Any suggestions on a cruise for a first timer? - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Wildrider · 01-08-2009, 10:16 PM

I have to admit that's true. My mother, a frequent cruiser, took me on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Glory, and I NEVER WANTED TO COME HOME! I'm trying now to figure out how we can afford to get even close to another cruise (me and my S.O. aren't as wealthy as Mom is!).

Good luck, and enjoy yourself whatever you decide!

cruisin' chick · 01-09-2009, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildrider

I have to admit that's true. My mother, a frequent cruiser, took me on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Glory, and I NEVER WANTED TO COME HOME! I'm trying now to figure out how we can afford to get even close to another cruise (me and my S.O. aren't as wealthy as Mom is!).

Good luck, and enjoy yourself whatever you decide!

I've seen ideas on how to save up for a cruise, like putting spare change and more into a jar. Cutting out the specialty coffee. The usual stuff you can really do without. Of course, in the current economy, many people are doing without just to make ends meet.

But there's inside cabins, going in nonpeak times, going from nearby ports if you can...

There's also ways to save once you get onboard.

Wildrider · 01-12-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

I've seen ideas on how to save up for a cruise, like putting spare change and more into a jar. Cutting out the specialty coffee. The usual stuff you can really do without. Of course, in the current economy, many people are doing without just to make ends meet.

But there's inside cabins, going in nonpeak times, going from nearby ports if you can...

There's also ways to save once you get onboard.

Oh, yes, I know! I've been keeping my eyes open! Sadly, our "children" (including a 12-year-old diabetic half-lab mutt) need special care and can't come with us, so those sorts of things need extra consideration when going. Also since we don't live on either coast, there's travel to and from. But I'll get there, oh, yes indeed! One way or another!

canarymoon · 01-12-2009, 07:12 PM

That's the spirit!

suziq33 · 05-04-2009, 12:53 PM

Hey all.. My first cruise is in Sept on Carnival Spirit. We are cruising 12 days from Vancouver to Hawaii and would love to here any and all suggestions .
I look forward to many responses, and thank-you in advance for your time

blueyes23701 · 05-04-2009, 01:01 PM

My one and only suggestion is not to use an online TA, find someone you are comfortable with and doesn't seem to pressure you.

worldcruisedreamer · 05-08-2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

I've seen ideas on how to save up for a cruise, like putting spare change and more into a jar. Cutting out the specialty coffee. The usual stuff you can really do without. Of course, in the current economy, many people are doing without just to make ends meet.

But there's inside cabins, going in nonpeak times, going from nearby ports if you can...

There's also ways to save once you get onboard.

These are all very good ideas on how to make your cruise affordable to you. You can also (which has already been said in other threads) book way in advance with low deposit sales and make monthly payments towards your cruise.

worldcruisedreamer · 05-08-2009, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suziq33

Hey all.. My first cruise is in Sept on Carnival Spirit. We are cruising 12 days from Vancouver to Hawaii and would love to here any and all suggestions .
I look forward to many responses, and thank-you in advance for your time

Hi suzig

Your first cruise, Congrats! I have never been on a cruise to Hawaii (I was there on a land vac many moons ago). I have clients that just returned from a cruise from San Fran to Hawaii and were very happy. They did have many sea days up and back, but were ok with that as they love the ship experience along with the port time. They were on Celebrity Mercury. They will also be cruising Carnival's Spirit (Mexican Exotic Riviera) in Dec. ..They have sailed both Celebrity and Carnival several times. I don't really have any suggestions other than, Enjoy Your Cruise. But if you have something specific you would like answered just let me know and I will do my best to find out.

cruisin' chick · 05-08-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suziq33

Hey all.. My first cruise is in Sept on Carnival Spirit. We are cruising 12 days from Vancouver to Hawaii and would love to here any and all suggestions .
I look forward to many responses, and thank-you in advance for your time

My family's been on a round trip to Hawaii out of Los Angeles and really enjoyed it. We've talked about repeating this cruise, even though Princess has dropped a port to make it only 14 days.

My biggest recommendation is to always planned to get to an embarkation port at least a day ahead, unless you live within driving distance. There are so many reasons why a flight can get delayed or cancelled.

I hope you're looking in the Carnival and the Hawaii sections of CLF. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.