The only cruise I ever took was to Bermuda out of New York. It was the best vacation we ever took. We went the end of August and it cost $1400.00 for both and it included the food. We didn't do any excursions and gambled some on the ship. The total bill at the end of the trip was $1250.00 but about 1k of that was alcohol.
babybug631
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I've been on Carnival (leaving from Miami) and Norwegian (leaving from NY)
Leaving from NY is great because no flying=less money and less travel time. Also = obnoxious New Yorker's.
Norwegian had Free Style Cruising which was great and you can also eat at the specialty restaurants which are much better than the 'Main Dining Room' (food wise). They cost extra, but are worth it.
Both ships were very nice. But I think Norwegian was better and they also have great shows.
I have heard that Royal Carribean is even better and that will probably be our next cruise.
DH and I spent about $1400 extra (between the 2 of us) on drinks, excursions, pictures, service charges, and the specialty restaurants. Keep in mind we are not big drinkers, just social.
FYI Book your excursions in advance...the good ones book up quickly.
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I highly recommend Carnival. I've been on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess. Carnival is definately the best for food, entertainment, service, etc. The crowd is a bit younger (a lot of people in their 20's and 30's) and its geared more toward a younger crowd. The rooms are really big on Carnival too. For a first cruise its really a blast!
The cruises usually include everything except alcohol, tips, and excursions (activities you do when you get off on the islands). All food and on-board activities are included in the price.
I usually leave out of Florida because the weather is nicer and the waters are calmer. If you leave out of NY, expect a few days of rougher waters and if you dont leave during the spring, the cruises that leave out of NY are chilly for a day or two.
Good luck -- and feel free to FM me for more info.
Trishthedish
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
Hey Kara... I too am thinking of taking a cruise but for my HM and from what I have been told, Royal Caribbean is the best and Norweigan is also a good cruiseline.
I really don't have too much info on prices, sorry...
HTH!!
betani
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
i've been on celebrity - i think that's the name of it. it was ok... a bit boring though. what i've heard is that celebrity is owned by carnival but is the more 'high class' (aka boring) of the two. i think carnival is more about having a fun, action packed vacation (more stuff to do on the boat, etc.). the food was AMAZING though.
i'm a bit biased though. for personal reasons i REALLY didn't want to be there. i'm also more of a getting into the local culture kinda traveler, hiking, finding your own way around, hostels, etc. cruises are very touristy. you have a set schedule, activities to pick from, etc. not that there's anything wrong with that, but you should know what you're getting into.
also, please don't use the boat's pools and hot tubs. i've heard WAY too many stories about people getting stds and other things from them. they're breeding grounds for bacteria...
waterspout4
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
In 1 week I'm leaving for a 4 night cruise out of Miami on Royal Caribbean!!!!!!!!!! I've never been on a cruise and my DH went on Royal Caribbean with his family 4 years ago. He totally loved it!!!!
We decided to make the vacation an entire week by staying in Miami the day before and the day after. I was nervous about taking a long cruise for my first time so that's how we extended it. I get back on the 29th, so if you'd like to FM me that day, feel free to ask questions!!!!!!!
MyDay627
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I went on one cruise and it was horrible but I would definetly go again just on another cruise line. My mom and brother go all the time. My mom leaves out of fla and my brother leaves from NY. They love cruises. Stay away from Sovereign of the Seas. My mom loves Carnival and Norweign Cruises and so does my brother. He's also been on the QE2.
miss nee
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I LOVE CARNIVAL.. THE RATES ARE GREAT EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE....AND HEY ALL THE FOOD ANY TIME YOUR HUNGRY ..WHO CAN BEAT THAT ??? :
SummerBride06
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
i LOVE carnival. went on 3 cruises.
did princess for our HM and was very disappointed in the cruise ship. the food was awful and i will only do carnival from now on
lisalisa27
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
Carnival is the best. I should be there spokesperson. I go often, and always get great prices I went to Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and Bahamas last year for a week for 400 bucks. The last minute deals are the best also. FM me if you want details.
Good luck
Nicoleta1222
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I've been on Royal Carribean 5 times....nothing beats them, the crowd depends on when you are going but we payed 1500 a person for a balcony room and it was so worth it the view is phenomenal....everything is included except alchol and tips which can get a little expensive, we usually spend around an addition 700 to 1000 by the time the trip was over....feel free to fm me for anymore info
I've been on Royal Carribean & Carnival. I LOVED our Carnival cruise. Everything was great! Our room was bigger, the food was better and the people were more fun. Of course, every sail is different, this was just my experience.
Your food is included and as for drinks, water and iced tea. You don't pay during the cruise, you sign for everything and it goes on your credit card. They give you a talley every night of the previous day's charges. Drinks can really start to add up
HTH.
eden
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I would go to these two sites, you'll find alot of information such as reviews by actual cruisers, cruise bargains/deals, ratings of specific ships, not just cruiseliners...
www.cruisecritic.com www.cruisemates.com
My family is big on cruising so I know alot of the different types of cruiselines.... Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Holland America are some of the good ones and reasonably priced.
Some of the Princess, NCL and Carnival ships are just ok, why others are great. Careful which you pick.
It realy depnds on which ship you use, try the ships leaving Bayonne 'cus you wont have to pay extra flying.
And take care regarding when you leave because the people on your ship can also make a difference.... Ie. avoid summer if you don't want to deal kids.
SusanAdam
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
I have been on three Carnival cruises (Valor, Triumph, and Destiny) and one Royal Caribbean (Explorer of the Seas). The food, rooms, and service was great on all of them. Although the interior rooms are the cheapest, some people don't react well to not having windows. If you have a little extra I would splurge for a window or a balcony. It's worth every penny if you can afford it, especially for your first time. Royal Caribbean was a much nicer ship than the Carnivals and had a lot more to do activity wise...rock climbing wall, mini golf, in-line skating, ice skating, and basketball to name a few. We had more fun on the Carnival ships though. It was a much younger crowd with more stuff going on at night. Royal was pretty dead past eleven. You can't beat a cruise...a moving hotel where you only unpack once and just about everything is included. I can't wait to go again!
cjb88
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
we just booked a cruise to alaska!
we used Dawn from Cruise One, who is a vendor on here... she is great and SOO helpful and knows all about the different cruise lines!
good luck!
Kara and Todd
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Re: NWR - Need info on taking a Cruise!
Thanks so much for all the advice. If we go with a cruise (I think we are!!) I'll let you know what we choose. Thanks again - it was all very helpful!
