No frills cruise to Caribbean
Jan 18, 2011, 3:08 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: TPA
Programs: Hilton Gold, DL DIrt Medallion
Posts: 38,267
Carnival is generally the least expensive of the major lines, but I wouldn't call them "no frills". Look for something in September for the absolute cheapest fares.
Jan 18, 2011, 5:29 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SBA
Programs: Delta, United, HAL Mariners Society-3 star, Travel Century Club Member (102 countries visited)
Posts: 335
Parents might like an inside cabin on a Holland America Lines ship - the larger the HAL ship the less expensive, and even the lowest priced HAL inside cabins are quite spacious.
There is no hard sell while onboard HAL ships, lots of free things to enjoy during sea days, good food, lovely traditional setting, quiet crowds and plenty of private places throughout the ship to enjoy, with the best ship's library on the high seas.
Here is a good one starting at $549 a person: http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-c...oyageCode=W116
There is no hard sell while onboard HAL ships, lots of free things to enjoy during sea days, good food, lovely traditional setting, quiet crowds and plenty of private places throughout the ship to enjoy, with the best ship's library on the high seas.
Here is a good one starting at $549 a person: http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-c...oyageCode=W116
Jan 18, 2011, 7:33 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Full time Nomad
Posts: 842
There are "no frills" lines.
Thomson (Island Cruises) is a " no-frills" line. I've seen the ships in port, and it seems to be a popular Brittish line.
Can I ask, what is their per person budget? Are they flying or driving?
You might be able to get more than you think!
Can I ask, what is their per person budget? Are they flying or driving?
You might be able to get more than you think!
Jan 18, 2011, 8:32 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LGA - JFK
Programs: UA, AA, DL, B6, CX, KE, Latitude, VIFP, Crown & Anchor, etc.
Posts: 2,589
There are good reasons for low fares by cruising in late Summer - it's peak season for hurricane from August thru October - in addition, kids/teens/college crowds are mostly gone. Ports might be skipped & ships diverted and/or rocking & rolling out on high seas.
Plan accordingly with the given risks and enjoy cruising.
Plan accordingly with the given risks and enjoy cruising.
Jan 18, 2011, 8:46 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
I am not sure what the per person budget is, but I don't think cost will be the deciding factor. They are looking for something that is basic, more like a ferry than a floating hotel. Obviously they will be sleeping and eating on board, but they don't want a casino, shows, etc.
Jan 18, 2011, 9:23 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
Discovery Cruises sails from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale) to the Bahamas:
http://www.discoverycruiseline.com/
http://www.discoverycruiseline.com/
Jan 19, 2011, 2:11 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 440
easyCruise did a couple of seasons in the Caribbean but, although nothing official has been released, look like they have ceased operations. They were a true "no-frills" operation, with half-board included and long-days in port. Definitely a floating base from which to explore rather than a floating resort.
What about Windstar? They'd never called themselves "no-frills" but if they want comfortable accommodation with nice facilities, but without theatres and casinos, it could be what they are looking for.
Mark
Jan 23, 2011, 5:48 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: FLL
Programs: AA Gold, DL Gold, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold, too many cruise programs to list
Posts: 655
While they keep trying to market themselves as a premium line, I'd call MSC a "no frills" line. I put them below Carnival in terms of service and definitely cabin/food quality, but they are inexpensive. Just be very careful to especially avoid school holidays, as they have "kids sail free" promotions, and only run 1/3 of the children's program at any given time, so 2/3 of the children onboard have no organized programming.
On the upside, their entertainment is quite good.
On the upside, their entertainment is quite good.
Feb 13, 2011, 9:09 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,173
NCL SKY
we got this ship for free through Harrah's casino promotion, only paid taxes for a balcony on back to back cruises from 12/26- 1/2
they have 3 and 4 day bahama cruises and are the cheapest of the NCL cruises...they will like the small ship size, and the eat when you like freestyle dining..the ship does have a casino and shows but they dont have to partake......I agree timing is important dont let them go in march/april unless they want to be joined by drunken spring breakers...sept-nov is also undesirable due to possible weather issues. Food is ok but no frills in comparison with other cruiselines...cabins are small but are as nice as any of the other main lines.
they have 3 and 4 day bahama cruises and are the cheapest of the NCL cruises...they will like the small ship size, and the eat when you like freestyle dining..the ship does have a casino and shows but they dont have to partake......I agree timing is important dont let them go in march/april unless they want to be joined by drunken spring breakers...sept-nov is also undesirable due to possible weather issues. Food is ok but no frills in comparison with other cruiselines...cabins are small but are as nice as any of the other main lines.