Expert: Linda - 1/28/2007

Question
Hi Linda,
We've never been on a cruise. We have 2 high school boys and were thinking of going on a cruise for about 4 days during Easter break. We live in MD. What and where would you suggest?
Thank you,
susan

Answer
Here's my opinion.  First, go Carnival or Royal Caribbean,they have the best programs for teens.  With only 4 days, you will be only able to do either a short Western Caribbean, or to the Bahamas.  Easter is a bit more expensive because it's prime time or "season" for cruising.  Choosing a cabin:  think about what's important to you.  If you're not going to be in the cabin except to sleep, then an inside is the least expensive.  if the kids want to have a good time, but you want to sit and relax, read a book, have a drink....then you want a balcony.  Total peace and quiet, listening to the sea and the waves, reading a book...if you think an inside room would be claustrophobic, but don't really care for a balcony, then do an outside room WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION.  You'll see cabins that have "obstructions" stay away from those.  Take the largest ship available and the newest one.  You may want to consider also NCL line.  On the short cruises, the kids can really wear just a dress shirt and tie, no need for a suit.   Just from a personal standpoint, consider a 7 day cruise; you're spending a chunk of change to fly here,which is a good cost.  If I had the choice, I'd rather take a less expensive cabin and go for 7 days.  You are only just starting to relax on a 3-4 day and it's time to pack again.  There's also more choices for ports on a 7 day.  For a first cruise I'd choose the Eastern Caribbean if you like sun, water related activities, great weather, lots to do.  Remember, you will need passports, get them now if you don't already have them.  You'll need pics,  birth certificate to apply.  No matter what you choose, you'll have a great time.  The difference in a 7 day Eastern is the Eastern is usually San Juan....great place to explore; St Thomas, wonderful beaches, snorkel, swim plus great duty free shopping.  Then if RCCL, private island, great for all kinds of water related activities,picnic, swimming, drinks on the beach.  If Western Caribbean, is usually Key West (fun place), Cozumel, great water sports, Playa del Carmen, ditto, Grand Cayman, swimming with the stingrays.  For a first cruise, I would not suggest  a cruise that stops at Jamaica.

I also suggest, if you can, flying in the day ahead of time to eliminate the stress of flight being delayed or cancelled.  To stay at a hotel, my suggestion is PRICELINE.COM.  Only caveat is if you do NOT stay at the hotel, you are still charged!  If you're leaving out of Miami port, then choose "Downtown" Miami.  If you leave out of Ft. Laud, choose "Beach" or "airport".  If you're sure of your plans, you can start now and bid $80, if that's not accepted, you'll need to wait 3 days, then you can put in $90.  

I hope this has been helpful.  Ask away if you have more questions.
Linda