Planning a cruise!

[AK74U]

I need help guys. My mother is turning 65 next year and I want to take her on a surprise cruise. Little does she know, Im planning on friends and family to join us and surprise her. So she thinks its only us 2. Im stuck trying to figure out where we are going. I originally planned to go to Jamaica and/or Barbados because we have family there. But the cruise lines only go to one or the other not both. Ive only been on Carnival cruises before, but Im open to trying a new line to embark on the journey. It will be next year between June and July 2019. Any advice or idea's would be greatly appreciated. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with travel agencies?

 

[Bushwick100]

I'm planning a Cruise for the same time Frame it will be my 30th Wedding anniversary. But, I hear so many things about the Pro/Cons of Cruise ships. How it's best to leave from Miami, then someone else says to leave from New York. I'm lost going to use your thread for information. Thanks

 

[GeauxLSU]

Alaska. You're welcome .

 

[Greybeard]

Look at smartcruiser.com. Best if you plan it yourself, save a little money.
Or
Look at AAA or AARP.
Been on a bunch, carnival is not that good (IMHO), Holland America, ncl, rcl, much better.
If you like a bunch of screaming kids go in June or July, off months are a lot better.

 

[Greybeard]

I like leaving from Florida, parking is cheaper and easier to get to the ports. Headed out on holland America shortly, 10 days in the Caribbean.
In the fall headed down to dingo’s land from Hawaii. Long cruise about 35 days, never been there. Will be returning from New Zealand.
Hollonville America is great been with them a bunch, also like ncl and royal Caribbean, carnival is more of a party ship. If you don’t get a beverage card you will go broke buying beer and such.

 

[AK74U]

No problem using the thread for advice. I agree with Miami being the best port to get flights in and out and embarking on the ships is best there. But I have people coming from Canada so I hope that the cruise we want will depart from Miami because other ports like Ft Lauderdale and Orlando have good prices but don't know how the flights will be for those people. If all else fails, I will let the cruise line/ travel agency pick the best option. Most of Norwegian leaves NYC port. I plan on having a drink card!!

 

[AK74U]

I last went on a cruise in 02 to Bahamas via Carnival. It was my 2nd rodeo on Carnival and both times were great from what I can remember. The ships keep you busy with shows, casino, swimming, other activities for all ages. I just want to ensure everyone who wishes to participate can participate.

 

[fast306stang]

Alaska. You're welcome .

I've been wanting to do this one for years! One day!!!!

Also I've went out from Florida's east coast, can't remember where...and I've left out of NOLA. Neither were bad. I've never left out of Miami but I think I wouldn't like it.

 

[cr107]

Just got back from my wedding cruise Saturday. Love Carnival. We've been to St. Marrten, St Kitts, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, and Cost Maya. They have all been fantastic.

We like Port Canaveral. Very east to get to and lot of parking and hotel options that have shuttles to the port.

 

[BillsCamino]

Alaska. You're welcome .

We've been twice to AK...once on Princess R/T out of Seattle during May.
The other was on Holland out of San Diego to Seward then a land portion up thru Denali to Fairbanks during the month of June. Weather was perfect both trips.
Get a Balcony cabin...a must !!!

We're leaving next month from Ft. Lauderdale heading East, crossing the Atlantic...continuing east thru Europe and Asia...boarding another ship in Sydney...stops at islands in South Pacific, Oahu & Maui in Hawaii...getting off in Seattle the end of May and flying home.
'Round the World... And we both are 65