Need Cruise Advice

amy0887

DH and I are thinking of taking our first cruise over spring break.  There is a 7 day Norwegian cruise out of New Orleans we really like.  There are also a few shorter Carnival cruises out of New Orleans and Mobile. 

Norwegian has balcony rooms.  Is the balcony worth it?

I'm afraid that since it is spring break, it will turn into a booze cruise (especially the cheaper Carnival cruises). 

I appreciate anyone's advice or opinions.  Thanks.

Erin&Gregg07

We took a cruise from Mobile for our honeymoon. Email me bamagirlerin01@aol.com

jemahi586

We took a 7 day Norwegian cruise out of New Orleans a little over a year ago.  It was a lot of fun!  It was a lot more laid back than a cruise we took on Royal Caribbean in that you could create your own schedule and eat when you please. 

Lauren80

yes girl! balcony is worth it! and i would opt for the norwegian over the carnival myself...but that is based on info we were told by the travel agent who helped us book our honeymoon after we told her that we had sailed with princess cruiselines previously....

let me know if you need any info! i love me a good cruise.... LOL

aubie96

Well I feel like I just got off the boat!!!!

I think most of them you will find your "booze fest" b/c there is always someone celebrating something.  Not sure how it would be during spring break but I imagine it would be a lot more collegiates than normal.

We left out of New Orleans and were on Carnival Fantasy.  It was ok, I mean, there were things I wish that were better but for the price it was good.

If you want to send me a msg (you're on my FB) or email me, I'm sure I could help, having just pretting much experienced it yesterday!!!  ha.

aubie96

oh and about the balcony, depends on how sea sick you get.  We got a great deal and we were lower level but had a view (not port holes) and it was MUCH better than being up higher (we went through rough waters though).  I don't think I could look out of a balcony and see the water the entire trip.  Plus, you aren't in your room much really.  I'd see what the price difference is, but to each his/her own.  Depends on what your likes/dislikes are and how active you'll be on the boat.  I like to do things and do not want to spend my time in the room.

starsmaycollide

I've only been on Royal Caribbean, but given what I know about cruises, I say definitely go for Norwegian. The balcony is totally worth it (I've gone both ways, and it was so nice having one!), andf it's generally a better line than Carnival. ?My MIL is a travel agent and has been on everything, and I remember Norwegian is supposed to be good.

Also go to http://www.cruisecritic.com ?and look up the exact ship and see wht people who went on it recently said about it. ?:)?

Also, longer cruises are better anyhow. A short one is just over too fast for all the things you can do ?

Lauren80

i agree with all points that lauren above me said... LOL

and when it comes to balcony vs. non...this is one thing i think back to from my cruises....there is nothing like waking up in the morning in a new port...and opening that window up, and seeing your new surrondings from your bed, cuddling with your hubs. there is nothing like having breakfast delivered to your suite and enjoying it on the balcony....and there is nothing like having afternoon tea/coffee...or evening champagne as you watch the world sail past you...

if you are looking for romance....the balcony definitely adds that special something...

aubie96

FWIW, we just went Carnival b/c it fit our schedule/itinerary.  Its not what I would have personally chosen but we were trying to accomodate all financial needs and with 6 girls.

I think you have to weigh what you want regarding the balcony thing.  Personal preference.  I personally wouldn't do it, but that's just me. 

This was the first Carnival cruise I had been on and the last time I had cruised was when I was 16.  Can't say I'd personally do it again.

funkypineapple

i would pick Norwegian over carnival. i've only been on RC though and really liked it but we considered norwegian. as for the balcony..it is a personal preference and i think there are some cruises where a balcony is a must (it was def. one for Alaska when we were cruising by glaciers and such) but i think for a caribbean/mexican cruise i would only get a balcony if i could but wouldn't be too upset if we didn't have one. like pp, it's nice to wake up and go out on it and have breakfast

hamillm

We went on a carnival cruise for our honeymoon...which happened to be during spring break time last year.  It actually wasn't as bad as you would think, we mostly didn't notice any "spring breakers".  I would definitely go again, and actually would go on Carnival again.

As for the balcony, I agree with pp's on it being a personal preference.  As for us, we were only in the room to sleep and get ready.  I've never had a balcony room though, so I can't say which I'd rather.

Jenn Rem

I went on RC and it was ok but i LOVED having a balcony!!! That best part of the honeymoon was eating breakfast with my DH while we were sailing into port or just hanging out when out at sea. We also saw dolphins too. It was so nice and I would always want to go that way now.  I did the Disney cruise but i was in a indoor stateroom with no windows.