Cruise Questions

Chuck wrote:
I have never been on a cruise, my wife has been on one, a Carnival cruise.

I would like to go one a cruise, but don't really know what to look for, so
I have come to the experts in hopes of getting some information. I hope that
I'm not asking too much here...

Nope, though you would be better served at this point, to work with a
reputable travel agent. At least arguably.

1) We would prefer to cruise from Galveston, TX or New Orleans, LA (I think
they cruise from there). We are in DFW area, and want to avoid airfare.

This all by itself limits you to only a few ships and a few trips, making it
pretty easy.

2) Could care less about a casino. If it's there we may send $50 or so, but
we won't be disappointed if there isn't one onboard.

There aren't any New Orleans or Galveston. You're looking at
Galveston:
Carnival
Celebration, Gulf of Mexico/Cozumel/Playa del Carmen
Ecstasy, Western Carib
Elation, WEstern Carib
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas, Western Carib
Splendor of the Seas, Western
Princess
Grand Princess, Western Carib

New Orleans:
Carnival
Conquest, Western Carib
Holiday, Western Carib
Sensation, Western Carib
Royal Caribbean
Grandeur of the Seas, Western Carib

Lookd at these three cruises and think about which one appeals to you.
They are all similar cruises. If it were me I'd do Grandeur; I like the
itinerary and I like New Orleans, and I like Royal Caribbean.

All these will have a casino.

3) I would think that a room with a window would be nice, but is it really
worth the extra money?

Some people find it essential, some people find it negligible. I am the latter
but some people like the daylight. I spend very little time in my room.
I am convinced that a balcony is an advantage for sitting on and going in
and out of ports, and looking at scenery, but I am not sure it is worth the
extra money. For me it is not, but it is a very personal thing.

4) I work nights, so I keep weird hours. I would like a cruise that offers
hamburgers or something late nights if needed.

Besides the midnight buffets, most ships offer something, at least room service
late at night. I don't specifically know about these three ships.

a
5) We have a 9 year old son that would like to cruise with us. Should we
leave him at home or take him?

That again is personal. If you are going at a school break time, then there
will be lots of kids on the ship and a good children's program. There are
many adults who don't like kids on ships; remember if you bring him you must
attend to him, parent him and make sure he does not run wild.

6) As far as the cost of the cruise, we really don't have much to spend, so
we need to keep the cost as low as possible.

Then get an inside cabin, and leave the kid at home.


7) The length of the cruise isn't that important. 7 day would be nice, but
probably out of our price range at this time. Time of year isn't important
either. We can go anytime.

The Carnival Ecstasy Cruise starts at $399 for a 7 day (per person) which is
a real great value.

Do you have any idea's or recommendations on a cruise?

See above

Thanks...

Chuck



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