Thinking of taking a cruise this summer

[codex57]

Anyone got any tips? How's that no assigned seating for dining thing work (last time I went on a cruise, we had assigned seating which I liked)? Which is a good place to check out prices?

Prolly gonna go to Alaska. Save Hawaii for my honeymoon. Someone who works for Norwegian Cruise Lines offered to hook me up with a Friends and Family rate as soon as I figured out which itinerary I wanted, but if I find another line that's cheaper, I might go with them.

 

[Bryan330i]

Cruises are so cool! I like the Caribbean best but have never tried Alaska.

Seating depends on the cruise line. I prefer Princess because of the choice freedom but if you prefer the same time everyday they offer that as well. I think Norwegian has the same deal. I never use scheduled times and the worst I can remember was a night on the Grand Princess (huge ship) and we waited about 50 minutes for main dining.

I watch prices like a hawk; sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. One time I got the Lido deck on Princess for like 2,000.00 for 2, of course that does not include the bar tab that can easily exceed the cruise price. This was the best price I have ever gotten for a room at the top of a ship. I found this on Orbitz.

Good luck and have fun!

PS-I also have books with all of the lines and ship layouts and so on if you have specific questions

 

[codex57]

Oh, I'm very familiar with Princess Cruise Lines. Very satisfied with them. I've been on the Dawn Princess to Alaska and I think the Regal Princess to Mexico. I've also been on the Disney Magic and a Carnival boat to the Caribbean/Bahamas. All those cruises were at least a few years ago and they all had scheduled meal times. I liked it cuz you get to know your maitre d and waiters really well. By the midpoint of the trip, the waiters knew to just bring me and my friend most of the menu cuz we'd order just about everything every single meal. The personal service familiarity brings is what I liked best about set dining.

I'm probably gonna try Royal Caribbean (if they sail to Alaska) or Norwegian this time around. I don't know much about them so if you've got any advice or experience, it'd be much appreciated.

Alaska was my favorite destination. Part of it was the dining and the ship, but I also like mountains and snow and wild animals. Kayaking and having a huge bald eagle pass just 6 feet above you while you paddle a few yards from a bear out fishing is such a cool experience. The Caribbean can get depressing cuz when you're out on shore, all these people are constantly begging you for money or to buy a trinket. If you help one, half the island notices and then you're surrounded by a crowd.