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Is it better to visit many places or just a few. I have noticed ones where you visit 4 in 6 days and others 3 in 8.
My future wife can get sea sick on small boats will this effect her.
IS there a cuise line you guys perfer along with ship. We are looking to have but shows and dances dont really interest. more like realxing and sports are our things.
Also how much in advance should we purchase the cruise.
Thanks for any help
quote:Originally posted by Trevor:Is it better to visit many places or just a few. I have noticed ones where you visit 4 in 6 days and others 3 in 8.
Depends on what you want. If you want to spend more time relaxing, you'd probably want more sea days. If you're going to see the sights, you will want more ports, as there are more sights to see .
quote:My future wife can get sea sick on small boats will this effect her.
It is highly unlikely that it will. You can always use one of many remedies others will happily promote to you as "insurance" against seasickness.
FYI, I know people who never get seasick on small boats, and who do on cruise ships. Go figure.
Anyway, the vast, vast majority of people never get seasick on today's modern, stabilized cruise ships. If you do, there are effective remedies that can treat it. Don't let that deter you.
quote:IS there a cuise line you guys perfer along with ship. We are looking to have but shows and dances dont really interest. more like realxing and sports are our things.
Most anyone who has experience cruising has preferences as to cruise lines and ships.
To paraphrase a famous cruise writer, this is like saying, "OK, book me a hotel, they sound nice." A Ritz-Carlton regular would not like a Motel 6, and vice versa. Most people could find a line/ship they love, and ones they dislike.
The good thing is that it is almost entirely personal taste, as almost all of the major lines provide outstanding products in their individual styles and segments. Mercedes, for instance, may excel at making cars. But Honda does too, theirs are different, not as grand, but still very good. Despite this, a Mercedes owner might not be happy with a Honda. It really all depends on what you're looking for.
To help, what are your hobbies and interests? What is a land vacation that you really enjoyed?
quote:Originally posted by Trevor:My future wife and i are thinking of going on a cruise to the caribean. However we have one problem WHERE DO WE START.
Welcome aboard, Trevor. "WHERE DO YOU START", you start here!
You have asked so very 'big' questions! It's a bit like me asking which car is best to buy! Choice of ship and cruise line is dependent on preferances, the style of experience that you require and budget.
For examlpe, 'Big Ship', 'Small Ship', new ship, older 'Classic' ship, three star, five star, 'fun' ship or 'refined experience'?
Most of todays cruise ships are VERY BIG and sail in calm waters, so seasickness is unlikely to be a problem. Don't let the thought put you off.
It is wise to purchase a cruise well in advance if you have particular preferances and dates.
Check the multitude of information on this web site. The 'Readers Reviews' and 'Ship Reviews' are excellent sources of comparision. See menu left.
[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
Once a date, or range of dates, is determined I find a list of cruises to the destination that match. (The cruise search feature on this site is a nice tool).
Once you have that list do research on the vaious cruise lines to find the one that matches your style. Visit cruise line web sites, read online reviews, and pick up some brochures. You can learn a lot about a line by just looking at the brochure, and notice the models in the pictures. They tend to use models that fit the type of passenger they want to attract.
Once you have date, destination, and a few preferable cruise lines (or ships) determined- next comes price. Have your agent compare fares on the cruises.
Some agents will really push one line or cruise because they get special commissions or incentives. Don't feel cornered. Do your homework and pick the right cruise for you.
quote:Originally posted by Trevor:My future wife and i are thinking of going on a cruise to the caribean. However we have one problem WHERE DO WE START. Thanks for any help
Trevor. welcome aboard!
Like K&K say, it's a big question -
My advice is start out with 3 or 4 cruise Line brochures - spend some time carefully going through all of them - compare the cost, the cabins, the entertainment, sports facilities, etc. and, of course the ports of call.
You will have to read the 'fine print'. Compile a list of questions and then phone a recommended travel agent (ask your friends who have cruised) - explain that you have many questions and would like to set up an appointment to discuss them
Every TA wants to sell you something but he/she should have all the answers or offer to get and provide you with them before you make a commitment. It may be (in this day and age) that you will be charged a 'consultation fee’, frequently this will be deducted from your cruise cost when you make a firm booking - check that out too - it's money well spent.
The agent giving the biggest discount is not necessarily the most reliable - you get what you pay for.
As for how far ahead - the earlier the better!
When you have your answers and decide to make a booking PAY FOR EVERYTHING WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD!
More questions? - Post them here - there's always somebody happy to give reliable answers.
In my experience there are differences in how bookings are handled in Canada and the US. Being new to cruising, I would strongly advise against booking on the Net
Hope this is of some help………
Happy cruisin'!
You are correct in questioning some of the input you are getting from local travel agents.
I have cruised for over 30 years and still get absolute garbage input from agents lacking experience.
It does all boil down to knowing who you are talking to.
This site has a wealth of contributors who can probably give you much better input than most agents. With respect, any of those who have posted on this thread, other than Cruiseny have long term experience. Cruiseny is only 14 years old and answers from a different aspect.
From my perspective, I suggest as a first cruise that you consider some of the package offers from Toronto which are all inclusive (Air transfers taxes and gratuities are all covered)
Your best bet for price and service would probably be Sunquests Sunbird. This is a relatively modern ship of around 40,000 tons. This puts her in the midrange in terms of vessel size. Sunquest also has the "Sundream". I suggest you stay away from this ship, it has many service problems.
Sunbird has a passenger complementin the Caribbean of about 70% Brits and 30% Canadian. Its a good mix.
For cabins, I suggest that you stay away from inside berths. To me there is nothing worse than wakening and not knowing if it is night or day.
For location, midships or forward are preferred. Aft cabins can be undesirable due to engine room noise and propellor vibration.
To me this would be an enjoyable and economic cruise. While on it, you may have the opportunity to see other cruise ships and compare notes. I will have to admit that you will probably get raves from everybody. With very few exceptions, there is no such thing as a bad cruise.
Good luck.
quote:Originally posted by topgun:It does all boil down to knowing who you are talking to.This site has a wealth of contributors who can probably give you much better input than most agents. With respect, any of those who have posted on this thread, other than Cruiseny have long term experience. Cruiseny is only 14 years old and answers from a different aspect.
Rather than simply making a point of that I "don't have long-term experience" why don't you contest whatever points I've made that you don't agree with?
Certainly you can disagree, but how come rather than saying what it is you disagree with, you just complain about my age and give that as a reason why I shouldn't be taken seriously?
If the advice I've given isn't bad (and if it is, say so), there isn't any reason why you should feel so compelled to "warn" people about it.
I just didnt want you to feel neglected while I'm away.
See you at the Nordic Empress loading area in New York at 11 am this Sunday, or failing the meet, will be back on line on the 30th.
Remember, everything in moderation.
quote:Originally posted by topgun:See you at the Nordic Empress loading area in New York at 11 am this Sunday, or failing the meet, will be back on line on the 30th.
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