First Time Cruisers - Advice Needed SMALL UPDATE POST 39

[goooof1]

as mentioned above..... cruise critic (cruisecritic.com) is a goldmine of information. It is your friend and easy to navigate.

 

[DCLMP]

You are talking about a very popular and therefore very expensive time to cruise. Also wanting a drink package automatically takes Disney cruise line out of the running. Do you have an estimate that you’re looking to stay at budget wise?

Lots of discounts on cruises right now across all cruise lines. It's currently the cheapest vacation you can take.

 

[DCLMP]

Looking at the Rotterdam Holland American. Anyone ever been on it? And what do these little pluses on the diagram mean? Is there a way to tell which rooms have a partially obstructed views? That’s one thing I want is a great view from the verandah!

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Holland is generally an older demographic 65+, Sorry I don't know your age. I'm a middle aged person and I would steer clear of this line. I prefer cruiselines that cater to all ages.

 

[DCLMP]

So this has now become a big concern for me as DH is not the best dresser. I mean I don’t even think her OWNS more than 2 pair of plain khaki shorts and his collared polos are over a decade old! He doesn’t need to dress up for work but since CoVid he rarely goes into work so nothing in the nice casual has been updated. Not to mention he doesn’t care much for dressing up, but would fit one formal night. Maybe we should look at more cash cruises? But I still want upscale amenities and experiences!!!

ETA - personally I’d think it would be a ton of fun to get a little more ‘fixed up’ during the day and get fancy once or twice but I do want DH to relax and have fun. It’s his trip too after all!

If you are looking for casual attire go for Royal, Carnival or Disney. Disney is the most casual. Drink packages Royal or Carnival. Adult Entertainment then Royal. I've cruised Disney, Royal, Carnival and NCL so feel free to ask.

 

[DCLMP]

Ok - so DH gave me the go ahead to pick really any time in the next 6-9 months to book our anniversary cruise. This gives me more freedom for a bit longer voyage (6-8 nights). Now I can study ships and itineraries and ports of call so share any great cruise experiences you’ve had!!

- would rather go when we can enjoy the warm weather (not summer because it’s already hot by us and we can hit the local beaches)
- not thrilled with tons of Mexican/South or Central American ports (nothing wrong with them but I’ve only been to Jamaica and that was 30 years ago- I would like to see other islands)
- Key West would be a cool addition because we plan on doing the drive from Miami and a few nights stay there for DH’s 50th coming up soon but at the same time not necessary for a cruise port BECAUSE we will go in the near future…
- DH work schedule from January thru the next several months will lend itself to us taking a cruise mid month or the week right after as far as time frame

Thank again to everyone gor all the responses!!!

There are lots of great options that don't go to Jamaica. Maybe an Eastern Caribbean. Nobody has mentioned MSC, but they have a great new ship out of Miami. There's a documentary on Amazon prime about it. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Cruise-Ben-Ryder/dp/B09DTYDMQK I've never cruised MSC, but it made me want to. Watch it will give you a great insight into cruising even if you don't choose this ship.

 

[Erica Ladd]

as mentioned above..... cruise critic (cruisecritic.com) is a goldmine of information. It is your friend and easy to navigate.

I’ve tried to create an account but something keeps glitching!! At least I can research on it even if I can’t post questions yet. In fact I already picked a different cabin because of things I saw and read in there and and other reviews online! There are so many things to choose from so finally I decided to stick with a cruise that fit into our anniversary and time off from work timeframe.

 

[Erica Ladd]

If you are looking for casual attire go for Royal, Carnival or Disney. Disney is the most casual. Drink packages Royal or Carnival. Adult Entertainment then Royal. I've cruised Disney, Royal, Carnival and NCL so feel free to ask.

I’m hoping this first cruise will help DH get more comfortable with cruising. I chose Celebrity because the itinerary fell perfectly within our window (so did a HAL 7 night cruise but I think 7 is too much for his first cruise and HAL did seem too elegant for us!). I hope we can strike a balance of dressing up (that means pants, not shirts for DH lol) and relaxing with casual meals and experiences. After all we will be there for NYE and id like a special anniversary dinner

Now - any recommendations for non-cruise shore excursions in Key West? Can we just get off the ship snd do our own thing? Id like to rent kayaks but maybe too cold in December/January. Maybe rent bikes for a while and explore? Hop around some local sites and establishments?

And thanks for all the advice for this first time experience. Please keep it coming!!!

 

[kymom99]

I’m hoping this first cruise will help DH get more comfortable with cruising. I chose Celebrity because the itinerary fell perfectly within our window (so did a HAL 7 night cruise but I think 7 is too much for his first cruise and HAL did seem too elegant for us!). I hope we can strike a balance of dressing up (that means pants, not shirts for DH lol) and relaxing with casual meals and experiences. After all we will be there for NYE and id like a special anniversary dinner

Now - any recommendations for non-cruise shore excursions in Key West? Can we just get off the ship snd do our own thing? Id like to rent kayaks but maybe too cold in December/January. Maybe rent bikes for a while and explore? Hop around some local sites and establishments?

And thanks for all the advice for this first time experience. Please keep it coming!!!

Key west is very doable in your own. There is a free shuttle bus you can take around the island, or at least there used to be.

I went twice with a group of ladies ages between 50-67. We walked to Hemingway house to tour it. It was interesting. We found a small resort with a bar to get a drink. We ate at Caroline’s on the advice of a friend. It was a good choice. We walked around and looked up for sale signs to see how much it would cost to buy a vacation home in key west.

The second time in key west we took that bus I mentioned. It was much more crowded that trip. We went in some shops and ate at harpoon Harry’s. Some went back to the boat and some of us went to smokin tuna. It is tucked back off the main drag so not crowded at all. We had a drink and enjoyed the weather.

As you can tell, we aren’t big on physical exertion.

 

[declansdad]

Ok - so DH gave me the go ahead to pick really any time in the next 6-9 months to book our anniversary cruise. This gives me more freedom for a bit longer voyage (6-8 nights). Now I can study ships and itineraries and ports of call so share any great cruise experiences you’ve had!!

- would rather go when we can enjoy the warm weather (not summer because it’s already hot by us and we can hit the local beaches)
- not thrilled with tons of Mexican/South or Central American ports (nothing wrong with them but I’ve only been to Jamaica and that was 30 years ago- I would like to see other islands)
- Key West would be a cool addition because we plan on doing the drive from Miami and a few nights stay there for DH’s 50th coming up soon but at the same time not necessary for a cruise port BECAUSE we will go in the near future…
- DH work schedule from January thru the next several months will lend itself to us taking a cruise mid month or the week right after as far as time frame

Thank again to everyone gor all the responses!!!

Work with a travel agent, look for a cruise specialist. They can help you with all your questions and often have access to group that the public can't access. These groups can sometimes offer you better pricing, usually have some on-board credit available to you and sometimes offer private events or excursions.