[Tyga11]

My wife & I are thinking of going on a cruise in April. We live in Arizona so the plan would be to drive to Southern CA and hop on one of the cruises departing from either LA (San Pedro port I think?) or San Diego.

We both have never been on a cruise. I'm seeing 5 & 7 night cruises on Royal Caribbean and Princess down to Mexico. Are these any good?

Is there a ship to avoid and one you love on the west coast? The only thing I know is to avoid Carnival....that is what I was told.

[chassis]

What has been your most frequent type of vacation so far? Mountains, skiing, golf, islands, etc? Roughly what age band are you in? 40s/50s/60s/70s?

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by chassis

What has been your most frequent type of vacation so far? Mountains, skiing, golf, islands, etc? Roughly what age band are you in? 40s/50s/60s/70s?

Mid 30's. I'm not sure if we have a frequent type of vacation preference. Our most fun vacation was probably going to the US Virgin Islands and relaxing on the beach / snorkeling / exploring the town. We are not adrenaline junkies.

[Buug959]

We took a cruise from Venice, Italy to the Greek Islands and Croatia. While the stops at each of the four islands, Athens and Corfu, Croatia were nice we found our time ashore too short for our style of exploring a new place. The cruise ship traveled during the night which meant you had to be back on board by 6:00pm each day and thus were stuck on the boat and couldn't experience the evenings in port. We found the entertainment on board less than engaging which left nothing but sitting in the mostly empty bar drinking. We made the best of it ( I was even behind the bar teaching the bartender a new-to-him drink at one point) but all in all we decided that that cruise would be both cruises for us, first and last. FWIW the cruise line was Royal Caribbean and was very clean and the staff were outstanding in all respects. Cruise travel is just not for us. YMMV.

[upstatedoc]

I've taken one cruise in my life just to say I've done it. Ex and I flew to Miami from NY and cruised to southern carribean. PR, St Thomas, Barbados, Domenica. There may have been other stops, can't remember. We had a nice room with an outdoor balcony but still very small. And it wasn't cheap. Ex has motion sickness and had to wear scopolamine patch the whole time. When I cruised, it was very windy. Not my thing. But at least I can say I did it.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I've taken one cruise in my life just to say I've done it. Ex and I flew to Miami from NY and cruised to southern carribean. PR, St Thomas, Barbados, Domenica. There may have been other stops, can't remember. We had a nice room with an outdoor balcony but still very small. And it wasn't cheap. Ex has motion sickness and had to wear scopolamine patch the whole time. When I cruised, it was very windy. Not my thing. But at least I can say I did it.

How was the food?

[DocL]

We cruised a lot before covid. Living in Florida, within a two hour drive I have three major ports and have been on many different cruise lines. If you want the party boat, then Carnival is for you. If you want nice adult upscale, Celebrity is nice. If you want fun, entertaining, then NCL and Royal Caribbean are good. Disney sucks for adults and I only went on it because I have young kids. I always get a balcony because at night I like to sit out and listen to the water and look at the stars. The food can be hit or miss. I have had some really good Sushi and steak on the NCL which was surprising.

I like cruises because you unpack once, and it can be as casual or elegant as you want. I used to bring nice clothes and take a lot of pictures, but now I pack very light. I've gone to most of the islands in the Caribbean and they are all the same. We don't do the excursions because they are a ripoff in my opinion. Maybe we walk around the town and take the kids to a beach, but usually the ship is empty and my wife does a spa day, and I sit out enjoy a few cigars.

Right now they are cancelling cruises from Florida because of the recent covid uptick. I'm not sure I would want to go right now with the restrictions.

HTH.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by DocL

We cruised a lot before covid. Living in Florida, within a two hour drive I have three major ports and have been on many different cruise lines. If you want the party boat, then Carnival is for you. If you want nice adult upscale, Celebrity is nice. If you want fun, entertaining, then NCL and Royal Caribbean are good. Disney sucks for adults and I only went on it because I have young kids. I always get a balcony because at night I like to sit out and listen to the water and look at the stars. The food can be hit or miss. I have had some really good Sushi and steak on the NCL which was surprising.

I like cruises because you unpack once, and it can be as casual or elegant as you want. I used to bring nice clothes and take a lot of pictures, but now I pack very light. I've gone to most of the islands in the Caribbean and they are all the same. We don't do the excursions because they are a ripoff in my opinion. Maybe we walk around the town and take the kids to a beach, but usually the ship is empty and my wife does a spa day, and I sit out enjoy a few cigars.

Right now they are cancelling cruises from Florida because of the recent covid uptick. I'm not sure I would want to go right now with the restrictions.

HTH.

The reason we're looking at April is because I assume the cruise won't be crowded because people are scared to travel still. We took advantage of this Summer of 2020 and went to Vegas often and it was great having the hotel / casino to ourselves.

In a normal environment, are the ships packed and you feel claustrophobic?

[DocL]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

The reason we're looking at April is because I assume the cruise won't be crowded because people are scared to travel still. We took advantage of this Summer of 2020 and went to Vegas often and it was great having the hotel / casino to ourselves.

In a normal environment, are the ships packed and you feel claustrophobic?

They can be crowded, but there are ways to avoid the crowds. I've never felt claustrophobic, but don't get an inside room, or one without a balcony if that worries you. I've never cruised without a balcony, and never would.

We don't take the elevators as they are jammed with fatties and people on scooters. Only taking the stairs stairs allows me to eat some cr@p that I usually wouldn't. We avoid the buffet except for breakfast unless the kids want a quick burger, or few slices of pizza. We usually eat at one of the dining halls for dinner, or at a speciality restaurant that is included in our booking. It's not worth it paying extra a'la carte. We also get on the ship early and purchase the entry to the adult only area which is limited to 100 people over the age of 18. There are usually only adults over the age of 25 there, and it's never fully occupied. I can sit in the shade listening to my headphones for hours, and read a book. We dump the kids at the kids club and we are lucky to maybe only see them for meals.

I really miss cruising and hopefully at the end of 2022 we can resume. We usually take two to three a year.

One more thing. When you pick a room, look at the deck above and make sure your room isn't below a disco or the pool. Especially the pool because early in the morning people drag lounge chairs around to save spots for the day. Me being one of those people up early to position four chairs in the shade.

[UncleWede]

I was supposed to be just getting off a 7 to Mexico on NCL, but life intervened. We did 7 to Alaska in September

I averaged 11 hard alcohols a day. I went to the gym every morning at 6:30. Then had a drink beginning with breakfast. Wandered the decks until about 9 when the wife woke. We go ashore, wander around, then back for lunch and hit 3-4 drinks

Take a nap, maybe back to gym, then slam a few more drinks during dinner and casino

We had 2 upgrade Lunch and 3 dinner. I ate some snails, some nice steak, and ok Mexican. But the buffet had more things than I could ever try, and different at each meal

We are planning to get on NCL on Christmas Eve next year to head 7 days to Mexico, out of San Diego

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

How was the food?

I wouldn't cruise for the food. I can get a better steak at the restaurant down the street. I think breakfast and lunch were all you could eat if that's your thing. I thought the destinations were the most interesting part of the cruise

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by DocL

They can be crowded, but there are ways to avoid the crowds. I've never felt claustrophobic, but don't get an inside room, or one without a balcony if that worries you. I've never cruised without a balcony, and never would.

We don't take the elevators as they are jammed with fatties and people on scooters. Only taking the stairs stairs allows me to eat some cr@p that I usually wouldn't. We avoid the buffet except for breakfast unless the kids want a quick burger, or few slices of pizza. We usually eat at one of the dining halls for dinner, or at a speciality restaurant that is included in our booking. It's not worth it paying extra a'la carte. We also get on the ship early and purchase the entry to the adult only area which is limited to 100 people over the age of 18. There are usually only adults over the age of 25 there, and it's never fully occupied. I can sit in the shade listening to my headphones for hours, and read a book. We dump the kids at the kids club and we are lucky to maybe only see them for meals.

I really miss cruising and hopefully at the end of 2022 we can resume. We usually take two to three a year.

One more thing. When you pick a room, look at the deck above and make sure your room isn't below a disco or the pool. Especially the pool because early in the morning people drag lounge chairs around to save spots for the day. Me being one of those people up early to position four chairs in the shade.

Great feedback. Thank you! Do you think a suite is worth it? They don't seem to be that expensive in general

[DocL]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I wouldn't cruise for the food. I can get a better steak at the restaurant down the street...

Unless you like to eat a sh!tload. I've seen people eat enough for a family of four at one sitting. As I mentioned above, I've had some really good sushi and steak which was surprising. But overall, I agree. You don't cruise to eat. I cruise to relax and go off the grid. I won't let my wife buy the internet package and I love being out at sea. I have a great story about that, but it would derail this thread.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

My wife & I are thinking of going on a cruise in April. We live in Arizona so the plan would be to drive to Southern CA and hop on one of the cruises departing from either LA (San Pedro port I think?) or San Diego.

We both have never been on a cruise. I'm seeing 5 & 7 night cruises on Royal Caribbean and Princess down to Mexico. Are these any good?

Is there a ship to avoid and one you love on the west coast? The only thing I know is to avoid Carnival....that is what I was told.

As you are learning by reading the responses, there are many different opinions on cruising. Here's mine:

My wife and I like Princess and we've been on 7 of their cruises over the past 20 years. We think they are great. If you can afford to do it, get a balcony room at least. We get suites about 1/2 the time but only when we get a last minute deal.

The ships are huge. I've never felt over crowded. Princess has an adult pool on many ships called the Sanctuary. It cost extra but you can get all the space you want and food and beverage service at you lounge. Very nice if you think the regular pool areas are too crowded.

We think the food is fine but we are not overly picky. They have specialty restaurants that cost a bit extra and they are fine, but we usually just go to the normal dining rooms.

April is a good time normally to be cruising on the West Coast.

The only downside I think is the COVID situation. You should do your research and see if its a risk you are willing to take.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

[DocL]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Great feedback. Thank you! Do you think a suite is worth it? They don't seem to be that expensive in general

We've done a true "suite" once with an extra room because we needed it when my kids were still in cribs, and we had a nanny with us who stayed with the kids during the day in our room when we needed her.

The term "suite" can be confusing. It usually means the room can hold four people. We get a "mini suite" but its just one room, a little larger, like maybe 12sq ft lol, and it has a larger balcony that I'm usually on a lot.

[M_Six]

This guy has a shit ton of vids on cruises. He must do 20 or 30 a year. He always has some good info. His big thing is picking the right cabin. He has a few videos on it. He also does videos on the cruise lines themselves, like how to choose one and how each one is different. I've done 3 cruises in my time and I doubt I'll ever do another, but I still like his videos. We thought of doing a European river cruise until we watched some of his vids. Then we decided that's not for us. We're better off renting a car and enjoying each city at our own pace.

https://www.youtube.com/c/tipsfortravellers

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I wouldn't cruise for the food. I can get a better steak at the restaurant down the street. I think breakfast and lunch were all you could eat if that's your thing.

Sounds like you've never had breakfast at Cagney's on most NCL ships, which is a free perk of "the suite life" for breakfast/lunch:





I don't eat eggs, so every morning on our cruises always starts with a petite filet mignon.

Many of the premium dining options on NCL are worth the extra charge. Besides Cagney's Steak House for dinner, I also really enjoy the Brazilian restaurant on the newer ships. The free buffets and main dining rooms have rotating menus, and plenty of international options for things like oxtail soup and beef Wellington. My DW and I usually book 2-3 premium restaurants for dinners on each cruise, and enjoy the main dining rooms for dinner on other nights. We usually do lunches in the dining rooms if we're not on a shore excursion. I very rarely go to buffets, although I was hitting the buffet's kiddie bar every morning on one cruise to nab some small chocolate milk containers for nefarious purposes.

I'm an NCL Platinum member, and almost always book full suites
(not mini-suites) for "the suite life" perks. This includes a concierge, private restaurant and bar access, a private indoor pool on some ships, and 24/7 mimosas and coffee/tea in the pool courtyard. None of this stuff comes with mini-suites. The concierge alone is worth the suite charge, as most will make your reservations and then arrange for a crew member to escort you to those places through the crew section of the ship to avoid the lines.

The evening entertainment on NCL is usually pretty good, with Second City troupes on each ship and rotating comedians and other performers. There was only one performer that I didn't like. He was a comedian, and was bombing soooooo bad on stage that I honestly thought about jumping from the theater balcony to my death to end the suffering.

Anyway, I'm a huge fan of cruising, and wish that COVID was over so that we can book our next adventure.....

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by M_Six

This guy has a shit ton of vids on cruises. He must do 20 or 30 a year. He always has some good info. His big thing is picking the right cabin. He has a few videos on it. He also does videos on the cruise lines themselves, like how to choose one and how each one is different. I've done 3 cruises in my time and I doubt I'll ever do another, but I still like his videos. We thought of doing a European river cruise until we watched some of his vids. Then we decided that's not for us. We're better off renting a car and enjoying each city at our own pace.

https://www.youtube.com/c/tipsfortravellers

We did a river cruise on the Danube right before COVID. It was okay but I wouldn't do it again. Renting a car or taking a train to see the cities and countryside along the rivers is what we will do next time.

With regard to ocean cruises, we are retired so before COVID, we were taking long cruises. 22 days from Japan to Australia with a suite for example. 7 days and shorter I would not do again. But longer cruises can be amazing if you have the time.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by DocL

We've done a true "suite" once with an extra room because we needed it when my kids were still in cribs, and we had a nanny with us who stayed with the kids during the day in our room when we needed her.

The term "suite" can be confusing. It usually means the room can hold four people. We get a "mini suite" but its just one room, a little larger, like maybe 12sq ft lol, and it has a larger balcony that I'm usually on a lot.

OP, pay attention to this. Mini suites are not suites. So, the prices are much closer to a balcony room. A full suite is another product altogether, not just in size (separate bedroom, walk in closet, shower and tub, bar, double wide balcony), but in services, which may include (depending on line and ship) free bar set up, free laundry, free dry cleaning, separate dining area, invites to special events. If those things have value to you, an upgrade to a real suite is very nice indeed.

For me, a regular balcony room is better than a mini suite if you can keep your stuff put away. Why? The mini suites are the same width, just longer to make room for a couch. But, that extra length puts the bed farther from the patio door. For my wife and me, we thought it felt sort of like being in a tunnel.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I was supposed to be just getting off a 7 to Mexico on NCL, but life intervened. We did 7 to Alaska in September

I averaged 11 hard alcohols a day. I went to the gym every morning at 6:30. Then had a drink beginning with breakfast. Wandered the decks until about 9 when the wife woke. We go ashore, wander around, then back for lunch and hit 3-4 drinks

Take a nap, maybe back to gym, then slam a few more drinks during dinner and casino

We had 2 upgrade Lunch and 3 dinner. I ate some snails, some nice steak, and ok Mexican. But the buffet had more things than I could ever try, and different at each meal

We are planning to get on NCL on Christmas Eve next year to head 7 days to Mexico, out of San Diego

Damn, that's one way to get a low unit cost on your drink pass. You may need one of those handicap scooters on which to drag your liver around.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

Sounds like you've never had breakfast at Cagney's on most NCL ships, which is a free perk of "the suite life" for breakfast/lunch:





I don't eat eggs, so every morning on our cruises always starts with a petite filet mignon.

Many of the premium dining options on NCL are worth the extra charge. Besides Cagney's Steak House for dinner, I also really enjoy the Brazilian restaurant on the newer ships. The free buffets and main dining rooms have rotating menus, and plenty of international options for things like oxtail soup and beef Wellington. My DW and I usually book 2-3 premium restaurants for dinners on each cruise, and enjoy the main dining rooms for dinner on other nights. We usually do lunches in the dining rooms if we're not on a shore excursion. I very rarely go to buffets, although I was hitting the buffet's kiddie bar every morning on one cruise to nab some small chocolate milk containers for nefarious purposes.

I'm an NCL Platinum member, and almost always book full suites
(not mini-suites) for "the suite life" perks. This includes a concierge, private restaurant and bar access, a private indoor pool on some ships, and 24/7 mimosas and coffee/tea in the pool courtyard. None of this stuff comes with mini-suites. The concierge alone is worth the suite charge, as most will make your reservations and then arrange for a crew member to escort you to those places through the crew section of the ship to avoid the lines.

The evening entertainment on NCL is usually pretty good, with Second City troupes on each ship and rotating comedians and other performers. There was only one performer that I didn't like. He was a comedian, and was bombing soooooo bad on stage that I honestly thought about jumping from the theater balcony to my death to end the suffering.

Anyway, I'm a huge fan of cruising, and wish that COVID was over so that we can book our next adventure.....

OP, listen to this guy! He knows how to roll.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

OP, pay attention to this. Mini suites are not suites. So, the prices are much closer to a balcony room.

A mini-suite on many cruise lines is nothing more than the ship slapping fake ///M badges on a balcony cabin. Nothing more than a few extra square feet, and sometimes a fancier grade of soap in the bathroom. If you want "the suite life," the cost is usually 3x more than a balcony or mini-suite.....