Thread: CARIBBEAN CRUISES

I've only ever been on 1 cruise, so my advice may not be the best. That being said, there are plenty of options for western caribbean. You can depart from MIA, TPA, Canaveral, even MSY, MOB, Galveston, and probably more. Most cruises are 7 days, but you can find anywhere from 2-10 or so.

I would say as a general rule, Royal Caribbean is more of a classy cruiseline. Many different people from many different backgrounds, but overall more of an upscale type cruiseline. Whereas Carnival seems to be more laid back. If you want to party college style and not dress up for dinner, etc, Carnival is geared more toward that.

Pretty much all, and both of these, have an array of dining options. It's all included so whether you fill up on pizza or filet is your call. They have, of course, the main dining hall which is more of like a fancy restaurant. Most ships have other small, themed restaurants, like little burger joints or a small bistro. Most have some food somewhere all the time. And I think you can get room service at any time, I don't know if there is a charged fee, but you'll have a tip to pay. So pretty much on any cruise you'll have the option of a set dinnertime in the dining hall, but it is entirely your option.

Hope I helped a little.

Have fun on your cruise, I can't go on another cruise for a year, cuz apparently you can't go on a cruise w/o a parent if you're under 21. Well, I'm 20 and my mommy isn't as found of the adventures and detours involved in nonreving, and thus, only travels a little.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Vicki @ Jan 30 2008, 04:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Also I have been looking at the different companies advertised under "Reservations" - they all seem to be about the same price[/b]

Hi Vicki,

I&#39;m not sure about your reference to "different companies advertised under &#39;Reservations&#39;". Are you referring to The Nonrev Network? Under the reservations tab now is just our Hotels and Car Rental. We don&#39;t have cruises there.

There are a bunch of links to interline agencies in the Services Directory. Just select the "Services" link in the dark blue bar while in the community. Cruising is still one place where you can still get significant interline discounts. I&#39;ve met the lady that has http://allinterlineres.com . Their site displays real interline discounts automatically and they&#39;re very customer service oriented.

If you use one of the interline agencies, please return to the Services Directory to rate the service and write a quick review to let the rest of us know how it went. Thanks!

Hi, Vicki!
I&#39;ve taken a 12-15 on NCL--depends on the ship and itinerary. Everyone I&#39;ve taken has been good experience--they do a good job with service. I&#39;ve also used RCCL and they are a cut above NCL but less freestyle.
I&#39;m personally not fond of W. Carib--you can get great all-inclusives in Riviera Maya w/car rental from CUN and see the ruins yourself or with local guide.
The port there is newly manufactured for tourists--kinda sad to go so low. There are more options for Easter Carib--assorted islands with more "lushness" (that&#39;s foliage, not alcohol!! hahaha) Jamaica thrills me not and Key West may as well be Maimi--all the private island stopovers are pretty dull--just a way to get you to buy more fancy drinks in fancy cups and get drunk on the beach.
The exotic cruises leave from San Juan PR. Princess is very fine line--upscale from RCCL. Carnival is just what it implies--some of the megaships are supposed to be oodles of fun, but that&#39;s too many people for me. (my best friend is trav agent and has taken nearly all of the lines, so I&#39;m using her opinion for lines I haven&#39;t cruised)
I&#39;ve booked with Dargal and Perx--fave is interlinetravel.com. All websites have some real steals for last minute, too.
Good luck--hope that helps