Need Cruising Advice

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I need some advice...

Today, DH and I spent the day farting around in Galveston and ate near the cruise terminal. The Grand Princess was sitting there in all her glory and DH all of the sudden really, really wants to take a cruise.

I've taken one before and wasn't too impressed, but then again, I was cruising with my (now) ex-DH and two other couples, all of whom think sitting around drinking all day is a wonderful way to spend $$$$. Other than the comedian, I didn't experience any of the other activities, because I didn't want to do them alone. We filed for divorce three months later - not because of the cruise, but because he also took that cavalier attitude with his vows.

Anyway... I digress...

On my previous cruise, we went on the Carnival Triumph. At the time, I was in my mid-30's and it was a good match. Come to find out, that due to Katrina, the Carnival Conquest is now in Galveston. They were building it when we were on our cruise. Other than decor, I think they're both the same. The Triumph, Conquest and the Grand Princess are all mega-ships.

As we were sitting there, I was explaining to my DH that Carnival had more of an active atmosphere, thinking that it would appeal to my DH more, but he really wants to try out the Grand Princess. (He's never seen another cruise ship)

We're both in our late 30's (oh, okay - so I'll be 40 in July) and are the type to listen to alternative music and play washers - and yes we do drink. Is the Grand Princess too refined for us?

I would like to start planning, but want to hear any experiences from you guys. I mean, I trust y'all - y'all like Disney.

 

[icebrat001]

I don't think the grand princess it too refined. Dear SO and I have been on 2 Princess Cruises, the Dawn Princess, and the Golden Princess (Very Similar to the Grand) and we are booking our 3rd Princess Cruise, probably on the Coral or the Sea.

Nonetheless, we are in our early 20's, we aren't the huge party type, we drink, enjoy the casino, you know the normal stuff. We LOVE princess, and I don't plan to switch cruise lines anytime soon, why switch what you don't have to?

 

[RonnieJo66]

Um, hello......



Disney Cruise Line!!!

 

[icebrat001]

Isn't DCL like uber expensive, from what i've heard, while great, it's without a casino and you can go on 3 princess cruises for the price of a DCL.

I hope to try it one day.

Um, hello......



Disney Cruise Line!!!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We looked into DCL for our cruise this past summer but for the few islands you get and less port choices-it was way more expensive as we only cruise with a balcony. We went with Carnival and plan to do Princess next time-still both price less than DCL.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Um, hello......



Disney Cruise Line!!!

Noooo... we're going to WDW in two months!

This is an " " trip!

I have to admit, that I'd love to take one, but... (read on for my answer)

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Isn't DCL like uber expensive, from what i've heard, while great, it's without a casino and you can go on 3 princess cruises for the price of a DCL.

I hope to try it one day.

There's my other reason!

I've read a few reviews on DCL, and as I'd expect, it gets GREAT reviews! But... without any little ones, I just don't see the point.

Plus, I live in Houston and I can cut out airfare if I cruise out of Galveston. BIG PLUS!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I don't think the grand princess it too refined. Dear SO and I have been on 2 Princess Cruises, the Dawn Princess, and the Golden Princess (Very Similar to the Grand) and we are booking our 3rd Princess Cruise, probably on the Coral or the Sea.

You know, I've been sitting here reading reviews on cruisecritic and I'm reading a lot of negative reviews about the P&O staff being "burned out". Sort of the same reviews we read here about CM's.

Did you experience any of that?

 

[marybet]

We cruised on the Carnival Conquest in Oct. It is a great ship and we had a wonderful time. Took DH's parents, son, DIL, and grandkids. There was something for everyone. The only complaint I have was the embarkation, it was slow and disorganized, but once we were on the ship it was great.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

We cruised on the Carnival Conquest in Oct. It is a great ship and we had a wonderful time. Took DH's parents, son, DIL, and grandkids. There was something for everyone. The only complaint I have was the embarkation, it was slow and disorganized, but once we were on the ship it was great.

I'm guessing this was Galveston? I've read these same complaints.

 

[mom2grace]

We cruised on the Galaxy (Celebrity ship) out of Galveston last January. It was great! We are 35 and have also been on DCL (twice) and Carnival. Doing RCCL in 3 weeks!

I know that some people from Houston got a great last minute deal on our cruise.

 

[DawnCt1]

We cruised on the Galaxy (Celebrity ship) out of Galveston last January. It was great! We are 35 and have also been on DCL (twice) and Carnival. Doing RCCL in 3 weeks!

I know that some people from Houston got a great last minute deal on our cruise.

I loved the Galaxy. It was one of my best cruises. We also loved The Infinity. I liked Celebrity better than RCCL but I liked them too. I would chose Princess over Carnival.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

We cruised on the Galaxy (Celebrity ship) out of Galveston last January. It was great! We are 35 and have also been on DCL (twice) and Carnival. Doing RCCL in 3 weeks!

I know that some people from Houston got a great last minute deal on our cruise.

That's what my DH is wanting to do. Just take a predetermined week off and see what happens.

I've been looking at the prices for cruises leaving in two weeks and the prices are wonderful!

 

[icebrat001]

You know, I've been sitting here reading reviews on cruisecritic and I'm reading a lot of negative reviews about the P&O staff being "burned out". Sort of the same reviews we read here about CM's.

Did you experience any of that?

I didn't feel that any of the staff were burned out at all. Which is shocking because we sail in Dec. and a lot of the crew is rotated in Feb, so they are near the end and they were hyper, or maybe they are just excited to be going home or switching ships.