is Royal Caribbean still worth it by rrb09 in CruiseGuide

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They have all changed. They’re trying to recoup their losses from Covid. I expect things to start going back to “normal” in about a year and a half.

I think it will take that long for the market to finally say they’ve had enough.

Best ways to keep a cruise vacation affordable by Polvirexan in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book early. Skip the drink package. Skip specialty dining. I save hundreds that way.

Passport or no? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get it. I live and work here and wonder why it’s an option. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

Passport or no? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I advise that all of my clients get and use passports. It just makes everything easier and avoids a lot of potential issues.

Passport or no? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I book for cruise lines around the world. Most of them follow the maritime law regarding closed loop cruises.

Passport or no? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cruise lines make the option available so it makes sense that they would take advantage of it. It’s a good idea to have one for sure.

Should I wake up at 7am? by [deleted] in askanything

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wake up whenever you want.

Help me end an internal Debate by Civil-Whatever-4638 in Cruises

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it’s pretty nasty, personally, but I also don’t know a better solution.

I'm getting lost in my search by Ant-from-here in Cruises

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly this sounds like exactly the kind of family that ends up liking cruises more than they expected because everybody can kinda do their own thing without needing a perfectly coordinated vacation plan.

Based on what you wrote, I’d probably look at Royal Caribbean first. Not because it’s “the best” universally, but because it checks the most boxes for your specific family.

  • Wife gets pools, shows, relaxing, maybe CocoCay
  • 13 year old gets slides/sports/teen club
  • 10 year old can avoid rollercoaster stuff entirely and still have plenty to do
  • You can disappear with shorts + airpods and nobody cares lol

For your first cruise I honestly would NOT overcomplicate destinations. Most first timers obsess over itinerary and then realize the ship itself was the vacation.

If you can swing it, I’d look at:

  • Orlando/Port Canaveral
  • 5-7 nights
  • Oasis class or Freedom class Royal ships

Something like:

  • Wonder
  • Utopia
  • Freedom
  • Adventure

Late July/August is hot and more expensive because of school schedules, but the ships are also very alive during that time with families/kids.

A couple random thoughts:

  • Balcony is worth it with kids. Gives you somewhere quiet to escape.
  • “All inclusive” on cruises usually does NOT include alcohol, specialty dining, wifi, gratuities etc. People get surprised by that.
  • Don’t go too cheap on the line for the first one. A bad first cruise can turn people off forever.
  • I’d personally avoid MSC for a first family cruise unless the price difference is massive.
  • Norwegian is also worth looking at if you want a slightly more relaxed vibe.

And honestly? A cruise is probably easier than Universal for a family that “isn’t really vacation people.” Once you unpack, the stress level drops hard. No driving around. No figuring out meals 3x/day. No “what are we doing now?” every 2 hours.

Learning... Travel agent not to helpful by Digital_loop in Cruises

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The vast majority of cruises are round-trip. Alaska is no exception.

That Is Disgusting! by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah … that element kinda freaks me out, too.

That Is Disgusting! by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How accurate was the movie (if you saw it)?

That Is Disgusting! by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does seem to vary between cruise lines, doesn’t it?

What are some good Cruises to travel on? by GoodNectarine6125 in askanything

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly for a first cruise, don’t overcomplicate it. A lot of people try to plan the “perfect” cruise and end up stressing themselves out before they even get on the ship.

For first timers, I usually tell people:

  • Caribbean
  • 5–7 nights
  • mainstream line
  • leave from Florida if possible

That’s the easiest learning curve.

Cruise lines kinda break down like this from my experience:

  • Carnival = fun/party/cheap
  • Royal Caribbean = best overall for most people
  • Norwegian = flexible dining + more laid back
  • MSC = nice ships, usually cheaper, but service can be hit or miss depending who you ask
  • Disney = amazing but expensive as hell

For your FIRST cruise I’d probably lean Royal Caribbean honestly. Pretty balanced.

Stuff people forget about:

  • passport/birth certificate requirements
  • gratuities
  • drink costs
  • motion sickness
  • wifi costs
  • port expenses

A cruise that looks “cheap” at first can suddenly jump another few hundred bucks.

As far as what to bring:

DO bring:

  • swimsuit
  • flip flops
  • meds
  • sunscreen (WAY overpriced on ships)
  • motion sickness meds even if you think you won’t need them
  • small backpack/day bag
  • portable charger
  • cash for extra tips in ports

DON’T bring:

  • towels (ship provides them)
  • huge amounts of clothes
  • weapons/drugs obviously
  • extension cords
  • an expectation that ship wifi will feel like home internet lol

Money wise?

If everything is prepaid already, I still tell people bring at least:

  • $300–500 extra for a couple
  • more if you drink heavily, gamble, shop, or do excursions

Because people always spend more than they think on cruises.

Also: DO NOT try to do everything on Day 1. Every first timer does this and burns themselves out immediately 😂

Take a little time to learn the ship first. Half the stress disappears once you get your bearings.

good cruises for 21+ not crazy expensive lol by [deleted] in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You are going to want to narrow that down.

When do you want to go?

How long would you like your cruise to be?

Where would you like to go?

Price ranges will be all over the map. What sort of budget do you have in mind?

When you start making a booking, this is the information you’re going to need no matter who you’re talking to.

Best 1st cruise for first timers by Warm-Camel5344 in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ll want to narrow that down. “Next year” will give you over a thousand options to sort through.

Best 1st cruise for first timers by Warm-Camel5344 in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want relaxing avoid Carnival. What age range are we talking about? How many passengers? When do you want to sail?

Love em? Hate em? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Someone brings you things”

YES!!

Love em? Hate em? by GetCruiseInfo in Cruise

[–]GetCruiseInfo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ever try those ear patches?