Anyone here been on a cruise lately? Need opinions.

[acehistr8]

Girlfriend and I are planning our Fall vacation and have once again thought of doing a cruise. We always think this is the year we are going to go, but have decided on Mexico and Jamaica in the past two years instead of a cruise. We really feel it is something we would like to try, but the funny thing is we hate crowds and we hate kids (well, the idea of being in a romantic vacation spot and hearing screaming/playing kids all day). But I thought at least I would reach out and see what everyone here though and maybe get some line/location recommendation if anyone feels strongly about one or the other. The only thing we are adamant about is getting a dining table for two, which I understand a lot of the lines do now offer.

As I can see it, our main negatives would be:
- too many damn people/crowds/kids.
- booze not free (we have done all inclusives in the past).

Main positives would be
- get to check out some new locations for possible future vacations.
- room with a balcony would be really nice for those days at see.
- something different to do.

So anyone out there who maybe has done the Sandals/all inclusive vacation and cruising that can compare the two?

 

[fatdaddycool]

been on a few and all with wife, now ex- wife but not related to cruise, and must say that the inside passage of Alaska is still head and shoulders above the rest for what you are looking for. Won't be many kids either.

 

[Blazer]

Cruise

Cruise

I've done Bora Bora and the French Polyniesian Islands. Great Cruise. I am a big fan of most Crusies. This world is so big and we mortals only can explore only so much of it. A cruise gives you an overview of life in that particular part of the world. I admit it is just an overview and the real life isn't for tourists ,but being a tourist I want to see as much as possible.

Check out the Greek Island cruise, it is next on my list followed by the Alaskan cruise (I heard great things about it).

Like I said, I'm a big fan of most crusies. For the Carribiean, we live close and the islands are cheap to visit. I would just plunk down at one and enjoy the stay. The constant shuffling of a cruise is a little demanding. If you are just going to get away from your daily schedule....why would you want a daily schedule?

Good Luck!

 

[Jamaica1997]

Hey acehistr8,

I have done both

Been on 3 cruises and to 3 all inclusives:

3 cruises were on:

Carnival (Good)
Chandris (Better)
Norweigen (Best)

3 all incusives were:

Domincan Republic (Good)
Cancun (Better)
Jamaica (Best) Hence my screen name!!

Cruises are great because on the different ports of call that you stop in. You get to see more but have less time. Kids on the cruises are really not that bad. Food is excellent. Service is great. I think that a cruise would be good to go on if you have never done one before. Try to get on that has many ports of call that way you see more. Also try to go were you have not been before.

All inclusives are gret also. My wife and I chose that in 97 to Jamaica because we wanted to relax and not always be on the go, (like you are on a cruise). If you want to relax and kick back the alll inclusive is the way to go. If you want to see a lot of stuff then go the cruise way.

I love both and plan to do many more. Just take into consideration what you want the vacation for (Relaxation or more Sightseeing) or both.

Good Luck and tell me if this helped at all!!

Leland

 

[acehistr8]

Thanks Jamaica. We spent 10 days at Sandals Negril and agreed it was the best vacation either of us had ever been on.

 

[JT]

Gee I thought this might be a thread about real sailboats and anchors like when my family went to Santa Cruz Island and Catalina all the time. Now that was REAL cruising...

Have fun anyway ace!

 

[c20916]

Actuall just got back from a cruise 2 weeks ago, was my second cruise, 1st on Royal Carribean to Western Carribean, 2nd was on Princess Cruises to Southern Carribean. Must say Royal was better than Princess if you are a younger person. Princess was full of old people and the nightlife on the boat was not that great. Royal's staff just seemed to be more upbeat and got more people excited and involved.

As for the ports, the wife and I decided the next cruise we go on will be to a place we actually want to see. Unless you do an excurison on the port, all the islands are the same, a little island that you get off and shop on, or go to a beach. Most have nice beaches, and its relaxing, but next time it will be to a place I want to go to and see. Also the excursions aren't cheap, ave is about $50/per person, but they can run up to $100 a person. The food is good on the ships, I wish they would include the liquor in the price, b/c that gets to get a little expensive as well. Especially when the wife is drinking martini's all night.

Also been to all inclusive in St. Lucia. Love the idea of all inclusive, it was a great time. I would say the only difference between an all inclusive and a cruise is the drinks are not included in a cruise, and on a cruise you get to see other places.