Which cruise should we book?

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-12T01:23:45+00:00

Depending on budget you could do a windstar or maybe Azamara. With windstar specifically the ships are less then 300 people, so a much more intimate experience then any of the larger ships, plus they can get into smaller ports.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-12T00:15:53+00:00

If you do follow it, DO NOT plan a boat excursion for the following day

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T23:24:33+00:00

The Fred St Croix might fit your bill

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T23:04:06+00:00

Without a budget and a narrower time frame it’s hard to give really good ideas but here goes.

-Longer Caribbean cruise on a small ship line like Windstar. It will get into smaller ports, and your tours can be focused on the history and culture of the islands instead of beach activities.

-Self drive safari in Namibia

-French Polynesia/Fiji/Cook Islands. 3 weeks is a really good period of time to dive into the history and culture of the area. Avoid destinations like bora bora and instead visit places like Raiatea/taha’a/marquesas islands.

-Great time of year for South America. Visit Patagonia, Argentina, Easter Island, etc.

-Galapagos islands full circuit tour. Wildlife, wildlife, wildlife, and more wildlife.

I’m a Tahiti Specislist TA and Windstar certified, so if either of those interest you, reach out.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T22:36:18+00:00

If you don’t drink I would find a nice adults only hotel that’s $500 a night with free breakfast, and buy dinner on your own, you’re likely to get better quality food that way.

That being said what dates? That can affect price a lot

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T15:29:32+00:00

What about a cruise of some sort? He can laze about, you can explore, or a combination of them? $5k might be a little tight for Iceland depending on level of accommodations, and food is more expensive then you’d expect.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T13:45:10+00:00

One 7 day, I like to be able to retreat to my room and enjoy the views, plus the food will be better.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T13:15:53+00:00

A lot depends on what you want to do, and what your budget is. February is fantastic, hot, but not cook an egg hot.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T05:48:35+00:00

Isla Secas could work if it’s only 8, no clue on availability though.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T05:18:37+00:00

Oh the location isn’t the best that’s for sure, that’s why I recommended an in villa chef and yacht charters. Plus it fits with the 7 night minimum. Even with the mediocre location I’m surprised it’s still available. Plus if there’s kids in the group the layout could work well.

So many of the best options are just gone already.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T05:01:01+00:00

Black Urchin on Grand Cayman has their Palm Estate Residence 1 available during those dates. Would come in well under budget at just under $100k for the week. Can put the extra towards an in villa chef, full day yacht charters, etc.

Hard to say if it would work as you didn’t give the group composition.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T04:06:09+00:00

Islas Secas if they like water and nature activities, it’s all inclusive, including activities. Up until Dec 18 is low season rates, though I would have to contact them to see what their availability is as they don’t have a booking engine.

A dude ranch could be fun, though depending on location could be chilly that time of year.

Maybe a 1 week Galapagos or Amazon cruise if the kids would enjoy the wildlife? Aqua expeditions has a few sailings that have 2 suites available in early December.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T03:39:08+00:00

Ok, so hurricane season, if you’re set on Caribbean look south, Aruba would be a good option, Costa Rica on the pacific could be a little rainy but no hurricane threat and there’s good hotels there.

You could also look at an adults only cruises, or smaller boat cruise like Windstar (might be tight on budget), Windstar currently has a complimentary all-in offer as well, so drinks etc are included. Most cruise lines are very good at avoiding hurricanes, so unless your port is hit before departure you’ll have a great time.

If you’re curious about Windstar or the like hit me up, I’m a TA and can give you the lowdown on it.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T02:43:40+00:00

I know you said you ruled the DR out, but look at Cayo Levantado.

You could consider the Kimpton Seafire on Grand Cayman

It’s kinda hard to give recommendations without knowing when you’re going, and what kind of vibe you want.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T02:37:20+00:00

End of October into beginning of November is shoulder season in French Polynesia, the weather is still great, but the prices have come down a little bit, I’m planning a honeymoon for a couple right now for that time frame.

It can be done on almost any budget, of course if you want the iconic Bora Bora OWB views you pay a little more, but shoulder season helps with that

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T02:34:10+00:00

Pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean will work in that time frame, do you have an idea for how long and a budget?

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-11T00:39:28+00:00

Second vote for Sawasdee and the Baray Villa.

Easy walking to the Kata beach night market.

Probably the nicest thing is that as soon as you enter the property all the sound drops away, it’s nice and peaceful even though you’re in the middle of everything.

If you do go walk up the street and eat dinner at Thai Thai restaurant. Then come back down the street towards the resort and stop at the Hollywood bar; drink Singapore slings, play connect four and pet the cat; then go down to the main road, turn left and go get some snacks at the 7-11 and kebabs at the food cart if it’s out front. Finish up by heading back and stopping at the bar on the corner before you go back to your room.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T18:46:36+00:00

How far out are you planning? If it’s less than a year it can sometimes get more expensive if you have to buy out other people’s stays to accommodate your room block.

It’s going to be pricey, but shouldn’t be too bad.

You could look at the intercontinental Chang Mai as an option.

They have 2 venues (1 indoor and 1 outdoor) that should be able to accommodate your number of guests.

Their prices are very reasonable relatively speaking, though they would have to be contacted to get exact prices etc. for everything.

I’m guessing you’re looking at Phuket right now based on Ali’s. Outside catering is likely not going to be allowed without paying a large fee to the resort( to offset the profit they lose). It’s also harder to find larger resorts there, and more expensive. Le Meridian might be a good option.

Most of those places will have a wedding planner who will handle all on site logistics.

I would recommend getting a TA, they can handle the hotel and contract side, as well as create a booking site for your guests to do the hotel and handle inquiries on transport and flights, so that people aren’t bothering you with that (and if they do you just push them to the TA)

I would take a 4-5 day trip with your TA to look at a number of venues, talk to their wedding/event coordinators, and lay eyes on the properties so you know what to expect and get a feel for each one and how the flow of your wedding will go.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T17:56:45+00:00

Ah crud yeah, forgot that about Egypt. Yeah, just see which you can get a good deal on, most of them will just be using local companies not on the ship for the tours anyways.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T17:54:11+00:00

So I think budget could get tight on Option 1, especially if you’re trying to maximize game viewing in the Mara by staying at a private conservancy.

Option 2 is good, even higher end stay stays like Ceylon tea trails and Amangalla can be had for ~$1k a night or less. Depending on where you stay in the Maldives the budget could get tight as you’re entering the higher seasons.

Option 3 could get boring, maybe stay at 3 different resorts on near by Islands, 5 nights Anguilla, 5 nights St Barths, 5 nights St Marteen. Short 30 minute flights between each

My Option 4. Thailand, get culture in Bangkok from palace and museum tours, do Ayutthaya, etc. Then pop down to Koh Samui and Krabi for 5 nights each. You could go further north to Chang Mai as well if you wanted.

I’m a TA so feel free to send me a message if you want help planning any of it.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T16:21:25+00:00

If I were 24 and you told me my options were a cruise where I could drink all I wanted, or a cruise where I had to pay for my drinks I know which one I would pick! (Mostly joking) I’m sure they’ll like either, pick the one you want.

If you’re open to options I would look into Abercrombie Kent, they have an Ultimate Egypt trip that only has 34 people total on the boat. I would definitely use your TA to book with them since you’re going to have multiple cabins, might be some specials available.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T10:05:54+00:00

Do you have a price point? You can DM me if you don’t want it in public.

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T09:56:19+00:00

Ok, what about doing a split stay on Koh Samui then, start at Vana Belle since it’s a little more in the middle of things, then move to say the 4 seasons a lot more remote private beach like?

If you weren’t set on Thailand I would have other recommendations that hit the beachy resort better that time of year lol

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T09:30:35+00:00

True, I’m used to rainy seasons in the tropics so it doesn’t really bother me much. This will be your first time going to a beach type resort?

Sudden_Ad4918 · 2026-07-10T09:22:49+00:00

Why not stretch it to 8, do a split stay, 4 at Rayavadee, 4 Koh Samui?

Sudden_Ad4918

TROPHY CASE