I want to take DH on a cruise!

[xlyingxwhispersx]

I am 20, and he is 25 and we have never done anything fun like this before! Been on vacation, at that! He is really iffy about going on a cruise because he thinks it will be boring and stuff, but I KNOW he will like it! I have been on a carnival cruise before and that's the cruise line I want to take him on!

Is it possible to spend no more than 1000$ on the cruise and airfare?
Has anyone taken a different cruise line than carnival and really liked it? I want to go on a popular cruise line.

Any help would be very appreciated. We are looking to go the end of November possibly??

[judymd]

Airline Tickets, Cheap Hotels, Vacation Packages & Travel Deals

[DebbieNIU]

PMed you a great site

[tcooper81]

It would be difficult, but you might be able to find a great deal for 2 for under $1000. It will involve going at the right time of year and probably getting lucky with an airfare sale. Cruises are cheapest in September because it's the height of hurricane season. Also, the first 2 weeks of December are usually the next best bet for rock-bottom prices for cruising. You mentioned the end of November - the week of Thanksgiving is a peak week, so you will be hard-pressed to find a deal for under 1K at that time. Also, how long do you want to go for? A 3-night cruise to the Bahamas would probably be your best bet for cost-effectiveness.

Don't forget that the costs don't end at purchasing the cruise fare and air fare. You will also need to shell out $$$ for tips, which add up to about $10/person/day, plus shore tours if you are interested in going on any. Drinks will run you about $2 for a coke and anywhere from $5 on up for an alcoholic beverage. Water, juice and coffee are free, though. Also, cruise lines are now tacking on an extra gas surcharge....I believe the current fuel surcharge for Carnival is $9/person/day.

As far as cruise lines, Carnival will likely be your best bet for the cheapest cruise fare. The other lines tend to run higher, but I hear they are worth it. I've never veered from Carnival, as they offer a military discount that is very generous. Plus, I love Carnival, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it! At least, that's my humble opinion :)

I have been on 5 cruises and it is my all-time favorite vacation to take. I have done extensive research about Carnival ships, ports of call and making the most cost-effective vacation possible. Feel free to PM me or ask other questions here and I will be glad to help as best I can.

[JoleneNewMom]

I like Royal Caribbean cruiseline! If you can leave real quick sometime within a week or two, if they can't fill the ship the prices will go way down and you can both go for 500 or 600 hundred. I used to work there! So, if you have vacation and you don't have to give a huge notice then just keep calling and checking on cruises. Can you drive to any of the ports or do you have to fly?

[thecooperhouse]

I strongly suggest going thru a travel agent first. They can give you great info as a starting off point. You are not required to book with them, but since this would be a first cruise, they can give you a lot of info. Sometimes, they can get you better rates. They can also make sure you have a worry free vacation. Good luck!! Also ~ Before you book on any website, make sure you read about all hidden fees and taxes. The taxes on a cruise can cost more than the actual cost of the cruise!

[thecoop]

I have been on Carnival and Royal Caribbean and Princess. Carnival is the fun ship - more kids and younger people, I like it alot when I as younger. It is also cheaper. Food was decent but not spectacular.

Princess was nice but service was lacking and food was so so.

Royal Caribbean is now our favorite line. It is more expensive but you get what you pay for.

[druidessemily]

My mom, aunt, and grandma are always finding really cheap cruises, about $100 person/day. They say that they have someone who helps find them really good deals, so I'll see if I can find out more. I'd LOVE to go on a cruise ship!

A couple of tips that they have given me:

*Food is (usually) included in the price of the ticket. When you sit down to eat, you aren't restricted to one thing. If you want to sample them all, request them all. I believe that also extends to room service.

*Many cruise ships offer free child care, if the adults want to have some time for themselves for a casino or other adult reasons. ;)

*If you do decide to leave the ship, make sure you clearly understand what time you need to return, and make sure to give yourself plenty of extra time so you don't get left! If you have the time, go a little further than what is immediately at the port. Prices drop low, sometimes by as much as 80%!

*If you have a choice between an 'inside' cabin, and one with a 'view,' tell yourself that you probably won't be in your room very much. Going on top of the deck to sightsee is free and gives a much better view! So you might want to save that extra $$.

*See if the cruise ship allows alcohol aboard. If they do, but do not let you carry any on, ask if it's because they want you to buy theirs. My aunt said she actually snuck in alcohol before. She took a 6 pack of mountain dew bottles and left them on the ring. Unscrewed the cap, emptied them out, then filled with margaritas. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with bringing your own IF the only reason the cruise line prohibits alcohol is so they can charge you high rates. But, some people may be uncomfortable, and that's fine.

*Look into going on a cruise in the 'off season.' That may change depending on where you want to leave. But, not only will rates be cheaper, there is also the possibility that the ship will not be as booked.

I really hope this helps. I'll try and find out what line my family goes on, and how they book.

[judymd]

child care is not always available, not for those not potty trained on NCL anyways

NCL also had "special" restaurants that charged up to $20 extra per person

[druidessemily]

Originally Posted by judymd child care is not always available, not for those not potty trained on NCL anyways NCL also had "special" restaurants that charged up to $20 extra per person

What is NCL?