To the seasoned cruise veterans...

[41403634]

My girlfriend and I were planning a cruise for January to the Caribbean, and being our first, we are just looking for suggestions for things to do, places to see, best/worst cruise lines. She really wants to go to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, but I have read that it's a very seedy place. Please share any good or bad stories you may have from taking a cruise to any of the islands down there.

[william.hosking]

The Titanic was by far the worst one I've ever been on. Avoid at all costs.

[SmoothG]

Don't take a cruise.

[41403634]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Don't take a cruise.

Care to elaborate?

We went to Hawaii this year, just drove around and went exploring, but this time we want to be able to see a bunch of different islands in a single vacation

[Lcsulla]

Ocho Rios is gorgeous. Stay in the tourist area and you're fine. Also, most cruises to Ocho Rios also include Grand Cayman which is even better, one of the jewels of the Caribbean.

Lines; if you want upscale experience and mature crowd for you and your girl rather than a spring break crowd go with Holland America.

If you want a decent mix of old and young (mature and immature) go with Royal Caribbean.

If you want a spring break type crowd and a less upscale experience go Carnival.

Most of the pale in comparison, though Costa is nice and luxurious the average age is about 70.

[BehindBlueyes16]

I went on a cruise once. 7 days, left from Miami, went to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. I had a wonderful time. Each of the islands was a little bit different too, so it was kinda cool. I also went with a huge group of friends and just got really wasted on all the "days at sea". I'm not sure if I would have had as much fun had I been with only my family or a boyfriend, but the endless "free" food, casino, and lack of planning that go into the cruise were all pluses. I was on a Carnival ship, and everything was nice and seemed well-managed, so I had no complaints about them and would certainly consider them should I go on a cruise again. I have also heard good things about Royal Carribbean though.

[chevman]

Make sure you get a room with a window. I had an interior cabin once and it screwed me up - both from a balance standpoint and a sleeping standpoint (i slept till like 2pm a couple days cause it was so dark).

[Ascf33]

Food is free. Drinks are not. Remember that.

[haasem99]

I've been on 6 cruises... 5 with NCL and 1, the most recent, on Royal Caribbean. I do agree with above post regarding the type of people. NCL and Royal to me were both have that mix.

For me, other than my honeymoon, going to Bermuda was beautiful. I recommend going there. One thing I did like about the Bermuda cruise is the one we picked, the ship docked for 3 1/2 days there. You could come and go whenever you wanted.

Other places I would recommend would be St. Thomas and Cozumel. Most crusie lines also have private islands/beaches and Royal's is awesome. Much better then NCL.

If you are looking into pricing, get a window view because it is nice to at least see outside and doesn't screw your balance up (like the above post). Really don't need a balcony. Also, Eastern Caribbean cruises are cheaper typically. Also, we do not do air fare thru the cruise line anymore, we book it ourselves. Depending were you fly into, you will need to get transfers to the pier and back. No biggie to set up. Also, if you disembark from Miami, flying into Ft. Lauderdale is cheaper. And remember, food, water, tea, lemonade, fruit punch, oj, milk are free. Beer, wine, soda's are not.

Finally- excursions are cool at first, but when you do them, you think why did I pay for that. My wife and I do not do excursions anymore- unless it is something unique and maybe never do again. Avoid doing the sight-seeing tours. You can do that on your own.

Hopefully some of this info helps.

[41403634]

All of this info has been very helpful everyone, thank you very much. Keep it comin!

[SmoothG]

I'm just not a cruise person. Seems like it might be a good fit for what you're looking for. Some good advise in this thread. I just find them boring and would rather spend my vacation doing something else.

[Lcsulla]

Originally Posted by haasem99

I've been on 6 cruises... 5 with NCL and 1, the most recent, on Royal Caribbean. I do agree with above post regarding the type of people. NCL and Royal to me were both have that mix.

For me, other than my honeymoon, going to Bermuda was beautiful. I recommend going there. One thing I did like about the Bermuda cruise is the one we picked, the ship docked for 3 1/2 days there. You could come and go whenever you wanted.

Other places I would recommend would be St. Thomas and Cozumel. Most crusie lines also have private islands/beaches and Royal's is awesome. Much better then NCL.

If you are looking into pricing, get a window view because it is nice to at least see outside and doesn't screw your balance up (like the above post). Really don't need a balcony. Also, Eastern Caribbean cruises are cheaper typically. Also, we do not do air fare thru the cruise line anymore, we book it ourselves. Depending were you fly into, you will need to get transfers to the pier and back. No biggie to set up. Also, if you disembark from Miami, flying into Ft. Lauderdale is cheaper. And remember, food, water, tea, lemonade, fruit punch, oj, milk are free. Beer, wine, soda's are not.

Finally- excursions are cool at first, but when you do them, you think why did I pay for that. My wife and I do not do excursions anymore- unless it is something unique and maybe never do again. Avoid doing the sight-seeing tours. You can do that on your own.

Hopefully some of this info helps.

To expand a tad:

Yeah, I agree Eastern Caribbean is usually cheaper, and often 7 rather than 10 days.

Bermuda is better than all the Caribbean islands IMO, I agree with you that place is fantastic. Horeshoe bay blows most caribbean beaches out of the water.

As stated soda is not free, but most lines offer a card that allows unlimited soda, you can get it on the first day at the pursers office and if you are going to drink a lot of soda it is well worth it.

Yes, do not book your airfare through the cruise line - it is more expensive. However, ALWAYS fly in the day before and stay a night near the departure point. If you do not book your airfare through the cruise line they will not hold the boat for you if your flight is delayed.

Last piece of advice; while you have to tie your shipboard credit into an actual credit card make a few deposits to the purser so yoru shipboard card is a debit rather than credit, It is so easy to swipe that thing for anything from gifts to drinks to trinkets that you will rack up quite a hefty bill at the end. If it goes to credit you're most likely going to pay more or get a credit card bill afterwards that just plain SUCKS - and it will be worse since there will probably be two of you on one shipboard account. Last time I went I did that and nothing at all hit my credit card and it was great knowing when I got home that ALL my vacation bills were paid.

Oh and one other thing; bring your own coffee grinds and use the room pot. Cruise coffee is awful, I have no idea how everything else can be so great in the food drink department but the coffee can be so utterly terrible - even when they have a specialty coffee shop that you actually pay for it still sucks. It is all lines too which amazed me, their must be one brand. About three days into my last cruise I would have pushed someone overboard for a cup of starbucks.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Don't try to bring drugs back on the boat, u will fer sure get busted.

[JRod1229]

I've been on 14 cruises, ranging from my first when I was 8 to my last a year ago (also going on a 7 day in Feburary), and I've taken the weekend 4 day cruises, as well as the 10 day... my parents have been on at least 30 I think... they go, a lot.. We basically always stick to Royal Carribean, though I've done two Carnivals (disliked them both because of lack of options on at sea days, though I agree with the ratings of each ship) and my parents have done several Celebrity's, which they love.

that being said... you mentioned Ocho Rios. I loved it the first time I went there. It is kind of shady, and whatever excursion you do, you will prob be worked through some sort of a local craft sale where it gets a little to seedy for me, but its to be expected. Know that when you go, there is always a lot of security, these countries/towns can't afford for tourists to go missing, so you're safer than you seem. At Ocho Rios we did the Dunn's River Falls. Basically, you climb a waterfall. I had a blast the first time I went, the second, well just felt like the same ol thing.

My favorite port of call is St. Thomas. My family, when we go, always does an excursion where basically you hop on a local sailboat (it was just the six of us) and go out to a small island. It was great, with drinks and everything, and then you just snorkel, or sun bathe or whatever... had a blast...

I don't really get off the boat too much anymore, as I have basically seen all the sights. Once I get my diving certification that will change however. I do go to shop, and in Cancun or Cozumel we always go to get hammered at Senor Frogs or Carlos and Charlies.

I love the fact that you're always moving and see a bunch of different things. The ship is huge so there is a TON of stuff to do. I love to gamble, drink, and go to piano bars, and they have me covered. Throw in some pretty good food, availible for free 24 hours a day and you're set.

Also, if you love a coke or whatever in the morning, bring it. You can bring any drinks (sans alcohol) on board. We take full advantage of this. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[OlivePoet]

I took an Alaskan cruised (left out of Seattle) and it was beautiful. I would highly suggest it.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Originally Posted by JRod1229

I've been on 14 cruises, ranging from my first when I was 8 to my last a year ago (also going on a 7 day in Feburary), and I've taken the weekend 4 day cruises, as well as the 10 day... my parents have been on at least 30 I think... they go, a lot.. We basically always stick to Royal Carribean, though I've done two Carnivals (disliked them both because of lack of options on at sea days, though I agree with the ratings of each ship) and my parents have done several Celebrity's, which they love.

that being said... you mentioned Ocho Rios. I loved it the first time I went there. It is kind of shady, and whatever excursion you do, you will prob be worked through some sort of a local craft sale where it gets a little to seedy for me, but its to be expected. Know that when you go, there is always a lot of security, these countries/towns can't afford for tourists to go missing, so you're safer than you seem. At Ocho Rios we did the Dunn's River Falls. Basically, you climb a waterfall. I had a blast the first time I went, the second, well just felt like the same ol thing.

My favorite port of call is St. Thomas. My family, when we go, always does an excursion where basically you hop on a local sailboat (it was just the six of us) and go out to a small island. It was great, with drinks and everything, and then you just snorkel, or sun bathe or whatever... had a blast...

I don't really get off the boat too much anymore, as I have basically seen all the sights. Once I get my diving certification that will change however. I do go to shop, and in Cancun or Cozumel we always go to get hammered at Senor Frogs or Carlos and Charlies.

I love the fact that you're always moving and see a bunch of different things. The ship is huge so there is a TON of stuff to do. I love to gamble, drink, and go to piano bars, and they have me covered. Throw in some pretty good food, availible for free 24 hours a day and you're set.

Also, if you love a coke or whatever in the morning, bring it. You can bring any drinks (sans alcohol) on board. We take full advantage of this. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Jesus u travel much?

[JRod1229]

Originally Posted by Sou1 So1di3r

Jesus u travel much?

I mean, its pretty much my major vacation every year... and I really like it because my family is there, but I can also take a significant other and it'll feel like our own vacation

[haasem99]

Originally Posted by Lcsulla

To expand a tad:

Yeah, I agree Eastern Caribbean is usually cheaper, and often 7 rather than 10 days.

Bermuda is better than all the Caribbean islands IMO, I agree with you that place is fantastic. Horeshoe bay blows most caribbean beaches out of the water.

As stated soda is not free, but most lines offer a card that allows unlimited soda, you can get it on the first day at the pursers office and if you are going to drink a lot of soda it is well worth it.

Yes, do not book your airfare through the cruise line - it is more expensive. However, ALWAYS fly in the day before and stay a night near the departure point. If you do not book your airfare through the cruise line they will not hold the boat for you if your flight is delayed.

Last piece of advice; while you have to tie your shipboard credit into an actual credit card make a few deposits to the purser so yoru shipboard card is a debit rather than credit, It is so easy to swipe that thing for anything from gifts to drinks to trinkets that you will rack up quite a hefty bill at the end. If it goes to credit you're most likely going to pay more or get a credit card bill afterwards that just plain SUCKS - and it will be worse since there will probably be two of you on one shipboard account. Last time I went I did that and nothing at all hit my credit card and it was great knowing when I got home that ALL my vacation bills were paid.

Oh and one other thing; bring your own coffee grinds and use the room pot. Cruise coffee is awful, I have no idea how everything else can be so great in the food drink department but the coffee can be so utterly terrible - even when they have a specialty coffee shop that you actually pay for it still sucks. It is all lines too which amazed me, their must be one brand. About three days into my last cruise I would have pushed someone overboard for a cup of starbucks.

On our last cruise a few weeks ago, we did this for the first time. And it was nice because 1) It was relaxing (knowing if there were any issues w/flying the day off the ship WOULD take off) 2) We were well rested (no 6 or 7 am flight) 3) Getting on the ship super early.

In 2007, my wife and I did a cruise and flew down the day of. But we got to Miami super early and got on the ship 5 1/2 hours before we disembarked. Even though we were super tired because he were awake at 3:30 in the morning, it was nice to be on the ship that early to do whatever you want. So if you fly down the day prior to disembarking, then you can get on the ship early, rested, and ready to do whatever. Typically we explore the ship, get to know where everything is at. Then eat and then hang out by the pool until you have to do that muster drill thing.

[Alligator]

I went on my first cruise to Bermuda about 3 years ago and had the best time with my gf. At first i was against it thinking it would be all old people. Great time, good food, drink and gambleing. It was with celebrity cruise line. they totally pamper you. i highly recomend them. Bermuda is beautiful.

[brendangen412]

they are almost certainly not unsinkable. Regardless of what they say.

[Koreelove]

cruises are cool, but if you want to "see" the islands, don't cruise there. All you get is the tourist trap crap.

[JRod1229]

Originally Posted by haasem99

On our last cruise a few weeks ago, we did this for the first time. And it was nice because 1) It was relaxing (knowing if there were any issues w/flying the day off the ship WOULD take off) 2) We were well rested (no 6 or 7 am flight) 3) Getting on the ship super early.

In 2007, my wife and I did a cruise and flew down the day of. But we got to Miami super early and got on the ship 5 1/2 hours before we disembarked. Even though we were super tired because he were awake at 3:30 in the morning, it was nice to be on the ship that early to do whatever you want. So if you fly down the day prior to disembarking, then you can get on the ship early, rested, and ready to do whatever. Typically we explore the ship, get to know where everything is at. Then eat and then hang out by the pool until you have to do that muster drill thing.

We always do this... generally get on board by eleven or so, pretty much right when they'll allow us to. We go eat, maybe explore for a second, but generally go straight to the pool and start boozing... I think most people are surprised to see us really drunk by the time muster rolls around

[Lcsulla]

Originally Posted by JRod1229

We always do this... generally get on board by eleven or so, pretty much right when they'll allow us to. We go eat, maybe explore for a second, but generally go straight to the pool and start boozing... I think most people are surprised to see us really drunk by the time muster rolls around

You can usually skip the drill as well. I did what you mentioned, getting on early, having some food/drink and making some last minute phone calls. Hell I think I was was napping for that stupid boat drill. What kind of an idiot cannot find a sequential number on a specified deck, throw on a life jacket, and listen to the officer in charge - all with the crew offering every assistance possible.

[haasem99]

Originally Posted by Lcsulla

You can usually skip the drill as well. I did what you mentioned, getting on early, having some food/drink and making some last minute phone calls. Hell I think I was was napping for that stupid boat drill. What kind of an idiot cannot find a sequential number on a specified deck, throw on a life jacket, and listen to the officer in charge - all with the crew offering every assistance possible.

This is true.

[chr35919]

Originally Posted by SmoothG

Don't take a cruise.

[CrushLive]

Anyone else got cruise tips and info?

Looking into doing the Caribbean around January.

[whiteysax]

I used to work on Carnival Cruise Lines... Been to Ocho Rios a handful of times... it is VERY beautiful... but if you aren't in a tourist resort or on a guided tourist excursion you will be hounded by locals to buy stuff and they aren't very polite. You also need to know which cabs are ok to get into and which ones aren't. I've had friends get mugged and left in the middle of nowhere by making that mistake.

I didn't backread this whole thread... but if any questions have been left unanswered let me know!

[whiteysax]

Just realized this thread is 2 years old and Brad was just topping it... what do you need to know Brad?

[CrushLive]

Originally Posted by whiteysax

Just realized this thread is 2 years old and Brad was just topping it... what do you need to know Brad?

Sent ya a message on facebook Whitey...just looking for as much info as possible

Actually was in Ocho Rios in April as a day trip from my trip to Jamaica. So no interest in going back to Jamaica since I've seen it

[whiteysax]

Originally Posted by CrushLive

Anyone else got cruise tips and info?

Looking into doing the Caribbean around January.

Advice about the Caribbean:
Ports of call... Nassau, Bahamas - unless your a shopaholic, skip it. Not much to do but shop and hit the club overnight. There's a few water-related excursions that might be cool, but in comparison to the rest of the Caribbean, I wouldn't recommend it. The Atlantis Resort is probably the most exciting thing there, but everything related to it is a bit pricey.

Freeport, Bahamas - lots of history, but that's about it. I never bothered to explore the few times I was there... you have to take a shuttle from the boat to get anywhere and you aren't there very long.

Grand Cayman - awesome island! Lots of water sport excursions... some of the best snorkeling in the world (some of which you can do for free). Stingray City is really cool. Nice little shops for souvenirs and affordable restaurants and bars. Friendly people as well.

Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos) - Nothing to do here besides swim, snorkel and scuba. Wild horses still roam the island which is kinda cool. It's very pretty, just not very developed. Mind you, I was there before it was devastated by a series of hurricanes a few years ago. The island was shut down to tourism for about 9 months... so hopefully things are back to "normal" now.

Jamaica - I've only been to Ocho Rios and as I stated above, the locals can be very annoying and beligerant. The island itself is BEAUTIFUL. But if you're not in a tourist resort you will be bothered to buy EVERYTHING... handmade crafts (usually not handmade), rent a chair on the beach, weed, coke, mushrooms, EVERYTHING. I've had friends of people I worked with on the ship who took the wrong cab held at knife point and robbed then left in some random location on the island to find his way back to the ship. As is the case in any vacation town, you just have to be careful and stay in a group. The excursions in Jamaica are gorgeous... especially Dunn's River Falls (which is always crowded) and the Blue Hole (less known, but a lovely hike through the jungle with multiple swimming holes and dive points).

Cozumel, Mexico - LOVE this island. Very touristy, but plenty to do... food, bars, mopeds (a little dangerous), snorkeling, scuba, catamarans, shopping... basically anything you can think of doing on a typical tropical vacation, you can do here.

Progresso, Mexico - a lot like Cozumel but on the mainland with more historical excursions to check out. I've never been there myself, but I've heard good things.

Key West - I know you and you've been to Key West and you love it.

Other Caribbean ports I haven't been to but heard lots about:
San Juan - BEAUTIFUL... a favorite among ship employees
St. Martin - also highly recommended
Belize - highly recommended
Panama - highly recommended

As for cruise lines... as I mentioned, I worked for Carnival so it's the only line I've been on, but I worked with dozens of people who've worked and cruised on multiple lines as well as guests who are always comparing the cruise lines. Basically:
Carnival: set up to be affordable, but you pay for what you get (see what I did there?) Ships generally only go to major ports. Majority of guests on most Carnival ships are going to be a bit younger and rowdier (which you may be into)

Princess: A lot like Carnival in atmosphere, but a little more elite in that they're a little more expensive and go to some more interesting ports and offer more extensive cruises. If/when I go back to working on ships, this is probably the line I'll go back to.

Royal Caribbean: One of the most popular lines for a reason. They offer you a lot of on board stuff to do. They cost more, but that's cause they offer more. They do tend to cater to an older crowd though... so I wouldn't expect a big party ship for a 7 day cruise.

Norwegian: don't know a lot about them except that they're a little more expensive than Carnvial/Princess. I'd compare them to Royal.

Holland America: think of them as Carnival's version of Royal Caribbean. DEFINITELY cater to the older crowd. More expensive, fancier.

There are lots of other lines out there that I don't know specifics about though... Costa, Cunard, Disney, etc...