In November we are booked to take another cruise and because we enjoy cruising so much, I'd like to find out who else we might have cruising in common with.
Have you ever been on a cruise, if so, how many?
I've been on 9
How long was the cruise?
The longest cruise we've taken has been 14 nights
Where did the cruise go?
We've been to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii
What kind of cabin do you book and why?
We've booked inside, outside, balcony, mini suites, and suites - of course a suite is fabulous but the longer the cruise the more expensive the cabin so most of the time we will book at least a balcony
What do you like about a cruise vacation?
Doing as much or as little as you like, it's perfect for a family vacation with multiple generations as there is something for everyone.
What cruise lines have you cruised with?
Carnival (1)
Commodore (they are no longer in business) (1)
Holland America (3)
Celebrity (3)
Norwegian Cruise line (1)
What is your favorite cruise line and why?
Holland America followed by Celebrity - Holland America because of it's older client base and quiet atmosphere along with the fabulous Indonesian Staff. Celebrity because we love the ship design and entertainment.
Below is the cabin and balcony on our cruise to Hawaii (Celebrity's Infinity), this was a Concierge Class Aft Balcony. We have the same type of cabin/balcony booked for November.
Below is the Deluxe Verandah Suite we had on Holland America's Oosterdam to the Mexican Riviera and photos of the same class of cabin on HAL's Maasdam. The Deluxe Verandah Suites have access to a wide array of suite privileges that further enhance the cruise like priority embarkation/debarkation, Neptune Lounge, Concierge, priority dining seating, laundry and dry cleaning throughout the cruise is included.
Below is outside cabin on Commodore Cruise Line (there were 4 of us in this "closet" but we still had a great time. We didn't spend much time in the cabin (neither did the kids) and it suited us just fine, this was 8 years ago. The ship hit a horrible storm in the gulf coming back and the ship pitched and rocked and rolled so bad, I held onto the supports to the bunkbeds and prayed we wouldn't turn over......I was seriously scared. Our window/port hole was so near the water that during the storm it was under water the entire time.
This is a mini suite on NCL's Sun. The cabin and bathroom itself was very nice and very comfortable but the balcony was a joke for a mini suite. The balcony is the top right. We also didn't like the layout of the ship but we thought the food was good and the entertainment was enjoyable.
This is a mini suite on Holland America's Volendam, it was very comfortable. The Volendam is an older class ship but has been updated and is still a great cruise value.
I don't think I have photos of the first 2 cabins we ever cruised in. My first cruise was with a sister-is-law (that isn't anymore) and was on a Carnival ship that isn't used anymore, talk about closet, OMG!! That cabin was so small, you had to sit on the toilet to use the shower!!
My second cruise was with my family on Celebrity's Meridian (which is no longer in service) and was an inside cabin, no window, and had no more space than the one I took with my SIL.
I've had a great time on every cruise I've ever taken.
I'm just pickier about my cruises these days - I want a nicely appointed cabin and bathroom along with a decent sized covered balcony. We spend a great deal of time in our cabin and on our verandah and therefore it will make or break our cruise experience.
I'd love to hear what your cruise experiences have been like - maybe there are other lines and cabin categories I'd like to try.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Our Cruising Experiences
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6 COMMENTS:
MamaFlo,
I have never been on a cruise and would love to see more pictures! I have seen some amazing cruise ship pictures and your trips look like a blast! I own a timeshare and tend to take landbased vacations but did have one cruise booked like four years ago with an ex. We broke up so I didn't go....but the ex's ex-girlfriend did! Now how is that for scandelous! The ex got motion sickness even with the band and from what I hear, had a horrible time! I still feel like I should have been there but I guess things happen for a reason. My friends are going on a cruise to Alaska this summer! Tell us more about the destinations.
Peace,
Diva
Never been on a cruise before but I'm going on one for my honeymoon in November this year. Princess Cruises - China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.
I love this post. Thanks so much for all the information. Thanks also for the comments on my blog about the cruising. I love to cruise. So glad your going on a cruise this year. Fun Fun. I haven't been on entrecard much lately. Anyway I am putting you on my side bar as one of my favorite blogs. So glad we found eachother. Thanks Callie
I have never been on a cruise. For some reason I can't get Speed 2 out of my head when I think of cruises. But your pics make it look fun! Last vacay we took was 6 years ago to vegas
Those pictures make me *so* wish I could do a cruise soon. I've been on one, years ago, and it was really wonderful. It was on Carnival and was the 7 days Mexican Riviera cruise. Even though it was less expensive than many others, we had a fabulous time and lived grandly. This was pre-Tom, and I cannot wait until someday hopefully getting to go with him. I'm glad I did it when I was dumb enough to go off into the middle of nowhere with a non-cruiseline-affiliated guy offering horseback rides in Puerto Vallarta because I'd be too sensible and rightfully cautious now, but it really made the trip because we saw areas that you just don't usually get to see miles off the beaten path. Thank God I changed out of my dress before we left... Another story for another day.
Hi Debra "MamaFlo" -
The 'Publican and I went on the shorty cruise to the Mexican Riviera for our honeymoon (a year late!). We took the Royal Carribbean line and for the life of me, I can't remember the ship name - oh well. It was kindof 80's in decor, but the cabin was larger than I expected and the service was amazing. I'm jonesing for an Alaska cruise - heck, if you're interested, let me know. I was looking at a 10-14 day Royal Carribbean one which was reasonable - in September. Celebrity (which is owned by the same parent as Royal Carib.) also has some good Alaska cruises and then, of course, there's Holland America. Those were more expensive, but the cabins are a bit larger. The Alaska cruise season is May to late September, and I'm fine with going at the tail end of the season, after the summer rush.
Anyway - like you - I enjoy cruising and hope to do more in the future. What's especially great besides the onboard activities and shore excursions is you never have to worry about being the designated driver. I'm no lush, but I enjoyed being able to have a cocktail and just sit with my honey. *Sigh*
Thanks for the post - Alaska!
Zental Floss
~Laura
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