No one can say enough good things about Celebrity - yet, I'm hesitant after reading travelpage.com. Maybe it is too expected, too bland, not unusual enough. Anyone have experience on Costa Romantica or Holland America? I've been told I'm too young (31) for HAL - could this be right? And not to bother with the others, because Celebrity rules. HELP. I can only leave from Fla. port cities - my new husband doesn't fly (will not fly).

I do agree that it is difficult to judge a Cruise experience before you have experienced it! Celebrity are good, but so are most of the other major cruise lines. As for Costa, this web site summed up one of their ships nicely "...if you are uncomfortable in the presence of foreigners, stay away because this welcoming ship is not specifically geared to the English speaking North American market.. However, if meeting people from other countries and cultures and making friends with people who don't live down the block is as much your style as it is mine....then by all means consider the COSTA ALLEGRA".

Cruise choice all depends what you are looking for. Do you want ‘fun’ or a more refined experience? Does the size and type of ship matter to you? Are the ports of call important or do you just want to relax and enjoy the ships facilities. Are you on a tight budget? Maybe you are a Carnival or Disney person, or maybe a Princess or Cunard? Lets not forget HAL, NCL and RCL!

As for age, I'm in the younger bracket - but I don't have a problem mixing with older people. In fact I often find them more interesting. Other people would not share my view at all.

My advice is that you read all the major brochures, buy a good guide book and check these forums. However, at the end of the day only you can decide which ship and line. Whatever you do...please do try it!

Many people are Carnival bashers but they didn't get to be the most popular cruise line in the world if they were doing everything wrong. Besides Carnival Corp owns Holland America, Costa, Seaborn and Cunard so think about the offerings here. The name Carnival alone should tell you it's going to be more like a party atmosphere. I agree some of the first Fantasy class vessels were a bit glitzy but their newer vessels have toned down considerably and have a more elegant look to them. But Carnival is known to be the "Fun Ships" and that they are! I personally love the Carnival experience and will be sailing them again next month on the new Triumph. As far as the amenities in the bathroom, I always bring my own shampoo anyway and I don't use a shower cap so I really don't care that they don't provide anything but soap. (I can't believe the number of people that gripe over this!)

I sailed on the Grand Princess last year and had a fantastic time. Awesome ship with a awesome disco! Shows were good but no comparison to Carnival or Norweigan. I enjoy the late night comedians which I didn't find here. Service on Princess was definately a step above her competitors.

Norweigan had some of the best entertainment throughout the week that I've seen at sea. Downside is I think their ships are rather bland looking with little or no elegance and a bit worn and tattered. Food on NCL was consistant with CCL and RCL.

Sailed on RCL Slendour of the Seas and also had a great week. Nicest ship I think I've been on as far as elegance. Older crowd, sedate and the ship was practically dead after 9:30 at night. Excellent food and the best pizza I've had at sea. Down side was no nightlife and average at best shows.

A cruise is really what YOU make it. If you go expecting 5 stars...pick a 5 star cruise line, don't pick Carnival. I typically don't eat in 5 star resturants or stay in 5 star resorts when I go (because I like to go as often as possible) so no matter what line I've gone on I go expecting a fantastic week of fun in the sun along with relaxation. Every cruise I've been on has been one of the 10 best weeks of my life!

Think about what you want and request to be matched up to your expectations.

Carnival is a great first cruise, actually. The food is good (and some say improving), the service is good (and not stuffy), there is plenty to do, the price is right, and the ships are visually exciting.

Our personal preference so far is Princess. However, we have had great cruises on HAL and American Hawaii, too. We had a poor cruise on HAL's Westerdam, however; I would avoid that ship at all costs. The Nieuw Amsterdam is smaller and more intimate. The big new ships, such as the Veendam, are also excellent.

See? It's all opinion, isn't it?

I think the itineraries make a huge difference. We did a western itinerary on HAL, which gave us more time at sea, and we really loved the ports, especially the Cayman Islands! It was more relaxing, and we really enjoyed those "at sea" days! We did the Southern on the Dawn Princess, and were in a different port almost every day. One of the great things about cruising is that you're able to visit so many different islands, so you're able to get a really good idea of which islands you'd want to go back and stay on for an entire week! On a cruise, if you don't like the island, it doesn't matter, because you're off to a new one the next day!

If you're looking for real adventure, have you considered a Windjammer cruise?

Your best bet is to go to a travel agent that specializes in cruises, and let them point you to the right line. But no matter which one you choose, believe me, it will be the best vacation of your life!!!!