Expert: Linda - 2/6/2008

Question
Hi, my fiance and I are thinking of going on the Carnival Triump leaving from Miami April 19th as part of our honeymoon. Can you tell me where the ship leaves from in Miami(we're from Ireland)and is it worth it? This would be our first cruise. Thanks a million, Leigh.

Answer
Leigh, first of all, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  I'm not sure what you mean by is it "worth it".  I'll try to cover all bases.

I'm guessing you're coming to the US for your honeymoon....good choice as you'll get a lot more for your money here, than we do when we come to Ireland.

The triumph is a beautiful ship, we've been on her twice.  You don't say whether you're going on the Eastern or Western route, both are really different.

Here's what's great about a cruise....especially for honeymooners. First, you unpack and that's the last decision you make for a WEEK!  You can always find something to eat, or order room service..FREE, no extra charge.  Want 3 steaks?  OK, so eat em...no extra charge.  You will see different ports and not have to drive, fly, stand in line.  You can do everything, or nothing.  don't want to go ashore?  So stay on the ship and go to the hot tub with a beer and relax.  Want to dance all night...OK, you can do that on a ship.  On land, you must decide where to eat and when to eat, and then find a way to get there and if you drive, you shouldn't drink, then if you don't like the food....you're stuck, hungry and still paying for it.

I don't know what else you're planning on doing, but I think a cruise is a great idea!

We got to see a tiny bit of your lovely country last year on a cruise.  We saw Dublin, Kinsale and of course a trip to the Blarney castle.  Your country is beautiful, but WOW, really expensive!

The other cruise line you might check on is the Royal Caribbean cruise line, great ships also.  If you look, stay with the Navigator or newer ships.

Also, go to cruisecritic.com, you'll need to join to post, but it's free and then you can navigate to the cruise lines then to the message boards and post questions there as well.

Leigh, have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon and please ask any questions you'd like to ask!

Linda