Carnival Cruise - serious responses please?

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copydude87

Mam's advice is excellent-- and here's something else to consider.

Generally....

Look into cruises that revolve around a schedule that is "like minded". For example, demographically speaking, most people in their 20's aren't able to go on a 10 day cruise... and they may not be as interested in destinations such as Alaska or the Panama Canal. Cruise durations and destinations say allot about who will be on the ships.
Also, timing of the cruise will dictate who will be onboard. If you try going during a school break/recess--- you'll see more families, after all, typically most families plan vacations around school holidays!

September is a hurricane month... but even then, cruiselines will alter their course and change destinations should the need arise.

You will have a great time regardless of when you go, because there is always a party somewhere. And if you're looking for a cruise with more partiers... check out cruises with durations under 7 days, and those with destinations like Cozumel, Grand Caymon, Bahamas and USVI....

Marjery B

Hurricane season is June 1- November 30 - Get trip insurance to cover all of your pre-paid non-refundable expenses. Carnival is not required to reimburse your cruise cost for hurricane - they have in the past as a good will gesture - not a requirement.
Try one of the smaller cruises - 3 day baja cruise out of Long Beach for example is one I book for a lot of singles.
Online at dating services or cruisecritic.com you may find single theme cruises already organized.

Mam's answer says it all. Great answer to your questions.

It is hurricane season but I have cruised twice during "hurricane season" and never came close to being bothered by one - let alone even have one anywhere when I was on the cruises. But do buy cruise insurance - well worth it if one does come up. The advantage is during the season, the rates are best. And in September, most kids are in school but there will still be a few no matter what. The best time for single younger crowd is around Spring Breaks, but they are also the most expensive because the occupancy is higher so they don't need to discount to attract passengers.

babbles

Any of the Carnival ships will be what you're looking for in a cruise. Here's my suggestions:

As for cruises, my suggestion would be to take one leaving San Juan since there aren't as many days at sea and you go to better islands. You can get plenty of time on board the ship at night.

Buy your own snorkel gear here so you won't have to spend about $30 for a ship excursion once you get to an island. Just get off the ship, head to a taxi and ask him where is the best place to snorkel, or a beach that has a bar, or ... whatever your interests happen to be and he'll know the best spot. He'll pick you up when you ask too, just bring a few extra bucks for a tip.

If you've got days at sea...and you've got the money, then a balcony is well worth the price since you'll feel that you "own" the ship with so much privacy. It's wonderful to say the least, otherwise, book a cabin with a window. (I had a hard time in a windowless cabin, but that's me.).

Two weeks before you set sail, call the cruise line directly and see if there are any free upgrades. Sometimes this might work, depending upon how filled it is.

I usually find a good deal by comparing prices for cruises here: iBtraveling.com This way you won't have to pay a travel agent's fee. If you can type...why not compare yourself for the deal you want best and type the info yourself? I've never had a problem, although I've read and learned that once you put your order in online for "anything" and you've used your credit card....That you should shut down your computer completely and restart it and start surfing again. Just to be safe.

Well, those are my thoughts. Hope they help. Enjoy

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

If the kids are back in school you wont have too many kids there, although I went on one in August and there were not many kids. You can party all you want, trust me. As for hurricanes, its the luck of the draw. Ive been in August and had aw some weather and had sucky weather in December. Get the insurance just in case but according to my travel agent I was told they very seldom cancel the crusie but they will reroute it

radar

The longer the cruise the less chance of meeting some one. Only the older people can pay and spare the time for the 10 day or longer cruises.

Conversely, the shorter the cruise, say 3-7 days, the more apt you are to meet a younger crowd.

The 3/4 day cruises are like New Years Eve for the entire trip.
There aren't too many families on the short trips.

dandanthecranman

Try carnivals ship the Valor. Goes to the caribbean from Miami. There are things to do all the time, you will never be bored. The weather will be great! It is part of hurricane season, but if there is a hurricane nea by the cruise will chose a different route to take. Don't let that be the reason to not go, cruising is tons of fun!

Happy Cruising!

lisamisc

The most fun & lively cruises are on Carnival and on the 4 day cruises because they leave on Thurs. & return Mon. morning. A lot of singles and party goers take a long weekend to go on them. I think Calif. & Galveston have the best as far as lively singles. Florida is ok but has the tendency to have a few older people.

Don't go on a 5-day that leaves on Mon. and even the 5-day that leaves on Sat. is a little better, but the Thurs. is the best.
If you want a 7 day cruise, don't take the one out of Puerto Rico as most people don't want to pay extra to fly there; they rather spend their money on partying. Puerto Rico cruises stop at too many islands and people are too tired to party at night after going on shore excursions. Can't party on the islands much as the ships don't stay in port late and people get all spread out.

Any Carnival 7-day cruise is good; whether its out of Calif., Galveston or Floriday. Go on one that departs closest to your city; you might find mr. right and you don't want a 'long distant' relationship.

See a good travel agent whose prices are the same as on the web, sometimes less if they got a group going. I had a group going of club owners & patrons; my travel agent thru in a bunch of other people into our group and we all had a ball.
If you're outgoing & friendly you'll meet a lot of people; especially on the Texas cruises where people are more friendly than New Yorkers & others.

cruise junkie

any carnival 3 day starting on friday will fill the bill for non-stop action

1Cheapcruise

Hurricane season - yes.

Sept is a good month for not running into too many families because most kids are heading back to school.

Are you looking to sail for 4/5 or 7 nights.
You can save $$ on your cruise by not flying to your ship. There are plenty of departure points so you don't always need to buy air too.

MelNoelle

Carnival Cruises are the best for meeting younger people...

I have been on two Cruises with Carnival. We had a great time on both! Of course it was this week both years! (SPRING BREAK) Lots of neat places to hang out, eat, etc...

It really is a blast!

And yes, Sept. is still hurrican season.

beachchica21

I went on a cruise last year - Imagination - it was amazing. I was with 5 of my girlfriends from college -we had the time of our life on that ship. There is always SO much to do - and Carnival is known for the 'funships' its like a constant party. We went to the Caymen Islands and Ocho rios, Jamaica. If you go to Jamaica - make sure to hit up Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville - it is out of control there. You see things there that you cannot believe is happening.

My friends and I are getting ready to go on another all girls cruise - 7 days this time on Carnival Victory - we cant wait. It is the best thing to do to have fun and you can meet a lot of people.

At night there are always events going on - or you can just hang out at the bars... there are always guys hanging out in the casinos.. that is where we met a lot of the guys on our last trip. Most of all - have fun... and dont worry about Hurricanes. I would definitely purchase travel insurance - but Talk to the Carnival Vacation Planner about that - they can tell you what their policies are about hurricanes. Email me and I can get you the guys name and number from Carnival that I use. HEs great. Have a good one.. enjoy!!

free_to_dream27

World Ventures has a partnership with carnival cruises so that you can book cruises and flights up to 58% off.

See, http://www.earnvacations.com/freedom and check out their RTA package as well, so that you can book cruises for a ridiculous reduction in price.

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