cruises

[sheilarose2]

I'm looing into taking a cruise with DH for our 5 year anniversary around May 2005. Can anyone suggest a cruise line and somewhere to go? We have been to the Bahamas before and loved it but are wanting to go see somewhere else that is sunny and nice. It can't cost an arm and a leg and I was thinking either 4 or 5 nights. I went to expedia.com and looked around and I was overwhelmed by all the different cruiseliners. Any info that you can give me would be appreciated. I just don't know where to start.
Thanks
Sheila

 

[EsmeraldaX]

My best friend and her husband honeymooned in the Virgin Isalnds. They LOVED IT there. They did not take a cruise though, but I'd imagine a cruise would make it that much better.

Not really sunny and warm, but my brother and his wife honeymooned by taking a cruise around the British Isles. They loved it. If you are interested in something like that, I can find out more for you.

 

[Bumbles]

Where do you want to sail out of? I'm guessing Galveston and NOLA would be your closest ports. Carnival has some shorter cruises that go out of NOLA. Princess sails out of Galveston, but I think those are 7 day only cruises.

I know a lot of folks here will say they have to sail DCL or not cruise, but I've found that a lot of other cruiselines more than meet my needs for a lot less than DCL. Not that DCL is bad, but since I don't travel with kids, I don't mind not having a non-Disney cruise

 

[my3kids]

Royal Caribbean sails out of Galveston. If you can sail any time except summer and school holidays, you can find really great fares. Look at cruise411, cruise.com, jbcruises.com, or cruisequick.com. You can sign up for their email list and they will send messages about special fares they have available. cruisequick.com usually beats all other prices, but you have to know what you want. They aren't an agency to help you make decisions, but if you know what you want, they will provide a good price.

 

[minnie56]

Apart from WDW my other love is cruising!

I have been on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and have a Princess cruise coming up next. I love Royal Caribbean...the ships are gorgeous and there is so much to do on them! A wonderful vacation that you'll never regret. Check out some of the cruise sites such as Cruise Critic and Cruise Addicts and you will find a wealth of information! You can post any question you can dream of and find well informed answers...Good Luck!

 

[Beth76]

Have you considered ALASKA? We went last summer and it was fabulous!! I have yet to hear anything bad about an Alaska Cruise. We went on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas and would recommend it highly!!! It's a great cruise to get away from the summer heat.

 

[Aprille]

Carnival does 4 & 5 night cruises out of Galveston. Or maybe it's 3 & 4 night cruises. The shorter cruise goes to Cozumel and the longer cruise also goes to Playa del Sol or some port right across from Cozumel on the mainland.

I believe Royal Caribbean only does 7 night cruises out of Galveston at this time (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) Also I think they do a Mardi Gras cruise in February that goes to New Orleans instead of Key West.

If you're looking for a good cruise message board, check out Cruise Critic.

 

[Paradise]

The motto is "You have lived until you've cruised."

I mainly sail on Holland America and Princess. Two good cruise only agencies that beat the best price you can find is Lori Cunningham at www.skyscrapertours.com and Kim at www.kimskruises.com

When you talk to an agent, let her know what your likes and dislikes are, and what you're looking forward to on a cruise. Then she can match you up as best as possible. Note that most of the shorter cruises 3 & 4 day, 4 & 5 day usually are operated with older ships. I would recommend a 7 day cruise and pick a newer ship

 

[yecats]

I agree with the above poster who mentioned taking 4 or 5 day cruises out of Galveston or New Orleans. I live in N.O. and have done the shorter and longer cruises from here and have always had a good time. The Carnival boat from here leaves on its 4 day cruise on a Monday at 4:00 p.m. and is back in port the following Thursday (and your off the boat usually by 10 a.m). I believe you have one or two stops in Mexico. The 5 day cruise leaves the port on a Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and returns to the following Monday (off by 10 a.m.). I am sure that the Galveston boats pretty much follow the same schedule.

I have used a website called 1-800-CruisesOnly.com religiously for years and have never had a problem with them (at least for the last 7 cruises I have bought from them). I also like their website as you can do an advanced search using many differnt parameters. My favorite is to pick the port I want to leave from and look at what my options are. 4 & 5 day cruises aren't usually expensive unless.

I do have to agree with another poster above, if you can afford it and take at least a week off, I would also tell you to cruise Alaska. It is a completely different place and very beautiful. If your going in July/August, you get sun 24 hours a day for 2 months straight. It is something to experience.

Now if you can't afford Alaska, then a 4 or 5 day cruise to the Western Carribbean will certainly let you know if you love or hate to cruise. Good luck and have fun.