Another "What OTHER line" thread, Twist: 18-25 age group!

[Rombus]

First off, apologies for ANOTHER "What else besides DCL" Thread. I know repeats can get annoying, hopefully my little twist will make it more interesting.

So it’s been about 3 years since my last serious vacation. Between college and work, I simply haven’t had the time to vacation. This summer I’m planning a nice vacation with me and my GF (21 and 22 years old respectively at time of trip.) Ive read all the threads dealing with this, and now its a race between DCL and RCCL, with a possible Carnival Cruise.

So the question is: Any suggestions for cruisers in the 18-25 age group? Me and my Girlfriend (I guess DGF? lol) are not your average college students, we aren’t into the whole college "Get drunk and party" scene. I’m really looking for a cruse that we can have fun on and relax (Isn’t everyone? lol)

I looked into Celebrity, but that’s just a bit more posh that we both feel comfortable with. DCL is still in the running because my first cruise when I was 16 was on Magic and i remember how great it was, and I feel comfortable with them again. But on the same token, i can find a 7 day RCCL cruise for the same as a 4 day DCL Cruise, and its an adventure to go with another ship!

So any suggestions? Im open to just about anything

One final question: Is there forums like these for all cruise lines? This has been such a great resource but I want to find more info about all cruises!

 

[lookingforward]

I think your girlfriend is lucky! It is nice of you to take so much care in planning your vacation. I would recommend RCCL if you are at all sports minded (ice skating, rock climbing, inline skating, etc.) They seem to attract a lot of young couples and groups (in the twenties) and offer a lot of nightlife options and fun tours. I have never sailed Carnival so I can't comment. DCL would be another option but I am not sure what they would have to offer your specific age group, although the adults only areas were great. Lots of kids sail on DCL and I am not sure how relaxing that can be at times.

Let us know what you decide and have a great vacation!

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Rick!

Here is Cruise Critic's web page for their Royal Caribbean message boards. You'll find a ton of RCI info over there. Enjoy!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83


They have separate message forums for all of the major cruise lines, plus for almost every port around the world.

Hope this helps!

 

[daisy112878]

My DH and I are both 25 year old and we are planning to go on Disney cruise next year. We looked at Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Princess. We ultimately decided on Disney b/c of service, dining choices, spa, and activities on board. We are like you and your GF we don't get drunk or like wild parties anymore. We like to have a nice relaxing drink before dining or somehting like that. And we don't gamble so the casino didn't come into our decision. We felt disney offered everything we wanted. I would sit down and think about what is the most important things you are looking for in a cruise and then go from there.

 

[marie2004]

I would call and find out what the age requirements are. I have read you have to be 25 if you are NOT married, and traveling without your parents. I don't want to spoil the fun, but my son tried this and was turned down because of age.

 

[Rombus]

@ SeaSpray:

I neve realized they had message boards too, i was so overwhelmed by all the info there i never dug deep enough to find them! Guess i got somre reading this weekend!

@ marie2004:
This was always in the back of my mind. It s been a pain trying to find a car rental place that donsent charge much of an "Idiot Tax" ( Unde 25 driver charge) I guess ill have to research that too.

@ lookingforward and daisy112878:
Thanks for the suggestions! Im nearly postive we would have fun on a DCL cruise, and i know no matter who we go with we will enjoy it. Its just hard to justify the extra money. Plus its kinda an adventure to go with another line!

Thanks for the suggestions and info everyone!

 

[dwkwootton]

Two thoughts on your decision ... Having cruised on Disney and other lines and having cruised with and without my kids, I've found Disney to be hands down the very best line for adults cruising without kids. No one else (that I've been on anyway) has the adult only areas like Disney and it makes all the difference in the world. Your post said you are looking at the summer months, but my two college kids finish up their year in May. The rates for May are usually lower than the summer rates when the K-12 kids are done school. And during the (K-12) summer months, almost any line will have alot of kids on board. If you can get a good rate in May with Disney, I'd think that may be your best bet!

 

[tecdavidt]

I agree with checking what age you need to be. I also know our TA told us that if couples are under age 25 they need to be married to book. I just don't know which line we were checking into for our son who would of been 21 traveling with his girlfriend who would of also been 21 at the time of the cruise. Kathy

 

[Rombus]

So did some research because of the age issue! Looks like RCCL is out (they explain it pretty clearly). Carnival is still a possibility, and DCL terms and conditions doesn’t actually spell it out past the minor rules (18 or under must be accompanied by 21 year old) I guess ill burn some time on Monday and give them a call and double check.

The July thing is kind of locked in. late June early July is the only "Dead Time" in my job (I work for the ResNet department on campus) and also that’s the only vacation time she gets for her job. Also July 3rd is my DGF birthday and this is all sorta a big gift for her

I guess Carnivals not that bad Disney still isn’t out of the picture yet!

Again, many thanks for the input! Your all entitled to free computer support from me now!

 

[dzneprincess]

Rick,
My DH and I are 29 and 31, we sailed without the kids for the first time September 19th! It was wonderful! We were on the Wonder. DCL does such a great job at maintaining the adult only areas, it really is peaceful. We were seated with anohter couple for dinner ( no kids at our table) and we became great friends with our dinnermates who just happend to be fellow DISers. We are not party goers either! We sailed Carnival in 93 for our honeymoon and it left a very bad taste in my mouth. I will very likely not sail them again. Even being amongst children for 4 days, when DH and I returned to our 4 kids we felt as though we had a wonderful restful vacation!

 

[cyndilou01]

hi,
not sure when you are going but we will have a group of singles on the Disney Wonder May 8-12, ages 18 - 26, about 15 - 20 of us, We tried RCCI but it was just loaded with drunks last time, not what we wanted, We are excited about Disney, and looking forward to meeting other Singles and have some fun...

Good luck deciding.