Expert: Linda - 7/1/2003

Question
Hi, Linda- I am trying to plan a cruise in the  caribbean next Christmas vacation with my husband (51, fit, fun, active)and three kids (14, 19, 21)...we have never cruised and have several questions...a couple of friends have recommended Carnival. My husband and I are both somewhat spoiled when it comes to vacation accomodations and like rooms that are well appointed and luxurious- but we also want a trip that will be really fun for the kids and offer lots of activities on and off the ship for their varied ages (and for us!)Have you ever cruised at Christmas? Do you recommend the western Caribbean vs Eastern or Southern? Do you recommend Carnival and any ship in particular? (None of us smoke- do they have non-smoking ships?)Is it best to book with the cruise line itself or with a discounter or travel agent? Thanks so much for your advice! Kimball

Answer
The ships are ALL beautiful at Christmas, the cruise lines go all out with decorations.  We don't cruise for Christmas, but we usually cruise the second week in Dec.  First, let's start with the cruise line. I'd choose either Carnival or Royal Caribbean because of the kids. Do NOT choose an older ship, the newer ones have the nicer cabins.  For Royal Caribbean, choose the Navigator or the Mariner. Carnival, I'd choose the Pride, Glory or there is another one that's also new.  The Paradise is smoke free, but unless one of you are allergic to the smoke, I'd choose one of the newest ships over the Paradise. On ALL ships, there is no smoking in dining rooms or show lounges.  In areas allowing smoking, it's on one side of the ship only.  I'm going to assume you'll have 2 cabins, one for you and hubby and one for the kids.  To save a bit of $, I'd get a mini suite (all come with balcony) then an inside room across from me for the kids.  If you choose the Navigator, I'd go for the mini suite and inside cabin as well.  The Navigator has the rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, in-line skating, minature golf course,etc. Carnival has a better game room.  The choice would be tough, if the kids come first, then Carnival, if I was a bit selfish, I'd go for the Navigator as she has more sophisticated areas for adults; wine bar, french pastry shop, a great English pub.Be sure to get the brochure for both lines and have the kids and you and hubby read them over. Go for the Eastern for your first cruise.  The Western is nice, but visits Jamaica which is a poor country.  Teens report being asked to buy drugs and the vendors on shore are very pushy.  For ports, I also feel the Navigator has it over Carnival.  They have their own island with a water park, kayaks, wave runners, bars, barbeques, para-sailing, snorkel etc.  Since this is your first cruise and you'll have MANY questions, be careful who you book your cruise through.Some of the internet ones you can't speak to a "person", it's all done by e mail.  KIMS KRUISES is excellent, good service, gets great reviews on the cruise sites.  We use the owner of Galaxsea cruises for our cruises, his name is John.  web site is www.galaxsea.com, Johns e-mail is john@galaxsea.com.  Another is anchors away cruises.  www.anchorsawaycruises.com.  We work with Barbra, ext 214. Phone 800-527-8666.  We've used all of these with excellent service and personal attention. Booking with the cruise lines directly will cost you more money.  Since the cruise lines depend on travel agents, they would put them out of business if yu got a better price from the cruise lines.  A great web site is cruisecritic.com.  From the main page you can click on the cruise line you'd like to see, then from there you can read reviews, find out who's cruising with you, post questions etc.  If you're flying into South Florida, I'd suggest flying in the day before.  Hotels in both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami are reasonable (use priceline.com for the best price).  This way you don't need to worry about flight cancellations or delays; it's a lot less stressful !  
If you have any other questions, just ask away.  I will be ut of town from 7-8 through 7-12.

Happy Cruising !