[Avista]

We recently signed up for 2 cruises. The first one will be in Jan--The Monarch of the Seas--out of Port Canaveral to Bahamas--4 nights. The second will be on Radiance--7 nights out of Tampa. My husband has a new hobby--finding good deals on cruises! <smile> We've used a lot of good info found here from other posters and also Cruise Critic which was suggested.

[OpusX1]

We are Cruisers too. We have been 35 times so far, all 7 or 10 days. Haven't been in a while but with so many bargains out there now we may have to hit the high seas this Jan or Feb. I recently got an e-mail for a Princess 7 day out of Lauderdale for $396 inside and $799 balcony. I think it was for 1/7/10 or around that date.

[swrinfla]

At least twice a year, if I can.

Next week (11/23) aboard the Zuiderdam for 10 nights.

March aboard the Ruby Princess for 10 nights.

SWR

[784caroline]

Elite Captain Club members on Celebrity. Just got back from a 16 day cruise from LA down the mexican riveria, costa Rica, through the Panama canal , Colon, Cartegena Columbia , Aruba and ended up in San Juan. GERAT CRUISE.

Last Year we did a 14 day from Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Athens, Mykoynsos, Split Croatia, aand eneded up in Venice.

Favorite cruise is Alaska which we did twice!

[MelZ]

Wife and I have cruised about 30 times over the years. We did TA's ( British Isles to NJ) this year and last year( Barcelona and the Med to NJ). We are taking 2010 off to relocate to our Hadley house. Then we have a 14 days South American to Ft. Lauderdale booked for early 2011.

Is there any other way to vacation?

[Bonny]

We are big cruisers. We've been on 36 with 3 more booked. We are going on Royal Caribbean's new Oasis Of The Seas for the inaugural.We'll be on from Dec. 1st. - Dec. 12th. That will be awesome.
Then we'll be on our Rock & Roll cruise with Rocky & The Rollers Jan. 24th. on The Freedom Of The Seas.
We also have a large Cruise Critic group going on The Oasis. You can see if there is a roll call for your cruise on Cruise Critic. That way you can hook up with a fun group. If a roll call isn't started, you can start one. It's always a fun group of people.

[784caroline]

I would love to hear your review of the Oasis and how you get along with 6000 other people.

I just picture a disaster at embarcation and debarcation. TOO BIG for me and I think RCL will have a difficult time after the "honeymoon" period to sell out this ship. Passengers are now paying premium prices to cruise on the Oasis...I certainly hope they get their moneys worth.

[swrinfla]

I must admit that I'd love to see the Oasis, but it's itinerary for the moment is, frankly, boring!

I suppose they think the guests won't want to go ashore, but will be too entranced by the seven "neighborhoods!"

I'm happy with my under-2,000 ventures on Holland America vessels!

SWR

[Avista]

Bonny, I can't wait to hear your review when you return from the Oasis! Does The Villages have a Cruising Club or group? We've been on 5 cuises and are really hooked.

[emc101]

sailed once on the Queen elizabeth 2. more recently once on carnival glory.

last year for 26 days on holland america through the panama canal and central america. really enjoyed it.

soon going to southern carribean.

now that we are retired we try to go on a long cruise at least 14 days once a year.

like holland america's smaller ships and crew. they also go to interesting places that others often don't like san blais islands.

oasis of seas just sounds too big.

[Avista]

Bonny and Others, We have done about 5 cruises, so are not completely new, but do have some questions.
The first 4 cruises, we went through a travel agent. With the cruise we currently have booked, we went through Royal Caribbean's web site and bypassed the TA. Those you you who are very experienced cruisers--do you always use a TA or book your own cruises? What are pros and cons?

Second question is concerns insurance. First 4 cruises we purchased insurance. This last cruise is only a couple months away and so far have not purchased it. Our Medicare Medigap Insurance covers out of country illness, but that is all. Do you ever take a chance and cruise without cruise insurance, or do you always purchase it. If you purchase it, do you get it through your cruise line or some place else? Thanks.

[Becky]

Love cruising! Have been on 22 so far but have found that I don't have the urge to cruise since I moved to TV. Maybe the beautiful weather here.
Avista, regarding cruise insurance, I always get it. Use Insuremytrip.com. You are able to see different quotes to meet your needs.

Becky

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Avista

Bonny and Others, We have done about 5 cruises, so are not completely new, but do have some questions.
The first 4 cruises, we went through a travel agent. With the cruise we currently have booked, we went through Royal Caribbean's web site and bypassed the TA. Those you you who are very experienced cruisers--do you always use a TA or book your own cruises? What are pros and cons?

Second question is concerns insurance. First 4 cruises we purchased insurance. This last cruise is only a couple months away and so far have not purchased it. Our Medicare Medigap Insurance covers out of country illness, but that is all. Do you ever take a chance and cruise without cruise insurance, or do you always purchase it. If you purchase it, do you get it through your cruise line or some place else? Thanks.

A lot of times I book with the cruise line, then turn it over to my TA at AAA. Either way is good. Just make sure it's a TA you can contact at any time if there's a problem. There are some companies where you don't have your own TA. Always someone different when you call. Much better using someone you can talk to directly or book with the cruise line.
I don't always get insurance. If it's an expensive cruise, I always do. Definitely with my 12 nights on The Oasis, I got insurance. Also alot of people that are taking care of elderly parents, etc, might want to get insurance. Some times we get the cruise ins., sometimes we get it through AAA.

[Avista]

Bonny, We've used AAA too and have an TA there. Is there an advantage to giving her the reservation we made directly with RC?

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Avista

Bonny, We've used AAA too and have an TA there. Is there an advantage to giving her the reservation we made directly with RC?

It's just that I like her & want her to get credit. Sometimes using a TA you can get a little something extra. I've used Deby since we moved to the Villages almost 10 years ago. If I didnt' have a great relationship with her, I would book right through the cruise line.