Cruises

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I went on two cruises when I was much younger, and had a blast! Of the two, Bermuda was my favorite. The husbeast and I have been talking about future vacations, and cruises are definitely something we'll consider. Alaska would be awesome, but once he retires the Mediterranean is definitely my goal.

There's a Maine Lobster Cruise? That's great! Hubby and I went to Maine as part of our getting engaged vacation. (I've always loved Maine, used to visit a lot when I lived in Connecticut. I'd love to retire to Maine someday, or at least get a little summer place.) We got there just as the season ended, so we had most places to ourselves, but we sure didn't let that stop us from eating lobster every. Single. Day. Our favorite was one little place, little more than a shack, right outside Bar Harbor. The lobsters had just been delivered that morning, and they tasted of the sea...briny and sweet. YUMMERS!

I'm glad lobster is still on the menu!

I've only been on one, from UK to NYC, not sure if it even counts.  I think I would not choose, or advise anyone go on the Queen Mary 2.  

Better to buy round trip plane tickets and spend the difference on a nice destination.

I have been on 15 cruises with my family. By FAR my favorite ones where Alaska and Bermuda. Both for different reasons. First Alaska: The scenery and environment was amazing. I absolutely love the whales, seals and eagles. I was less than 3 feet from 3 humpback whales and will never forget it, even got a tattoo of a whale tail with my kids names in it. Second Bermuda: I enjoy warm places to just relax and Bermuda is not a third world country like so many of the Caribbean stops. It is clean and safe. It was one of the most relaxing cruises ever!!!!!

As for cruise-lines and ships Carnival is the most reasonably priced and has things for kid entertainment. Royal Caribbean has the most for kids and still reasonably priced. My favorite line is Celebrity (part of Royal Caribbean) a little more expensive and less to do for younger children but by far the most elegant and best food selections. Coincidentally Celebrity is the cruise-line I was on for both Alaska and Bermuda.

Happy sailing

Audra

I've been on 6 cruises and have another one scheduled for this fall.  I love seeing the different places and learning about their way of life. Roatan and Belize are great stops.  Poor, but friendly.  I did a rainforest tour in Puerto Rico and it was lovely.  I stick with the Ship Excursions and have never felt unsafe.  I cruise Carnival.  Someday I do want to cruise the Med!!

16 Cruiser here.  :) 

Favorite cruises have been Alaska - Scenery is to die for!   Whales, Eagles, Bears, Elk, Moose, Mountains and Glaciers, Glaciers, Glaciers.  What more does a person need?  :)  The Exotic Western Caribbean sailing from San Juan was probably my 2nd favorite because we got to travel through the Portobelo & Gatun Locks in Colon, Panama.    I've sailed out of several different ports and on a various sized ship.  I am pretty good at getting great rock bottom prices.  :) It's the only way I can afford to cruise. 

I've sailed Carnival - I'm a Platinum Level guest, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.  Carnival has great State Rates  (if your state is one of the states they are highlighting, you can save BIG) and something called "Pack and Go" Rates.   Royal has special rates on selected sailings if booked on Wednesdays.  Norwegian...well, they are my least favorite line. 

That surprises me that NCL would be your least favorite? Can I ask why? We've done Carnival and NCL and feel NCL was 10x better. Better food, better entertainment, and we shop for their kids cruise free sales and save that way. We did a 7 day out of Tampa to Honduras, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel and it was like $700 for the four of us with the kids sail free special. The shows were astounding, the seasons one was definitely big theatre quality and even my boys loved it, modern dance and trapeze is not their typical thing. Now saying that we've done Carnival far more than NCL because they are hands down cheaper when compared to regular rates and when I'm taking the entire family (7 people) and need 3 rooms I can't afford NCL. Alaska is on my must do list for cruises but none of the kids are interested.

Our plan is to go on our first cruise next year! An Alaskan one :D