I want to go on my first cruise. Which site should I book with for a 5-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami? Which is the best ship? Which cabin location for seasickness and desire for quiet -- s
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Cat:Tips Tools and DealsForum:0EE709C0Discussion:0d1986cb-83ae-4c67-8560-f7d519db690b
I want to go on my first cruise. Which site should I book with for a 5-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami? Which is the best ship? Which cabin location for seasickness and desire for quiet -- should it be near an elevator? Should I sign up for dining time and any info for a first-timer nervous about the experience? Please help with best suggestions from experience
look at vacationstogo.com for cruise deals, that have many, many posted.
All ships are basically the same, I like Holland America and Celebrity.
get a cabin mid ship for the most steady ride, do not get front that is really choppy at times.
Yes sign up for the early dining time, then you can go to the show after dinner. I like that better, you can also eat on your own almost anywhere on the ship, so if you didn't want to go to the dining room, you could skip it.
I would choose at least a 7 day cruise, as you will enjoy it and then you have to get off in a 5 day. I actually prefer the 12 day cruises.
I use the site cruisecompete.com Travel agents bid on your business. I second Celebrity. They have a great 4 or 5 night Caribbean cruise that leaves out of Miami. I like the late dining time. Don't want to have to rush to dinner while on vacation.
I would suggest Vacationstogo.com - ask for Joan Mosquinski. She is good! For a first cruise, I would suggest Royal Caribbean. Their ships w/ Promenades are great (plus ice skating rings, etc). If you are leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, if necessary, use the ParknGo- they are great & much cheaper than the port's parking! I also suggest a 7 day cruise, possibly to the Eastern Carib first. When you choose a ship, then go onto cruisecritics.com for reviews & ideas on specific cruises before booking. Unless you have to eat late, I would suggest first seating as you will be able to see the early shows. Also, book any shows or restaurants ahead of the cruise on line. It will save you a lot of grieve. Finally, we like higher up, mid-ship, not too far from the elevators. For sea sickness, either a patch or pills. Put it on a day early or take the pill. I like Walgreen's sea sickness ones as they work and are much cheaper than Bonene or dramamine. Have a great time. We just did our 19th.
When you choose a ship, then go onto cruisecritics.com for reviews & ideas on specific cruises before booking. Posted by CaroleR
Good advice so far. CaroleR, I believe that you meant to suggest cruisecritic.com, a great site for cruise enthusiasts, including first timers! On the Home page, click on 'Boards' and check out the first Forum listed- 'New Cruisers'. Some of the sub-forums are Reviews, Ask A Cruise Question, Cabin Selection Tips, and First Time Cruisers. Other forums of interest are 'Cruise Lines' (listed alphabetically) and 'Ports of Call'. Become a member of Cruisecritic and enjoy exploring the site. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are good recommendations.
Get a good travel agent. Most work without extra fees, find you the best value and help you with all your questions. Bypassing them is taking things into your own hands and you will likely be disappointed in the end no matter what price you pay. Never shop for vacations by price. They aren't a commodity...they are an experience. Treat them that way and you can't go wrong.
