Help w/cruise choice - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

Rose Pink · April 30, 2007, 09:20 AM

DH and I enjoyed our Alaskan cruise very much. Now I am thinking about cruising again in a couple of years (it takes me a loooong time to plan). I can't decide whether the Pacific-side cruise down the Mexican Riviera would be nice or whether it would be better to take one of the cruises down the Atlantic (Caribbean) side. And if we choose the eastern side, there are so many different choices in itineraries. I'm not even close to picking a cruise line or ship (so don't need any responses re that); still am in the "where to go" stage of planning. I think I'd like to visit some Mayan ruins. I don't want to just sit around on a ship eating high caloric food watching fat people stuffed into too-small bathing suits--as entertaining as that can be.

I want to visit some places with history or interesting architecture and gardens. I love gardens. When we cruised Alaska we visited the gardens in Juneau (and the glacier, too, of course).

Eventually, we might be able to do more cruises and maybe even the Panama Canal but for now, if you could only choose one cruise based on the info above, which would you choose and why. (Please limit your answers to 200 words, double-spaced. Just kidding!)

geekette · April 30, 2007, 11:19 AM

We are doing the Western Carribean to include the ruins. going from Galveston (family there, so we can drive down, drop off the doggie for free lodging). Royal Carribean offers a couple routes and we're taking the one that include Cozumel and Progresso and a stop in Honduras.

If all goes according to plan, we will be in Mexico come January.

Good luck - so many places, such a tough decision!!

nightnurse613 · April 30, 2007, 11:48 AM

What about a repositioning cruise going from the east coast to the west coast? I hear they can be relatively cheap and you might get the best of both worlds. I don't know anything about itineraries or the such. Just a thought.

Neesie · April 30, 2007, 05:23 PM

Somone on another board mentioned that the best part of cruising was when the ship made a stop. Afterwards he wondered why he bothered with the ship at all. How many mayan ruins can you explore while on a ship? Maybe one?

Rose Pink · May 1, 2007, 09:01 AM

All good things to consider. Thank you, all, for your great replies!

Dave M · May 1, 2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose Pink

I want to visit some places with history or interesting architecture and gardens. I love gardens.

Although not a warm-weather cruise, your preferences seem to scream for a cruise to northern Europe - Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, etc. You'll be awash with magnificent history, architecture and gardens.

Rose Pink · May 1, 2007, 01:53 PM

Dave, I would love to go on one of those cruises or just tour the areas but I think it would cost more than we can spend (at least until the house is paid for, etc.). I thought Mexico or the Caribbean would be more affordable but, to tell the truth, I haven't really checked to see what the difference in cost would be. Assuming airfare would add significantly if we cannot find a compatable Delta FF flight.

Dave M · May 1, 2007, 01:57 PM

Yes, it would definitely cost more - for the cruise and for the airfare. Typical cruises are 10-12 days, adding to the cost, although there are some great cruises, especially in the Mediterranean, for seven days. Most European cruises are during the summer, peak time for airline ticket prices.

fnewman · May 2, 2007, 01:06 PM

The other negative for the European cruises is the extremely high cost of any pre- and post-cruise hotels - even considering the exchange rate they seem to be outrageous!

charford · May 4, 2007, 10:39 PM

I wouldn't dismiss the European cruises. They can be on a par with the Caribbean cruises on a per person, per night basis. There is quite a range in the number of nights for different cruises. They range from 2 nights up to 14 in the Mediterranean or other European destinations.

Airfare will definitely be more expensive though.

But, say the airfare is $500 more each. Is it better to spend less to go somewhere which is more beach oriented or $1000 more (for two) to go somewhere with more history and architecture?

I'm going on a Mediterranean cruise next summer. The cost of the cruise (per night per person) was about the same as a Caribbean cruise on the same cruiseline, same class of ship, same timeframe.

LAX Mom · May 6, 2007, 01:37 AM

I've done about 13 cruises in the past ten years (most before I discovered timeshares four years ago).....Alaska, California costal/Mexico, Panama Canal, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe & British Isles/Norwegian Fjords.

My favorite would be the British Isles/Norwegian Fjords last summer. It was London (Dover) round-trip and I got hotels in London for around $80 per night on Priceline. It was perfect- a couple of nights in London, theater tickets (I love Les Mis!!) and then we took the train to Dover for the cruise. We had stops in Ireland/Scotland/Northern Ireland/Norway & Denmark. The Fjords were amazing!! It was 14 nights, but well worth the trip! I loved each port!! We stayed one night in London at the end.

A close second would be the Northern Europe cruise...Estonia, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Olso, Copenhagen, & some other smaller ports. Great itinerary and it's a reasonable way to visit all these expensive cities. The cost of lodgings & food is so high that a cruise is actually a very smart way to explore this area.

Alaska cruises are great, I think I've done four of them. Weather can be a factor in Alaska. We had one beautiful sunny cruise, one that rained the entire time and two that were a combination. The Alaska cruises are very different from the Caribbean and I prefer Alaska. Different atmosphere, different passengers, and the ports are completely different. I do prefer the Caribbean over the Pacific/Mexico cruises. My teenagers probably prefer the Caribbean over Alaska. My youngest just loves to stay onboard and enjoy the activites & food!

Part of the fun is planning and thinking about the cruise! Good luck with your plans!

Rose Pink · May 6, 2007, 06:55 PM

Thanks for the suggestions and ideas. Looks like I may be expanding my search to include Europe! But first we need a new kitchen, and then a new car and and and and and I'm still trying to talk DH out of buying a motor home. Should I start with just leaving cruise brochures around the house?

April 30, 2007, 09:20 AM	#1
Rose Pink TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,915	Help w/cruise choice DH and I enjoyed our Alaskan cruise very much. Now I am thinking about cruising again in a couple of years (it takes me a loooong time to plan). I can't decide whether the Pacific-side cruise down the Mexican Riviera would be nice or whether it would be better to take one of the cruises down the Atlantic (Caribbean) side. And if we choose the eastern side, there are so many different choices in itineraries. I'm not even close to picking a cruise line or ship (so don't need any responses re that); still am in the "where to go" stage of planning. I think I'd like to visit some Mayan ruins. I don't want to just sit around on a ship eating high caloric food watching fat people stuffed into too-small bathing suits--as entertaining as that can be. I want to visit some places with history or interesting architecture and gardens. I love gardens. When we cruised Alaska we visited the gardens in Juneau (and the glacier, too, of course). Eventually, we might be able to do more cruises and maybe even the Panama Canal but for now, if you could only choose one cruise based on the info above, which would you choose and why. (Please limit your answers to 200 words, double-spaced. *Just kidding!*)

May 2, 2007, 01:06 PM	#9
fnewman TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Dublin, GA Posts: 730 Resorts: Club Sunterra *Cypress Pointe I* Powhatan Plantation *San Luis Bay Inn*	The other negative for the European cruises is the extremely high cost of any pre- and post-cruise hotels - even considering the exchange rate they seem to be outrageous! __________________ Frank Newman

May 4, 2007, 10:39 PM	#10
charford TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Minnesota Posts: 488 Resorts: Smugglers Notch DVC	I wouldn't dismiss the European cruises. They can be on a par with the Caribbean cruises on a per person, per night basis. There is quite a range in the number of nights for different cruises. They range from 2 nights up to 14 in the Mediterranean or other European destinations. Airfare will definitely be more expensive though. But, say the airfare is $500 more each. Is it better to spend less to go somewhere which is more beach oriented or $1000 more (for two) to go somewhere with more history and architecture? I'm going on a Mediterranean cruise next summer. The cost of the cruise (per night per person) was about the same as a Caribbean cruise on the same cruiseline, same class of ship, same timeframe. Last edited by charford : May 6, 2007 at 01:40 PM. Reason: I said Caribbean when I meant to say Mediterranean

May 6, 2007, 01:37 AM	#11
LAX Mom TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 7, 05 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 1,152 Resorts: Marriott Summit Watch	I've done about 13 cruises in the past ten years (most before I discovered timeshares four years ago).....Alaska, California costal/Mexico, Panama Canal, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe & British Isles/Norwegian Fjords. My favorite would be the British Isles/Norwegian Fjords last summer. It was London (Dover) round-trip and I got hotels in London for around $80 per night on Priceline. It was perfect- a couple of nights in London, theater tickets (I love Les Mis!!) and then we took the train to Dover for the cruise. We had stops in Ireland/Scotland/Northern Ireland/Norway & Denmark. The Fjords were amazing!! It was 14 nights, but well worth the trip! I loved each port!! We stayed one night in London at the end. A close second would be the Northern Europe cruise...Estonia, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Olso, Copenhagen, & some other smaller ports. Great itinerary and it's a reasonable way to visit all these expensive cities. The cost of lodgings & food is so high that a cruise is actually a very smart way to explore this area. Alaska cruises are great, I think I've done four of them. Weather can be a factor in Alaska. We had one beautiful sunny cruise, one that rained the entire time and two that were a combination. The Alaska cruises are very different from the Caribbean and I prefer Alaska. Different atmosphere, different passengers, and the ports are completely different. I do prefer the Caribbean over the Pacific/Mexico cruises. My teenagers probably prefer the Caribbean over Alaska. My youngest just loves to stay onboard and enjoy the activites & food! Part of the fun is planning and thinking about the cruise! Good luck with your plans! __________________ Lisa Lacrosse/Football Mom "It takes a long time to grow young." Pablo Picasso Last edited by LAX Mom : May 6, 2007 at 01:40 AM.

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April 30, 2007, 11:19 AM	#2
geekette Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,760	We are doing the Western Carribean to include the ruins. going from Galveston (family there, so we can drive down, drop off the doggie for free lodging). Royal Carribean offers a couple routes and we're taking the one that include Cozumel and Progresso and a stop in Honduras. If all goes according to plan, we will be in Mexico come January. Good luck - so many places, such a tough decision!!

April 30, 2007, 11:48 AM	#3
nightnurse613 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,313 Resorts: Villas of Sedona (2), Ridge at Sedona Golf, THE Club	What about a repositioning cruise going from the east coast to the west coast? I hear they can be relatively cheap and you might get the best of both worlds. I don't know anything about itineraries or the such. Just a thought.

April 30, 2007, 05:23 PM	#4
Neesie TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jul 11, 05 Location: Minnesota Posts: 352 Resorts: Discovery Beach in Cocoa Beach, FL	Somone on another board mentioned that the best part of cruising was when the ship made a stop. Afterwards he wondered why he bothered with the ship at all. How many mayan ruins can you explore while on a ship? Maybe one?

May 1, 2007, 09:01 AM	#5
Rose Pink TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,915	All good things to consider. Thank you, all, for your great replies!

May 1, 2007, 01:53 PM	#7
Rose Pink TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,915	Dave, I would love to go on one of those cruises or just tour the areas but I think it would cost more than we can spend (at least until the house is paid for, etc.). I thought Mexico or the Caribbean would be more affordable but, to tell the truth, I haven't really checked to see what the difference in cost would be. Assuming airfare would add significantly if we cannot find a compatable Delta FF flight.

May 1, 2007, 01:57 PM	#8
Dave M Moderator TUG Lifetime Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 16, 04 Location: Sun City Hilton Head, SC Posts: 11,351	Yes, it would definitely cost more - for the cruise and for the airfare. Typical cruises are 10-12 days, adding to the cost, although there are some great cruises, especially in the Mediterranean, for seven days. Most European cruises are during the summer, peak time for airline ticket prices.

May 6, 2007, 06:55 PM	#12
Rose Pink TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,915	Thanks for the suggestions and ideas. Looks like I may be expanding my search to include Europe! But first we need a new kitchen, and then a new car and and and and and I'm still trying to talk DH out of buying a motor home. Should I start with just leaving cruise brochures around the house?