Cruises ( Caribbean)

Surprised to find almost no information here regarding cruises.
In-laws raved about the cruise they did last year and now we are thinking of spending Xmas away on a cruise ship in the caribbean.
Never been on a cruise so slightly out of my comfort zone... and I am the one booking.

I am researching at the moment and found that you have good ships, great ships and unaffordable ships. I seem to be unable to find any negative reviews on the unaffordable ships, but still I am not paying 8K/person for a 1.5 week holiday. For the good and great ships there is a lot of good feedback, but also quite a few bad reviews, which makes me nervous. Right now I hope it is from people that will always have something to complain and that the ships are actually great.

The ship in question is the Constellation ( Celebrity Cruises) and I hope someone on our favorite forum has been on it.. To give the picture, us , a couple in their (late) thirties with my in-laws ( 55-ish) and my GF's sister (27). I would be expecting the following from a cruise. To have a reasonably comfortable cabin ( big enough bed, not too much noise, airco and a clean bathroom), to have good and varied food ( I do understand though that there are limits to the star quality of food on board a ship- but I do expect not to get food poisoning), to be able to lie out on loungers in the sun near a pool, having a few bars with not too expensive drinks ( not more expenisve than here) and some entertainment in the form of a show or cinema etc. Furthermore I wish to be treated as normal guest, service needs to be friendly , but not fake or over the top.

Anyone been on it recently and could tell me if I would be expecting too much ?

Spent 9 days of my honeymoon 2 years ago on a cruise in the Caribbean. It was recommended by the travel agent (who is a freind of mine) but I was still slightly worried about it as I had this image of the "blue rinse" brigade, and dodgy meals with string chips.

Went with a company called Royal Carribean Cruises on The Navigator of The Seas ship. (3,000 passengers with 2,000 staff). This was definitely the highlight of our honeymoon- an unreal experience, and I will certainly be using this company for another cruise in the next year or two.

The quality of everything on board was 5star, cabins (go for a junior suite if you can as it is well worth the money), food (6 different restuarants- but the main dining room seated 1,500 people for dinner which was excellent), facilities- ice skating rink, cinema/theatre, shops, casino, gym & spa all on board. Overall it was like floating on a 5star hotel.

I can't remember how much we actually paid but somewhere approx. €3k each which was in a Junior suite. I would certainly recommend Royal Caribbean Cruises. Best of luck with your trip in any event

Harry,

We have just booked a 7 day cruise for 1st June 2008 to the western caribbean with Royal Caribbean (RC). Went with them last year on a 4 day to see if we liked it. We loved it. That one was on Majesty of the Seas which is rated 3.5 star. Next years is on Mariner of the Seas which is rated 5 star and i cant wait.

Everything you mention in your query should be to your satisfaction. The cabins are fine ample room cleaned to perfection. The food is fantastic and endless. You can literally eat from one end of the day to the other if u wish. There are also options as to where you can eat. i.e. casual or more formal.

Drinks last year cost about $4 for a bottle of Bud which is much cheaper than at home.

Because we booked before end of July the cost of next years cruise was €650 per person. That is for an inside cabin. I think about €800 for seaview. Believe me you will spend very little time in your cabin.

Our cruise brings us to Haiti, Jamaica, Caymen Islands and Mexico.

The ship has 12 bars I think and three or four different entertainment areas where there will be top class shows every night. It includes an ice rink and a mini golf course.

We are in our mid 50s but I can assure you that all ages are catered for.

If you want any information pm me and I'll give you any advice I can.

I would also recommend that you look at the site "Cruise Critic" where you will get reviews on any cruise ship you want.

Regards,

Frank