Expert: Curtis Thorsen - 4/13/2002

Question
Hello Curtis, My girlfriend and I ,both healthy and in our early fiftes will be going on a seven day Bahamma cruise (my second cruise her first) in the middle of June.We would like some recommendations on places to see,what upgrades are worthy(we would like to have a balcony attached to our room)and any other tips to make this cruise memorable.Also, an estimate of cost would be helpfull and any information on what makes one cruise line better than another. I know this is asking for a lot of information but we would appreciate any help you can offer.Sincerely D.R.Armstrong

Answer
Well Dale, your question is going to require a lengthy bit of detail, but due to my time restraints on answering the many questions I am asked from All Experts.com, I will be very brief and to the point.

First of all, all cruiselines have their pluses and minuses....i.e. RCCL = good food, good entertainment, and good service. Carnival - good to better food, excellent entertainment and fair to good service. Celebrity = excellent food, fair entertainment and excellent service. Princess - good food, good entertainment, excellent service.
Holland America = good food (but can be bland), fair entertainment, and excellent service (no tipping required).

Regarding Cabins w/ Balconies, pricing will be very similiar with all cruiselines (except Holland America as their balcony cabins are suites) as this is peak season for cruising and since many ships are in Alaska at this time, the # of balconies that are available for a caribbean sailimg are reduced thus commanding higher rates. Cabin sizes will vary depending on the ship and cruiseline but will range from 170 - 220 sq. ft -plus- approx 40 sq. ft. of balcony space.

As for the itinerary, the Bahamas (Nassau) will only be offered on the 7 night eastern caribbean itinerary along with usually St, Thomas, St. Maarten and St. Croix. (or possibly a private island depending on cruiseline) and 2 days at sea. These are great ports of call for shopping, sightseeing and also water sports. I think that you will find the western caribbean more geared to water sports and sightseeing, but not as shopping intense. Ports of Call to the western caribbean in general will be to Cozumel, Grand Caymen, Ocho Rios and 3 days at sea. Eastern and western caribbean itineraries will usually depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa.

Please keep in mind that along with being the peak season and higher rates when you are seeking to sail, comes the more children onboard issue that some of our clients frown on. WIth all the activities and programs offered on cruise ships for children of all ages, I have never had a problem sailing at this time, but some do.

If you would like me to assist you in the booking of your cruise and research rates for you more in depth, I will be happy to do so for you.

Safe Travels.........

Curtis Thorsen
President
Cruise & Resort Connection, Inc.
office - 912-654-1072
email - fun2cruiz@aol.com