Planning a Cruise...

[NeverNeverland]

Hi! My husband and I are trying to figure out summer plans... we really really want to go on a cruise (overdue honeymoon) but aren't sure of the cost... what's the best place to research this? We want to compare it vs. other possible vacation destinations. Is the cruise line's website (Royal Caribbean) or another comparison type site the best? Should we go through a travel agency? It's (obviously?) our first cruise. Any suggestions?

[WheresMickey]

I will also be going on my first cruise this year. I ask around with people who has gone cruising before. Then i decided since i am a big Disney fan, it must be a Disney Cruise. Check out this link for other cruise.
PassPorter.com

[Mommyto4]

here is a wonderful place to ask questions and get great info. Cruise Critic Message Boards

[NeverNeverland]

We decided that for a honeymoon cruise we wanted something a little less aimed for kids And we don't want WDW to be a part! So we decided on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it best suits us from the options we've researched. But if I like cruising (which I'm sure I will - my hubby already does - he's only been on one when he was younger!) then a Disney cruise is DEFINITELY in the future!

Thanks for the link, mommyto4

[steamboatpete]

My two favorite websites for cruises are: Vacations to Go (Discount Cruises, Last Minute Cruises, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruise Vacation) and Cruise Critic (Cruises, Cruise Reviews and Cruise Deals - Cruise Critic)

Vacations To Go is a travel agency devoted to cruises. They have an excellent search feature (Find A Bargain) and I have been well pleased with the 4-5 cruises we've booked through them. To be fully confident that you've made the right deal, check out the cruises there, and then call the cruise line to see if you can get a better deal there. If you are not a repeat cruiser and member of the cruise line's club, you probably will do no better than VTG.

Cruise Critic is to cruises what Micechat is to Disneyland and other Disney parks. Enough said.

When comparing costs, remember to factor in that your meals on the cruise will be prepaid with your fare, but that liquor and soft drinks will cost extra. Furthermore, you will need to set aside money for tips, which are not part of your fare, and you will probably blow some cash on photographs if this is your first cruise.

If you drink, and you want to save money on liquor, I have developed some outstanding liquor smuggling techniques (google: how to smuggle booze - without quotes). Cruise line policies on BYOB vary. My next cruise (the local Ensenada run) allows one bottle of wine per adult to be brought onboard. My last cruise, a weeklong Caribbean deal out of Puerto Rico allowed you to load up in the duty-free liquor store right next to security and walk it right on. I brought two bottles of Captain Morgan and didn't come close to drinking it all during the cruise.

In each port, you will probably want to spend $$ on excursions or transportation and entertainment. Consider that, as well. Some Alaskan cruises in May can be had for $400 per person, but when you get to Juneau, you might want to take the helicopter that drops you off in the middle of a glacier, and that can run you $200 to $400 per person. Some people spend more in port than they spend on their cruise fare.

Disney cruises are much more expensive than other comparable ships and destinations, but are very, very fun for a Disney fan. A Carnival cruise will generally run you about half of a Disney cruise. Royal Caribbean (my favorite), Holland America and Norwegian are a little more than Carnival, but the ships and food and service are usually a little better. If you can get on the boat before schools' summer vacations start, the prices are much lower.

[Mommyto4]

Originally Posted by NeverNeverland

We decided that for a honeymoon cruise we wanted something a little less aimed for kids And we don't want WDW to be a part! So we decided on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it best suits us from the options we've researched. But if I like cruising (which I'm sure I will - my hubby already does - he's only been on one when he was younger!) then a Disney cruise is DEFINITELY in the future!

Thanks for the link, mommyto4

your welcome and have a wonderful time! I look forward to your trip report when you get back.

[MissChristine]

Just a side note...we took our honeymoon on Disney Cruise Lines and while there are quite a few families on board, we had many opportunities to be around adults only. Just throwing that out there.

[pratt55]

We chose our cruise based on Cruise Reviews, Port Reviews, Shore Excursion Reviews
But I think any of the links provided will help you. Main questions to ask yourselves is:

a. Do you want a lot of stops or do you prefer more sea days.
b. What port do you want to sail from.
c. Do you want to be on a bigger newer ship or are you looking for less 'on board stuff'?

Generally the longer the cruise the more mature the crowd.

[PretzelSouls]

I would DEFINITELY go through a travel agency. Traveling on vacation without using one can go terribly wrong especially if flights change or the cruise gets altered in anyway, shape, or form. If you go through a travel agency, they will have your back and make sure things go smooth - it takes out a lot of guess work for you.

I just called to my Dad who is a travel agent manager of two offices (Auto Club) and he wanted me to let you know that you do not pay anymore to have a travel agent do the work and right now is a great time to book cruises. If you are interested or just want to talk to one of the travel agents, PM and I can hook you guys up with some names and numbers.

Also, I don't know if you are interested in other cruise lines still but the travel agents can help match you guys up with a cruise ship that suits you.