Considering cruising for the first time!

[ceejanerun]

Hello everyone! I'm brand new to the idea of cruising, and despite this wonderful site, feel totally overwhelmed!
I have a couple of questions that I would be really interested in hearing some opinions about. I've narrowed my search down to Princess, and I know I want a Caribbean cruise, preferably Eastern. Here's where it gets tricky. I can't decide between a 7 day cruise on the Caribbean Princess, in a mini-suite, vs. a 10 day cruise on the Dawn Princess with just an oceanview balcony (priced almost the same). How would those of you who know, compare these two ships? And would I notice the extra space in the mini-suite vs. a regular balcony cabin? The reason I ask, is that I read somewhere to be careful about booking mini-suites, that they are often barely bigger than a regular cabin. Also, I've heard about the pool on the Grand Princess - the one where you can lay at the edge and the water laps up at you every so often. Is there one of those on the Caribbean Princess and/or the Dawn? I really like the sound of that!!
One last final question - if you had to choose between sailing in April/May vs. September/October, which would you recommend? I realize fall is hurricane season - is it something to be really concerned about?
I'm looking forward to hearing some opinions!

 

[Cruise cutie]

:wave and welcome to cruise @ddicts."nice to meet you"....,.I'll try to address some of your ?'s...:grin...if you get a mini-suite on Caribe deck or Baja deck..they are bigger than regular balconies..I know on the Coral Princess there is the water in the pool that laps at you..the Island (sister:lol).also..I would choose April/May..but I live in Vermont..and HAVE to escape our nasty winters!!..:grin..I know we treasure the extra 3 days on our last cruise...so sigh..I'd have to say since we booked a 7 day Back to Back to double to 14 days our actual cruise.on our next sailing in February on the Golden Princess.........go for the Dawn!!..BUT..it's all in what you want..a balcony is nice..we had the mini-suite as we were going through the Panama Canal and got a deal!!..next trip is a regular balcony..I figure I won't suffer too bad!!......:grin..Post an introduction on the Community board too..we =love :newbies..you can get answers faster there too. @ times..again.post often ,will be others to offer info too..Happy researching!!!.....Joanne

 

[Natalia]

Hi cee... =welcome to Cruise Addicts!

We just love Princess. Both those ships are great, although the Caribbean Princess is newer and larger than the Dawn. If it were me, I would choose the longer cruise and get in some of those southern ports, but then Ive already done a few 7 day cruises and am really looking forward to a longer one next time. I think Ive also decided that the mid-size ships fit me better, less people! A mini suite on Princess does in fact give you more room, but if it will just be 2 of you, a regular outside or balcony cabin would be just fine too. I dont know much about the pools on the CP but Princess' pools are great regardless. Fresh water and open 24/7. Also, the may have an adult pool on the CP (I know the Grand and the Dawn do). Now, my choice in dates would actually be the Sept/Oct one. I just prefer to travel in the fall, prices are better, there are less kids, and the temps are great. So far we have been fortunate to not have problems with hurricanes. Thats just one of those things you risk when booking a cruise, chances are your sailing would be just fine. In the event of a hurricane, your captain will opt for a different route, possibly different ports than orginally planned. But that rarely happens, so I wouldnt worry about it. Anyways, glad to have you joining us here at C@... ask any questions you like. Feel free to email me also if I can help further by clicking on my name. Make sure you let us know which one you decide on... we get so involved in what others are doing here, especially newbies I know you will have a great time on either.

 

[ceejanerun]

Thanks Nat! I'm actually leaning towards the fall cruise. We'd be flying from Canada on air miles, and flights are already pretty picked over for the spring. I hate having to travel on a "only dates left" timetable! And by waiting until the fall, I can enjoy even more planning!
I do have another question - I think I read somewhere, that you should try to pick your cabin on a lower deck vs. higher deck, and mid ship vs. either end. But I saw some pictures of the balconies at the end of the ship (that's the aft, right? sorry, don't know the technical lingo yet!!) and for some reason, that really appeals to me - looking out at the wake. Are these cabins generally a good selection?

 

[Natalia]

Well first, do you or your companion (assume just 2 sailing as you did not mention kids) have any problems with motion or sea sickness?? This is the reason most suggest to choose a centrally-located cabin. The more center and lower you are, the less movement you typically feel. Also, being mid-ship helps you to be closer to whichever area you want to get to with less walking. That could be important if one of you has a problem with too much walking. Now, if walking and motion are not an issue, the aft cabins (yes you were right, back of the ship is "aft" or "the stern") are a wonderful place to be, many love this location. A few have complained about noise back there, but I have never experienced anything that I would call disruptive. Keep in mind, you ARE on a ship... there will be a bit of vibration at times from the engines, there will be docking noises when coming into port, etc. Many times the aft cabins have larger balconies than the same category on the sides. If you are thinking these cabins already appeal to you, then I say go for it!

Back to motion sickness... if you arent sure or if you actually do suffer from this, thats a whole other can of worms... :grin... no worries, there are remedies.



Post Edited (07-31-04 14:34)