Thread: Which cruise would you recommend in the Caribbean for a first timer?

Please help! We are a couple who wants to see as much as possible in seven days. We plan on going in mid-November after we get married. Any suggestions?

Randy, it depends on what you want to do. If you like scuba and snorkeling, pick a cruise going to West Caribbean, because you will find great spots to do that in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Roatan and the Yucatan. (There are some good spots in the Eastern Caribbean too, but these are better.)

If you want shopping, you need to find a ship going to St. THomas, since your allowance goes up.

If you want beaches, any cruise will do, because there is a great beach on almost every island.

If you like sightseeing (plantations, waterfalls, history), I think the Eastern and Southern itineraries are great.

But, if this is your honeymoon, make sure you leave some time to do NOTHING. After all the wedding planning and parties and the relatives and all the other stuff that goes with weddings, you will want some time to just chill out, without worrying about port schedules every day. We either try to find an itinerary with days at sea, or schedule a port where we just do nothing.

If you let us know what you are looking for and how much time you have, people can make more suggestions.

Hi Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage. I can't recommend a cruiseline as I don't know what you are expecting from your cruise experience. If you add some more information the advise given will be more specific. What is your age, do you want 24/7 entertainment, a relaxed holiday, beach or culture and just as importantly your budget ( a week's cruise can vary tenfold depending upon the cruise and the accomodation you require.

You say you want to see as much as possible in 7 days, that sounds like you would want sightseeing, if so the western caribbean out of new orleans is great for that with mayan ruins, rain forests, beaches and cozumel as well as new orleans itself. CONGRATULATIONS and I hope many happy years as my so far 34 year marriage.

We've been married for 38 years and by coincidence, we've been on 38 cruises, everyone of which was like another honeymoon because we always make them that way. So it really doesn't matter where you go, it just matters who you go with.

Now with that said, you can have fun no matter where you go - it depends on what you like to do - go to the beach, shopping, sightseeing, etc.

As for which cruise line to go with, it's the same thing - it depends on what you're looking for - all cruise lines offer a different experience, so it has alot to do with your personality, your lifestyle, your ages, your budget, etc. I can suggest all of them, but for different reasons. Some are cheaper, some offer better food, some offer more amenities, some are more sedate, etc, etc.

Since everyone is different, everyone will have their own opinions on where to go and which cruise line to go on. Best advice I can offer is to find a reputable agent who is a cruise specialist and they can help provide as much information as you can handle so you can make an informed decision on what's right for you.

But as I said, no matter what you decide on, you will love it because you are together and you're celebrating the beginning of a beautiful life together - can't ask for anything more.

Pete