1st time cruisers

[otherbruddaDarrell]

I would like to go on a cruise with my wife. Since we have dogs and cats to worry about we do not want to be gone for long.
Where would be a good place to to start looking?I guess we would also have to have passports, etc?
Where would we get the best prices?
This would be the first cruise for us and we are trying to figure things out. Thanks, Darrell & Chrissy

[Bryan]

Start with passports - both of you will need them for a cruise. You can get the applications at the Sumter County Government Annex on CR 466 near Morse Boulevard. That, in itself, can be a hassle and take awhile so get that process started. Concurrently, visit a reputable Travel Agent and ask about cruises, let them give you some brochures, etc. Also talk to friends who have cruised in the past for their advice - there are "party" ships, "food" ships, etc. Figure out your preferences. TV does have a Travel Club so it may be worth it to visit one of their meetings, listen, ask questions, etc. Cruises can be loads of fun but careful planning makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Possibly, for a first time cruise, you would want to book with a TV group of some sort - we have lots who go on cruises. Then a lot of the more mundane items such as baggage handling, transportation to/from the port, etc., are arranged and handled by the group. Again, the TV Travel Club is a good place to get info on group tours.

[swrinfla]

obD:

Bryan's right. As an inveterate cruiser myself (I'm heading out on my 13th over Thanksgiving), I've got all sorts of advice, but the bottom line for first timers is to find a trusted travel agent (the Auto Club is probably the best known, but not necessarily the best), to pick the brains of anyone you meet who has ever cruised, and to think long and hard about the "atmosphere" you think you might like.

Without going into any great detail here, I'll observe that many Villagers travel with other Villagers. There are many who sail with Carnival. My image of Carnival may be jaded, but they're popular because they're frequently inexpensive (no cruise line should be considered "cheap," really), but they are honestly geared to the "younger generation." That is, the 20's, 30's and 40's crowd. Us "old folks" are usually more comfortable on less "party, party, 'til you drop" ships. As an example, are you into "hairy chest contests," or their equivalent, "wet tee-shirt contests?"

Of course, one of the first things you must think about: have you even the slightest propensity toward seasickness? Modern cruise ships rarely pitch and roll enough to be concerned about, but if a simple ferry crossing makes you queasy, you may want to think again. If you've got some doubts, there are remedies which many folks rave about.

And, it's never a bad idea to consider one of the three-night or four-night cruises first. They'll give you a clue as to whether you like cruising, and won't upset your four-legged friends so much!

As a retired travel agent and as an avid traveler and cruiser myself, I'm always happy to tell you my personal thoughts. And, am always (unless I'm cruising :jester:) willing to spout off at the mouth! Just PM me.

SWR
:beer3:

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Thankyou for the replies, I will get started with the application process for the visas soon.

[kaydee]

We just returned from a 4 nighter on Carnival Sensation and we had a blast. It was our 11th cruise. As with anything there are pluses & minus's with different cruise lines, destinations and of course individual preferences. We did not find this ship filled with the "younger crowd".... yes, there were some but there was a good amount of passengers that I would classify the "matured". My best advice for choosing any cruise is to be careful choosing your sailing date. Avoid times that could be more popular with the younger crowd. We have found the following times to work out great: September, first 2 weeks in Dec, beginning of Feb, after Easter and 1st couple weeks of May. WE LOVE CRUISING AND HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

[Freeda]

You will need a passport, even if you are just going to the Bahamas, Mexico or the Caribbean, etc. You can complete your entire passport application process at certain (not all)post office branches; the one in Summerfield on Hwy 301 (on the left; about 1 mile north of the Hwy 42 intersection) will do it all - including taking your photographs, in one visit, but you have to make an appointment; but less of a hassle in the long run; and once you have your passports, they are good for ten years before you have to renew them. You can get the P.O. phone # at www.usps.com or or local phone book. There are probably other local P.O. branches that do this, but that is just the one that I know about. It takes about 4-6 weeks, I think, to receive the passports, unless you pay an expedited service fee.

As others said, I would probably go through a travel agent if I were you, since it's your first time on a cruise, especially if you go on a very long cruise.

One uncomplicated and inexpensive option to maybe consider, though, since you want a short cruise to start with, is one of the 2-3 night cruises available from Celebration; at www.celebrationcl.com - it leaves from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) and goes to Nassau, Bahamas on 2-3 night cruises, at a low cost. Might be a good 'try it out' trip before taking a longer cruise. It will not be as elaborate and large as ships on longer cruises, but it does have a casino, spa, gym, pool, several restaurants, and most of the other amenities, and will give you a chance to see if you like cruising before committing to a longer cruise If you call and talk to them, you can probably get a 2 night cruise for around $300 total, including port fees/taxes (always check on this with cruises, since this expense is usually an 'add-on' to the quoted price), for both of you. (You always have the added expense on cruises of gratuities for your cabin steward and restaurant wait staff/maitre d').

[LoveFlorida]

I am leaving Thursday to go to the Bahamas on the Sensation Carnival Cruise I have been on many times and my travel agent said no pass ports are needed yet for that cruise. She said something about because you leave and return to the same port.

[Bob S]

If you are leaving and returning to the same US port, passports are not needed to cruise. However, if you have an emergency and need to fly home, you will have a problem without a passport. I would recommend the passport for peace of mind.

[swrinfla]

:agree: with BobS

The passport will eventually (and soon) be mandatory anytime you leave the U.S., no matter whether by air, sea, car, foot or on your hands and knees. It is a very valuable document to have, and well worth what sounds like an exorbitant amount of money. But, it's good for 10 years.

And, you must be careful in that "leaving from and returning to the same port" phrase, because it absolutely does not apply when your ship docks at any foreign point between sailing and returning. For example, both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are essentailly U.S. entities. But almost any cruise ship sailing from Florida will stop at the cruise line's private resort - which are mostly in the Bahamas, a foreign country. You may need to show your passport at San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, etc., because you have been to a foreign destination before arriving in a U.S. one.

Hope that isn't too confusing.

SWR
:beer3:

[KCinBAMA]

Where would we get the best prices?


Having sailed 3 times and never used a travel agent, I'll share my process.

First, I'm primarily interested in "least expensive". If I can sail a month sooner or later and save hundreds of dollars - for the exact same cruise - then, I try to do exactly that. My wife and I are currently booked on a 7 nighter/4 porter out of New Orleans for less than $1000. Granted, it's an inside, lower deck cabin, but, we don't spend much time there.

Second. I visit Cruise.com to find the lowest published rates/sailing dates.

Third. Once I decide on a cruise, I contact an agent of the cruise line itself (Carnival.com, NCL.com, etc) and make a deposit, usually about a year out. Last time, we had only been off the ship for 6 days before making our next year's reservations.

Fourth. Every week, I continue to check the cruise prices, both for my existing cruise sailing week and the other ones too. If the price for my cruise goes down, I call and get my fare reduced. You have to call them, they won't call you. Also, if I see that the week(s) earlier or later have dropped lower in price than my reserved week, I call to change my reservations. For my current cruise that I reserved 6 days after taking my last cruise, I have already changed the dates twice and got price breaks twice. What started out as a $1400 cruise is now under $1000. Full payment is due a few months before sailing - read the fine print.

This is not a knock against travel agents. I have just never used one and can't comment on their services. This is just another way of booking travel.

[donbettyr]

We have been on 20 cruises, and have used various agents and internet booking arrangements. Since moving here a little over 2 years ago have booked 5 trips with Julie at Ocala Travel, and she has gotten us great prices!! Some advice. When you first get on the ship, make sure to introduce yourself by your first name to both your cabin steward and your waiter. It really helps, rather than a lot of pople who have the attitude "I am here serve me". Also, if possible, and money permits, go a little upscale and try to stay away from the 3 low end cruise lines Norwegian, Royal Carib., and Carnival. Travel agent I had 10 years ago told me the industry would merge into 3 classes, and now Frommers Cruise Guide says the same thing. Low end the 3 mentioned above, Middle Range - Princess, Holland Am, and Celebrity. By themselves, Cunard. High end - Crystal, Seabourn, Radisson. Hope this helps

[784caroline]

For a "First Time Crusier", I think you need to use a Travel Agent. We are "Elite" Captain Club Members on Celebrity and have cruised most of the other mainstream crusie lines. The reason I suggest using a travel agent is you need to find a ship or cruise line that is to you liking. Each cruise line caters to different crowds and different tastes. What is important for you...is it Price, Food, Entertainment, ports of call, Age mix (young middle or older crowd), Do you like to dress UP for 1 or 2 dinners or always be casual, ship size, kids programs etc etc. Getting on the wrong ship could spell days of unhappiness for you and your companion.

Now if you know what cruise line and what ship you want and what dates you want to sail (Do you really want to sail spring break on Carnival??) you can get some competitive pricing. For the most part all Travel Agents offer the same price as offered on the cruise lines web site but what a travel agent can offer you to reduce the price is ON-Board Credits (OBC). OBCs are just like cash and credited to your shipboard account to use while on board for drinks spa treatments shore excursions etc. Crusie Lines normally do NOT offer these driectly to the public unless you are buying your next cruise while onboard a curent cruise. Also when you book with travel agent you must be certain this agency DOES NOT charge a Booking fee, Change Fees, Document Fees or a Cancellation fee. Why is this important......if prices go down from when you initially book a cruise and final payment has not yet been made a good trvel agent will reduce the price automatically or at a minuimum when you bring the reduced price to his/her attention. Some times the reduced price will read "For New Booking Only" but that is meaningless if it is outside the penalty period which is typically 70 days from your sail date except for holiday cruises. I say its meaningless for TAs who have a no cancellation fee policy for if they object just tell them to cancel and rebook. All that can happen is you will lose some OBCs if you are getting any to begin with.

Some people think it is good to book with affinity groups such as your school reunion or with a "local Band " from the Villages.......There are many advantages ; bus transportation to the port etc is all arranged for; and you may have one or two extra parties while on board. However the downside may be you will not be able to take advantage of cruise line price reductions, May not get the Best OBCs offered, you may not have a choice in dining early or late or even anytime dining (different cruise lines call this different things), and strict cancellation policies.

Cruising is alot of fun, We just came back from a 16 night Panama Canal trip (LA to San Juan) and it was fantastic. You really get to know the cruise staff and other cruisers while having a drink or at the tables in the Casino or just lying around the pool.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Thankyou for all of the great information. I will have a list of notes from this forum to take with me when I go to the travel agent.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

We just returned from our first cruise to the Bahamas on the Monarch of the seas and had a nice time.
All the information everyone gave on totv really helped. Time to start thinking about another cruise....................:wave:

[TrudyM]

Glad you had fun :MOJE_whot:

If you are leaving and returning to the same US port, passports are not needed to cruise. However, if you have an emergency and need to fly home, you will have a problem without a passport. I would recommend the passport for peace of mind.

To anyone else considering IMHO You should get a passport just in case. Also new rules went in last year.

We have gone on mostly long cruises when my mom was alive (longest 30days) I carried both my passport and a copy of my birth certificate. When we were detained in Singapore and almost missed the ship we were glad we had both as the passports were held on the ship by Singapore imigration and we only had boarding documents. Without our birth certificates we would have been toast. Also take extra money in travelers checks (which you can cash onboard). The tips needed for your room steward, waiters etc can really add up. If you get really sick barf go to the ships doctor. They have a shot that will knock you out and put you out of your missery. Not a clue whats in it. Used when caught in a huricane.


New rules off the web.
Returning United States Citizens
Take note: changes in U.S. law took effect June 1, 2009; you can no longer cross the border with only a birth certificate and driver's licence. Also, as a United States citizen traveling to another country, you need to meet that country's entry requirements.

You'll find helpful tips for crossing the border to Canada or to Mexico here on TripAdvisor.

Traveling By Air or From Overseas
Traveler Present one of:

All U.S. Citizens
(Including Infants)
U.S. Passport
NEXUS card (pre-approved low-risk travelers, via participating Canadian airports only)
Merchant Mariner Document
U.S. Armed Forces ID and military orders

[Avista]

Cruisecritic.com is a good place to start. It is a wondeful web site. Check out all the boards.

We will be leaving May 31 on the Monarch out of Port Canaveral. It is a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. This is a repeat for us. This is the least expensive cruise we have found. The Royal Caribbean's Monarch is an older smaller ship, but very nice. Rooms are a little small. We like it because it is a great 4 day getaway without breaking the bank.

We try to cruise out of Port Canaveral or Tampa, as it is so easy to drive there.

You will have a wonderful time. We have 2 dogs, so know how hard it is to leave them. They have always done well while we have been gone.

[hoseman]

We have been on 20 cruises, and have used various agents and internet booking arrangements. Since moving here a little over 2 years ago have booked 5 trips with Julie at Ocala Travel, and she has gotten us great prices!! Some advice. When you first get on the ship, make sure to introduce yourself by your first name to both your cabin steward and your waiter. It really helps, rather than a lot of pople who have the attitude "I am here serve me". Also, if possible, and money permits, go a little upscale and try to stay away from the 3 low end cruise lines Norwegian, Royal Carib., and Carnival. Travel agent I had 10 years ago told me the industry would merge into 3 classes, and now Frommers Cruise Guide says the same thing. Low end the 3 mentioned above, Middle Range - Princess, Holland Am, and Celebrity. By themselves, Cunard. High end - Crystal, Seabourn, Radisson. Hope this helps

Good post! I wouldn't give Princess a middle range though. Been on 23 cruises and recently stopped cruising due to burnout thanks to autotipping of cruise employees has significantly deteriorated service. I know all the low end lines do this...unsure of middle range lines (as we ceased cruising three years ago)...I won't go on high end lines as I look terrible with a sweater tied around my neck.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Our neighbors across the street are interested on going on a cruise with us this coming December................time to start checking things out again.
It will be a first for them and a second for us. Western Caribbean for about 4-5 days sounds good.

[Skip2MySue]

Cruisecritic.com is a good place to start. It is a wondeful web site. Check out all the boards.

We will be leaving May 31 on the Monarch out of Port Canaveral. It is a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. This is a repeat for us. This is the least expensive cruise we have found. The Royal Caribbean's Monarch is an older smaller ship, but very nice. Rooms are a little small. We like it because it is a great 4 day getaway without breaking the bank.

We try to cruise out of Port Canaveral or Tampa, as it is so easy to drive there.

You will have a wonderful time. We have 2 dogs, so know how hard it is to leave them. They have always done well while we have been gone.

Cruisecritic.com is a GREAT site to get any and all information you might need. They have roll call forums, general information forums, port of calls info, excursion info and 350,000+ members to answer any and all questions that you can think of. I have been on 7 cruises so far and wouldn't think of going on one without checking CruiseCritic.com for all the information on the ship and fellow cruiser reviews. I have saved more then $1000 on cruise fares by members notifying me of a price drop. RCCL is my favorite.
Skip

[The Great Fumar]

In Jan. of 2011 their are about forty couples from the Villages going on an eight day cruise to Guatemala , Belize , Cozumel and Key West .......
Its with CARNIVAL and leaves from TV by Bus .........You can check with Legendary Journeys For details......I am only a passenger .......I have an inside room in the bowels of the ship next to the engine room....all the other guests get a bottle of champagne in their room , I get a can of WD-40 ...

Did I mention I don't swim ???? Fumar ...:cryin2:

[hoseman]

Good link of what goes on.

http://www.cruisebruise.com/

[grandma-annie]

Am considering an Alaskan cruise next year.... Any suggestions of which itinerary (ports of call), which departure city, cruise line, or experiences any Villager has had? Have never cruised before so it's somewhat confusing. What would be a good month to go? Any and all suggestions would be helpful.

[cats12470]

We have been on over 30 cruises and hope to live long enough to do 30 more... love cruising... (guess you can tell that).... we have 3 cats so we have to find a cat sitter.... we have someone come in every other day and clean the box and make sure the food and water bowls are filled....get our mail etc... once we leave we never worry about the pets... we know they are in good hands.... We always take the seasick pill the night before we leave, and every night on the cruise... keep a full stomach (like that is hard to do) and do a lot of walking.... and of course you must sit on the deck and take a nap... we are cheap cruisers... we don't drink so that saves us a LOT of money...but we like our soft drinks and bring them with us... we try to find a port we can drive to so we don't have to fly and spend the extra money... Jacksonville is a great place to park your car and sail.... we don't go to the formal nights anymore.. but we do attend all the shows.... we bring clothes to relax... we don't go to dinning room much anymore... we like the buffet etc... we REALLY relax... whatever you do have fun.... enjoy the sea air.... totally relax and you will be back again... becareful your final bill... people get the shock of their lives the last day..... let us know how your first cruise goes.... I use cruises.com... if I find a cruise cheaper...they match it....