Question About a Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

[savage1]

My wife and I are thinking about going on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.
My question is whether anyone reading this thread has ever been on a cruise to this area?
If so, could you please say which ship/cruise line you took, when you went and a little bit about your overall experience in terms of what you paid.

[FB Coach13]

Savage, I was on a cruise about 10 years ago so dont know how much has changed since then. Cant really remember the price it was a graduation present from my parents, so i didnt have to pay for it. I actually went Western Caribbean, we left from Miami and went to Key West, Cozumel and Cancun. I went on Carnival{cant remember the ships name} but it had pretty much anything you wanted on it, movie theater,casino, workout room and many more. One thing I didnt really care for was there were alot of kids on this cruise, which at times when you were trying to relax,was a real pain. Also depending on which cruise line you go on I think some are offering a all-inclusive package, if you drink alcohol I suggest you get this, because it can get VERY expensive. I also had some friends not to long ago go on a cruise and they found it cheaper to book it independtly rather than booking directly with the cruise line itself. Sorry couldnt help you out more. Good Luck!

[ToDaClub]

My 2 cents. Went on Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas out of Ft Lauderdale last winter for my 25th wedding aniversary, got a suite for around $3000, you can go for a lot less in other cabins, but had to go all out for the wife. Went to the keys, cozumel and belize. We had the time of our life. Can't wait to do it again. Very few children, tons of entertainment, just great fun. Carnival is great for families, but we obviously are older, and this fit perfect. Certain boats go after certain age groups and kids vs. no kids. I researched for a year, surprised my wife with the trip and she decided to stay a couple more years. Good luck.

[ULikeApples]

Wife and I did Royal Caribbean for our honeymoon in 05. GREAT time. If you're going as a couple I strongly recommend Royal Caribbean. Everything was first class and the excursions off ship were great too. Just beware of that Caribbean sun...it'll burn you quick!

[ToDaClub]

Wife and I did Royal Caribbean for our honeymoon in 05. GREAT time. If you're going as a couple I strongly recommend Royal Caribbean. Everything was first class and the excursions off ship were great too. Just beware of that Caribbean sun...it'll burn you quick!

I was gonna ask you where your stops were and what you did, but then I reread and saw it was your honeymoon, and figured you saw nothing except the stateroom!!!

[griswold]

I've done all the Caribbean itineraries. Southern is BY FAR the best. You'll get 85 degree weather each day. St. Thomas and St. Martin are great islands as is Aruba.

Make sure to use a cruise line that fits your tastes.

Carinival---fun party ship

Royal Caribbean and Princess---a little nicer but a little duller with better food

Holland America---sedate but very classy

[griswold]

Also, if you cvan afford it go for a cabin with a balcony. It's sensational to sit out late night and watch the stars and ocean go by or have private breakfast on your own deck. This is a very good time to book because the cruise lines are all discounting like crazy because of the economy.

[savage1]

Thanks to all of you guys who have responded so far;you really are helping to steer me in the right direction with this.
We are not going until later on this year or possible even next year, but I carefully want to research this.

[ULikeApples]

I was gonna ask you where your stops were and what you did, but then I reread and saw it was your honeymoon, and figured you saw nothing except the stateroom!!!

Ha, that is true! However I learned the hard way about the sun closer to the Equator.....sunburn on honeymoon = not good, haha.

Anyway, ours went to the Bahamas, a little island called Cococay, and Key West. Our port was Miami.

[ULikeApples]

Thanks to all of you guys who have responded so far;you really are helping to steer me in the right direction with this.
We are not going until later on this year or possible even next year, but I carefully want to research this.

Wayne, one thing I would suggest to is to do the pre-night stay booked via RC, if you cruise with them. I forget the exact term for it, but there is one. We did it in Miami and ended up in a very nice Hyatt in Coconut Grove that was a lot of fun. Then you don't have to worry about flying in that morning and getting to the boat. Much less hectic and enjoyable.

[Cabomike]

I agree with what many have said here. I live in the caribbean and have for 4 years. It's awesome. I've also done all the cruises, about 15 ro so. I like Royal Caribbean and agree with the balcony if you can afford it. My favorite was southern caribbean. I really liked St. Thomas, aruba, bonaire, barbados, antigua. Wasn't crazy about St. Martin or Martinique. Good luck with where ever you end up.

[BettorsChat]

I agree with what many have said here. I live in the caribbean and have for 4 years. It's awesome. I've also done all the cruises, about 15 ro so. I like Royal Caribbean and agree with the balcony if you can afford it. My favorite was southern caribbean. I really liked St. Thomas, aruba, bonaire, barbados, antigua. Wasn't crazy about St. Martin or Martinique. Good luck with where ever you end up.

Which Caribbean places would you recommend living?

What are the cheapest priced places? And have conveineances like grocery stores etc.

[savage1]

Thanks again to all of you who responded-it really helps.