What is the best cruise line/destination for the least $?

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Carole, if you truly want an all-inclusive cruise without the 20 year old partiers then look at:

www.silversea.com
www.rssc.com
www.seabourncruises.com
www.seadreamyachtclub.com

Small capacity ships, truly all-inclusive pricing (except for shore excursions, spa, & personal purchases). Even your gratuities and alcohol are included. Bigger & nicer cabins and very few, if any 20 year olds.

You'll see a significant difference in price, but the mass market ships like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, only cover the cost of your cabin and meals. They will nickel and dime you to death while you are on board as will the more premium ships such as Celebrity, Holland-America, Princess & Oceania. You'll even pay for soda and bottled water, and it won't be cheap. The only difference is that the premium ships tend to have an older clientele, better rooms and service, usually better food too.

If you don't want to do a mass market cruise I'd recommend Oceania because they have unique itineraries and ususlly have some good deals that include RT economy air. Try www.oceaniacruises.com.

jdomanico

I've been on two lines and 4 ships. My favorite is Royal Caribbean. As far as values goes. I am booked on a cruise leaving from Port Liberty (NJ) for 9 nights to St Thomas, St Maatren, San Juan and Labadee on a balcony for just $1149 pp.

This works out to be just under $130 per night - Including food and entertainment.

If one goes for an inside cabin, the cost is much less. The differnet cabin types have no effect on service or meals, until you get to the really high price cabin.

Look at the destinations listed for each cruise on places like Expedia or the cruise line's site. Royal Caribbean and others have a page or 2 on each port.

There are also sites like www.cruisecritics.com that rate ships and ports. Read the reviews before you decide to guide you in your price/activity decisions.

So - Bottom line - The best value for the money on just about any cruise line is an inside cabin. But shop around and you may find the best deals - independent of cruise line.

My opinion - Stay away from Carnival if you don't want a party type atmosohere. From what I read this line caters to the younger crowd. - This is just what I hear - Not from personal experience.

johnrklinger

The mass market cruise lines all offer a pretty similar product, there are differences between them but for the most part, the cruise experience is similar. When you go and the length of the cruise makes more of a difference. The 3 and 4 night cruises tend to be the booze cruises. Also going during the school year means that there will be older people and less kids on board. Going during the summer means more families. Going during spring break means, frat house atmosphere. If you want the geography and history, I would recommend a western carribean. The westerns combine the best of both worlds. Ports like grand Caymen and Coz are great for laying around the beach and for water sports. Ports like Costa Maya and Belize have easy access to some fantastic Mayan ruins. Bottom line, it doesn't really matter if you book princess, carnival, royal carribean, ncl etc. I would put more emphisis on the price and the schedule. Look at cruisecritic.com

midlandsharon

It totally depends on where you want to go and when you want to travel. It even sometimes depends on which boat you choose for a certain route. It also very much depends on what type of cabin you want (inside/outside and how big). Each cruise line will send you brochures if you wish, or you can research them online.

Just keep in mind the general principle that the less you pay for a cruise, the younger the average age is on the cruise. So, if you want to avoid the "rowdy 20-somethings", be ready to pay a little more.

kc_soaring

I'm not much of a 'party' person myself. However, for the money Carnival offers some wonderful cruising. There are also some excellent deals going on RIGHT NOW. I believe if you book by Friday you can get upgrades and some cruises start as low as 260 bux. We loved the cruise, food and the ports of call. Just do a little research and I'm sure you'll find the right price and cruise line for you.

onyi

http://booking.joystar.com/travel/cruise/vendor.rvlx?VendorID=1&PIN=10008199

Vanessa

check here
http://www.thevirtualtravel.com
or
http://vacationpackage.globaltravel.com

sonny_too_much

All cruises are just about gluttony. Sleep , eat, eat sleep. None are about seeing other new exciting places or really doing much besides eating and sleeping.
If you are going to travel, then fly some where and see and do some new things. If all you want to do is Pig Out just go to any buffet and pitch til you win.

x_squared

the best cruise line is ....

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