First off .... Ahoy There PuppyJake! Welcome to our virtual ship. Always happy to hasve a new crew member join us. I think you'll find us a fairly congenial group.OK. Your questions -
My husband and i are very tempted to try a cruise - April time this year.
April is good. Spring Break is over and you'll have much better weather.
We are torn between 3 nights with NCL around the Bahama's or 4 nights with Celebrity - Key West, Cozumel.
If those are your only two options, I'd say, go with the 4 night Celebrity. Better product. Better itinerary. Longer cruise. Personaly, I consider anything less that 7-days to be a "teaser", but we all started somewhere.
Basically we are an early 30's couple - looking for good food and relaxation. We don't want a party boat - i mean i enjoy a few drinks and stuff - just don't want to be constantly surrounded by loud music - is this the case at the pools??
You'll experience less with Celebrity, than with NCL.
I think i like the look of Celebrity's product more - BUT - the dining is the one area that bothers me - we don't mind having a set time to dine - but we do want a table for 2 - are these possible on celebrity??
Yes, you can request a table for two. The earlier the better. But, if they can't give you a private, take what they book. I think you'll find it a great way to make new friends. If you are totally incompatable, the Matre d' can change you.
What about at the other specialty restaurants - when do you need to book these?
I would book a specialty restaurant the day I board, if not earlier.
Are they good?
Yes.
My other concern is the sound proofing in the cabins - is there any??
Yes. You usually won't get much noise betwen cabins, but location is important. Too near the bow and the sound of the anchor droping will certainly wake you up! Directly over a disco can be noisy at night. Directly under a jogging track or even a sun deck can also be noisy; but, usually only during the day. And, since you're not really in your cabin during the day, this is a moot point.
I'm a very light sleeper - so i need to know if I'll be needing ear plugs.
Bring 'em anyway. They are fairly light-weight and don't take up much room. Come in VERY handy on the plane too (noisy children)!
Sorry for all the questions - but i appreciate anyones thoughts.
Thx
No problem. We love questions. Gives us a chance to show off how much we know, how much we don't know, how opinionated we are, meet new people .... Keep asking. It's the only way you'll get ideas.
