Thoughts on Cruises (Not a Disney Cruise)

[burberryplaid]

This is mainly for Kevin and John..but anyone who wants to, feel free to chime in.

On the e-mail show, it was mentioned that you two prefer other cruise lines to Disney. I'm just curious as to what cruise lines you like and what in particular you like about them.

DH and I have never been on a cruise. We'd love to do a Disney cruise, but it's pricey so we're looking for a cheaper alternative, but we want something that will give us the most value and service for the buck. So far, we've only excluded Carnival. We're looking for a line that goes to the Carribbean..between 5-7 nights.

Any thoughts, suggestions are appreciated.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I'm going to guess the other two lines John and Kevin enjoy will be Celebrity and Royal Caribbean (of course the fact that they are bookable through DU Travel helps!).

Here's what I have always told people that asked me about Carnival...if you've never been on a cruise before and are looking for an economical alternative, give them a try because you don't know what you're missing and will think you're having the best cruise ever.

We've cruised on Premier (The Big Red Boat -- ages ago!), Costa, Royal Caribbean, American Hawaii, Princess, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney.

Without a doubt the Disney cruise was probably the best overall as far as the ship/service (you get what you pay for!), we also enjoyed Costa and American Hawaii...but it was really due to the ports of call more than anything (Alaska and Hawaii). For us, Princess/Norwegian/Royal Caribbean were all kind of so-so. However, the RCCL cruise was on a much older ship than the class they are using now so I'm anxious to give them another try.

We almost booked another Alaska cruise for this summer (wanted to give Celebrity a try), but we had some family members that wanted to go to WDW again...so the plan was nixed. Can't do it next summer because we have the Podcast Cruise reserved for May...but maybe summer of 2010 (geez, that seems like such a long time away!).

Now back to Carnival -- I have told DH to stop me at all costs if I ever try to book another Carnival cruise again (no matter how great a deal it is) because I always come home comparing it to other cruiselines and feel like it wasn't quite up to par.

 

[DisneyKevin]

John and I love Disney Cruise Line and have been many, many times. As a matter of fact, we have two Disney cruises planned within the next 11 months, one with over 200 of our closest friends.

When we talk about liking other cruise lines, it's more about how we (John and I) like to travel when it's just us.

John and I enjoy gambling and other ships have casinos. We also enjoy staying in out shorts and tshirts and getting dressed each night for dinner can sometimes be a chore.

Because of this, we find that ships that offer a casino and full time casual buffet are more to our liking.

When we discussed this with the podcast folks, Julie mentioned that she likes getting dressed up for dinner. It seems that many people enjoy that. We're not among them, so it's awesome to have that choice.

It's not that we dont adore Disney Cruise Line, it's just that as two adults traveling without children, we find that other ships offer ammenities that we enjoy.

As a matter of fact, we are leaving tomorrow morning on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas out of Miami. We are going to San Juan, St Maarten and Labadee.

So if you dont see much of us on the boards next week.....you'll know why.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

John and I love Disney Cruise Line and have been many, many times. As a matter of fact, we have two Disney cruises planned within the next 11 months, one with over 200 of our closest friends.

When we talk about liking other cruise lines, it's more about how we (John and I) like to travel when it's just us.

John and I enjoy gambling and other ships have casinos. We also enjoy staying in out shorts and tshirts and getting dressed each night for dinner can sometimes be a chore.

Because of this, we find that ships that offer a casino and full time casual buffet are more to our liking.

When we discussed this with the podcast folks, Julie mentioned that she likes getting dressed up for dinner. It seems that many people enjoy that. We're not among them, so it's awesome to have that choice.

It's not that we dont adore Disney Cruise Line, it's just that as two adults traveling without children, we find that other ships offer ammenities that we enjoy.

As a matter of fact, we are leaving tomorrow morning on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas out of Miami. We are going to San Juan, St Maarten and Labadee.

So if you dont see much of us on the boards next week.....you'll know why.

Too fun!!! Have a great cruise Kevin (and John)!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

So if you dont see much of us on the boards next week.....you'll know why.

Have a fabulous time...we'll miss you!

 

[aspen37]

Have fun Kevin and John on your cruise. I wish I was going on a cruise.
I have only been on Carnival cruises. I have cruised 5 times with them. I have another booked for 1-03-09 thru 1-11-09. 1-10-09 is my 40th birthday. It will be on the Freedom. What I like about Carnival hmmmm.
1st would be the food I think it is good. The wait staff has been so nice. When we go to dinner after the first night they remember what you like to drink and bring it with out asking. That is a small thing but it is nice. I like the chocolate buffet that they have during the cruise. If you like chocolate this is a can't miss. I love the Broadway style shows. I like that you can join in on the games that they have or you can just sit in a quit corner and relax. On our last cruise my BFF won a 24k gold ship on a stick. Anyone who has been on Carnival knows what this is. I was jealouse because I did not get one. Those are just a few rasons I like to cruise.

 

[scarlett873]

Ooooh John & Kevin...have fun!! We went to St Maarten last summer as a stop on our cruise with Princess. Send me some Guavaberry Rum, will ya?

OP...i've only sailed with 2 cruise lines, Princess and Norwegian. The cruise with NCL was ages ago though...I enjoyed our cruise with Princess, but DH wasn't so crazy about it.

I'm eager to try DCL next May! I have wanted to sail with Disney since they began but was never able to until now!

 

[simonkodousek]

John and I love Disney Cruise Line and have been many, many times. As a matter of fact, we have two Disney cruises planned within the next 11 months, one with over 200 of our closest friends.

When we talk about liking other cruise lines, it's more about how we (John and I) like to travel when it's just us.

John and I enjoy gambling and other ships have casinos. We also enjoy staying in out shorts and tshirts and getting dressed each night for dinner can sometimes be a chore.

Because of this, we find that ships that offer a casino and full time casual buffet are more to our liking.

When we discussed this with the podcast folks, Julie mentioned that she likes getting dressed up for dinner. It seems that many people enjoy that. We're not among them, so it's awesome to have that choice.

It's not that we dont adore Disney Cruise Line, it's just that as two adults traveling without children, we find that other ships offer ammenities that we enjoy.

As a matter of fact, we are leaving tomorrow morning on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas out of Miami. We are going to San Juan, St Maarten and Labadee.

So if you dont see much of us on the boards next week.....you'll know why.

I am so jealous of you guys! What ship are you sailing?

Have a safe trip and happy travels!
~Simon

 

[DisneyKevin]

Thanks folks....

All packed and ready to go in the morning.

We're on the Liberty of the Seas Simon.

This sucker is HUGE.

 

[wilde_oscar]

I've been on smaller aircraft carriers... leave a trail of bread crums so Hansel and Gretel can find there way back.

 

[simonkodousek]

Thanks folks....

All packed and ready to go in the morning.

We're on the Liberty of the Seas Simon.

This sucker is HUGE.

I absolutely love that ship! Maybe for my 21st b-day??

 

[robind]

Would love to hear what you think of Labadee. I was there several years ago w/ my mother. When I was there it was very much like Pete was describing Freeport. A lot of people trying to sell you a lot of crap and would not leave you alone. Hopefully it's gotten better.

Have a great time.

 

[DisneyKevin]

We've been to Labadee several times.

They do have two buildings where people sell stuff and they are very aggressive.

I have a tip as to how to handle this.....

Make sure you are the first person in your group to enter the building and just tell everyone you come in contact with that you DO NOT CARRY THE MONEY.

Then give them the name of someone else in your group (behind you) and tell them that they are buying gifts for everyone at home. I always tell them..."see the guy in the grey tshirt...his name is John and he needs LOTS of stuff. Talk to him."

This allows you to shop undisturbed as they know you have no money.

John hates this trick.

 

[tinkbutt]

We've been to Labadee several times.

They do have two buildings where people sell stuff and they are very aggressive.

I have a tip as to how to handle this.....

Make sure you are the first person in your group to enter the building and just tell everyone you come in contact with that you DO NOT CARRY THE MONEY.

Then give them the name of someone else in your group (behind you) and tell them that they are buying gifts for everyone at home. I always tell them..."see the guy in the grey tshirt...his name is John and he needs LOTS of stuff. Talk to him."

This allows you to shop undisturbed as they know you have no money.

John hates this trick.

LOL

now we know how john got his fear of crowds!

 

[simonkodousek]

Poor John!

 

[wishspirit]

We've been to Labadee several times.

They do have two buildings where people sell stuff and they are very aggressive.

I have a tip as to how to handle this.....

Make sure you are the first person in your group to enter the building and just tell everyone you come in contact with that you DO NOT CARRY THE MONEY.

Then give them the name of someone else in your group (behind you) and tell them that they are buying gifts for everyone at home. I always tell them..."see the guy in the grey tshirt...his name is John and he needs LOTS of stuff. Talk to him."

This allows you to shop undisturbed as they know you have no money.

John hates this trick.

Poor John! I seem to be the target for these people too, maybe i have a friendly face?

 

[mikelan6]

Hmm ... I live close to the port of Miami ... I should go down to the port and stalk Kevin and John! Just kidding.

 

[awatt]

To the OP- Have sailed DCL, RCCL, Celebrity, NCL,Princess and Radisson/Regent. Have loved every cruise and for different reasons for each.

My recommendation would be Princess, followed by RCCL. We found Princess had the most appeal for the various age groups/demograhics in our group. There was something appealling for everybody, including our kids, and a single friend travelling with us, as well as a DINK couple in our group. Ships are beautiful, food and service were excellent. I would suggest RCCL second as they have alot going on for families with the ice skating, flowrider, rock climbing etc.

If you ask my girls they like the kids programs at NCL best, followed by Princess. We do like NCL alot because with the freestyle thing it is a very relaxed atnosphere,less formal, less stress. But I think most people prefer the traditional cruise style, so I would recommend the others instead for a first cruise.

 

[burberryplaid]

Thanks for all the replies...I hope Kevin and John are having fun on their cruise! I think that is the same one I saw on the travel channel with Samantha Brown.

I think my husband and I are similar to Kevin and John..very relaxed and like to have a laid back time. Like I said, we would love to Disney, but right now it's probably a little out of our price range but someday we'll get there. In the meantime, I think we'll see about RCL and Princess...