Hi, Flores,
Don't know where you live, but you can easily fly into Miami and cruise out
of FLL and vice versa. Often, folks find less expensive flights in/out of
FLL. Point is, consider both ports & figure out air later.
More ships cruise out of those ports than anywhere else in the US. You have
lots of choices! The island ports reached from Florida are generally what
will be termed "Eastern Caribbean." You will see the itineraries are very
similar. Note, don't ever get too wed to visiting a particular port, as if
there is a storm, mechanical problem, passenger emergency or other situation
that causes the captain to decide he must miss a port, you as passenger have
no recourse--you are buying a vacation on a ship, you are not buying a
destination vacation. The most expensive cruises will be on the "latest,
greatest" megaships, right now, Royal Caribbean usually commands the top
dollar in that segment. Their Voyager-class ships are, indeed, incredible
and have the best "Wow!" factor on the seas. I think everyone who has ever
done one would agree, hands down, they are worth every penny! But, there is
no bad cruise, and you may not even be interested in what those ships offer.
The less expensive cruises are usually on 'older' ships, but age is
relative, right?! A ship can be thought of as a Grand Dame at the ripe old
age of 10! That is really only because each new generation features more
bells and whistles than the one before it. There is nothing wrong with most
older ships--the cruise lines maintain them so lovingly, they will look
gorgeous, offer everything you've dreamed about a cruise vacation and take
your breath away no matter what!
I like the advanced cruise finder at Travelocity. It is very user friendly.
You can target dates, departure ports, cruise lines, etc. This would be a
great place to start to begin identifying your choices.
For all sorts of cruise lines reviews & other helpful information to get you
started, you might want to look at http://www.cruisecritic.com and
http://www.cruisemates.com Once you begin formulating ideas, go study the
discussion forums at Cruise Critic--look specifically at the cruise line you
are considering, then search for threads about the ship you are
contemplating. You will learn a lot of current info, tips and tricks! Post
questions...you'll get a lot of help.
I agree, a TA who specializes in cruises will be very helpful to you.
Your first cruise is like your first kiss or car. Sweet. ;) And then, you're
addicted, LOL.
Have a fun time researching & planning.
Diana Ball
near Houston, TX
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