Cruise Newbie!

mgdavid

stoneman wrote: »

........ We rarely get off the ship when we are in port, prefer to have the boat to ourselves. We much prefer the history and culture of cruising in Europe.

Having never cruised I'm having difficulty understanding how you get the history and culture without leaving the boat? Am I missing something?

PompeyPete

mgdavid wrote: »

Having never cruised I'm having difficulty understanding how you get the history and culture without leaving the boat? Am I missing something?

If the ship is only alongside or at anchor for the day (which is usual), then you'll only get a few hours ashore, so you're only really going to be able to put a tick in a box.

Most of the Caribbean Islands get very busy on the cruise ship circuit, and if you're unlucky [happened to us at two stops out of five] there was more than one cruise ship visiting. Small ships are fine, but if you get a couple of monster shopping trolley ships, then these small ports-of-call get swamped.

The ships will all have various excursions, but again if you're unlucky you'll be sharing the venue(s) with tour groups off the other ships, and they get swamped. Also, as the islands are hilly, then you need to make sure you sit on the correct side of the tour bus, as your views for a few hours could be the side of hills, while the people opposite you get all the scenic stuff.

You can DIY your day trip, or just wander around close to the ship. But some places have more to offer than others, the Duty Free facilities are basically the same. And again the enjoyment can depend on whether the place is swamped or not.

We enjoyed our trip, and particularly enjoyed being at sea crossing the Atlantic. The weather was in our favour for most of it, and we were on a small relaxed ship.

It was v.hot in November. Getting a glimpse of 5 different islands was interesting. The islands have their own character and different influence, eg. British, French , Dutch. Will we return? Doubt it, much prefer SE Asia.

But to get a good feel for the Caribbean I think you need to select one or two islands and stay for a few days, preferably while there's no big cruise ships alongside!

Kynthia

mgdavid wrote: »

Having never cruised I'm having difficulty understanding how you get the history and culture without leaving the boat? Am I missing something?

I might be wrong but I think you're missing the sentence before the bit you've quoted. I think Stoneman was saying they don't bother getting off the boat in the Caribbean and therefore prefer European cruises.

mgdavid

Kynthia wrote: »

I might be wrong but I think you're missing the sentence before the bit you've quoted. I think Stoneman was saying they don't bother getting off the boat in the Caribbean and therefore prefer European cruises.

Oh, could be - as they said in their opinion the Caribbean was over-rated I'd taken that to mean they didn't go there any more (why would you?).

[Deleted User]

mgdavid wrote: »

Oh, could be - as they said in their opinion the Caribbean was over-rated I'd taken that to mean they didn't go there any more (why would you?).

We've done the Caribbean once; and I don't think I'd bother again - many of the ports are nearly identical (oh look, they've built a tiny shopping area by the port that sells watches and diamonds!). The only two places I'd love to re-visit are St Kitts/Nevis and St Thomas.

In Europe you've got centuries of history, varied culture and many more options for trips. We did a nice cruise from Southampton up to the Canaries. Stopped in Gibraltar, Morocco, Teneriffe - amongst other places. Nice weather, lots of variety. I could do that cruise a few times over and see different things each time.

I suspect you get the most from a Caribbean cruise if you get decent tours and get away from port. We're quite a fan of the Princess cruise line (have also tried P&O, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean) as their food is pretty great, and the mix of people is pretty good.

snaver

cruise.co.uk are excellent (I always go to their longest serving consultant, Lisa West, who is amazingly knowledgeable and helpful - search for her on the consultants page on their website) and if you can wait until 12 weeks or closer until you book, there are some excellent late deals around at a fraction of the normal brochure prices. Keep an eye on the cruises that interest you and wait for prices to drop. Enjoy!

Katiehound

snaver wrote: »

if you can wait until 12 weeks or closer until you book, there are some excellent late deals around at a fraction of the normal brochure prices.
!

I forgot to say that- once folk have paid up for their cruise at the 12 week deadline it is obvious to the cruise line what is left and then cabins can go cheap, after all the ship is sailing come what may.

I have been to the Caribbean twice and loved it. On the whole have not been there the same time as 8 other ships :eek: except in Bridgetown. I have treated myself to a 32 night sailing from UK next year.

One of the best excursions was swimming with the sting rays, really magical to have these giant creatures laying on your arms or feeding from your hand. I'm pretty sure that was in Antigua.

Some of your considerations may be- onboard currency? cost of drinks (unless buying a package) what facitlites would you like ? climbing walls, indoor malls, outdoor cinema or a smaller traditional ship? Dressing for dinner?

Goldiegirl

I've done a couple of Caribbean cruises. Whilst I enjoyed them, I wouldn't do another cruise that calls at only Caribbean Islands. We have a few islands on our next cruise, but the main reason we are doing that cruise is that it also calls at places like New Orleans and Miami. This is a long cruise, departing from Southampton. Most people don't have the time for these long cruises, so a fly cruise is good for seeing a lot of islands in a short time. P&O cruises tend to depart from Barbados. You check your cases in at the UK airport and the next time you see them is in your cabin. It is a very slick operation.

loobs40

We've sailed on P&O Azura for the last 2 years in the Caribbean and next year we will be on Britannia.

We absolutely love it. Yes, some of the islands may seem a bit samey, but as a couple who work really had the rest of the year, we go for total relaxation, making the most of the beautiful beaches and snorkellng, the sunshine and heat away from the winter back home. We have made some brilliant friends whilst on board.

My husband loves the fact that we check in our luggage at the airport and literally we see it next in the cabin, plus you get off the plane and straight onto a coach which is standing next to the Plane.

I am counting the days till we leave !

stoneman

mgdavid wrote: »

Having never cruised I'm having difficulty understanding how you get the history and culture without leaving the boat? Am I missing something?

I was referring to the Caribbean. We have gotten off ship once at each destination then when going again stay onboard. There is no real history or culture there in my opinion anyway. Just pushy locals touting for business, oh and jewelry shops.