[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by westcoast

We have never been on a cruise but are thinking it's time. Would
prefer to leave from Tampa. Which cruise line and month would
you suggest?

We're taking Holland America's Ryndam transatlantic on March 31. Repositioning cruises are always good value (although you have to enjoy days at sea, rather than a new port every day) and you can add a Mediterranean cruise on the end if you like.

[784caroline]

We are Elite cruisers on Celebrity (20+) and our last 5 cruises have been 13-15 night cruises ranging from the Panama Canal (La to San juan), Europe (Barcelona to Venice), Transatlantic (Beaches of Normandy) England to Miami, San Diego to Hawaii and return, and this year NJ to Quebec and return. Longer cruises have alot of advantages such as not having to pack , unpack and repack in a 7 day period, Different cruise clientel allowing you to meet alot of interesting people who also enjoy cruising, and we normally cruise in October (staying away from the carabean) when prices are somewhat cheaper and the kids are in school. Repositioning cruises (such as our Panama Canal and Transatlantic) are great for they really are the cheapest way to cruise!

[westcoast]

Thankyou all who responded. What useful information. It is always
good to hear about others experiences. Now we have our work cut
out for us. Thanks again!

[Yorio]

We have only taken two cruises so far so we are novice at this, all on Celebrity. We took the second Celebrity trip because the dinners were so good on the first Mercury. The second trip had German chef and we thought the food was too heavy by our taste. We are going to try again on the Celebrity as the Village of St. James has a group going, 156 strong. We like the fact that they'll have a bus leaving from TV. Normally we will not try Crystal because of the cost but next fall we'll go with another couple because they got a good deal. Now, I was told that Carnival is too big and too many young people. On the other hand, I was told that Disney has great food and you won't notice little one running around? Was also told Princess and Holland America are very good. On board we like good food and good wines. Which cruise lines will you recommend?

[dotti105]

We must be the exception.....We love Carnival!
We are Platinum cruisers on Carnival and are 63 yrs young. We enjoy the larger cabins and the larger number of balcony cabins available, which lower the cost of those great cabins.
We do avoid summer and spring break, but have never found Carnival to be rowdy, although there will be rowdy drunks on any ship you sail. That is just a fact.
The Princess and Celebrity ships we sailed were filled with senior-seniors. Lots of walkers and scooters. I am not saying that as a negative! We still plan to cruise when we are 20 +yrs older. Those lines do seem to appeal to the more senior set.
But Carnival provides us with the amenities we enjoy, at a great price, and lots of options of ports, length of cruises etc.
We sail on Sept 30 from HNL to SYD. Carnival is relocating a ship to Australia and it is a 17 day cruise with 3 days in Tahiti and 1 day in Fiji. Can't wait!!!
Different strokes for different folks. We love cruises and I'd be happy to go on any ship any time anywhere!! A cruise is an awesome relaxing vacation!!

[Bonny]

We are Elite with Celebrity & Diamond Plus with Royal Caribbean. I haven't seen a lot of walkers etc. on Celebrity, but I sure did on Holland America. Nice ships & they do alot of things really good, but definitely geared to the older crowd. They don't even do a sail away party when they cruise to the Caribbean.
However, if you're cruising, life is good !

[buggyone]

Taking another cruise on Celebrity on Sept 21 out of Seattle through the Panama Canal and back to Florida. Celebrity is our favorite and we are Elite members. Great benefits for being Elite. My suggestion is to pick one great cruiseline and stick with it for the loyalty benefits.

[ugotme]

To each his own!

For what it is worth, I have found Holland America to attract a much older crowd.

Personally, went on RC Allure of the Seas and there was just too many people - not for me. Been on RC several times - everything was "okay" just not great.

As far as Carnival - I believe if you go on the 3 day cruises then yes, it is more of a party (young) crowd. However, on the trips I made which were longer - 7 days - This was a really great cruise.

Just saying !!!!

[Ooper]

Yes, I agree with ugotme... typically, the longer the cruise, the fewer young people you will see. I have cruised Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, big ships and smaller ships. They all have their differences, pros and cons and offer slightly different experiences. Really have never had no complaint with any of these 3 an enjoyed them all. It just comes down to personal tastes and what you are looking for in a cruise.

[Barefoot]

I do have a couple of (probably stupid) questions for experienced cruisers. We're taking a Mediterranean cruise next Saturday with Holland America (Ryndam). It's only our second cruise.

As far as money goes, are Travellers Cheques easily cashed on board ship? Or do we need to take Euros in cash? Are North American Visa cards readily accepted in Spain and Italy, and on board ship?

There will be two formal nights and the rest are "classy casual". Does this mean I need to pack 12 different outfits just for dinner? Or do experienced cruisers wear the same thing on several different occasions?

We haven't booked any shore excursions yet. We usually avoid long bus trips, and we don't like the feeling of being "herded around". When we cruised Venice and Greece, we took a couple of excursions but mainly we just hung out ourselves, which was easy to do in the Greek Islands and in Venice. From reading the Message Boards about our current cruise, it seems that most people have booked excursions well ahead for every single port. Are we best to book in advance or "wing it" when we are on the cruise?

[kaydee]

Longest cruise we've taken was a 14 night....did not take 12 outfits for casual night dining..did re-wear & interchangeable. As far as your money questions... no money onboard is ever exchanged your sea pass card is the only card you will use since it is connected to whatever credit card you use at time of check in at your sailing port. Do have a travel agent that you are currently working with? If so, she should answer any of your questions regarding traveler cheques as well as American Visa Cards being accepted in Spain & Italy. Have a wonderful time

[jackz]

Originally Posted by Bonny

We love cruising !! We have been on 47 of them. Our 48th, 49th & 50th are already booked.
We've only been out of Tampa twice. Very easy to get to. The rest are from the east coast.
We always cruise Celebrity & Royal Caribbean. Same company, but Celebrity is a little more upscale. Royal is fun. I really like the Freedom Class !

I'm with Bonny. For large ships Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have been our go to cruise lines. Also prefer cruises of 10 days and longer.

Repositioning cruises are a great deal. We actually have one booked for Oct 2013 from Barcelona to Ft Lauderdale. For good bargains sailing within Europe is fantastic based on the fact you are paying U.S. Dollars for your tours and onboard expenses vs. euros.

Pay attention to the placement of your cabin. Look at a map of your ship and try to get a cabin that has only cabins above and below you vs. a pool or disco to keep down on noise and whenever possible pay the extra for a balcony, there is nothing like it.

[LatDoc]

Love to leave from Tampa. Just so darn convenient. A few years ago went on a cruise that turned out to be a "spring break" cruise.
Despite the warnings from others, we all loved it. In fact, we have done it twice since.
Think about it....instead of the average age being 76, it is 23.
These "kids" are all over 21 and wonderful people. If you would like to see a bit of the future, try it.

[Wrinkly]

My wife and I hadn't cruised either until we took a Viking River cruise in Europe. We enjoyed it very much.

[Vic&Judy]

Does anyone know about parking facilities at the Tampa cruiseport? Is it secure? Are there alternative transportation options to the port from the Villages? We're considering a trip on the Jewel in January.