I like cruises. For what you pay and what you get it's a good value. There are all types of cruise company's, ships, and itineraries to choose from. For me, when I travel to the Caribbean, Carnival Crusie Lines works the best. They are the least expendsive and they do a lot of fun things while at sea. If I were to travel let's say to Alaska, then I would choose NCL or Holland America and I can explain that later. As of right now the cruise companies are offering some really good deals. The best that I have seen in the 20 or so years since my first cruise.
I want to tell you about the southern Caribbean but first, let me say this. Don't be frighten of there size or what it will be like at sea. I remember my first cruise. My wife was so scared. She was frightened of the sea, that large body of water that you will set sail on. Here is a Secret, sail out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you set sail out of Florida you will be in the Atlantic and that could be some very unstable seas and all of the trash cans could be in use if you know what I mean. Sailing out of San Juan into the Caribbean is a much better chance of an enjoyable sea experience and she has done this six times so far. These ships have really grown in size since our first cruise in 1987. They are mega and continue to be built even bigger. When you see one for your first time you will be in awe for sure. Sailing out of San Juan also gives you more islands to see, hence more things to do. What my wife likes is being on an island during the day and sailing at night where she keeps herself active with all the many on board activies until bedtime. These ships also have under water fins that can extend outward while at sea to offer an even more stable, comfortable feeling. You can't see them but sometimes you might feel a slight vibration like when you skim your hand flat under water, nothing to fear at all, it's just another stability aid. Secret: Sea Band Motion Sickness Wrist Bands. My wife uses these with great success. They have been clinically tested against nausea and vomiting in travel, pregnancy, anaesthesia, chemotherapy and all conditions which induce nausea. They are usually light gray in color and made of a knitted elasticated material. It operates by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud or wooden ball. They are hardly noticeable and can be found at Wall mart, priced around $6 to $8 dollars. You can find them in adult and child sizes. You can word search them on the Internet, SEA BANDS.
OK, lets book a cruise. I would suggest contacting the cruise ship company directly. If you choose Carnival just call their 1-800 number, or, if you wish to have a Personal Vacation Planner at no additional cost call Tina Mena at 1-800-819-3902 ext.85476. You can also email her at tmena@carnival.com. Tina has always worked hard to find us the best deal. Ask what specials they currently have. If you decided to sail out of a specific port ask what deals they have out of that port. If your are a veteran of the military, police or fire fighter, ask them if they offer additional discounts. You may need to show a copy of your DD214 for military and identification for Police or Fire.
Another way to do this is select what cruise ship you want to be on through someone like Carnival and then tell them that your travel agent will complete your itinerary. I did that with my Alaska cruise and was surprised to find a nice bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberry's waiting in my cabin complements from the travel agent at Vacations Afloat. If it's your first time cruising be prepared to answer a few questions. You will need to decide what time you would prefer for dinner, early or late. Early setting is usually around six and late is around 8:30. When you leave the dining room, you'll normally find a variety of activities from which to choose: showrooms with large-scale entertainment, lounges with cabaret acts or ballroom dancing, piano bars where you can sing along, discos for the late-night crowd, and casinos for games of chance. There's nothing quite as romantic as a stroll on the promenade deck, watching the glistening stars and moon with your loved one by your side. On the flip side, many relationships have started just this way. I have done both early and late. I now prefer an early setting. There are now some cruise ships that offer Free Style dinning. You decide when you would like to be seated by simply showing up. You can dine alone, with your partner or friends or the waiter will sit with other people. This is a great way to meet people and have some interesting conversations. I enjoy meeting my new table-mates, and I certainly enjoy spending the duration of the cruise getting to know them and the wait staff. You also have the option of 24 hour free room service but it is basically limited to sandwiches, chips, fruit, and beverages. In the dining room, you can order whatever you like, and as much of it as you want. If you order a dish and don't care for it, just send it back and order something else. If a dish isn't prepared the way you like, send it back. This is NOT a place to be shy! From your perspective, and from the staff's, it is better to remedy your dissatisfaction on the spot than to let it build up inside to the point where it ruins your vacation.
It's hard to believe all this can happen in just one day, but it does. And when you return to your cabin each evening, the bed is turned down, a chocolate is left on your pillow and a copy of the ship's newsletter listing all the possibilities for tomorrow is waiting for you. More to come...
