Expert: Linda - 3/15/2007

Question
Thank you Linda.  We are from 28-45.  We are graduating from Grad school and are going on the cruise to celebrate and relax.  The only problem is that most of my classmates wanted a shorter cruise. A newer ship would have been nice.  

Regarding the stingrays, Crocodile Hunter was killed by one.  How safe would swimming with them be?  Great food and a fun time is high on the list for us.  Is there another choice for a price w/o airfare for $530.00. What are the best months to go on a cruise in terms of good weather for sailing on the water.
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Hi Linda,

A group of us are cruising on the Carnival 'Imagination' to Key West, Ocho Rios, and Grand Cayman. It is a five day cruise. Can you tell me ,in your opinion, what we can expect from the cruise and these locations? Thank you.
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That's a tough question because you didn't tell me your age or interests, but here goes.
Key West is wonderful! If you're into water sports, there's plenty.  I suggest the "Conch Train" for the first thing you do (don't need to do it on the ship, you just walk off the ship, go to the left about 100 ft and there is Mallory Sqare you can book your own when YOU want to go)  It's great to see Key West and have everything explained; THEN you get off the train, go to Sloppy Joe's (right across from the Conch Train Station) and have a drink, listen to a guy on a guitar and decide what you want to go back and see.  The Arocha?, Shopping?, Drinking? Eatin'?  Go back to Hemmingways house? or rent a bike/motorbike and do your own thing.  Want cheap leather thongs/sandals?  Ask for directions to Keno's factory (I have 10 pair cause" I can't wear out the darn things.  ($7.00/$8.00/pr) Ocho Rios:  gotta do Dunn's River Falls.  Many choices there, you just need to decide whether you want to swim, tour or what else with Dunns River.  DO take a pair of OLD sneakers, wear them on the climb, then throw away.  It is COLD water (remember though, anything under 89 to me is cold, being fro Florida).  Don't wear your jewelry, leave in your room safe.  If young, you WILL be approached to buy drugs!  Don't do it...not worth it! OK, onto Grand Cayman, you MUST swim with the stingrays, do NOT book from the ship, WAY too many people on the boats.  Book with Captain Marvin (you can google him).  Less expensive, only 12 15 people on his boat, makes a stop to snorkle on the Great Barrier reef, we used him on recommendations of other cruisers and were TOTALLY happy. We have pics of us kissing the darn things and also bought the video for $40.00  We brought it home, made copies and sent to the others on our trip.  OK, now for the ship.  The Imagination is not new nor one of Carnivals finest, but NONE of the cruise lines put their newest on the shorter cruises.  That being said, it's fine for cruising, cabins are OK as well.  Service you may not find what you have on the 7 day cruises as those that are just starting with the line start on the shorter cruises.  If you told me you wanted the SHIP to be your "destination", I'd tell you take a 7 day cruise...If you want to have a great vacation and enjoy some great islands, then you've chosen a great trip.  Please ask me if you have any further questions.

Linda

Answer
There are always a chance of a freak accident; which is what the stingray attack was.  There are thousands of people DAILY that swim with the rays with no problem.  One difference is these rays have been there for a long time and are used to people. You respect them, them is no problem.  You will ALL love Key West to just layback, throw back a few (or few dozen)it's got something for everyone.
You're never going to see these people again; you're going to be WAY too busy paying off student loans and when they're paid, you'll be able to afford a 7 day cruise; so just go, let it all hang out and have a great time.  No worries about drinking and driving :) For weather, if you don't want to roast, go before June and if you don't want a bunch of mini-munchkins running around, go before school is out for the summer. Temps will be in the 80's.  For price, did you try Cruise Brothers?  Since the cruise lines are booking their own now, there's not as much competition, but some TA's will throw in a bottle of wine, fruit or something.  Also check out travelzoo.com.  The other thing to consider is you MAY be able to get a "group" rate depending on how many are going.  Cruise lines differ, but for X number of cabins you get 1 cabin free.  (The person doing all the booking usually takes that cabin, or you can use the $ to have a cocktail party onboard)  I think the min. is 10.  As for the food, I think the most important thing is to remember.  If you don't like it....order something else...if you DO like it and want more..ORDER it.  TWO entrees?  YEP, more lobster tails?  Say so.  4 desserts...OK.  For you all, I would choose late seating for dinner as groups tend to spend a bit more time at the tables.  Early seating is more rushed since there is a group behind you.  Also remember.ROOM SERVICE.  Order from their menu, it's free....just tip the delivery person a buck or 2.  

Anything else?  Just ask