Cruise Questions, but not a Disney Cruise Question

[felixdacat]

I was on the Wonder this past May for a family cruise (wife, kids, in laws, and bro in laws family). We had a great time but I didn't think I would want to cruise again for a few years.
My wife and I recently found out that due to changes in approach at my daughters school (she is about to enter kindergarten), we are now forced to vacation sometime in the last two weeks of December. We had thought that because it was only kindergarten, we would be able to take her out for a family vacation at any convienent time (we knew that would be impossible once she was in 1st grade).
So, we're heading to South Florida and the grandparents. During this time, my wife and I would like to get away on our own. Hotels and Resorts seem to be very overpriced around Xmas, even if you can get a reservation. So even though I just did a family cruise a few months ago, I'm thinking about another one for just the two of us.
And Disney is not part of the plans for two reasons. One, I just don't think Disney is that great a value unless you take the kids. Two, I'm not driving up to Port Canveral, after I just drove from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale.
So if I'm going to cruise again, it will have to be out of Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
I have always gotten great information from these boards, and have noticed that it is just as good, even if Disney is not involved.
It looks like its going to come down to either a 4 day cruise on RCCL, Majesties of the Seas, or a 4 day on Carnaval's Fascination.
I think RCCL's overall quality is better, but Carnaval's itinerary is better (RCCL would mean another trip to Nassau, which I've been to twice this year, while Carnaval would go to Key West and Cozumel).
Other then CruiseCritic.com, what other websites would you suggest for research? Does anyone know of any other message boards that involve RCCL or Carnaval?
What websites would you recommend for quotes and or purchase? Or would you go through a TA (no I do not have AAA)?
Since this is around Xmas (these cruises depart 12/20) what sort of strategy would you suggest for best price? Booking ASAP or waiting to see if they have any specials? Yes, an outside stateroom is important, and if I go with RCCL, a balcony as well.
I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[TiggerKing]

Funny you should ask about the Carnival Fascination. I was just looking at a cruise on that ship at the end of October as a quick getaway (3 nite). I was checking prices on Travelocity and also looking at the customer reviews of those who had been on the ships. Granted, there were only ten comments, but most only rated it 3 out of 5, and the consistent comments were that the crew was rude, and the ship is great if you are a "party person". I also read that there were problems with underage drinking and resultant hall noise.

Made me decide that I didn't want to take the cruise, even at a great price. Just my two cents.

 

[TheWog]

RCI's Enchantment does a 4 night out of FLL that hits different ports than Nassau I think. Cruisemates.com seems to have an active RCI board. you could check there. Good luck.

 

[felixdacat]

Thanks TiggerKing.
After the year I've had (some major surgery) I don't really mind doing a little partying. My wife deserves to let her hair down.
I read all that stuff on the Fascination but it so far doesn't concern me.
Wog- The dates don't work for the Enchantment. They have a 4 day sail on 12/16 and when it gets back they go out for a 7 day. Kinda weird when you're used to how regular Disney is. But I'll try the website. Thanks.

 

[staylor]

cruisecritic.com has a bunch of info.

 

[hydster]

You could also get reviews on

http://www.epinions.com
http://www.cruise-addicts.com/index.php
http://www.cruiseopinion.com/
http://www.cruisemates.com/Index.cfm


It seems that on almost all lines the shorter cruises seem to attract a younger and more rowdy crowd just so you know! We've encountered them on multiple lines on the shorter cruises and one line doesn't seem to be any worse than any other.

Heidi