Cruise Advice

[deebo65]

Howdy pubsters. Need some help if you don't mind. Mrs Deebo has been itching to go on a cruise for a while and I would like some advice about the idea. I've been to the Bahamas and also Jamaica but never been on a cruise. Any advice on best locations/destinations and price range would be cool. Also, I'd like to take my kids too (boy & girl will be 11 & 13 at the time of trip) but if we don't do one of those "Disney" type cruises, will there be stuff for all of us and them to do as well? Any help would be appreciated. Looking to travel in Late July, early August. Thanks in advance

[GatorNation850]

I've been to Cozumel twice on a cruise and I love it there. We always do the Isla de Pasion Twister Speed boat excursion which is like a 12 man speed boat and they do 360's and stuff it is really fun, then they take you to a private island and serve you lunch and have a open bar. There is also trampolines in the water and other stuff for the kids I highly suggest it I went on Carnival both times and enjoyed it.

[Potzer01]

Carnival and Royal Caribean both have great kids activities.

The 11 year old is a bit of a tweener though. I can't imagine what I would have done at 11 on a cruise.

At 8 or 9 they could play in the kids area's and be fine. At 11 they'll want to do stuff, but will still need lots of supervision I imagine.

[bakaduin]

Agreed that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean will have plenty of activities for kids. Game rooms and plenty of other kids and organized activities.

Best part about a cruise with kids IMO is that you don't have to worry as much about them. They are in the middle of the ocean where are they gonna go! Lol.

I've been close to every caribbean port. A lot of where to go depends on what you like (outdoor activities vs shopping etc).

My favorite places in no particular order:
Grand Cayman- Clean and stingray city is a lot of fun
Roatan- Beautiful Island with a ton of activities
St. Maarten- Enjoy the beach and the shopping
Belize- Went cave tubing and had a great time

Some advice is to try and book excursions through the net and not through the ship (which cost a ton more). Just make sure you pick a reputable company with tons of reviews. For instance we used an outside company for cave tubing at it was 50 a person with lunch. The cruise was doing a similar excursion for over 100 a person.

[deebo65]

Thanks guys! Definitely going to be checking it out. Kids have been to Hawaii before, but not on a cruise yet. I think they would love it. Thanks for all the advice so far and pm's!

[deathroll]

Good advice from everyone but just so you know, you may not love a cruise. My wife and I are two of the very few that do not like 'em. They are the absolute best vacation value there is, that's for sure. It's just, we don't particularly like them and have vowed, "never again". While there's plenty of food pretty much all the time, we don't care for having a specific dining time (group one or two or three). We also like trying different privately owned restaurants and different, local foods/dishes. We also always know we're on the water. Even in flat calm seas, we feel the motion. May be the vibration of the ships engines/something but we just never feel 100% when we're on a ship. Most of the shows/talent is similar to the types of shows/talent you might find in Vegas but none of it is quite up to Vegas standards. To us, it's OK stuff but not great. You can see and hear the differences. Neither of us enjoys the overcrowded pools and or pool areas or the night time dances/clubs. Yeah, we're vacation snobs. We just have a better time, see more and develop better memories when we plan our own vacations.

[supagator]

I don't understand why people want to go on cruises. When you could spend the entire time at your destination.

[deebo65]

sup and death, I wanted to have input like the rest because I am more of your opinion. Now let me say, I am excited to have any not usual family outing. Both Mrs Deebo and my kids want to and have mentioned a cruise many times recently. I would prefer like an all inclusive type deal at a Sandals or such type resort. I wanted to see if the prices were comparable or if a cruise was THAT much more affordable, then I can deal with not my personal optimal fun choice and still be happy with seeing my family have a blast. But, I wanted input from both sides and I welcome and appreciate it all. Thank you both for your response and input.

[myamiG8R]

no advice deebo other than to say after living in myami all 47 years of my life (other than a few wonderous years in gainesville), i went on my first cruise a month ago and had a blast with the SO, my step-daughter and a friend of hers (the girls are 16 and 18 respectively)... they did not want for anything to do, nor did the girls, and there was plenty of things for us to do together... the cruise agenda really makes you use the entire day as you are up by 8am for b-fast and then off to shore at whatever port of call you land... when you are back on the ship by 4 or so, you have already had a great day and... it's only 4 or so!

we went NCL with a different stop each of three days... first morning freeport, second, nassua, third private island... really fun experience...

[G8trGr8t]

guess it all depends on your personality. if you like crowded shopping malls and busy city streets, cruises might be for you. personally, I don't care much for either so I avoid cruises like the plague except for small boat cruises or marine ferry systems we like to use in Alaska.

I have 3 kids ages 14, 13, and 9. Last spring was Grand Cayman and they loved it. check redweek.com for cheap condo rentals that time of year. we liked the east end away from town because it got you away from the cruise ship crowds and you could go visit that area when the ships were not overrunning the town. lot of great beaches and snorkeling and excellent diving. check the pub photo album for some pics.

fwiw, chase has a british airways card offering right now. spend $1k and get 50k avios points which can get you three free plane tickets out of Miami to Grand Cayman (codeshare with AA) if they have rewards seats available. 2 bedroom condo cost me $800 for a week. groceries cost me around $500. excursions to stingray city (when cruise ship not in town) and kids swim with dolphins and tour turtle farm added another $700 or so. car was about $300 for the week. Grand Cayman is real safe.

alternate suggestion would be St. Croix. relatively undeveloped but user friendly and safe compared to lots of other caribbean places. can give suggestions if interested in that.

[ufhomerj31]

sup and death, I wanted to have input like the rest because I am more of your opinion. Now let me say, I am excited to have any not usual family outing. Both Mrs Deebo and my kids want to and have mentioned a cruise many times recently. I would prefer like an all inclusive type deal at a Sandals or such type resort. I wanted to see if the prices were comparable or if a cruise was THAT much more affordable, then I can deal with not my personal optimal fun choice and still be happy with seeing my family have a blast. But, I wanted input from both sides and I welcome and appreciate it all. Thank you both for your response and input.

Haven't been on a cruise yet, going on my first one soon, but check out Atlantis in the Bahamas.
Took my wife there and we had a blast. Nothing beats haggling for waverunner rentals with cash and not signing any insurance wavers. The water park is fun too. I plan on taking my kids there when they can swim better.
It gets pricy though.

[kurt_borglum]

Wear your "skinny" clothes at first, cause you will only be able to wear your "fat" clothes by the end of the trip.

Does not matter where you go - the ship is the fun.

[manigordo]

Good advice from everyone but just so you know, you may not love a cruise. My wife and I are two of the very few that do not like 'em. They are the absolute best vacation value there is, that's for sure. It's just, we don't particularly like them and have vowed, "never again". While there's plenty of food pretty much all the time, we don't care for having a specific dining time (group one or two or three). We also like trying different privately owned restaurants and different, local foods/dishes. We also always know we're on the water. Even in flat calm seas, we feel the motion. May be the vibration of the ships engines/something but we just never feel 100% when we're on a ship. Most of the shows/talent is similar to the types of shows/talent you might find in Vegas but none of it is quite up to Vegas standards. To us, it's OK stuff but not great. You can see and hear the differences. Neither of us enjoys the overcrowded pools and or pool areas or the night time dances/clubs. Yeah, we're vacation snobs. We just have a better time, see more and develop better memories when we plan our own vacations.

This.

We just returned (Sunday) from a cruise to Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Each destination was great, but offered little opportunity to be spontaneous or locate great local spots. Cruising is for tourists; not travelers. I know Spanish and had been to each of the countries except Honduras and just wanted to try what friends had suggested. Never again.

Oh, and while the trip was cheap, they nickle and dime you to death. I get much more bang for the buck on my own.

[gatormoe1]

Are you ok with spending a small amount of time at each place?

Are you ok that a good majority of your cruise will be spent on the boat where a lot of things that you can/will be doing can be done around just about any local area state side (clubs, bars, game rooms, (mini) water park, pool, sun bathing, working out (yes some people workout on vacation lol), buffet style meals... etc etc)

Also knowing that to do anything significant at any port you visit, you will either have to pay for the ship excursions or (more dangerously) pay the local cab drivers to take your somewhere (I dont advise this with kids)

By all means, go with the cruise. It's a fun time but you will sacrifice a lot.

If all that doesn't appeal to you, I'd find a place to go and be able to visit that place multiple days to get the full experience.

[deebo65]

Thanks all!

[bakaduin]

I don't understand why people want to go on cruises. When you could spend the entire time at your destination.

You are looking at it the wrong way. The cruise is the destination and its magical. I'll agree with deathroll that cruises are not for everyone but there are plenty of reasons to go on a cruise. First and foremost is the value. Living in Florida and not having to fly to a port I commonly find cruises for under 50 bucks a person a day. Where else can you go on a vacation where you stay in your own nice room (i.e. not a hostel), you get as much food as you want for the day, and tons of entertainment? It is unbeatable.

As I said, for many the cruise is the destination. I could go on a 7 day cruise and never get off the ship and be content. Pool, drinks, gambling, great food, and family. Now add in the fact that you get to go to a bunch of places for the day that you don't often get to go to and it just takes things up a notch. We aren't even touching on Alaskan cruises, Mediterranean cruises, and transatlantic ones. The destination options are endless.

They aren't the be all end all vacation, especially if you get sea sick, but IMO bang for your buck there isn't a better vacation.

More cruise advice, pay extra one night to eat at the steakhouse on board. You'll be plenty content in the regular dining room and have great meals but the steakhouse is worth every penny.

[swampbabe]

Good advice from everyone but just so you know, you may not love a cruise. My wife and I are two of the very few that do not like 'em. They are the absolute best vacation value there is, that's for sure. It's just, we don't particularly like them and have vowed, "never again". While there's plenty of food pretty much all the time, we don't care for having a specific dining time (group one or two or three). We also like trying different privately owned restaurants and different, local foods/dishes. We also always know we're on the water. Even in flat calm seas, we feel the motion. May be the vibration of the ships engines/something but we just never feel 100% when we're on a ship. Most of the shows/talent is similar to the types of shows/talent you might find in Vegas but none of it is quite up to Vegas standards. To us, it's OK stuff but not great. You can see and hear the differences. Neither of us enjoys the overcrowded pools and or pool areas or the night time dances/clubs. Yeah, we're vacation snobs. We just have a better time, see more and develop better memories when we plan our own vacations.

Royal, Carnival, and NCL allow for "your time" dining when you go when you want to. You don't HAVE to have a set dining time.

[fredsanford]

We have done 2 Royal Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas (got married on the first one) and had a blast on both.

There are 2 schools of thought on this, but we prefer to splurge for a big suite when we go. We like having room to spread out, and the cruise line throws in some extra goodies when you spend more $.

[deathroll]

Uh, one more thing. About that July/August thing. Cruise companies do this all the time. You're sitting at home on your couch. You've watched storms spin off the African coast one after the other for 3 months now. Each new storm brings its own little anxiety adventure. You've paid your $1,500 cruise monies and are watching each new storm like a crazed hawk. You've whispered storm/weather stories to your wife but have not said a word to the kids (not gonna worry/scare them). You feel lucky, the last 3 storms have turned north and you're pretty sure there's no way that latest swirl is gonna come your way or get to where your headed at the same time you do. Things are gonna be OK. Two days before departure, you're on the phone trying to find out if the cruise line is going to cancel. "No sir, we're good" you're told. You watch the weather and can't see any way "we're good". You take a loan against your IRA and invest large sums of money in Dramamine, Merazine, Bonine, anti-seasick bracelets, crackers, ginger and ginger snaps (kids'll eat them won't they). When cruise day rolls around, you load the luggage in the car, one eye on the oaks/palm trees in your yard. They're not swaying/bending too much. Ships huge. It has modern stabilizers. No way anyone's gonna feel these little breezes. Besides, most of this wind is probably a result of some kinda land/sea temperature gradient thing. Yeah, that's it. No way the wind blows out there away from land. Plus, the ports are protected. We'll have a great time every time we dock. You like your welcome aboard cocktail but aren't too sure about the mostly at sea revised sailing schedule. You see, they are NOT gonna cancel your cruise. They're gonna "sail around the storm". Problem is, rough water extends out a looooong ways away from "the storm". You won't go to the ports of call you paid for but the cruise company and the staff will do the best they can, given the circumstances. Now, that said, most people LOVE cruising and everyone should try it.

[gator7_5]

I love cruises and my 2 favorite days are the days at sea. I love big boats, water, sun, and people bringing me drinks, though. Best when the seas get to about 12' at night and you get lulled to sleep..

Oh, and gambling odds are way better. Flunkie teanage dealers are breeze to read.

If you're down with that, you're down with a cruise.

[gtr2x]

First, I'll say my wife loves cruises, no schlepping of suitcases every few days, eat whenever you want, just lay around and charge everything to the room, etc. Me, not so much, seems too claustrophobic/boring to me. Also, I much prefer taking my own luggage to the room and self checkout if possible, hate waiting in those lines.

If you are booking excursions, try doing it before departure and not thru the ship if possible, saves time on excursion day and usually a couple of bucks. Just dont miss the boat and dont get hurt. One of my son's friends had a scooter (guess you could call it that) wreck in Cozumel and the cruise ship wouldnt let him back on the ship until he got clearance from a local hospital....we almost missed the boat.

A cruise thru the carribbean could be fine in the summer, laying around the beach with a few drinks taking in the sights, but eventually all the straw mkts, beaches, etc start to look a like to me. Food and entertainment are typically only average imo. If you've got time, maybe fly to San Juan and take a cruise from there which would give you a little more variety than the typical Bahamas, Cayman, etc.

Kids that age probably would like a snorkeling or snuba excursion when not hanging around the pool. If you go by Jamaica, they would probably like a trip to Dunns River Falls. I would suggest a balcony room for the parents (makes a big difference to us) and a cheaper room for the kids (they dont usually care anyway and are rarely in the room).

Whatever you do, Im sure it beats work.

[Speedofsand]

I used to not like them because they dumped so much garbage in the ocean. Supposedly that has decreased the past 15 years. I still was not a fan, because you can only do what is there, and I don't like schedules during my leisure vacation. Then I heard of LRBC. I'm a big fan of live music, and Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises are a kick ass good time. They sail twice a year and sell out before the bands are even booked because its FUN for music lovers.

Not my pics, but shows its not your ordinary cruise.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/295017_10151328895282885_516427475_n.jpg


The people on the ship next door wished they were on the Blues Cruise
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/321319_10151302558832885_1910497003_n.jpg

[cstgator]

I don't understand why people want to go on cruises. When you could spend the entire time at your destination.

I love to do "real traveling" as much as possible, but sometimes it's good to just go on a little getaway on a 3 day cruise. I've never not enjoyed myself and haven't really ever run into anybody that said they had a bad time on a cruise. I mean how can you go wrong with limitless food, having tons of sex, sunbathing on the pool deck, partying with a bunch of new people, etc? And they're cheap.

When I want to visit another country and take in all the culture, food, sites, etc, I need a lot longer than 3 days. Not always practical.

[bakaduin]

I love to do "real traveling" as much as possible, but sometimes it's good to just go on a little getaway on a 3 day cruise. I've never not enjoyed myself and haven't really ever run into anybody that said they had a bad time on a cruise. I mean how can you go wrong with limitless food, having tons of sex, sunbathing on the pool deck, partying with a bunch of new people, etc? And they're cheap.

When I want to visit another country and take in all the culture, food, sites, etc, I need a lot longer than 3 days. Not always practical.

I agree completely! You don't always need an "adventure". I've been to places like India and Costa RIca and had an amazing time. Sometimes it is nice though to just have everything done for you, lay by the pool all day and drink, show up for dinner or a show, gamble some, and go to the beach.

[G8trGr8t]

http://stcroixsource.com/content/news/local-news/2013/02/11/fantastic-flight-promotion-st-croix-extended

The Tourism Department’s St. Croix Fantastic Flight Promotion was extended Monday in light of anticipated increased interest in the island thanks to Monday’s airing of “The Bachelor” on ABC television.

In a press release the Department indicated that while the promotion originally expired Jan. 31, vacationers now have until March 31 to book the promotion and receive a $300 instant airfare credit on packages of six nights at participating hotels.

“We have extended the offer to encourage travel to the destination,” Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty said in a press release. The travel dates were also extended through May 31.

The Fantastic Flight promotion includes the sixth night at the hotel free and a $20 Match Play Casino certificate. The package applies to new bookings only and is based on double occupancy.

Hotels participating in the promotion include The Buccaneer Hotel, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Casino, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort and Spa, Club Comanche, Club St. Croix, Holger Danske Hotel, Sandcastle on the Beach, Colony Cove, Hotel Caravelle and Tamarind Reef Resort.


you would want to stay at the Buccaneer

can't believe I am watching the bachelor but since I have spent so much time on St. Croix working, I had to watch just to see what I consider my home island on tv

[supagator]

Ask the people on that boat drifting out in the gulf if cruises are fun!

[ufbeta]

Ask the people on that boat drifting out in the gulf if cruises are fun!

Ha. Heard the report today. "Both food and bathrooms were very scarce"

[gatormoe1]

On the bright side, most of them can say this is the first vacation they lost weight.

[halsgator]

A few suggestions:
1 - since you are taking youngsters take a three day cruise to Nassau. You will experience the open ocean, dining and the facilities and it will be short and sweet.

2 - If you are serious about a cruise that you would fully appreciate look into traveling on Holland-American. The ships are somewhat smaller and more lush. The cruise ships carry around 2,500 to 3,500 passengers. The ships are steeped as traditional cruisers. You might say old school cursing. My wife and I spent 17 days in the Med two years ago. We flew to Athens, visited Turkey, Malta, Crete, Rome (or Tuscany), Monte Carlo (dull), Barcelona (fantastic), Seville, and ended in Lisbon (step back in time). Accept for a a couple of days, boat movement was done at night. At each port day tours were offered (vans) to see landmarks and the surrounding areas (Tuscany was the best).

3 - Carnival is primarily attuned to younger folks (college and high school in the summer). The other major lines are getting bigger and bigger. More and more people. Our trip to Hawaii was a disaster since we were on the open Pacific for 8 days going and coming. 6 days in Hawaii visiting several islands (that was worth the trip). The day trips were great. You will be walking a good bit to see the more lush areas.

Of course cruising varies by individual. I found I did not like open ocean cruising. The four days coming back to LA was a bore. I was tired of the ship, done everything umpteen times and the weather was not so good. Could not use the pool etc.

Choosing the right time of the year is very important. I love the Spring and Fall.

Good luck with your choices and enjoy.

[bovinagator]

My wife and I have been on eight cruises and will go on our ninth in late April. It will be a repositioning cruise on the Norwegian Star from New Orleans to Copenhagen Denmark. 16 days! The last cruise was last month on Royal Carribean's Oasis of the Seas. It was a theme cruise called Legends of Rock II. Over 25 bands which included such names as Paul Rodgers, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Marshall Tucker, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet and many others. We had a blast, it sailed from Ft. Lauderdale to Labadee Haiti and back. Embarcation is a pain at all the ports we have sailed from with the one exception of Port Canaveral.

[akaGatorhoops]

I have been on many curises. . . Alaska was BY FAR the best.

[rburnett]

This.

We just returned (Sunday) from a cruise to Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Each destination was great, but offered little opportunity to be spontaneous or locate great local spots. Cruising is for tourists; not travelers. I know Spanish and had been to each of the countries except Honduras and just wanted to try what friends had suggested. Never again.

Oh, and while the trip was cheap, they nickle and dime you to death. I get much more bang for the buck on my own.

we went on this exact cruise last spring break... Roatan was really cool. The reefs and diving there was the best I've ever seen.

[ovillegator]

We love to cruise -- but not for the ports. I consider it 7 days away from phones, emails, everything.

I even prefer cruises with more 'At Sea' days. Kids will be entertained well on all the major cruise lines. Disney cruises are 2-3 times more expensive -- but for kids, fantastic.

Do not go during hurricane season -- too much chance for storms and possible delays or cancellations -- always hard to get your money back, if you even can.

You can always get very cheap interior room -- but my wife and I splurged on a balcony once, and fell in love with it. Being able to sit outside on your own balcony and watch the flying fish, listen to the water crash by -- watch sunrises and sunsets in privacy... pretty sweet. Prices aren't bad -- we like the Carnival Dream, usually pay about 800/each ($1600 room) for a 7-day cruise. With all taxes, tips, photos (gotta get ONE), and a few excursions, we figure total price when done is about $2,100, or $300/day total -- not bad for all-inclusive fun and relaxation. So we budget each year for that.

If you want to drink a lot, they're pretty expensive. But we just have a glass of wine with dinner, maybeone during the day. Some lines offer all-you-can-drink packages, but they are ridiculously expensive.

I find three day cruises a bit too short -- it takes me til about the fourth day just to get settled into the relaxation part.

If you book on the Dream, and you want a most relaxing experience, add the Serenity Spa package -- costs about $159/couple, which allows you and your spouse to go into the 6 special sauna / steam / therapy pool / warm tile beds / relaxation rooms that don't allow kids, and only allow those in who have paid the extra fee. They limit the total number, so it's never too crowded. You can also book a Serenity Spa room, which is a balcony room on the Spa level, meaning you can put on your robe and walk a few feet from your room right into all those special spa facilities... and you can go upstairs onto the adults-only deck, meaning if you really want a children-free experience for most of your cruise, this gets you pretty close!

The gyms are great on the cruise ships, too. You CAN actually come back in better shape than you left.

Again, don't go on a cruise to explore exotic lands -- you won't. Go to relax, have fun, and enjoy being 'away' from phones, texts, emails et al.

It can also be quite romantic.

Enjoy!

[GCMightygator]

A few other suggestions.

1. This link takes you to Gator Country for cruise junkie site. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/

2. Disney Ships generally seem to be twice as expensive as most Royal Carribean, NCL, and Carnival cruises for the same itenerary. (Exceptions would be for the brand new super ships like Oasis and Allure). Also I do not believe Disney ships have casinos.

3. For Royal Carribean, the kids program on the 3 day cruise out of Miami may not be as good as the longer cruise due to smaller older ship. A newer remodeled ship with the same itenary sailing will replace the older ship from Port Canaveral starting in April so consider that ship over the Miami one. I have not tried the NCL and Carnival version 3 day weekend trips.

4. If your work vacation schedules are flexible and you are not set on a particular ship you can save a lot of money booking about 2 weeks before sail date. Of course kids school schedules may not allow this. Also summer rates are higher due kids out of school so a price drop may not occur. Late April and May have really good rates though and no risk of hurricanes.

[G8trGr8t]

I have been on many curises. . . Alaska was BY FAR the best.

if you ever feel like seeing the real Alaska, pm me and I'll offer some suggestions but you need to book almost a year in advance to get best rates and premiuim times for camping at Brooks Falls. Cruise route for Alaska is like going to Orlando and saying you went to Florida. So commercialized and controlled so much by the cruise lines. Although I am sure the cruise is great, Alaska has so much more to offer than you will ever get from the cruise route.

[mamag8ter]

Good luck whatever you do Deeb and Mrs Deeb. We did seven big cruises in a row in the eighties, had a ball.

[Spurffelbow833]

Ask the people on that boat drifting out in the gulf if cruises are fun!

This should inspire some ideas. It's better for everyone to lose a little dignity than for everyone to choke on the smell of the feces of hundreds for a week.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6110719760_9a8c382996_z.jpg

[swampbabe]

We love to cruise -- but not for the ports. I consider it 7 days away from phones, emails, everything.

I even prefer cruises with more 'At Sea' days. Kids will be entertained well on all the major cruise lines. Disney cruises are 2-3 times more expensive -- but for kids, fantastic.

Do not go during hurricane season -- too much chance for storms and possible delays or cancellations -- always hard to get your money back, if you even can.

You can always get very cheap interior room -- but my wife and I splurged on a balcony once, and fell in love with it. Being able to sit outside on your own balcony and watch the flying fish, listen to the water crash by -- watch sunrises and sunsets in privacy... pretty sweet. Prices aren't bad -- we like the Carnival Dream, usually pay about 800/each ($1600 room) for a 7-day cruise. With all taxes, tips, photos (gotta get ONE), and a few excursions, we figure total price when done is about $2,100, or $300/day total -- not bad for all-inclusive fun and relaxation. So we budget each year for that.

If you want to drink a lot, they're pretty expensive. But we just have a glass of wine with dinner, maybeone during the day. Some lines offer all-you-can-drink packages, but they are ridiculously expensive.

I find three day cruises a bit too short -- it takes me til about the fourth day just to get settled into the relaxation part.

If you book on the Dream, and you want a most relaxing experience, add the Serenity Spa package -- costs about $159/couple, which allows you and your spouse to go into the 6 special sauna / steam / therapy pool / warm tile beds / relaxation rooms that don't allow kids, and only allow those in who have paid the extra fee. They limit the total number, so it's never too crowded. You can also book a Serenity Spa room, which is a balcony room on the Spa level, meaning you can put on your robe and walk a few feet from your room right into all those special spa facilities... and you can go upstairs onto the adults-only deck, meaning if you really want a children-free experience for most of your cruise, this gets you pretty close!

The gyms are great on the cruise ships, too. You CAN actually come back in better shape than you left.

Again, don't go on a cruise to explore exotic lands -- you won't. Go to relax, have fun, and enjoy being 'away' from phones, texts, emails et al.

It can also be quite romantic.

Enjoy!

Glad to hear that you liked it. My husband and I are doing this cruise in June and we also booked a balcony. Love to have my own "space" Unfortunately, because I teach school we are limited to the more crowded, more expensive times of the year. :angry: