What Cruise Line to Take

[farmo83]

The wife and I are wanting to go on 4-5 day cruise to celebrate paying off our student loans and neither of us have ever been on a cruise.

Any recommendations as far as what lines to take, what drink packages to get, other advice in general, etc would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Done-it-again]

Finally doing one as our last cruise was 18 years ago.... Back then Princes was nice so was Royal Caribbean, but always choses newer boats.

The one we are going on July 6 is Carnivals new ship, Celebration. We are going with about 30 people and most have kids though...

 

[RiverDave]

I haven’t done anything but carnival in 20 yrs.. but the last royal Caribbean cruise I took was off the charts nice.. not sure if things changed.

 

[shintoooo]

We're doing the Royal Caribbean cruise to Ensenada with our son and daughter in a couple weeks. The ship is https://www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas.

We did the same exact trip last year and we were very impressed with how much nicer this ship was compared to Carnival for about the same price.

 

[caribbean20]

The wife and I are wanting to go on 4-5 day cruise to celebrate paying off our student loans and neither of us have ever been on a cruise.

Any recommendations as far as what lines to take, what drink packages to get, other advice in general, etc would be greatly appreciated!

Congratulations on paying off your student loans!

 

[stephenkatsea]

Best to avoid the Caribbean in the summer. Regardless of hurricanes, they get tropical waves. Overcast, windy and very high humidity.

 

[LuauLounge]

Royal Caribbean for the win.
For us, its choices and value. Large ships and people, however, they have the staff to handle it. Buffets are available all day, so as a snacker, I can get fed well at anytime. If you want the sit down full restaurant, it’s there as well. Older crowd for the most part.
Been on most and they are a notch or two above the rest.

 

[kurtis500]

we did Royal Caribbean a year and a half ago. I started a thread here and got a lot of good recommendations. Next cruise will be Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. The bigger the boat the better IMO. But Ive only been on one.

 

[BUDMAN]

We're doing the Royal Caribbean cruise to Ensenada with our son and daughter in a couple weeks. The ship is https://www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas.

We did the same exact trip last year and we were very impressed with how much nicer this ship was compared to Carnival for about the same price.

I’ll second that considering we just got off the carnival ship this morning. Royal was much nicer

 

[clark]

The wife and I are wanting to go on 4-5 day cruise to celebrate paying off our student loans and neither of us have ever been on a cruise.

Any recommendations as far as what lines to take, what drink packages to get, other advice in general, etc would be greatly appreciated!

Alaska inland passage on Holland America lines, absolutely the most beautiful cruise and the best ship lines, they are NOT A FLOATING CITY

 

[Mini Kat]

We usually go on Norwegian Cruise lines when we go

 

[JFMFG]

Ohhh so you got the student loan forgiveness? Jk . I’d go Royal

 

[shunter2005]

Almost everyone I know who has been on a cruise in the last year or so has come home with Covid. At least they say it's covid and have been sick as dogs. Good friend just got back from Alaska cruise a week ago Sunday and his wife had it on Wednesday and he got it Friday. Coincedence? I don't think so.

Our mail carrier just went on one and came home with bedbug bites all over.

With that said, we've been on most all of them before 2020. Celebrity impressed us more than any other.

 

[farmo83]

is it worth it not to get an interior room ?

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

is it worth it not to get an interior room ?

Absolutely. Yeah you are just looking at ocean (if you don’t happen to be on the side that docks at the quay), but fresh air is fresh air and a view is a view.

 

[Done-it-again]

is it worth it not to get an interior room ?

Depends.... 3 day baja cruise inside cause who cares, not spending to much time in the room , 7+ balcony all the way.

 

[C-Ya]

Geez…… 15 posts and nobody has asked the obvious.

How old are you?

Do you want a non stop party? Or something more mellow?

Do you want all inclusive package or would you rather pay for drink individually? This question is huge. If you are a moderate drinker, it is best not to buy drink package. FWIW, my wife and I like to drink and party. However, we have declined the drink package on our last several cruises. The math just doesn’t work for us. We have proved this. It should be noted that when you board, they will be hustling the drink package everywhere you go the first day.

Each cruise line is similar, but offers different experiences.

FWIW. Virgin Voyages sails out of Miami. 5 night. Adults Only. No kids whatsoever. No buffet either. Just order what you want at any of the 20 restaurants.

One last thing……… Life is short. See the Caribbean. No offense to the members here, but the Caribbean cruises are way better than the West Coast cruises, for overall beauty. In September, the cruises out of SoFlo are almost free. LOL The reason being is that it is smack dab in the middle of hurricane season.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Royal Caribbean if you are leaving from Cali. If you're going from Florida, you have to check out the Icon. I'm planning on taking the family on that one next year. Buy the drink package! It's like 17 drinks a day or something like that and you can ask for doubles. I don't drink much, but I built a tollerance on the cruise because all you do is eat and drink. Have fun! The comedy shows are pretty good too. Be sure to do the formal dinners and not just eat the buffets. The buffets fill a need the dinners are a couple steps above.

 

[napanutt]

is it worth it not to get an interior room ?

I will never not have a balcony cabin.
You have your own private view and unlimited fresh air 24-7.

 

[Done-it-again]

Royal Caribbean if you are leaving from Cali. If you're going from Florida, you have to check out the Icon. I'm planning on taking the family on that one next year. Buy the drink package! It's like 17 drinks a day or something like that and you can ask for doubles. I don't drink much, but I built a tollerance on the cruise because all you do is eat and drink. Have fun! The comedy shows are pretty good too. Be sure to do the formal dinners and not just eat the buffets. The buffets fill a need the dinners are a couple steps above.

Carnival drink package is the same at 17 but when leaving from TX you cant use it on the day you board and it start the next day so its a 6 day package... go figure.

The part that sucks, is that both adults in the same room need to purchase it, my wife doesn't drink really maybe a drink or 2 a day, so its cheaper to buy them separate. We booked 2 rooms, one for us and then the kids... So i was able to buy the drink package as one of my kids is my roommate on an adjoining room.

 

[Icky]

If you do Alaska get a balcony, most of the other cruises I've done it wouldn't have made a difference.

 

[C-Ya]

Just rambling here……..

There are many cruise companies that own private islands in the Bahamas. These are a fun way to enjoy a Bahamas beach experience without being hassled by vendors, or the myriad of questionable people at a port stop.

CoCo Cay is fantastic!!! Disneyland type experience. Every drink billed to ship, or part of drink package.

Hot Tip - The party crowd goes to Hideaway Cay. We like The Beach Club. For $99 per person, you get a great steak and Lobster lunch. Negative edge pool. Great white sandy beach. No Kids. Next time I go, I will get an overwater bungalow for the day.

Only 2 lines go to Coco Cay. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. There is an area for everyone. Lots of chairs. Multiple swimming pools all over the property.

Zip lines, water park, hot air balloon, overwater bungalows with every packages, since there are multiple areas. My wife and I were blown away by how nice this place was. The only comparison would be a Disneyland or Disneyworld because it feels like you are in A Caribbean Fantasyland.

I now look for cruises that stop at Coco Cay. I’ll be there again, the day after this coming Thanksgiving.

Ramble over. lol

 

[kurtis500]

I will never not have a balcony cabin.
You have your own private view and unlimited fresh air 24-7.

this...

 

[kurtis500]

Since we dont drink much we bought the dining package on Royal Caribbean. Ill never go without it. Private dining anytime and your away from the crowds and buffet..

 

[C-Ya]

I will never not have a balcony cabin.
You have your own private view and unlimited fresh air 24-7.

My last 10 cruises, I get a balcony on the very back of the ship. On Celebrity, they are called Sunset Verandas.

The stern of the ship will always be unobstructed at ports. It also has virtually no wind, while underway.

The negative………. It’s a long friggin walk to the elevators. And I mean loooong! Think the opening scene of the 60’s tv series…….. Get Smart. There are no further cabins than these.

Hot tip - Stop at bar and pick up unopened drinks. Every walk to your cabin should increase your cabin refrigerator by 4 drinks. There is nothing worse than running out of drinks, on your balcony, and realizing that you have to take that long friggin walk to resupply.

 

[havasu5150]

We just got back from an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Carribean Quantum of the Seas. It was fantastic. As others have said, get a balcony room. Drink packages completely depend on your drinking levels. Double occupancy cabin BOTH occupants must have the drink package, so that just didn't pencil out for us. As it was, I had 3-4 drinks a day tops. Very impressed with Royal Carribean to the point that we booked a Caribbean cruise next year on the Wonder of the Seas.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

is it worth it not to get an interior room ?

I think there is a website that tells you the best rooms to get. Something like seatgeek for airplanes. A balcony is better MOST of the time but can be ruined if you’re above a club or smoking area

 

[samsah33]

Look online for the personalities of each cruise line, e.g. Royal Caribbean for activities, Princess for chilling, Disney for the kids, etc... They all seem to have their niches and you'll be able to find one that fits you. Absolutely get the balcony, it's worth the upgrade. If you drink, some lines will let you bring limited beverages on board. You won't be bringing cases of tall boys, but it's nice to keep a couple in the cabin for when you're chilling on your balcony watching the sunset.

 

[hallettheck]

If you’re from Cali, easy squeezy out of Long Beach. Good time and party atmosphere definitely carnival. Other lines fancy boats, except we just came off of carnivals Firenze 5 days. Very elegant for a carnival ship. Will be on it again New Year’s.

 

[havasu5150]

cruiseplum.com

 

[havasujeeper]

Celebrity with a balcony is my preference. All the others are either drunk fests, or QVC cruises, where they try to sell you anything and everything, including bottles of water when you depart the boat.
Then again, I'm an old fuck, so what do I know?

 

[napanutt]

If you’re from Cali, easy squeezy out of Long Beach. Good time and party atmosphere definitely carnival. Other lines fancy boats, except we just came off of carnivals Firenze 5 days. Very elegant for a carnival ship. Will be on it again New Year’s.

Before we moved we did I think 3 Princess cruises out of SF. Very convenient for us.
We were an hour or so away. Drove and parked for the week once and got a ride there and back other two times.
Being in New England now there are a few out of Boston or NYC but they do Nova scotia. Fuck that.
Guess we’re due for a flight to Florida soon for a real cruise.

 

[Mandelon]

It is easier to have sex on the balcony if you have your own balcony. Just sayin'

Definitely get the drink package. You can arrange your own shore excursion for cheaper. Last one we did was to alaska out of seattle. I think I gained a pound a day. I came home the heaviest I had ever been! LOL

 

[snafu]

What is the desired destination? East coast/West coast/Texas
For a cruise likely with less kids look at Princess/ Celebrity/ Holland America. If you pick a newer ship with all the play amenities expect a lot of kids especially during summer travel. If you are looking to fly be sure to fly in at least one day before departure. Drink package that depends……most lines require that both occupants of the cabin must have drink package if the other one has it. Beer $6-10; well drinks $10, mixed $10-15, specials $12-15. Pay gratuities in advance when booking. 18% gratuity will be added to what ever drink or speciality dining so don’t double tip unless service was exceptional or your just feeling generous. I would pass on an interior as the room will be dark day/or night. I opt for at least an ocean view and a balcony if affordable. Just did Alaska in June on Royal , carnival Firenze in Sept, Princess for Panama Canal in March 2025. (8+ carnival, 1 princess to Hawaii , 2 Royal, 1 NCL)So far I would say the food on Royal has been best as far as main ding room and buffet. I’m usually satisfied with that and don’t spend on specialty dining.

good cruise tips on YouTube, life well cruised, travel scouts, la lido loca, dons family vacations. when you narrow down your destination and ship you find plenty of info on ship and excursions via YouTube

www.cruiseplum.com will help you narrow down your choices and cost

 

[C-Ya]

Sunset Veranda on Celebrity Beyond

 

[CarolynandBob]

Depends on what you want. We don't want the party hardy type of cruise. We want the fun relaxing. We don't want a bunch of kids running around.

So we always go Celebrity. Our rules for cruising. Only go when kids are in school. NEVER go on a ship with a water slide. Go for at least 8 days, that way the kids usually don't want to miss more school.

Don't get me wrong, we like kids. We don't like how people parent the kids.

We do Celebrity Aqua class with the basic drink and wifi and as C-ya said The veranda.

 

[Done-it-again]

Its been a minute since we cruised last and we leave on the the 6th.

Does it make sense to pre pay the gratuity? Hate prepaying for services that have not taken place yet.

And with having the adult drink package, are you still charged the 18% gratuity per drink ordered?

 

[cxr]

The wife and I are wanting to go on 4-5 day cruise to celebrate paying off our student loans and neither of us have ever been on a cruise.

Any recommendations as far as what lines to take, what drink packages to get, other advice in general, etc would be greatly appreciated!

dont do the ensenada cruise. ensenda is well... ghetto lol

immediately do a Caribbean\bahamas cruise you will love it
my favorite ports are Grand Turk, Nassua , whatever private island.
my least fav ports were Puerto Rico and Saint Thomas.

i like beaches and turquse water.

. you cant o wrong with any of the Big 3.

we like carnival for the party atmosphere , matter of fact we are going on the celebration in 2 weeks.
Royal ws good
i have never been on disney but if your not taking small kids or grandkids you might want to skip

Carnival, Royal Disney

 

[cxr]

Its been a minute since we cruised last and we leave on the the 6th.

Does it make sense to pre pay the gratuity? Hate prepaying for services that have not taken place yet.

And with having the adult drink package, are you still charged the 18% gratuity per drink ordered?

No not every drink .. you will pay 18percent on the package daily price

 

[dirtslinger2]

Wife and just booked a 5 day Cabo on the Carnival Firenze, got a rear balcony room, drink package and pre-paid drinks.
Sucks there's a 15 drink limit per day, I can probably double that easily.

 

[Done-it-again]

No not every drink .. you will pay 18percent on the package daily price

I'll have to check if that was added to my drink charge.... the terms and conditions does state it.
I'm thinking not, but who knows these days...
Thanks.

 

[RVRKID]

Wife and just booked a 5 day Cabo on the Carnival Firenze, got a rear balcony room, drink package and pre-paid drinks.
Sucks there's a 15 drink limit per day, I can probably double that easily.

Go play in the casino and you can get drinks in there if you are close to your 15... We also went to another bar and bought drinks in between the 15 to make it thru the day/night. LOL

 

[HgH Vltg]

Regent. Wife is a travel agent, it doesn't get much nicer.

 

[snafu]

Its been a minute since we cruised last and we leave on the the 6th.

Does it make sense to pre pay the gratuity? Hate prepaying for services that have not taken place yet.

And with having the adult drink package, are you still charged the 18% gratuity per drink ordered?

I just prepay gratuities, to me easier, I think most cruise lines will assess the daily gratuity to your onboard account If not prepaid. Kinda hard to dodge the gratuities these days on cruises no matter the service.
Prepaid drink packages are assessed the 18% gratuity on top of the purchase price At the time of purchase. If you don’t have a drink package then expect the 18% per drink.

on my future Princess cruise I got the drink package/wifi/prepaid gratuities for $60 a day pretty good bundle considering the drink package alone runs about 60$

 

[BabyRay]

I just prepay gratuities, to me easier, I think most cruise lines will assess the daily gratuity to your onboard account If not prepaid. Kinda hard to dodge the gratuities these days on cruises no matter the service.
Prepaid drink packages are assessed the 18% gratuity on top of the purchase price At the time of purchase. If you don’t have a drink package then expect the 18% per drink.

on my future Princess cruise I got the drink package/wifi/prepaid gratuities for $60 a day pretty good bundle considering the drink package alone runs about 60$

I do the same, but it never hurts to tip the bartenders or waiters/waitresses a little extra here and there, and if the room steward earns his keep (they always do, lol) I’ll tip him additional as well. Call me old school.

 

[petie6464]

I would shy away from Holland America. I did a long cruise a few back @ 55 I think I was the youngest passage on the ship...

 

[Redracer1090]

love Viking when you go to Europe........

 

[69hondo]

Geez…… 15 posts and nobody has asked the obvious.

How old are you?

Do you want a non stop party? Or something more mellow?

Do you want all inclusive package or would you rather pay for drink individually? This question is huge. If you are a moderate drinker, it is best not to buy drink package. FWIW, my wife and I like to drink and party. However, we have declined the drink package on our last several cruises. The math just doesn’t work for us. We have proved this. It should be noted that when you board, they will be hustling the drink package everywhere you go the first day.

Each cruise line is similar, but offers different experiences.

FWIW. Virgin Voyages sails out of Miami. 5 night. Adults Only. No kids whatsoever. No buffet either. Just order what you want at any of the 20 restaurants.

One last thing……… Life is short. See the Caribbean. No offense to the members here, but the Caribbean cruises are way better than the West Coast cruises, for overall beauty. In September, the cruises out of SoFlo are almost free. LOL The reason being is that it is smack dab in the middle of hurricane season.

This right here.
We have done a lot of cruises and done the Caribbean twice. Nothing compares and the ships are insane.

 

[Done-it-again]

I just prepay gratuities, to me easier, I think most cruise lines will assess the daily gratuity to your onboard account If not prepaid. Kinda hard to dodge the gratuities these days on cruises no matter the service.
Prepaid drink packages are assessed the 18% gratuity on top of the purchase price At the time of purchase. If you don’t have a drink package then expect the 18% per drink.

on my future Princess cruise I got the drink package/wifi/prepaid gratuities for $60 a day pretty good bundle considering the drink package alone runs about 60$

I do the same, but it never hurts to tip the bartenders or waiters/waitresses a little extra here and there, and if the room steward earns his keep (they always do, lol) I’ll tip him additional as well. Call me old school.

Thanks guys, just didn't know if I was missing something as they push this hard.

I topically tip extra for the room attendants when we meet, and always get extra service. Same with a bartender, once we find the one we like and visit that bar most of the time.

 

[CarolynandBob]

I do the same, but it never hurts to tip the bartenders or waiters/waitresses a little extra here and there, and if the room steward earns his keep (they always do, lol) I’ll tip him additional as well. Call me old school.

Find the bar you like and keep going to that one. We get the drink package, but not the premium package. Tip the bartender and you will get the premium stuff.