Planning My First Cruise!!

[miajo]

Hi! I'm new to the boards and I was just wondering if I could get some info?!?

I live 20 minutes away from Galveston,TX...I can't decide b/t RC's "Rhapsody"....Princess's "Grand"...or Carnival's "Elation". This is my first cruise and I'm planning to go with my parents and brother. I'm counting on early June '05 for this adventure. I've gotten some info from the cruise line websites, but I need first-hand knowledge.

If anyone could give me some info about:
1. how early do you have to book a cruise?
2. which itineraries did you like best?
3. how was the layout of the ship?
4. which ship has the best onboard activities?
5. i have no kids and neither does my brother..which cruise is more adult oriented?

...and any other info ya'll think would help me out!!

Thanks!!!

 

[Cruise cutie]

:wave and =welcome to cruise @ddicts.."nice to meet you :newbie..you about must be :jump with excitement for getting info..we have sailed Princess for the last 10 years..we connect out of Fort Lauderdale or San Juan..we always choose the first 2 weeks of February..we have 5 grown kids..I'm 44 DH Mark is 54..so we choose it to be a couples Valentines weeks cruise=love..the most kids I've ever had on our Princess cruises is 35 out of 1500 plus passengers..we choose 2nd seating fixed Dining room option..8:30 at night..we book anywheres from 12 -16 months ahead..for instance we booked our Feb 2005 cruise in August of last YEAR-2003..we are repeat passengers with Princess and booking early we hand pick our cabin and get really awesome prices.....we also tend to get newer ships,and take 10 day, or Back to Back 7 day cruises..next we looking for a 15 day Hawaii cruise in 2007..yes we really check it out and book early..:grin..Princess has soft decor, quiet places to relax,nice pool bands and awesome food..I am Italian and really food cranky and all their chef staff is Italian!!....For less kids should not book during holidays or summer, the general rule is for fewer kids..the longer the cruise,or if out of non drivable port the airfare is more..therefore less kids..=shrug..we really enjoy the couples atmosphere on Princess..the pools are open 24/7 and fresh water..on RCCL and Carnival they are not..we tend to be formal night dressers..gowns,chichi cocktail dresses,,Hubby in tux,dark suits,and we go to the casinos,dancing and just enjoy it all..Hope I answered some of your ?'s ok..good luck with your research..Post often and on the Community board too..:wave..:daisy..Joanne

 

[Natalia]

Hello and =welcome to Cruise @ddicts!!

I also tend to lean towards Princess but RCI would be right up there. The above point about the fresh water pools on Princess is a bonus if you will use the pools. I think both RCI and Princess will give you the adult atmostphere you are looking for as long as you dont book your cruise during a school break time (spring break, mid february, summer). You mentioned June, wondering if you have a particular reason for choosing that month? Look at the itineraries for each ship, do some research here and online (go to our caribbean section, search the ports individually), and then decide which appeals to you most. Carnival's Elation is a bit older than the other 2 ships (I think, not real familiar with the Rhapsody). Start looking now, but you have plenty of time to make a decision. Good luck!! Let us know which one you decide on.

Oh, you will come up with tons more questions :grin... ask away.

 

[Al]

Great to have you here! Feel free to visit as often as you'd like. We're really good at what we do here, and love to share information about cruising.

The Grand Princess and Elation were launched in '98, the Rhapsody in '97, so age is not an issue. The most important factors are (1) your lifestyle, and (2) time of year. Judging from what you've posted, I'd go with Princess. The Grand is the largest, most luxurious, and most amenity-filled of the three ships. Princess tends to be a bit more adult-oriented, as opposed to RCI and Carnival's emphasis on "family cruising." Additionally, the Grand has just undergone a refurbishment, and should be in top condition.

I'd reconsider the time of year you wish to cruise, probably back to late April/early May. Kids are out of school in June, and many families head for the nearest cruise ships. During summer months, it's not unusual to be cruising with hundreds of children, a fair portion of whom are generally out of control (pushing every elevator button, running through the hallways, hogging the buffet - and leaving 3/4 of what they take, etc. ). To Princess' credit, the number of kids is limited on all cruises, but still .... Prices are also more attractive, as cruise lines know about school being out as well.

Itineraries are pretty similar out of Galveston (Cozumel, Jamaica, Cayman Is., lesser Mexican ports, etc.), so unless you've got your heart set on a given port (they all stop in Cozumel) I wouldn't base my decision solely on where you'd be going. The ship itself is the primary destination, especially for first-time cruisers.

You're right in planning well ahead. Often, the hunt for the ideal cruise and the best deal is almost as exciting as the vacation itself. I hope this has helped. C'mon back, y'hear?



Post Edited (07-16-04 13:16)

 

[miajo]

thanks guys for your insight...the reason i am planning an early june cruise is b/c my brother will be starting school soon, and the only days he will be off is Dec 19-Jan 2(too soon!); Mar 6- Mar 13 (spring break!); and June 5 - June12th...

my parents and my schedules are more flexible...can take off whenever. i thought early june would be better..most kids are just getting out of school and parents would start planning vacationsfor late june-july.

and also...does anyone know when the "Grand" is supposed to have that movie screen by the pool?? that could be a deciding factor..the noise!

 

[Al]

Eventually, all Grand-Class ships will be outfitted with the screens. Chances are that the Grand Princess will be last on the list, since it recently emerged from drydock. It shouldn't be a major issue. You might want to pose the question in a separate thread. I'm certain you'll get the information you wish.

If you must cruise in June, the early date will probably work to your advantage. My choice of ships remains the same, since Princess will have fewer children aboard under any circumstances.

Have a good time searching, and enjoy your cruise!!