Crusin......

[BarTopDancer]

On a big ship... Relaxin..... the thing to do.

Wanted:

Suggestions and/or advice on how to find a relaxin cruise
Destination: Most likely Baja Mexico.
Goals: To relax and unwind
Important: Good food, relaxed atmosphere
Not important: excusions or ports (not really planning to disembark)
Length of time: 3-4 days
Time Frame: March/April or summer

:cheers:

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've done a cruise on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival. RC was the little Baja 3 day cruise, Carnival was the 7 day Mexican Riviera. Both were excellent, I'd recommend either. There is a difference in atmosphere, though. I don't want to say the RC was more relaxed, because we had no problem relaxing on the Carnival cruise. And I hesitate to call RC "stuffier" or "older", because that sounds really bad, but that's the closest I can come to a description. It does tend a little bit more to the sit around and do nothing and don't party at all. But not really in a bad way, and there were definitely moments of partying.

Given the choice between the two, I'd go with Carnival again. It's nice to have the option of a good party atmosphere available, and there's still plenty of opportunity to veg out and relax. They really have that balance down. Plus, since RC skews more towards families while Carnival is more on the young adult side of things, there are more young kids on an RC cruise.

And keep an open mind about the shore excursions. You may find yourself a little stir crazy being on the ship for so long. Not a big deal on the 3-4 day crusies, but depending on what they offer, there may be something you'd regret not trying. And if you do, I definitely suggest going with the less popular ones, they are usually much cooler.

[BarTopDancer]

Thanks GD. I've been on one cruise... to Ensenada and I hated it. It was so depressing. The cruise length depends on how much vacation we can take. I would love to go to Alaska or the Rivera, and that hasn't been ruled out.

I'm not the one making the final decision and I know destressing is high on the priorities.

[Name]

3 to 7 days on a cruise ship sounds like a dream, especially when compared to the experiences of being in the navy I have had. where it was 30 or so days, with no amenities, just work work work. but I an derailing the thread with my random wailing, and that is not kosher, so go for the 7 day one, and take 5 days off and 2 to party. :) Damn the vacation time thing, whats the worst they can do, fire you?

Edited to add: Oh, and on the subject of the navy, if you want a cheap cruise and know someone in the navy and they are out to sea, you could always hope their ship will have a tiger cruise(dependants cruise, you can lie) from Hwaii to San Diego. Would lower the costs greatly, and you could sit around and do nothing but watch the ocean go by for a few days. The lack of amenities blows though, but if you like military stuff, could be a real kick in the pants.