How do you feel about cruises?

[cflutist]

Date: 1/11/2006 7:39:21 PM
Author: diamondlil


And I got a little worried when we were discussing food, and I realized she was talking about *quantity* while I was talking about *quality*. I think it's a generational thing -- she looked to be older than my parents.

Diamondlil and fellow pear lover,

First, congrats on your 20th. That is quite an accomplishment.

If "quality" is important to you, check out the cruises which specialize in gourmet cuisine. Here is a LINK to a website that discusses that very topic.

Until I met websailor, I had never been on a cruise and was a little nervous at first since I didn't know what to expect or didn't know if I would get seasick or not. Well after 6 cruises, I can say I really enjoy them.

We pick itineraries that are very port intensive (versus cruises where you spend more days at sea e.g. a Transatlantic crossing).

In 2005 we went to the Southern Caribbean. That cruise ran me ragged. Every day (with the exception of the last day) we were off the ship by 8:30 am visiting a different port: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten (where we raced on America's Cup Yachts ... Dennis Connor's Stars and Stripes), St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and finally a day at sea to recoup and relax. Websailor also got to ride an underwater motor scooter in St. Thomas which he said was a blast.

In 2004 we cruised French Polynesia. Flew into Papeete, Tahiti 2 days early. Then cruised to Huahine, Tahaa (visited pearl farm), Raiatea (overnight so that Tahitian dancers of all ages could give us a show), Bora Bora (overnight again so you could go to Bloody Marys if you wanted), the Cook Islands, and finally Moorea. This was our favorite cruise so far and was very serene and relaxing. Other than in Papeete, you won't find many buildings higher than a coconut tree.

This year we are returning to Alaska (websailor for the third time, second time for me) because the scenery is so beautiful, especially the glaciers (you can even take a dog sled ride) and of couse websailor loves to look at wildlife.

Next year we are already booked for a cruise back to Tahiti, but this time instead of visiting the Cook Islands, we will visit the Marquesas (location of Survivor 3 TV show) Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. We are really looking forwards to this.

We don't gamble, we don't drink, but find that there are many things to do on the ships e.g. went ice skating and rock wall climbing while in the Caribbean, napkin folding class, cooking demonstrations, tours of the galley, going to the shows every night, even trying my hand at Karaoke. And of course, shopping in every port. We also like the fact that you only unpack once and you cabin attendant cleans the room twice a day so you always have fresh towels.

Enjoy yourself with whatever you decide on.

 

[ame]

I have been on a few...my favorite was the Disney Cruise when I was like 13. Best damn time of my life. hehe. My parents pretty much said "go do stuff, don''t go on the top deck, and don''t break anything" heh. It was a well supervised situation. Now that would never happen.

My husband and I are considering going on one this year if we have money and he has a job. My cousin has worked for HOlland America for a while, she''s on her last leg before she''s done doing the cruise thing...and I know several family members who have cruised on her ships...they loved em.

I think the Carnival one was another good one for our family.

 

[Sundial]

The Paul Gaughan which sails in Tahiti and carries only about 320 pampered passengers is my favorite cruise ship. We did this cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary and it was incredible!!!

 

[websailor]

It''s getting to be night-time snack-time....makes me think of food....how does this food description sound? Oh, you don''t have to set the table, you don''t have to clean anything, and there are no dishes to wash or kids to take care of!

Oh yeah, there''s also no charge for it!


Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

Who''s there: Delicious food made with lavish ingredients comes courtesy of the prestigious French cooking school Le Cordon Bleu. The chef/owner of Paris'' Apicius, Jean-Pierre Vigato, works closely with executive chefs to produce inventive dishes for Paul Gauguin''s La Veranda.

Palate pleasers: Decadently rich and lusty beef tournedos Rossini are topped with silky slices of foie gras and black truffles showered in a fragrant Madeira sauce. The crustacean bisques'' little wave action makes the avocado-crabmeat-tomato accompaniment bob with concentrated bursts of flavor in this rich, velvety soup. Foie gras terrine perfectly paired with a savory prune marmalade is pure magic and hard to resist. There are simple rich desserts like a warm chocolate tart crowned in fresh raspberries. Dried figs and almonds are a perfect match.

 

[Sundial]

Websailor I''m right there with you!!!

 

[Xing]

My husband and I love cruising. We have been on over 25 cruises between the 2 of us, we would never recommend Carnival to anyone. We take about 2 cruises a year, with or without the kids (4 and 18 months). The Princess line is nice, but we mainly go on Royal Caribbean. Last year we went on the Disney and had a blast. My husband thought he would miss the gambling (no casino), but there was so much to do, he didn''t even think about it. We had babysitting service for our then 9 months old during dinner, it was so nice to have quiet and peaceful meals. The food was good, too. The newer ships from RC cruise line are very nice and fun. They also offer activities for 3 year olds and up. My older son had so much fun we only saw him at meal times. Celebrity ships are smaller and their personal service is amazing, highly recommended. The new Queen Mary 2 is also very nice. We were lucky and got upgraded to a suite before sailing. In the dining room for suites only, food are made just the way you like it.
I would not recommend small ships like Crystal or Radisson if you and your family have problems with motion sickness. On larger ships, try to get rooms higher up and midship for a smoother sailing.

Congrats on your upcoming 20th.

 

[Momoftwo]

We went on our first cruise this past Nov (4 days) and it was on Carnival. Not that big of a party boat, but we had a great time and keep in touch with one couple from dinner. It''s relaxing, quiet if you want, not if you don''t. We thought there was plenty to do and the food was good. Was it the best I''ve ever had? No, but pretty darn good considering how many people they feed in a day and for the money a cruise costs since it''s for the room and meals. Some things were outstanding, but most was just very good. We like going to several locations to check them out and then maybe we''ll go to one for a vacation later on. We''re getting ready to book another one for Nov (maybe Carnival, maybe not, we haven''t decided yet) for our 25th anniversary.

 

[diamondlil]

Well, after going round and round on what to do, we finally made a decision. We decided to give cruising another try but NOT Carnival. We both really liked the idea of going back to Bermuda for our 20th since we enjoyed our honeymoon there in 1986. It will be really great to visit the same places we visited all those years ago. And the cost of the trip was within the budget I had set in my head. Mr. DiamondLil would be happy with whatever I decided, but he was really pushing to go to Bermuda (I guess there is still a little bit of romance in him after all these years

).

We picked a cruise leaving Philadelphia since we can easily drive there in a few hours to catch the boat. We went with Royal Caribbean, Empress of the Sea, and upgraded our cabin to the largest square footage ocean-view room they had. Our cabin will be near the bow on the starboard side so when we pull into port, our room will overlook the island.

I''m really looking forward to the trip, and I''ll let you all know how it works out -- good or bad.

 

[Kaleigh]

How exciting. I can come see you off and wish you a bon voyage!!!!

 

[diamondlil]

That''s so sweet, K.

Now I need to start shopping for cruise-wear!!!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

- These are all waiting for you on Royal Caribbean - enjoy!!!!!

 

[cflutist]

DL,

Great to hear you are going on a cruise.

If you go to the cruisecritic boards, there is a Rollcall section by ship/sail date
where you can chat with people going on the same cruise as you are.
A great way to make friends ahead of time, ask questions about anything
you want to know about.

Royal Caribbean also throws a "Meet and Mingle" party on board ship
if you can get 25 (I think) people from cruisecritic on your sailing to
sign up. We had a party on our last Southern Caribbean cruise
aboard the Adventurer of the Seas.

If you don''t find a thread already started for
your sailing date, you can start one yourself.

Here is the LINK to the Empress of the Seas Sailings.

Have a great trip and Happy Anniversary.

 

[Sundial]

I''m glad you are giving cruising another try and hope that you have a wonderful anniversary trip! As Cflutist mentioned cruisecritic.com is a fabulous resource.

 

[websailor]

How wonderful Diamondlil! Have a great time!!!

Be prepared to walk a bit - these ships are large! Here is yours:

I think I can see your cabin up front there...

 

[mara54]

Date: 1/10/2006 7:38:42 PM
Author: Mara
Some of the cruises seem so expensive for seemingly what you get!! Like $10k for what a 2 week cruise? We could do 2 weeks in Tahiti for less than that and we know we adore it! Cruising also can be considered somewhat mainstream in terms of vacations, so we have not decided to take a cruise just yet, there are other places we want to visit that we KNOW we will love first..though I would not mind trying a Carribbean cruise at some point because there are so many islands.

Hello Mara, First let me say love the name... My husband and I took a cruise on our honeymoon to the Carribbean on the Norweign Sky! We had a blast, mind you it was my first time ever on a cruise let alone seeing the Carribbean. I think you would enjoy this trip. The Norweign Sky is more of a medium ship plus a free style cruising so NO need to tip at all. Free cruising also means you need not to eat a certain time/can go where you please anytime on the ship.

 

[mara54]

Date: 1/10/2006 1:04:32 PM
Author:diamondlil

I decided to ask you all what you think about cruises. I mean, this is a great place to get some unbiased opinions and maybe some good leads?

Mr. DiamondLil and I will be married for 20 years in June. Yes, 20 years! I''m starting to think about whether we should take a trip. I originally said ''no, I don''t want to spend the money'' when he mentioned it, but I feel like we should go. You never know where the future will lead, and we rarely travel anymore since having kids. Before that, we traveled about once year. Now our vacations consist of going to my parents beach/summer home at the Jersey Shore. Great for the family, not for romance (what little is left after 20 years

).

Anyway, we went on 1 cruise over 10 years ago, and I HATED it. It was a Carnival, and not my speed at all. We had fun because we were with friends, but to me it was like a greyhound bus on water. There were too many people, and the food was crap (hope I don''t insult anyone by saying that). Maybe my expectations are too high. After that trip, I said I''d never go on a cruise again, but my parents have gone on several, more upscale cruiselines, and they love it. So, maybe I''m willing to try again.

I''m looking into Norwegian and Royal Caribbean going to Bermuda (that''s where we took our honeymoon 20 years ago

). Norwegian departs from Philadelphia, and Royal Caribbean departs from Baltimore or Philadephia so they are within driving distance and we won''t need airfare.

Any thoughts?

Hello Diamondlil, My husband and I took a cruise on our honeymoon to the Carribbean on the Norweign Sky! We had a blast, mind you it was my first time ever on a cruise let alone seeing the Carribbean. I think you would enjoy this trip. The Norweign Sky is more of a medium ship plus a free style cruising so NO need to tip at all. Free cruising also means you need not to eat a certain time/can go where you please anytime on the ship.

 

[mara54]

Noticed after I posted that you are all ready to go... Have a wonderful time, and please let us know about your trip... Happy Anniversay!!

 

[diamondlil]

Thank you, Cflutist, for the link to the Cruisecritic forum. While stumbling around the internet for information, I have come across a couple of others as well. Just like there are forums for us jewelry nuts, there are forums for vacation and cruise nuts too!!! I presume you like Cruisecritic best? I do see that they already have a thread for our date, so I''ll join in -- maybe I''ll join a few forums and see what happens. Geez, ME joining OTHER forums? I kind of feel like I''ll be *cheating* on my PS relationship.

Great picture of the boat, Websailor. I saw a smaller version of the same pic at the RCCL website, but I''m not computer savy enough to know how to blow it up so I could actually see anything. We are on level 7 (same level as the lifeboats but our room is toward to front where there are none thankfully). I wonder if our window will be one of those big rectangular ones -- it''s hard to count the levels.

I called a good friend of my yesterday, and in conversation I told her were are taking this cruise to Bermuda for our anniversary. Turns out, she and her husband took the same (she could not remember which boat though) cruise on their 10th anniversay, about 14 years ago!! She said RCCL was great, and they had a fantastic time. I''m getting so excited!!!

 

[Blue824]

Ooh, I just saw that you booked your trip! I hope this next cruising experience is more enjoyable for the two of you! The last Royal C cruise I was on the ship was massive. We''d pull into ports and ours would just tower over the others and be so much longer...but they don''t feel quite as huge when you''re on them, I''m blanking on what the name of our ship though. Anyway, glad you finalized your plans and I really hope you both enjoy it

 

[diamondlil]

Thanks, Blue. Our ship, the Empress, is one of the smaller ships for Royal Caribbean, which is good for me. There are only 2000 passengers, which sounds like a lot I suppose, but compared to some other ships, it''s smaller.

 

[websailor]

The small ships are nice in that you see some of the people you first meet onboard again and again. At the pool, on a shore excursion, while out shopping....

It''s a lot of fun updating each other on what wonderful times you''ve had or on the food, etc.

Sort of like a large family for a week!

 

[freckles127]

Hi Diamondlil!

I had to add my 2 cents here.. I absolutely love cruises and have actually been on that ship! The cruise I went on departed from Ft. Lauderdale last July to Costa Maya, Cozumel, Key West and their private island. It was a good time!

Sorry if I sound too snobby in my review but I''m going to give you my honest opinion. I was not very impressed with the boat. It is small and that''s a plus but I like to explore and can''t stand sitting or tanning in the sun for hours at a time. Exploration of the boat was over within a few hours, however, it''s clean and staff was wonderful. Meals were quite organized but the quality could have been better. Expect the rooms to be very small. Overall, I wished the boat was newer and had more activities but it was a smooth vacation and we enjoyed our time.

Let me also add that it was my second cruise after a Norwegian cruise which blew me away. It might have skewed my perception of what a cruise should have been.

I hope you and Mr. Diamondlil have a wonderful time!

 

[atroop711]

Well I had to add my 2 cents. We have been on over 8 cruises. Can you tell that we love them. I like to relax and tan and my husband can''t sit still. While I am relaxing (pre-children) he is off doing something. We also love snorkeling. When we cruise it is always a cruise that goes from island to island. We have snorkeled on some of the most amazing waters in the world. We have done one that was 2 wks long out of Canada to Hawaii. We visited all of the islands. We would have never had the time or the money to visit all of the islands in 2 weeks. We had a blast! All of the Carib. cruises are great too. Great water sports and beaches to visit. Also the cruises are so affordable! Since we have had children we have gone on the Disney cruise twice. That was amazing. The girls LOVE it and we love the smile that is on their faces.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

Annette

 

[atroop711]

RCCL is great. We took them to Hawaii. Food is very good, service is great...they make you feel very special.
Have a great trip!