises through the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean. The really nice European lines offer some really deep discounts for early bookings that usually include free round-trip airfare and sometimes include free land tours. Personally, I would not cruise on Carnival, but that's because I am not interested in "party" and "casino" ships. Some people are. You just really need to decide exactly what you want to do -- party? casino? or do you want to see the world and have new ports of call every day and "land tours" and / or have gourmet dining options? Sand and sun? Or glaciers in Alaska? Smaller ships with more personalized service and attention? do you want to sail on a large ship that offers shopping (think mall on the sea)? Make you list then do your research.
I, too, think a Balcony or Veranda Suite is a MUST!
Edited by Delta Cowgirl 2014-03-17 5:53 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 151
| I just got back from my 2nd cruise. Honestly, a cruise is not my idea of a vacation, but the rest of my family LOVES it and would never do anything else.
The food is okay, the shows are fun and the destinations are great...BUT, I would hugely prefer going to a quiet, sleepy beach resort and relaxing.
Cruises are busy and crowded, two things that I don't want on vacation - lol! I got back last week and I am exhausted! It was fun, but not my thing. |
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 Night Watchman
Posts: 5516
Location: Central Montana | I'll be the odd person out ... we prefer inside cabins (ones with no windows) because they are less $$$.....that gives us more $$$$ to spend on other things. Also, it makes it really easy to sleep
I've cruised Norwegian 3 times, Princess twice, and Carnival once. For the most part they are all way more the same than they are different as far as the product they have to offer. My favorite ship has been the NCL Pearl followed by the Golden Princess. I've also been on the Norwegian Star, Star Princess, and Carnival Sunshine.
I prefer to cruise the Caribbean. The water is generally pretty calm. I've been to Alaska twice and the first time was ok but the second time the weather was not good and I spent almost one full day in bed due to getting sea sick. On my caribbean cruise just a few weeks ago in January I never even took any medication for motion sickness.
Our January cruise was a western Caribbean that left from and returned to New Orleans. We stopped in Roatan, Honduras, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico.
We absolutely loved Roatan, Belize was very good too, it wouldn't break my heart not to stop in Cozumel again. We went to Tabyana Beach in Roatan, if you are looking for one of the best beaches in the world for snorkeling the bay area of Honduras is it. The area of the beach we went to was private and only guests from Carnival were allowed into the area or to use the loungers there.
In Belize we took a private tour (there were 16 of our family/friends in our group) we cavetubing.bz and tubed down the river through the ancient Mayan caves, it was very relaxing.
In Cozumel we took a cab and got an all inclusive pass to Mr. Sanchos. The loungers, the drinks, and the food were included in the pass. The beach was not nearly as nice as the one in Honduras, the water was rougher and the beach was littered with broken shells that wash up on the beach. No one did much swimming or was in the water very long.
PS - added photos - the beach photos are all from Tabyana Beach in Roatan. We decorated our door to make it easier to pick out our own door, they all look the same and it is easy to walk right past.
We are looking for people to join us on another one next year. We are either going to do another Caribbean one out of Orlando next March or a Bahamas one out of New Olreans in January. The travel agent we use has saved us group space with some perks if we can get at least 5 cabins together.
Edited by GoinJettin 2014-03-17 9:59 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | My family really enjoys cruises! Within the past year and a half I've been on one with the Royal Caribbean and Carnival both to the Bahamas. I think the key with cruises is not to go on one for too long. You hear about people going on 7-10+ days and I think that's when they start really having a bad time. Honestly, by day 5 I'm ready to get home. You're just on a boat with a lot of people, the rooms are not huge, but those first 3-4 days are great!
I don't have any complaints about the food from either one. I didn't go on a cruise expecting gourmet 5-star meals, I went expecting average. Cruises are all-inclusive. You get what you pay for. I loved that there was always a large variety available and plenty of it! I did also get to try a couple of things I never had before.
I thought the Royal Caribbean was more relaxed atmosphere and had an older demographic on the ship. The Carnival is called the "Fun Ship" for a reason! I'm 21, so I preferred the Carnival. There is ALWAYS something, and not just one but multiple somethings, going on while you're on the Carnival. You don't have time to be bored! Whereas we caught ourselves with a lot more lounging time on the RC, and it only had a few activities going on each day, not a jam-packed schedule.
Like someone else mentioned, you have to determine what YOU want out of a vacation and find a ship that caters to that crowd. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368
| We just went on a Carnival cruise in December to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We LOVED it. We did the Cheers program for our alcohol but didn't drink nearly enough to make it worth while. We loved the excursions that we did. Grand Cayman took Jetskis to stingray city (this was an excursion outside of carnival and was a wonderful experience because the group was small). Cozumel we did an all inclusive romantic VIP package at mr sanchos where we had a cabana and couples massage. We also did parasailing there. We absolutely would do this all over again. I highly recommend!!! We also had just a cabin with a ocean view window and that was plenty for us.
We found Carnivals website and forums very helpful in planning.
Our cruise was 5 days and the perfect length.. we were ready to go home and didn't feel like we needed more time or missed out.
Edited by tuff5224 2014-03-18 1:31 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 393
Location: East Texas | We have been on 3 Carnival Cruises to different destinations. Two times we went with groups and this last time just the two of us and it is always enjoyable. I didnt think I would like cruising but I love it. Sign up for last minute deals for carnival. Our last cruise for 5 days was only $700 total for two of us thats your food included you cant rent a hotel room for that in the US. We have had an interior room one time and window the last two times. A friend of ours had a balconey room and we did enjoy sitting on their balconey. We buy one soda card and just share even though the rule says no. Carnival does offer an alcohol card if you drink a lot that will save you money but if your going to drink one or two a day then its not saving you anything. We do not always do the paid excursions thru Carnival but just remember if you dont and your late they will leave you behind. We just always are very careful and how far away from the ship we go and what time zone your in. Formal dining is not really formal. slacks and nice shirt or jeans and polo for the men. you can keep ordering all of food you want lobster tail steak etc. We do not eat very often at the buffet. We do the brunch and formal dining and room service is free. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | BamaCanChaser - 2014-03-18 12:13 PM My family really enjoys cruises! Within the past year and a half I've been on one with the Royal Caribbean and Carnival both to the Bahamas. I think the key with cruises is not to go on one for too long. You hear about people going on 7-10+ days and I think that's when they start really having a bad time. Honestly, by day 5 I'm ready to get home. You're just on a boat with a lot of people, the rooms are not huge, but those first 3-4 days are great! I don't have any complaints about the food from either one. I didn't go on a cruise expecting gourmet 5-star meals, I went expecting average. Cruises are all-inclusive. You get what you pay for. I loved that there was always a large variety available and plenty of it! I did also get to try a couple of things I never had before. I thought the Royal Caribbean was more relaxed atmosphere and had an older demographic on the ship. The Carnival is called the "Fun Ship" for a reason! I'm 21, so I preferred the Carnival. There is ALWAYS something, and not just one but multiple somethings, going on while you're on the Carnival. You don't have time to be bored! Whereas we caught ourselves with a lot more lounging time on the RC, and it only had a few activities going on each day, not a jam-packed schedule. Like someone else mentioned, you have to determine what YOU want out of a vacation and find a ship that caters to that crowd.
Have to agree. My senior class went on a 3 day cruise for our senior trip out of Cali. It stopped in Catalina and Ensendada. Nothing to fancy food wise, but I was just graduated and drank most of my meals (you only had to be 18 to drink) and ate pizza. We went in early June and had to wear a sweatshirt most of the day because it was cloudy and windy. I have always wanted to take a Caribbean cruise, but hubby wants nothing to do with a big boat. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1131
| We just got back from a Caribbean cruise with Carnival and it was fantastic. So much fun and the staff are great people. They always have things in order and are always happy to help. We went to Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas, USVI, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk and it was a great trip. Grand Turk and San Juan were my favorites. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1076
Location: Winds-A-Blowen, Oklahoma | I've been looking at cruises too, out of Galveston. For those of you that have gone, do we need a passport? I had folks tell me yes and others tell me no. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1056
| falling overboard..................... |
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 Expert
Posts: 2276
Location: ohio-in my own little world with pretty ponies :) | Id rather fly somewhere than go a cruise. I'm terrified of boats and deep water so that is the last place I would want to go. AND I WATCHED TITANIC TOO MANY TIMES! Lol I don't want to sink. My SO's family went on one last winter and they hated it! |
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Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | Running Drums - 2014-03-19 10:46 AM
I've been looking at cruises too, out of Galveston. For those of you that have gone, do we need a passport? I had folks tell me yes and others tell me no.
Not if leaving out of a US port. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1076
Location: Winds-A-Blowen, Oklahoma | BamaCanChaser - 2014-03-19 1:08 PM Running Drums - 2014-03-19 10:46 AM I've been looking at cruises too, out of Galveston. For those of you that have gone, do we need a passport? I had folks tell me yes and others tell me no. Not if leaving out of a US port.
Can we still get off in the mexican ports to troll around?
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10D Crack Champion
| I don't want to go on a boat, but I do want to go it on the pretty beach where the water is clear like in GoinJettin's pictures.
Edited by sodapop 2014-03-19 8:57 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 151
| Passport-yes!! This is a new rule. We have cruised out of FL every time and passports are now mandatory. Check the cruise website! |
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Expert
Posts: 3147
| BamaCanChaser - 2014-03-19 1:08 PM
Running Drums - 2014-03-19 10:46 AM
I've been looking at cruises too, out of Galveston. For those of you that have gone, do we need a passport? I had folks tell me yes and others tell me no.
Not if leaving out of a US port.
If you plan on getting off the ship in a foreign country you will need your passport. In 2012 I was told by the cruise lines everyone needed their passport now. I also departed from Galveston. |
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 Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | Running Drums - 2014-03-19 10:46 AM I've been looking at cruises too, out of Galveston. For those of you that have gone, do we need a passport? I had folks tell me yes and others tell me no.
Yes you do need a passport. You might be able to get away with not having it if you don't leave the ship on one of the ports of call, but when you go on the websites of the operators they will let you know you need one.
I would say, spend the extra money and get a balcony. It is so relaxing to be able to sit somewhere and maybe read a book, or just enjoy your breakfast. (Carnival has complimentary roomservice, not sure about the others.) |
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Night Watchman
Posts: 5516
Location: Central Montana | The passport depends on the cruise. We didn't have to have them to go to Alaska even though there were stops in Canada. In the Caribbean they are required by some of the countries. Check out your itinerary and if you are still not sure check with your travel agent if you use one (we use one because we book groups of 5 cabins or more to get extra perks for the group.)
If you lose track of time and the ship leaves without you (which happens a lot, you can find threads on the cruise critic board from people who like to sit up on the top decks and watch people run for the ship) or you get hospitalized you are going to have one h$ll of a time getting back in the states without one.
On our January cruise something happened to one of the passengers in Cozumel. My guess from the code was a heart attack. An ambulance pulled up beside the gangway and they brought the passenger out on a gurney.
Edited by GoinJettin 2014-03-19 10:30 PM
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| We are going on our first cruise a week from Saturday. It's with royal carribean We leave from Galveston and sail to Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Cozumel. I'm a bit nervous leaving my animals for a week but daughter will be here with them and does a great job! I'll report back! |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| I would not, in any way, shape or form leave the US without a passport! |
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Expert
Posts: 1567
Location: Fairfield, IA | We went on a 5 day cruise on the Carnival Elation in the middle of January that departed from New Orleans, we stopped in Progresso and Cozumel.
I don't have any complaints. Food was good, service was excellent. We did an on-shore excursion of the Uxmal Mayan ruins while in Progresso. The town of Progresso itself leaves a lot to be desired, but the Mayan ruins was wonderful. While in Cozumel we did Snuba diving, which was awesome.
I definitely would go on another cruise. Drinks were pricey, but we aren't heavy drinkers. Also, keep in mind that any extras (alcohol, soda, etc) are going on your bill. Anytime your card is swiped your being charged.
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 Expert
Posts: 3477
Location: Argyle, NY | Someday I'd love to go - |
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | We went on our first cruise two years ago (holy sheet has it been that long ago??) for our honeymoon. I was a little concerned because I am not good at relaxing. I just don't sit still well. I'm good for about a day if I have a good book or something. Otherwise, I gots to go. Too many things to see.
Turned out the cruise was perfect for me. I picked an itinerary where we were someplace new most every day and the absolute best part was I didn't have to worry about how we were going to get to the next place. I got back on the boat, got dinner, went to bed, and the heavily accented captain took me away. I woke up each day in a new place. Belize was wonderful. We went cave tubing with Major Tom who is just a fascinating guy. I'd go back again just to hang out with him. Roatan is stunningly beautiful. Currently trying to talk my family into flying to Roatan to go snorkeling again. Also it's a stupid cheap way to see places you probably wouldn't have gone to all by yourself.
If you're like me, I'd recommend buying excursions and tours. We didn't in our last stop at Grand Cayman and I was bored. We wandered all through the city and ended up taking a taxi to the beach but, aside from the crazy blue color of the water, I could have been on any Florida Gulf beach.
The parts I didn't like were there was no sweet tea to be found anywhere. I have an addiction. If I had thought about it, I would have brough tea bags and sugar with me. We were on a Carnival cruise and it was definitely the economy version. It wasn't bad, just cheap. There also was a little bit of a language barrier. Almost all of the staff were eastern European and Asian and I was never quite sure they understood what I was saying. The boat was kind of crowded some places but we spent the majority of our time on the boat on our balcony or wandering. It wasn't like there were mobs of people the minute you walked out the door.
Rumor has it that my mom is planning a family cruise later this summer. Different cruise line and different destinations. I'm ready to go again.
Edited by TrackinBubba 2014-03-20 11:01 AM
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