need help for first time cruise

[jsg96]

we are looking into a cruise next year and wondering what we can do? we want the cheaper cabins but wondering if there is anywhere you can sit on the ship just gazing out into the ocean without a ton of people? we dont gamble, or party so just wondering what is left to do on a ship? we probably wont swim because it will be too crowded at the pool. we just want to relax and check out the islands we would go to. or should we not cruise?

 

[jkmcroot]

You should definately cruise. There are plenty of places to go on a ship to just sit and gaze out at the ocean. And if you don't want a lot of people around you there are plenty of places away from the pool areas as well and they won't be as crowded.

There is plenty to do on the ship besides gamble and party. There are all types of shows to see from musical extravaganzas to comedienes and even magicians, there are lounges where you can sit and sip a glass of wine and listen to easy music or sit and sip a cup of coffee while people watching.

If you are interested more in seeing islands, then I'd recommend a cruise that makes a lot of stops. If you are interested in hanging out more on the ship, then choose a cruise with less stops.

As for the cheaper priced cabins, the farther down you go in the ship the cheaper the cabins are. And also the interior cabins are cheaper than the balcony cabins. Remember too that all your food is included in the price so it really is a bargain.

Good luck and I hope you find a cruise that will suit your needs.

 

[serene56]

I have sailed Carnival, royal and Princess. We dont drink or hang out in the lounges.
Carnival is by far our best choice-- i like the choices of night time activities.

Plenty of down time for us. relaxation is the key for us along with PRICE--


Looking now for next year is good-- sometimes booking ahead of time like that gets you the cheapest prices.

 

[jsg96]

Thank you so much! I was worried we shouldn't do it! as long as there is a place a little more quiet to sit and gaze out at the ocean while sipping a daquiri then i will be happy!

I like the multiple stop idea, will definatly look for that.

thanks again!

 

[serene56]

A cruise is something you should try at least once.

Cruising it not for everyone.. but you need to take one to decide that for yourself.

You want to avoid little shorter cruises of 3-4 days since these are more party barges then being on a ship for 7 days.

 

[Babushka]

Don't let the fact that you don't really party or gamble keep you from cruising! I don't gamble, drink or party it up but I love, love, love to cruise! It is such a relaxing vacation. Yes there are places that can be crowded but you can always find a quiet spot on the ship or out on deck to relax. I love to read and always get a book done when I'm cruising. My husband and I love going to the shows, we love walking around the ship people watching and we love to eat and of course you can do that 24/7! We enjoy our time on the islands but we also enjoy our days at sea. I always book a day at the spa getting a massage, pedicure and having my hair done for the formal night. We prefer to book a balcony cabin because we really enjoy sitting out on our deck watching the ocean go by. I really hope you give cruising a try. Hopefully you'll love it as much as everyone here does!

 

[jsg96]

good to know about the shorter cruises. i will look for the 7 day cruise. would really rather avoid the party crowd.
do 5 people fit in a cabin or would we need to get 2? it would be me, husband, 3 yr old, 12 yr old, and 14 yr old (all boys.)

 

[Babushka]

There are cabins that can accomodate 5 people, you might be a little crowded but you're just in there to sleep and get ready.

 

[serene56]

to book 5 in a cabin you will need to check with a agent direct. Seeing whats available online will only allow you to book 4.
check out Victory or triumph.

(new ships like the conquest, glory, valor, Liberty- (conquest class)
Miracle, SPirit, Pride & Legend (SPirit class) will not allow 5 in a cabin.


We dont drink or gamble either. The most our sign and sail card for 7 days for the two of us is 300.00.
Pictures is what gets you for a first time cruiser-- formal photos cost 20 bucks each (8 x 10) and they turn out so nicely that you feel you need to buy them all. (LOL)
no one pushes you to buy nor does anyone push you to get them done.
each night there are places with different backgrounds.
We now get one getting on the ship- which lists the date, ship etc.
and we get one formal photo..

opps- kinda went on a tangent there.
I did my first cruise with 5 of us in an inside cabin. DIdn thave much to compare it with. It was me and 3 boys(15, 17 &19) and 1 girl (13)
No bathtubs in the rooms only showers. Its tight but managable. The cabins are not as big as hotel rooms.
Your cabin will feature two beds on the floor that can be pushed together but for more floor space we keep that apart.
It also has two upper beds that come down from the ceiling. (your 5th person will have a roll away bed.)

An over the door shoe hold will be a must. Its the one thing that kept my sanity. Keeping the cabin organized so it doesnt become overwelming. - it worked. only one vanity for a top that can accumulate stuff and it can happen quickly. The vanity is small. thats why all stuff goes into the shoe holder. empty luggage so you dont live out of suitcases. store suitcases under the beds--- dirty clothes go into those.

 

[jsg96]

thanks for the info!

be a tight fit but the 3 yr old wont take up too much room...lol

and the other boys wont be in the bathroom too much so i think it would be ok. we would only sleep in there and shower. and i always am the first to get up so no problem getting a jump start before everyone else!