New to Cruises... Need advice
#16
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,415
Many things on a cruise are determined by staff & by other passengers, so I can totally see that having one great counselor, passenger composition, staff ratios etc could be a big deal on a trip. We don't have kids so it's not something I've ever researched - but there are reviews upon reviews on this topic, so read up if it's going to be a component of your cruise!! ( we tend to actively cruise off-season and/or away from "family destinations" to limit the number of kids on board, so....I really have no good advice on this topic other than do your research - but I'd say that for any reason :-)
#17
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum; Amex Plat; Four Seasons; Fairmont; HH; etc.; "Retirees-In-Training"
Posts: 658
GC
#18
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NorCal
Posts: 658
At $1800, you're more in the "mass market" range. Holland and Celebrity are known to be on the upper end of the mass market lines. However, I just learned that there's quite a bit of upselling on Celebrity. I find that uncouth for a line with their claimed image. Accordingly, I'd recommend Princess (their history and culture is of the classic British liner, like a cheaper Cunard) or Disney. Yes, Disney. They occasionally sail the Mediterranean. They have adult only areas. If you've seen their theme park prices, especially compared to other companies, you know they're premium. However, they know how to do the small and luxury details that sets a 4/5 star hotel apart from a new 3 star.
I'm booked on a Norwegian, but I'm sorry, IMO, Carnival and Norwegian are slumming it.
Yes, I would definitely reach our direct with your IATA card.
As a backup, Vacationstogo is a good place to get an overview on price. Cruisecompete.com is good as well.
I'm booked on a Norwegian, but I'm sorry, IMO, Carnival and Norwegian are slumming it.
Yes, I would definitely reach our direct with your IATA card.
As a backup, Vacationstogo is a good place to get an overview on price. Cruisecompete.com is good as well.
#19
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GRR
Programs: Delta Plat & Million Miler
Posts: 1,375
Deals
Another vote for cruisecritic here
What month are you looking at?
If you are looking for mid range, Princess can be a good bet. I think they have some nice outside cabins in your price range.
What month are you looking at?
If you are looking for mid range, Princess can be a good bet. I think they have some nice outside cabins in your price range.
#20
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 71
First time cruisers should be aware that ships can move front to back and side to side so try to book a cabin mid ships on a lower deck. That placement provides the smoothest ride.
Also be aware that gratuities are not generally included in your fare. Celebrity does offer promotions from time to time that could include gratuities and/or internet and/or onboard credit (OBC). Travel agents often offer additional perks. This applies to each passenger in the cabin.
The Med cruises are very port intensive with costly shore excursions. Use the Ports of Call forums to use recommended tour operators. They can not only access the major sites but do so with fewer passengers so you get to see more in a more comfortable setting.
Absolutely plan on arriving a day, or more, before you sail and heed the advice about booking return flights. Some of the Med airports are almost an hour from a cruise port. Plan on at least three hours preflight at the airport.
Also be aware that gratuities are not generally included in your fare. Celebrity does offer promotions from time to time that could include gratuities and/or internet and/or onboard credit (OBC). Travel agents often offer additional perks. This applies to each passenger in the cabin.
The Med cruises are very port intensive with costly shore excursions. Use the Ports of Call forums to use recommended tour operators. They can not only access the major sites but do so with fewer passengers so you get to see more in a more comfortable setting.
Absolutely plan on arriving a day, or more, before you sail and heed the advice about booking return flights. Some of the Med airports are almost an hour from a cruise port. Plan on at least three hours preflight at the airport.
#21
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Mileage Plus
Posts: 186
About middle of the ship lower cabins, that's good advice on minimizing motion which for some people will be an issue, even a seriously unpleasant issue. However, higher decks can have nicer views and cabins at the ends rather than the middle of the ship can be significantly cheaper. So for different folks, different preferences.
#22
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
#24
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Wow! Just saw some of the prices so I guess my idea of luxury is around $1,800 for a 7 night cruise around the Med! Any suggestions what ship I should be looking for? Ideally want a sea view cabin and not one of those inner rooms without a view.
Got a quote of $1,700 per AD and $649 per child on NORWEGIAN EPIC ship from a TA But a quick look at CC website suggests this is a horrible ship.
Got a quote of $1,700 per AD and $649 per child on NORWEGIAN EPIC ship from a TA But a quick look at CC website suggests this is a horrible ship.
#25
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Gold, DL MM 8/22/16!
Posts: 2,563
On Discount Cruises, Last Minute Cruises, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruise Vacation I can see a Barcelona-Barcelona 7 night May 13 Norwegian Epic per person:
Suite $1122
Balcony $977
Oceanview $977
Inside $734
I think the above are senior rates, since that is what I am and I'd have to unset it. But you get the idea.
I did look up the smallest suite (and that is what you'd get at the above rates). Stateroom: 189 sq.ft., Balcony: 56 sq.ft. Wash basin still in the room.
I agree it isn't a pretty ship, but I enjoyed it, washbasin in the room nonetheless. A 14 night transatlantic. And I had a bottom of the boat inside cabin.
One note - with taxes and tips and such, you do end up paying somewhat more no matter what that initial quote is.
Suite $1122
Balcony $977
Oceanview $977
Inside $734
I think the above are senior rates, since that is what I am and I'd have to unset it. But you get the idea.
I did look up the smallest suite (and that is what you'd get at the above rates). Stateroom: 189 sq.ft., Balcony: 56 sq.ft. Wash basin still in the room.
I agree it isn't a pretty ship, but I enjoyed it, washbasin in the room nonetheless. A 14 night transatlantic. And I had a bottom of the boat inside cabin.
One note - with taxes and tips and such, you do end up paying somewhat more no matter what that initial quote is.
Last edited by Romelle; Feb 2, 2018 at 6:57 am
#26
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum; Amex Plat; Four Seasons; Fairmont; HH; etc.; "Retirees-In-Training"
Posts: 658
Have you read about the bathrooms/llayout on Epic?
A different critter entirely, odd lack of privacy in many ways.
(Many people bring along extra supplies, e.g., shower curtains, to help with privacy.)
It's not a "size matters" situation.
GC
A different critter entirely, odd lack of privacy in many ways.
(Many people bring along extra supplies, e.g., shower curtains, to help with privacy.)
It's not a "size matters" situation.
GC
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
Some great advice above. Appreciate it.
#28
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Oh lord. Peak of the peak season when all of Europe goes on vacation. Truth is 9 to 11 day cruises are more common than 7 day cruises and anything below that are less common than hens’ teeth.
#29
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 71
OP,
Perhaps one of the European lines might have a 5 night offering. Something out of Athens to the isles would be my first guess. The US carriers will not do a 5 night unless it is a lead up tp a repositioning cruise or inaugural seasonal sailing. That would not affect an August sailing.
Have you spoken to a cruise travel agent? You should. A good travel agent will find the most fitting itinerary and ship and clearly lay out all the costs, obvious and hidden.
The last week of August is going to be pricy in addition to challenging once on shore.
Once again I strongly recommend you arrive at or near your port of embarkation at least a day prior to sailing. I would make the same recommendation for a US based passenger emarking from a US port.
What do you other traveling companions want?
Perhaps one of the European lines might have a 5 night offering. Something out of Athens to the isles would be my first guess. The US carriers will not do a 5 night unless it is a lead up tp a repositioning cruise or inaugural seasonal sailing. That would not affect an August sailing.
Have you spoken to a cruise travel agent? You should. A good travel agent will find the most fitting itinerary and ship and clearly lay out all the costs, obvious and hidden.
The last week of August is going to be pricy in addition to challenging once on shore.
Once again I strongly recommend you arrive at or near your port of embarkation at least a day prior to sailing. I would make the same recommendation for a US based passenger emarking from a US port.
What do you other traveling companions want?
#30
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,287
I have never been on a cruise. Ask me about flights and I will give you the low down on everything but know absolutely nothing about cruises. We are 3 couples and looking at a 7 day cruise around the Mediterranean. Two rooms will need to have space for a kids bed (is that possible on a cruise liner?)
- What is the best ship? We are looking at the luxury liners.
- I have a IATA card so is it worth contacting the companies direct for a TA discount?
- Any suggested itineraries?
- What is the best way to book as I have read that discounts can vary hugely.
Any advice would be appreciated.
- What is the best ship? We are looking at the luxury liners.
- I have a IATA card so is it worth contacting the companies direct for a TA discount?
- Any suggested itineraries?
- What is the best way to book as I have read that discounts can vary hugely.
Any advice would be appreciated.