Cruising for a cruise!

[Fezz]

My bride is having a BIG birthday this year. She would like to go on a cruise. I have never been on one, she has been on a few. Can anybody give me any tips as to what to do, what to book as far as rooms go, etc. Anything to look out for?

I am thinking of the Bahamas or Bermuda, leaving from Baltimore.

[optical24/7]

Why not leave from Galveston?

[Fezz]

I'll look into it! Do you know anybody there worth visiting?

[Wes]

I've been on a couple cruises. One was the week before 9-11 to the eastern Caribbean: Bahamas, Virgin Islands, and St. Martin. Good diving in the bahamas. Beautiful scenery in the Virgins. St Martin was ok. The other was last summer to the western Caribbean: The Caymans; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize (which we didn't make port due to weather); and Roatan, an island owned by Honduras. Grand Cayman was nice, and I picked up some cheap Romeo y Julietas there. I went to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the only known ruins located adjacent to a beach. I still think that was the most beautiful beach I've ever seen, and I lived 7.5 years in Hawaii. Roatan was beautiful as well, and the scenery and the snorkeling reminded me of Hawaii.
Book the cheapest room you can, you wont use it much anyway. If you book a handicapped room, you get a much larger room for the same price. Buy exotic liquors on the boat, theyre cheap and duty free. If you want a SCUBA card, you can sometimes find a place that will do your training in a day (Jamaica is known for this).
Get a passport! I got the full passport, and the passport card. Check out the excursions that are offered. Many of them are very nice.

[Fezz]

Thanks Wes!

[obxeyeguy]

This past Thanksgiving was our 12th cruise. We have been to almost every Caribbean Island and Bermuda. I somewhat dis-agree with booking the cheapest room, as we use our balcony a lot, and I book midship as the bride is prone to sea sickness. To bermuda, I would not book a balcony, as you don't need it as the ship sits in the 2 ports in Bermuda, and depending on when you are going, the Atlantic can be rough. Pm me the dates you are looking at, and I am sure I can help, maybe even on the price, as I have a great connection. Any other questions, fire away.

[Robert Martellaro]

IMO, it's like jail, with a chance of being drowned. On the brighter side, maybe floating rehab.

[Fezz]

Thanks OBX! I was hoping that you would share your wisdom!

[Fezz]

IMO, it's like jail, with a chance of being drowned. On the brighter side, maybe floating rehab.

Lol!!

This has been my feeling! I have always imagined a cruise as about as much fun as four bouts of shingles with the chance of drowning to top it off!

Ahhh............what I won't do to please my Bride! The lengths I will travel to make her happy!

I sure as heck hope that I don't lose my mind!

[obxeyeguy]

IMO, it's like jail, with a chance of being drowned. On the brighter side, maybe floating rehab.

To me just the opposite, nothing as relaxing as being on the water. Plenty to do, if you want, decent entertainment, and a chance to see many places at least for a day. A casino, sun, turquiose water, pool, cold adult beverages, life is good.

[hcjilson]

I've done the Bermuda cruise, as well as had extended stays on the island. It is a wonderful place. The Bermudians seem to have only one purpose in life.......to make you want to return there. I have loved every day I've spent in Bermuda as well as the days getting there by ship. Don't take the short cruise, plan a week long trip.Try to get one that stays in St George's. Hamilton is crowded and who needs to be in a downtown area. You can get anywhere you need to go by bus and it will see more of the island that way. Another ship berthing spot is the Royal Navy Yard which was ok BUT a little out of the way. St Georges is a more peaceful and romantic setting.

There is an alternative cruise to suggest but the time to take it is in June or early summer. That was my favorite cruise- To Alaska.....I would do this again and again in a heartbeat! Absolutely beautiful vista's every day. Wildlife, History, Geography All rolled into one.Either way you go you won't forget it. My favorite line is the Norwegian Cruise Line but Royal Carrib wasn't too shabby either but I like smaller boats.Let us know

BTW you can get some fantastic deals on last minute bookings. Be sure to go for an outside room.

[Fezz]

Thanks for the info Harry!

We have to go in the summer due to my wife being a teacher. I think that the Alaskan cruise would be neat but way out of our budget! Plus, I am not big on flying and that is one helluva drive!

[chip anderson]

Unless you want to buy drugs don't bother with Jamaca. If you include the Bahama's spring for the submarine trip, it's way cool. Try to have other people you know go on the same cruise. On the ship unless you are young enough to fit into the 18-30's set wanting to drink and get attention from the opposite sex (doubtful if you are taking the bride, or are old enough to enjoy "the dining experience" the time on the boat will be utterly boring.

Chip

[CME4SPECS]

Fezz, about 12 years ago my wife suggested that we go on a cruise...I laughed! I am not the cruising type...WRONG! We have been on 6 since then...I am ready to go again! Get a cabin that suits your budget, we've never splurged on a cabin with a balcony and it's been just fine. We never spend time in the cabin. You pay a premium for excursions booked through the cruise line, but at least they won't depart without you should you run into problems.

[Uncle Fester]

I'll ask the Fezzsters most important question-- Which cruise line has the best beer selection?

And while we're at it how much are they?

[Fezz]

And while we're at it how much are they?

If you have to ask.....you can't afford them!

When I am on vacation.......cost of my beverage intake is not a consideration!

[CME4SPECS]

The beer is cheaper by the bucket. I'd suggest each of you take a bottle of liquor in your suitcase. One of you can buy the endless soda card. Your cabin steward will be glad to keep your room socked with ice!

If you have to ask.....you can't afford them!

When I am on vacation.......cost of my beverage intake is not a consideration!

[optical24/7]

If you have to ask.....you can't afford them!

When I am on vacation.......cost of my beverage intake is not a consideration!

Then don't buy beer at Paridise Island. I'm still paying off the loan for my bar tab last June!

[Wes]

http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_ne...eaths-reported

Make sure you can swim.

[Fezz]

DOH!!

Thanks for the heads up Wes! I'll be sure to pack my favorite swim floaties!

[Robert Martellaro]

See?!

Try the train to La Nouvelle-Orléans.

[Lee Prewitt]

Can't go wrong on a cruise! We (bride and myself) have been to both the land of the sun and land of the Midnight Sun. I would go to Alaska in a heart beat. I recommend the balcony as it is a nice place to chill if you want to get away from the crowds for some peaceful time. Drinks are relatively inexpensive in comparision to your local bar and the food is fantastic. If you want to eat in a 4 star restaurant every night all I can say is what a treat!

[Wes]

I've been wanting to cruise to Antarctica. http://www.polarcruises.com/

[kat]

A friend (yes, I have a few) went on the inner-coastal cruise up the Atlantic Coast a few years age and still can't stop talking about it, said they would do it again.

[Steve Machol]

A friend (yes, I have a few) went on the inner-coastal cruise up the Atlantic Coast a few years age and still can't stop talking about it, said they would do it again.

Is that the one up the new England and Canadian coast?