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Post by olpapa on Mar 24, 2019 20:32:22 GMT -6
Our 50th wedding anniversary is in May and my wife and I are thinking about taking a cruise to mark the occasion. We have never taken a cruise before. Will likely sail out of Galveston, but may consider another port. Any advice any of you can offer would be much appreciated.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 24, 2019 21:22:57 GMT -6
My wife and I cruise a lot (though not recently.)
We have done many out of Galveston and New Orleans, into the Caribbean. I do like the Caribbean cruises, because they are restful to me...I don't have to "do" anything there...you can just lay about and relax. Carnival Cruise Lines is fine, especially if you go while school is in session. Otherwise there are a lot of kids. Royal Caribbean is a step up in class/maturity, but not really more expensive. The food is generally better on Royal Caribbean. Caribbean cruises from Galveston or NO will be Western Caribbean...mainly Mexico, Jamaica, and Cayman Islands, with some Belize or Honduras also being an option. Eastern Caribbean takes you to the more exotic locales, such as Aruba, Turks and Caicos, etc. They typically sail from Florida.
Our last cruise was the best, but it was exhausting. We sailed from Seattle to Alaska and back to Seattle...13 days. It was exhausting because it was a very physically active cruise...none of that beach-lounging. It was also absolutely beautiful and at times left me gobsmacked. I want to do it again. The ship was the worst we've ever been on, and the food was the worst (this was Norwegian CL)...but the destination absolutely made up for it. Of course, this cruise was more expensive, as you had to include the cost of round trip airfare (and we had 2 days in a Seattle hotel on each side of the cruise), but again...Alaska was worth it.
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Post by Saint on Mar 25, 2019 7:48:22 GMT -6
My wife and I do 1-2 cruises a year depending on time/money. We normally prefer Carnival because it's a little more casual and we're not fancy people, but, it can be a little more family and college-kid oriented. Princess is nicer and quieter but they don't go out of Galveston.
My advice to an older couple with no kids with them that wants to relax AND see cool stuff without having to do a whole lot if they don't feel like it, is a Princess cruise to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver or a Princess cruise to Cabo from Los Angeles. (Only a 7-day cruise for each. More than that gets tiring.)
Yes, you'd have to fly, but Alaska is mind-blowing and you can see beautiful scenery, glaciers, whales, etc. without ever leaving the deck of your ship (or balcony if you pay for it). Plus it's nice to get out of the Houston heat in May and go somewhere cooler. Sipping hot chocolate and watch icebergs and mountains drift by in May is fantastic. You can get off the ship in the ports, if you want, and see cute little towns or go take a tour of something, maybe go fishing, etc. It doesn't have to be anything stressful. I've been to Alaska twice and it's the most amazing place.
The Cabo cruise is very nice as well. It stops in Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta also. Beach time if you want it, plus pretty interesting landscapes, and cheap booze.
If you really don't want to fly, all the cruises out of Galveston are fine if you're looking to lay on a beach or visit some Mayan ruins. I agree with Bortaz about Royal Carribean probably being a little nicer than Carnival for those.
In my opinion, Princess has the best food, but Carnival has more options.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 9:01:48 GMT -6
Twice in a day that Saint and I agreed on something. It's a Christmas miracle. |
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Post by Saint on Mar 25, 2019 9:57:54 GMT -6
The only other advice I would give on cruises:
1. Try to pick one where you have an extra day or two at sea before you return. That gives you some time to rest if you were pretty active in ports.
2. It's pricier but pay for the balcony. Even if you pick a cruise with not a lot to look at while at sea, it's very pleasant to have that view, the breeze, and a little extra space to lounge. The rooms have limited seating options.
3. Spend a dinner at the steakhouse (all the cruise lines have one). It's surprisingly good and it's nicer than the dining rooms or buffets for one fancier evening.
4. There will be lines for food during peak hours. Manage your expectations beforehand. Divide and conquer with your wife.
5. And lastly, they'll do trivia games on and off during the cruise. "Sports" trivia will not be what you're hoping it will be. They will not ask questions about the Astros.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 10:07:54 GMT -6
I'm willing to pass on the balcony for a Caribbean cruise, but the balcony is an absolute requirement for Alaska. Some of the coolest things we saw were seen from our balcony...bald eagles, whales, etc.
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Post by Saint on Mar 25, 2019 14:20:47 GMT -6
To me, if you're going to spend at least a couple thousand for a good week long cruise, you might as well spend a little extra to always have the view from a balcony. If you get up early sometimes you can see dolphins near the ports, you can see some of the (I think) interesting goings-on in the harbors, and it's nice to have plenty of extra light in the room. My wife loves to nap with the breeze coming in through the door, and it's pretty pleasant to watch the stars from your own balcony without having to go up to a deck where there could be parties, or other stuff going on you don't want to be a part of.
We don't see water unless we go on a cruise, so even if it's only ocean to see, it's something different for us.
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Post by olpapa on Mar 25, 2019 14:57:42 GMT -6
What, if any, is the difference between “balcony” vs “oceanview” accommodations?
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Post by Saint on Mar 25, 2019 15:02:49 GMT -6
Oceanview means you get a window. That will let some light in but will likely get enough salt build-up and water drops that you won't be able to make much of anything out. Balcony gets you a wall of windows and a door out to a small private seating area.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 17:55:36 GMT -6
To me, if you're going to spend at least a couple thousand for a good week long cruise, you might as well spend a little extra to always have the view from a balcony. If you get up early sometimes you can see dolphins near the ports, you can see some of the (I think) interesting goings-on in the harbors, and it's nice to have plenty of extra light in the room. My wife loves to nap with the breeze coming in through the door, and it's pretty pleasant to watch the stars from your own balcony without having to go up to a deck where there could be parties, or other stuff going on you don't want to be a part of. We don't see water unless we go on a cruise, so even if it's only ocean to see, it's something different for us. I agree. We always do at least balcony. But for some it might not be an absolute necessity. |
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 17:58:21 GMT -6
olpapa, remember also that the lower the deck you're on, the more you're going to feel the movement of the ocean. Higher=better. Also, I always try to reserve a cabin away from the elevators. Those things make a TON of noise and are busy 24/7. You also won't want to be near the anchor chain for the same reason...it's very loud on the mornings when you're in port.
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Post by olpapa on Mar 25, 2019 18:02:29 GMT -6
Thanks for all this great info, my friends.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 18:17:12 GMT -6
There is so much we could tell you...
Always buy excursions on the ship...if your excursion runs late getting back, the ship will wait ONLY for those who bought from them. If you buy a private excursion and don't get back to the ship by deadline...they'll leave you behind.
They add tips to your credit card. Go to the purser to adjust them. I always remove some of them (maitre' d, etc...people who don't directly wait on me. Also, if I don't eat in the formal dining room, I remove the tips for the waiter and assistant). I also usually ADD more tip, if my cabin steward has taken good care of my cabin.
Your wife WILL want yall to pose for all those photographers at various backgrounds around the ship...let her have that.
Buy me a coffee-flavored rum cake.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 18:19:50 GMT -6
After you've cruised several times, you'll find that you don't want to do ANY of the offered excursions, especially if you've been to a port a lot. For instance...in Cozumel, we just take a taxi into the shopping area. My wife parks me at La Habana club. I sit in the a/c, drink crown royal and smoke cuban cigars while she spends our retirement in the shops. Then, she helps me back to the ship where I fall asleep and hope I'm not hungover the next morning.  |
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Post by olpapa on Mar 25, 2019 19:14:40 GMT -6
Always buy excursions on the ship...if your excursion runs late getting back, the ship will wait ONLY for those who bought from them. If you buy a private excursion and don't get back to the ship by deadline...they'll leave you behind. They add tips to your credit card. Go to the purser to adjust them. I always remove some of them (maitre' d, etc...people who don't directly wait on me. Also, if I don't eat in the formal dining room, I remove the tips for the waiter and assistant). I also usually ADD more tip, if my cabin steward has taken good care of my cabin. One of my relatives had told me that we should buy our excursions on the ship for that reason. What is included in the price of the cruise? What will I be required to pay for that is not included in the price of the cruise? |
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 25, 2019 20:01:54 GMT -6
Cruise fare typically includes tickets to the ship, most food (some restaurants have a fee...think high end steakhouse), non-alc drinks like tea or punch (they sell cards you can buy for unlimited cokes and such), shows, events. There's usually a nightly deckside themed buffet. Lots of hot dog/hamburger type fare. Formal dining room is free (feel free to ask for extras...I usually get a 2nd steak or lobster tail or dessert). There's a Luby's type buffet on most ships, also free all you can eat. You can usually get pizza free...I usually would grab a pizza before heading to the cabin for the night. They used to do free room service (things like sandwiches, fruit, etc) but I hear they're moving away from that. It used to only cost you the tip you'd pay the guy who runs it down to your cabin.
You'll have to buy booze, cokes, specialty items like Starbucks-type coffees, sushi. Excursions can get expensive. Anything you want to buy from shops (duty-free, though) on board. Pictures (ugh). Auction items like artwork. Anything you buy in port. Tips (see above).
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Post by olpapa on Mar 26, 2019 6:34:00 GMT -6
Ok thanks.
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 26, 2019 8:21:14 GMT -6
I've done a lot of traveling over the decades...cruising, to me, is the best way to go. Someone else drives, you unpack once but see multiple areas, it usually costs less than driving and renting a room, the food is usually decent, it's self-paced, your bed is literally right down that hallway if you get tired...
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Post by Saint on Mar 26, 2019 9:57:10 GMT -6
Always buy excursions on the ship...if your excursion runs late getting back, the ship will wait ONLY for those who bought from them. If you buy a private excursion and don't get back to the ship by deadline...they'll leave you behind. They add tips to your credit card. Go to the purser to adjust them. I always remove some of them (maitre' d, etc...people who don't directly wait on me. Also, if I don't eat in the formal dining room, I remove the tips for the waiter and assistant). I also usually ADD more tip, if my cabin steward has taken good care of my cabin. One of my relatives had told me that we should buy our excursions on the ship for that reason. What is included in the price of the cruise? What will I be required to pay for that is not included in the price of the cruise? It depends on the ports you go to. I will never do an excursion through the ship at Aruba, Cabo, or Juneau, for example. It was easier and cheaper to get off the ship and take a local shuttle or taxi to points of interest. Just do a little research before hand. On the trip we've booked for September, I learned online that it would be cheaper and faster to just take a ferry and a taxi in St. Thomas rather than waiting on a group from the ship. If you're going to places further away or that are more time-consuming, it's safer to book the excursion through the ship (or if you're going somewhere where you won't be able to communicate well with drivers or that may not be super safe, ex. parts of Honduras). For example, going to the Mayan ruins in Tulum out of Cozumel. Can't risk that by yourself with Bortaz nailed it with the food. You never have to pay for food on the ship if you don't want to unless you want the steakhouse or something. Basic, tea, coffee, water, juices, milk are free. Sodas and booze are extra. We always get the soda package so we don't have to worry about extra charges later. We pay a one-time fee and get as much soda and other non-alcoholic drinks as we want. You can do the same with booze but it's a little pricey unless you just really like to drink a lot on vacation (no judgement here). Avoid buying any souvenirs or gift shop snacks on the ship, if possible. They vastly over-charge. When you get to a port you can find whatever you need for cheaper. If you do a Carribean cruise bring plenty of small bill cash. It's great for tipping and cheap souvenirs, snacks/drinks, etc. when you're in port. You don't want to worry about your credit cards. |
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Post by ɮօʀȶǟʐ on Mar 26, 2019 11:02:41 GMT -6
The best advice I ever got from a cruise director: "Jamaica would be a fantastic place if not for all the Jamaicans."
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Post by Saint on Mar 26, 2019 11:40:20 GMT -6
That was our experience as well.
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Post by abregmanfan on Apr 6, 2019 19:21:40 GMT -6
Our 50th wedding anniversary is in May and my wife and I are thinking about taking a cruise to mark the occasion. We have never taken a cruise before. Will likely sail out of Galveston, but may consider another port. Any advice any of you can offer would be much appreciated. My only advice on a cruise papa is to take Corch and PAastros with you. That would be entertaining. |
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Post by olpapa on Apr 6, 2019 19:31:48 GMT -6
Our 50th wedding anniversary is in May and my wife and I are thinking about taking a cruise to mark the occasion. We have never taken a cruise before. Will likely sail out of Galveston, but may consider another port. Any advice any of you can offer would be much appreciated. My only advice on a cruise papa is to take Corch and PAastros with you. That would be entertaining. No thanks. I’m looking for a peaceful experience. |
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Post by abregmanfan on Apr 6, 2019 19:38:09 GMT -6
My only advice on a cruise papa is to take Corch and PAastros with you. That would be entertaining. No thanks. I’m looking for a peaceful experience. But you could probably write a book and make millions. |
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Post by unionstation82 on Apr 11, 2019 9:33:09 GMT -6
Our 50th wedding anniversary is in May and my wife and I are thinking about taking a cruise to mark the occasion. We have never taken a cruise before. Will likely sail out of Galveston, but may consider another port. Any advice any of you can offer would be much appreciated. My only advice on a cruise papa is to take Corch and PAastros with you. That would be entertaining. They used to be partners on the Force. Then, one of them went rogue. The other will stop at nothing until he delivers his ex-partner to justice and bring honor back to the precinct. |
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Post by bearbryant on Apr 11, 2019 9:42:19 GMT -6
My only advice on a cruise papa is to take Corch and PAastros with you. That would be entertaining. They used to be partners on the Force. Then, one of them went rogue. The other will stop at nothing until he delivers his ex-partner to justice and bring honor back to the precinct. So which one is Action Jackson
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Post by unionstation82 on Apr 11, 2019 10:17:19 GMT -6
They used to be partners on the Force. Then, one of them went rogue. The other will stop at nothing until he delivers his ex-partner to justice and bring honor back to the precinct. So which one is Action Jackson
Choose your own adventure. |
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Post by unionstation82 on Apr 11, 2019 10:18:16 GMT -6
They used to be partners on the Force. Then, one of them went rogue. The other will stop at nothing until he delivers his ex-partner to justice and bring honor back to the precinct. So which one is Action Jackson
“‘Cause some damn fool accused you of being the best.” |
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Post by olpapa on May 10, 2019 20:02:48 GMT -6
Thanks for all the good advice. Just wanted to let you all know that we opted for a 7-day Alaska cruise. We are going to fly into Seattle 3 days in advance of our cruise departure, rent a car and check out the city and surrounding area...may drive over to Vancouver. We got a balcony room on the 9th deck, starboard side, slightly forward of mid-ship..:., away from the elevators, anchor and engine. Will wait to book any excursions until we are on the ship and will book them from the cruise line.
If any of you have anymore advice, I would appreciate it.
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Post by unionstation82 on May 10, 2019 20:48:20 GMT -6
Thanks for all the good advice. Just wanted to let you all know that we opted for a 7-day Alaska cruise. We are going to fly into Seattle 3 days in advance of our cruise departure, rent a car and check out the city and surrounding area...may drive over to Vancouver. We got a balcony room on the 9th deck, starboard side, slightly forward of mid-ship..:., away from the elevators, anchor and engine. Will wait to book any excursions until we are on the ship and will book them from the cruise line. If any of you have anymore advice, I would appreciate it. Seattle is beautiful. If you have time, get some seafood in you if you can. West Seattle gives you a nice view of Puget. Pike’s Market is fine and there’s quality seafood to cook (again, if you can). The Space Needle is nice to visit (the restaurant there is more view than tasty food). Very pretty city and I heard Alaska is beautiful too. You can’t go wrong on your trip. |
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