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Conference abbott::cruise_travel

Title:CRUISE TRAVEL
Moderator:XANADU::FAMULARO
Created:Thu Aug 04 1988
Last Modified:Thu Dec 12 1996
Last Successful Update:Wed Jan 01 1997
Number of topics:562
Total number of notes:2834

231.0. "FIRST TIME CRUISE" by WMOIS::JETTE () Thu Sep 13 1990 13:10

    My boyfriend and I are thinking of taking our first cruise next year,
    but want to start making the arrangements now.  I think we are going
    to go to the Burlington Marriott this Sunday for the cruise show that
    will be there.  What is the best and worse time to take a cruise?
    Isn't the August-Septemeber time frame hurricane season?  Which
    cruise line going to which Islands would you recommend for a first
    time cruise?
    
    Thanks for any and all info!
    
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
231.1Where you headed MON?ODIXIE::RHARRISThu Sep 13 1990 15:0525
    Depending on what type of atmosphere you want, determines what cruise
    line to take.  I have been on Carnival, and they are more for the 20's
    crowd etc.  It is very romantic, yet fun-filled with all sorts of
    activities.  I understand that cruise lines such as NCL or RCCL are
    more for the mellow, money crowds.  If that is what you are looking
    for, go for it.  I liked carnival.  I personally think that the best
    time to take a cruise is on the first week of "base" rate.  Most cruise
    lines have three times of the year.
    
    SEASON-  Prime time, prime rate.  highest price.
    BASE- Just off season, better rate.
    Value- off season, even better rate.  HOTTER!!
    
    If you go the first week of base, you get the weather, plus the price.
    But all this depends on where you are going.  If you hit the southern
    caribbean runs, it will be rather warm regardless what time of year you
    go.  No matter what cruise line you choose, or what time of year you
    go, you will be hooked on cruises.  I am getting goose bumps just
    thinking about my last cruise.(223.)  Have a good time, shop for a good
    deal, yet book with a reputable cruise line.
    
    RASTAMAN BOB
    
    JA!
    
231.2Yes! Carnival!!ICS::KELLYFri Sep 14 1990 16:5414
    I second it for Carnival!!  Two friends and I went for New Years this
    year and it was fantastic!!  We went on the Festivale, out of San
    Juan....It goes to St. Martin, St. Thomas, Martinique and Barbados....
    we chose it because it went to the most places.....the Festivale is 
    pretty small compared to most of the other ships in the Carnival fleet,
    but it was great!!  There were lots of couples, families, and
    singles....a really mixed crowd but I loved that!!  I highly recommend 
    Carnival....it was pretty inexpensive.....around $1,300 each (there were 3 
    of us...obviously it will be a bit more for 2....this was for 7 days)
    
    Anyway, good luck in deciding.....
    
    Gen
       
231.3DO I LOOK LIKE I JUST GOT OFF THE BOAT!!!ODIXIE::RHARRISMon Sep 17 1990 17:1620
    Gen,
    
    First off,  is it really Gene Kelly?  Question, how was the actual
    condition of the FESTIVALE?  I am looking at Carnival books and RCCL
    books for '91.  This year I took the HOLIDAY, and want to know about
    the accomodations of other Carnival ships.  The HOLIDAY was built in
    1985, and I know the FESTIVALE is an older ship.  Was it nice and clean
    and modern onboard?  How were the ports you went to?  Have you seen
    the RCCL catalog for '91?  They got some 10-14 day cruises.  I sure
    wish that Carnival would get some 10-14 day cruises.  I like carnival,
    but want to take a 10-14 day cruise.
    
    By the way "Jette", how was the show on cruises, and did it answer all
    your questions?
    
    
    ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME ONBOARD!!!
    
    Rastaman Bob
    
231.4GO DUTCH....RIPPLE::BARTHOLOM_SHTue Oct 09 1990 21:3236
    A little insight into Carnival cruises...within the last couple
    of years they purchased the Holland-America line that is based in
    Seattle, Washington.  Why does this make a difference?  Because
    Holland-America line is considered one of the better cruise lines.
                    
    Of the two, I would pick Holland-America line for my first time,
    and I did, but then I am biased, because my sister works for the
    cruise line and gave me the inside scoop...which is what I am trying
    to pass on.  The cruises on the H-A are more expensive, but definitely
    worth it.
    
    The service is outstanding...they know what you drink after the
    first, possibly second time you request it.  Your stewards know
    your name immediately. You never have to ask for the same thing
    twice.  The entertainment is live, not taped.  When we were on board
    their flagship the SS Rotterdam in March, the entertainment included
    a tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber, a tribute to Cole Porter, a comedian,
    and several other attractions.
    
    For ports, I highly recommend the U.S. Virigin Islands for at least
    one stop.  Barbados (don't miss Carlisle Bay) and Antigua (the Devil's
    Bridge on the Atlantic side of the island is a must see) are two other 
    favorites.
    
    One other opinion is do the show excursions that are offered.  Some
    islands it is not necessary, but to me they are the only way to
    learn the history and interesting facts about the natives.  Guadeloupe
    is one island I strongly encourage this on - we did a half day
    excursion and spen the second half of the day spending $80 in cab
    fair (after bartering down from $130 and trying our luck with three
    different cab drivers) to go 20 minutes away to a beach.
    
    I have been on board all of the Holland-America boats and all are
    fantastic.  I recommend going in March or May...personal preference.
    
    
231.5Another CARNIVAL Vote!!!!STEPHS::STARRStephanieWed Nov 28 1990 15:5123
    TO:  WMOIS::JETTE
    
    Carol, HI!  We have to stop meeting in NOTES like this :-)
    
    I would also recommend Carnival - it's great fun!  The noters who
    mentioned that it's a younger croud are partly right.  It's very
    mixed, but everyone is "thinking young" and just having a hell of 
    a time!
    
    I cruised on the Jubilee in April 1989 and it was honostly the best
    vacation of my life!  After two trips to Cancun I'm ready to head back 
    to sea.  I'll probably hop aboard another Carnival ship in November 1991.  
    
    When I went it was with two friends, we booked the lowest category 
    cabin (which was upgraded 2 levels when we arrived) only 2 months before 
    sailing, and with the 3rd person/cabin discount we ended up paying app. 
    $1000/person.  
    
    No matter how much you spend, I truly believe it's worth it!  Once
    you've cruised you'll have a hard time finding a better vacation!
    
    Happy Cruise Hunting!
    Steph