I've never been on a cruise and I've heard mixed reviews from people. My husband and I like to travel but don't like a lot of constraints, i.e. group tours, time schedules, etc.

Can someone share with me their personal experiences about their cruise?Pros Cons and Cruise lines you recommend?

Thanks!

Hi, uvware!

I've never been on a cruise either. Almost went on one a year ago for free though, because the band that I was playing with was scheduled to play. However, not enough tickets were sold, so we didn't get to go.

I do know from hearing things that some cruise lines are better than others. If you click on the following link, you'll find reviews and ratings of various cruise lines.

Cruise Lines Reviews Ratings - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Cruise+Lines+Reviews+Ratings)

Hopefully, some people will come along who have had some experience with cruises who'll be able to give you some first-hand advice.

Thanks!

My cousin and his wife went on a cruise for their honeymoon and they had a great time! The only thing they said they would recommend- and this is because she likes to shop and he doesn't, he likes to have a few beers and she's not as interested- is to bring another couple along. If you guys have the same interests you should be fine. I actually want to go on a cruise with my husband this year!

Cruises don't offer a lot of constraints. The one I went on, the formal dinners (you didn't have to go), various forms of dress each day and the shows have a fixed evenining time. Sometimes you had choices there too. If your dropped off at a port of call, you have to be back when they depart.

Breakfast and launch are whatever or nonever.

You do have to pay for food sometimes and you do have to pay for things like massage and scuba lessons, certain excursions and even internet, but your not on a leash.

Cruise line was Royal Carribian and I thing the ship was the second largest cruise ship in the world at the time.

Balcony rooms are really nice.

I've been on a few cruises, and they aren't for everyone. The only mandatory thing you can't escape from is the muster drill at the start of the cruise, which is a safety drill that takes about 20 minutes. Other than that, you can eat when you want, sleep when you want, take organized tours, do it on your own, or stay on the ship and hit the spa.

Cruises aren't must for the adventurous type, unless you are going on a small, specialty cruise. The large lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are like big floating hotels - with very little adventure and or danger.

If there is a part of you that thinks you will like it, you probably will. But if crowds of people and rigid schedules aren't for you - you probably won't. Even if you go off on your own as must as possible, there's still a "schedule" to keep on a ship - visiting a place on your own is quite different in that respect.

Hi, uvware!

I've never been on a cruise either. Almost went on one a year ago for free though, because the band that I was playing with was scheduled to play. However, not enough tickets were sold, so we didn't get to go.

I do know from hearing things that some cruise lines are better than others. If you click on the following link, you'll find reviews and ratings of various cruise lines.

Cruise Lines Reviews Ratings - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Cruise+Lines+Reviews+Ratings)

Hopefully, some people will come along who have had some experience with cruises who'll be able to give you some first-hand advice.

Thanks!

Thank you!

My wife and I went on our first cruise in September. We loved it. We went on an easter Caribbean cruise out of NY. The only constraint there was was specific seating times for dinners and dress up nights. Both could be avoided by using the buffet style eateries. There were choices of shore excursion or you could go on your own.

The things that we really likes were the activities. There were social activities, (trivia games and the like, vegas style shows and more). You could participate or not as you wanted.

It really depends on what you want out of a cruise.

Hello uvware,

We like cruises. Especially NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line). Check out this (http://www.ytbtravel.com/Cruises.aspx?wa=webcamerok) website. The prices are so low these days:). For example, South America destination for 14 days is only from 524:D. I guess you'll spend on the land much more.

Let me know.

Cruises are pleasureable unless you get seasick. Carnival Cruise Line is good.
www.carnival.com/