Caribbean cruise
Discussion
I've always vehemently against them
But....
Then we watched a video on the celebrity beyond
And seem quite nice, cracking food, not many young people doesn't look like a p&o ferry onboard
Having never actually looked at booking one before anything to be aware of?
Currently looking at 10 day ultimate southern Caribbean is if better to go direct or through an agent?
For some reason it seem you can only get the reduced all inclusive rate with alcohol that we have no need of really
But....
Then we watched a video on the celebrity beyond
And seem quite nice, cracking food, not many young people doesn't look like a p&o ferry onboard
Having never actually looked at booking one before anything to be aware of?
Currently looking at 10 day ultimate southern Caribbean is if better to go direct or through an agent?
For some reason it seem you can only get the reduced all inclusive rate with alcohol that we have no need of really
Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Sunday 14th January 11:15
I was against cruising. Then did a P&O in the fjords and rather enjoyed it.
So did a transatlantic plus a few days in the Caribbean.
Positives.
Waking up in a new destination each day
Variety of dining and eating on board
Entertainment, if you want it.
Nearly all-inclusive
Negatives
Your in a floating resort. If you struggle to live and let live, you will struggle. But we have never failed to find quiet spots.
Anything that is not inclusive, is expensive.
The islands can struggle to deal with the numbers - especially as they may have more than one big ship in at a time.
Entitlement. This is huge. Their is no more entitled group of holidayers than cruise ship passengers. Bear this in mind you read facebook posts!
Caribean airports....
Personally, I'm slightly hooked.
So did a transatlantic plus a few days in the Caribbean.
Positives.
Waking up in a new destination each day
Variety of dining and eating on board
Entertainment, if you want it.
Nearly all-inclusive
Negatives
Your in a floating resort. If you struggle to live and let live, you will struggle. But we have never failed to find quiet spots.
Anything that is not inclusive, is expensive.
The islands can struggle to deal with the numbers - especially as they may have more than one big ship in at a time.
Entitlement. This is huge. Their is no more entitled group of holidayers than cruise ship passengers. Bear this in mind you read facebook posts!
Caribean airports....
Personally, I'm slightly hooked.
Edited by surveyor on Sunday 14th January 11:38
I always said I wouldn't go on one until I was persuaded to go on Virgin Voyages from Miami, for new year. Been three times now and loved it each time. Not sure I'm interested in the other cruise lines. VV have two boats sailing from Miami for the winter season so you have a lot choices where to go in the Caribbean. Well worth a look imo.
We sailed on Beyond a couple of years ago - on her inaugural sailing Southampton to Barcelona: a lovely ship for you to start on!
Things to watch out for?
You mention pricing and bundling of drinks packages - that might steer you towards using an agent - they might be able to tweak things a bit to whatever best suits you or at least run through the options more clearly.
Cabin type and location can matter (or not, if you are only interested in it being somewhere to sleep and get changed) - if you might like to watch arrivals/sail-away from your cabin, a balcony would be best: on Beyond and other Edge class, they call it a 'virtual balcony'. Which really means what is usually the balcony can be used as part of the cabin, if you want the balcony experience you lower the window and have a railing and opening above it. Location can matter if distance to lifts is an issue, also the bow/stern generally get more movement if you or any of your group could get the wobbles/sea sickness, midships would be better. The different classes of cabin are not only pay for more space, the suites etc also get you access to restaurants and parts of the ship others can't get to.
I've only done one Caribbean cruise, but a truism no matter where you go; excursions can be pricy, the ones provided by the cruise line tend not to be the cheapest, but give you assurance they won't sail without you. If you diy, or use an independent, don't be late back! Or you'll be a future start of one of the pier runner videos! Look into where the ship docks, some places are easy to diy, especially if you are up for wandering and exploring. We've also used Facebook groups for the cruise or Cruise Critic to arrange with others excursions that might be more flexible than the tightly timed ship excursions.
Things to watch out for?
You mention pricing and bundling of drinks packages - that might steer you towards using an agent - they might be able to tweak things a bit to whatever best suits you or at least run through the options more clearly.
Cabin type and location can matter (or not, if you are only interested in it being somewhere to sleep and get changed) - if you might like to watch arrivals/sail-away from your cabin, a balcony would be best: on Beyond and other Edge class, they call it a 'virtual balcony'. Which really means what is usually the balcony can be used as part of the cabin, if you want the balcony experience you lower the window and have a railing and opening above it. Location can matter if distance to lifts is an issue, also the bow/stern generally get more movement if you or any of your group could get the wobbles/sea sickness, midships would be better. The different classes of cabin are not only pay for more space, the suites etc also get you access to restaurants and parts of the ship others can't get to.
I've only done one Caribbean cruise, but a truism no matter where you go; excursions can be pricy, the ones provided by the cruise line tend not to be the cheapest, but give you assurance they won't sail without you. If you diy, or use an independent, don't be late back! Or you'll be a future start of one of the pier runner videos! Look into where the ship docks, some places are easy to diy, especially if you are up for wandering and exploring. We've also used Facebook groups for the cruise or Cruise Critic to arrange with others excursions that might be more flexible than the tightly timed ship excursions.
llewop said:
We sailed on Beyond a couple of years ago - on her inaugural sailing Southampton to Barcelona: a lovely ship for you to start on!
Things to watch out for?
You mention pricing and bundling of drinks packages - that might steer you towards using an agent - they might be able to tweak things a bit to whatever best suits you or at least run through the options more clearly.
Cabin type and location can matter (or not, if you are only interested in it being somewhere to sleep and get changed) - if you might like to watch arrivals/sail-away from your cabin, a balcony would be best: on Beyond and other Edge class, they call it a 'virtual balcony'. Which really means what is usually the balcony can be used as part of the cabin, if you want the balcony experience you lower the window and have a railing and opening above it. Location can matter if distance to lifts is an issue, also the bow/stern generally get more movement if you or any of your group could get the wobbles/sea sickness, midships would be better. The different classes of cabin are not only pay for more space, the suites etc also get you access to restaurants and parts of the ship others can't get to.
I've only done one Caribbean cruise, but a truism no matter where you go; excursions can be pricy, the ones provided by the cruise line tend not to be the cheapest, but give you assurance they won't sail without you. If you diy, or use an independent, don't be late back! Or you'll be a future start of one of the pier runner videos! Look into where the ship docks, some places are easy to diy, especially if you are up for wandering and exploring. We've also used Facebook groups for the cruise or Cruise Critic to arrange with others excursions that might be more flexible than the tightly timed ship excursions.
Cheers! Honestly we were thinking the port hole rooms rather than the balcony as I really dont see us sitting there and you can't have the AC on if the balcony is openThings to watch out for?
You mention pricing and bundling of drinks packages - that might steer you towards using an agent - they might be able to tweak things a bit to whatever best suits you or at least run through the options more clearly.
Cabin type and location can matter (or not, if you are only interested in it being somewhere to sleep and get changed) - if you might like to watch arrivals/sail-away from your cabin, a balcony would be best: on Beyond and other Edge class, they call it a 'virtual balcony'. Which really means what is usually the balcony can be used as part of the cabin, if you want the balcony experience you lower the window and have a railing and opening above it. Location can matter if distance to lifts is an issue, also the bow/stern generally get more movement if you or any of your group could get the wobbles/sea sickness, midships would be better. The different classes of cabin are not only pay for more space, the suites etc also get you access to restaurants and parts of the ship others can't get to.
I've only done one Caribbean cruise, but a truism no matter where you go; excursions can be pricy, the ones provided by the cruise line tend not to be the cheapest, but give you assurance they won't sail without you. If you diy, or use an independent, don't be late back! Or you'll be a future start of one of the pier runner videos! Look into where the ship docks, some places are easy to diy, especially if you are up for wandering and exploring. We've also used Facebook groups for the cruise or Cruise Critic to arrange with others excursions that might be more flexible than the tightly timed ship excursions.
Location on ship I don't think would make any odds to us as mobility isn't an issue (far too young for that really)
We are looking to do as much off the boat as we can and experience the islands,we dont want beach every day as we will relax on sailing days
We just want to avoid crap like pool party's and have great food when on board
Entertainment didn't look too bad, less Jane MacDonald and Butlins
choosing a particular ship, destination or even cruise line for a first cruise is a critical decision - almost like having blind date as your first date with your only knowledge being that you want a partner!
40 years ago it was easy cos every cruiser was an old codger but these days some cruises are aimed at families, some at couples, some at elegant dining, some at casual, some at singles.
if you choose the wrong cruise it can put you off permanently and whenever anyone says they didn't like their first cruise there's always another cruise line or cruise style I can think of which would have suited them better.
a good place to get a better understanding is cruise critic.
40 years ago it was easy cos every cruiser was an old codger but these days some cruises are aimed at families, some at couples, some at elegant dining, some at casual, some at singles.
if you choose the wrong cruise it can put you off permanently and whenever anyone says they didn't like their first cruise there's always another cruise line or cruise style I can think of which would have suited them better.
a good place to get a better understanding is cruise critic.
Yeah that's been me getting put off by what I see
I remember keeping up appearances when they went on a cruise that really put me off many many years ago
We have no interest in black tie and the captain's table type stuff. We don't want parties and lots of young people or families and we don't want it to be waiting for god either
yeah maybe a bit Goldie locks
The videos we have seen of the edge class ships has looked very good classy but not stuffy and the rooms looked nice with what looks like full sized beds
A lot of them we looked at seemed to be really dated even they had been refurbished not many years ago
I remember keeping up appearances when they went on a cruise that really put me off many many years ago
We have no interest in black tie and the captain's table type stuff. We don't want parties and lots of young people or families and we don't want it to be waiting for god either
yeah maybe a bit Goldie locks The videos we have seen of the edge class ships has looked very good classy but not stuffy and the rooms looked nice with what looks like full sized beds
A lot of them we looked at seemed to be really dated even they had been refurbished not many years ago
I’ve not worn black tie on a cruise for years! Celebrity call their dress up nights ‘chic’ or something like that, so smart..ish. I always take a tie, but rarely end up wearing it!
The Edge ships are amazing, a bit different and so many places to explore, we are going on Apex to Iceland this year.
The Edge ships are amazing, a bit different and so many places to explore, we are going on Apex to Iceland this year.
I've not done a Caribbean cruise. But I've seen what its like onshore.
Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
GT03ROB said:
I've not done a Caribbean cruise. But I've seen what its like onshore.
Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
It's a concern I have but everything I have watched seems to show people pretty much sticking around the cruise port and beaches and that's not what we are after so I hope that maybe it would be quieter (optimistic I know)Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
Trustmeimadoctor said:
GT03ROB said:
I've not done a Caribbean cruise. But I've seen what its like onshore.
Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
It's a concern I have but everything I have watched seems to show people pretty much sticking around the cruise port and beaches and that's not what we are after so I hope that maybe it would be quieter (optimistic I know)Frankly I wouldn't be doing a Caribbean cruise based on what its like. The islands get overwhelmed. I was in Antigua on & off for 4 months during the winter of 21/22. I would often go down to St Johns to pick up some stuff, and would usually pop in to Heritage Quay. This was where the cruise ships came in. With one of the behemoths in it would be chaos, with 4 as you got on some occasions it became bedlam. 4 ships disgorging gawd knows how many thousands of people onto an island with a population of less than 100k. It was stressful just watching the goings on.
People would rush off the ships, rush to waiting transport, off on a tour, back to the ship. Seemed anything but relaxing. Then you have the rip off prices.My wife would wander round Heritage Quay duty free shops convincing herself she had a bargin. I would just sit in one of the bars. The bars operated a 2 tier charging structure $10/beer if they thought you were off a cruise ship, $2 otherwise!
The booze package on this one is $109 I think
We may have a drink a day and even at $20 for the most expensive cocktails we would never get close
The non alcoholic one is $39 I think
But you can get the all-inclusive packaged that's basic alco drinks + basic WiFi and tips for a certain amount
But really we don't want the alco package
We may have a drink a day and even at $20 for the most expensive cocktails we would never get close
The non alcoholic one is $39 I think
But you can get the all-inclusive packaged that's basic alco drinks + basic WiFi and tips for a certain amount
But really we don't want the alco package
We went on the Beyond last year around the Caribbean first time going and it was fabulous didn't think I would like it but it was wonderful great food different island most days. There were no kids on board thought I'd get fed up with the Americans but was all fine, looking forward to being on the same ship in March going through the Panama Canal. I hate the idea of package holidays and cruises but my attitude has been changed.
Whistle said:
My wife is always going on at me to go on a cruise but I don’t want to go for the following reasons.
Stuck on a ship with a load of chavs
I suffer with sea sickness quite badly
Other than that no issues.
I did think about a Viking river cruise though
Apparently if you suffer from sea-sickness - mid-ship, lower down should sort you out quite nicely.Stuck on a ship with a load of chavs
I suffer with sea sickness quite badly
Other than that no issues.
I did think about a Viking river cruise though
WRT 'the councilistas' (for want of a better expression) we've barely seen talked to the same couple twice in 2 weeks (partly, to be fair, as i have no real interest in jondong/friendmaking/etc - though I'm always polite and dont snub a convo). These boats are large and (except 1st night) very rarely feel crowded
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