Thinking about going on a cruise
Jul 10, 2007 | 7:27 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 106
cruisecritic is your best bet for complete answers. Be aware that there are fanatics for each line that will try and convince you that XXX line is best, but if you do enough research you and your family should have a wonderful experience.
Jul 11, 2007 | 2:27 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM, former NW PE
Posts: 934
I don't count cruises, I count days. Have been 440 days at sea at present. Will have another 15 in December. That will make it over 15 months - all since 1999. Longest stretch at one time was 47 days. Shortest stretch has been some 7 day cruises.
Jul 11, 2007 | 3:34 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: ABQ
Programs: SPEBSQSA
Posts: 3,797
I've only been on a couple of cruises, but I'll add something. If you are going for the sake of specific ports, check the amount of time the ship happens to be in the port, and subtract 1-2 hours (disembarking/embarking.)
Being in port for 6-hours seems like plenty of time, but it passes very fast.
Being in port for 6-hours seems like plenty of time, but it passes very fast.
Jul 11, 2007 | 8:24 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: More than I care to have, but never the ones I need.
Posts: 291
Also, if you really want to stay at a port longer, some of the 10+ day cruises will stay in port over night. Giving you two days to do whatever you want.
Jul 11, 2007 | 11:32 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,811
Holy moly. Well then you no doubt know far better than me that cruise lines, vessels and itineraries are as diverse as hotels, and there are very few valid generalizations.
Jul 12, 2007 | 4:22 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM, former NW PE
Posts: 934
Have done the cruise-by and will be doing a trip with Zodiac landings this winter/summer (depending on your hemisphere). Already picked up some of the clothing I'll need at outdoor outfitters spring/summer sales (where last year's winter gear went on sale).
Jul 28, 2007 | 3:01 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alexandria VA, Washington, DC or Pick 5
Programs: UA 1P, Hertz 5*, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,064
I would gently contest almost all of this post and wonder how many cruises Mill Creek Don himself has done. (We've only done one but we're planning our next and pay attention to friends' experiences!) We just had overseas relations do a 7-day Princess cruise on a very large ship, the Golden Princess, that worked out well in every way. At no point did they feel they were "part of a LARGE herded group" -- they never queued for anything. As for the "additional costs," except for tips they are all optional. This is like complaining about a luxury hotel because bar bills and spa visits aren't included in the room rate.