Cruise? Resort, or Other?

[Taverner]

Just looked at our freq flier miles and it turns out we have quite a bit....enough to go on a 15 day cruise to Hawaii, or go off to a Resort in Mexico (or Hawaii)...

I've never been on a cruise before - all our previous vacations were all the backpacker types but <sigh> I just don't have the energy to do those anymore, and neither does the wife. Sidenote: we're in our mid-30's.

Sooo...has anyone here ever been on a cruise? Is there mostly young people or is it mostly older folks on those?

We've already done Cancun as adults and had a great time - and hope to find that kind of group again...

[Florida_Geek]

1. I have done 14 cruises

the more $$$ the ship the older the passengers. The longer the cruise the older the passengers. BUT that is not always true. :crazy:
I was surprised with the number of families on Europe cruises until I heard the children talk. Gee it almost sounds like English :evilgrin:

But I have been cruising for 20+ years and now am 55. Pick the places that you want to see and go. Understand the Southern Caribbean has a lot of ports and you will be doing more. If you have not done the Baltic and Russia I would say do it.

PM me if you want to read a very long but very good trip report around South American by a couple of my friends.

[nini]

2. is that 15 day Hawaii on the Regal Princess?

I've been wanting to do that one, but not the right time.

I love cruising and I'm leaving on the 20th for a 15 day trans canal.
:bounce:

That 15 day cruise will probably be a mix of older people (70ish) an younger middle agers. You'll have a decent mix of middle age because of the type ports you'll be going to. There won't be hardly any kids or college age either. I prefer the longer cruises because there aren't many young teen kids on there.

My warning on that cruise would be you'll be at sea for 4-5 after you leave L.A. and before you hit land again. That may be pushing it for your first cruise. However there will be plenty to do on the ship to keep you busy.

[Dookus]

3. I've only done two cruises

but loved 'em both. If you like boats, and being at sea, it's great. There's tons of activities on board, and LOTS to eat. It's pretty difficult to get bored. Just sitting on deck with a good book and a waiter bringing you drinks is plenty nice.

[Taverner]

4. Are drinks included in the price?

[nini]

6. nope

there's a couple complimentarys.. but in general - no.

And believe me they make lots of money off the bar tabs every cruise.

[AlCzervik]

5. I havent been on a cruise

but if you can afford Hawaii i would suggest the Hiltion Hawaiian village on Oahu. Reaaly lovely with a truly awesome beach. Also the Maui Hyatt is very nice, Maui is alot of fun, although i would stay away from the Hana Highway.

[VolcanoJen]

7. Cruises are wonderful; the trick is to get a balcony!

Once the newer ships came out, with plentiful, affordable balconies, my enjoyment of cruising skyrocketed! I always loved it before, but with your own balcony, it's a much more relaxing, private experience. It's sublime to lay back in your chair with a great book, watching the ocean rush by, and soaking up some sun. I really, really love those cabins that have the stocked mini-fridges; there's always a Heineken to be had. :-)

This is an excellent, reliable website for cruises; use the search function, or click on the "Hot Deals" link - you can always find a bargain on that page. I've purchased two cruises through them.

www.cruisesonly.com

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time!

[Lisa0825]

8. if you do a cruise, please reasearch and find an enviromnetally friendly

one. Cruises in general are HORRIBLY bad for the environment. Way worse than just flying somewhere and staying a week. They dump incredible amounts of sewage and waste into the oceans, and produce a lot more trash per customer than all-inclusive resorts. The garbage they dump is killing reefs and other sea life. I'd say don't cruise at all, but if you do, at least try to find a good one. It's been a long time since I researched it, so I don't recall the track records, but if I can find it, I'll update later.

edited to add:

www.oceana.org
www.stopcruisepollution.com
www.bluewaternetwork.org/alert_cv_cruise_act.shtml
http://bluewaternetwork.org/campaign_ss_cruises.shtml

[pippin]

9. Cruise

Unpack once and your "hotel" moves with you--not to mention you restaurants and entertainment. Diffrerent lines cater to different age groups and interests. There are the drink and party ones , and there are those with more cultural offerings, and where the food is more imaginative. Some cruise lines also have very good land tours and activities.

Unless you are into the mass drink and party kind, I'd say forget the Carnival variety.