Cruise for under $200

[ConnCarl]

Squisher, I have to object to your characterization of these cabins ("births", I believe was the word you used) as "steerage".

While it is true that if you book a cabin on a very low deck on a classic liner, you may get an oddly shaped or smaller room, and even the public areas may be of somewhat lower standards than higher decks on the same ship. You may find lower ceilings, lower-grade carpet and trim, and so on.

However, every one of the ships whose itineraries are represented by TecJunkie's post are clean, modern ships, designed and built in the last ten years or so, many, many years since the demise of "class ships". There are no leftover reminders of "steerage" or "third class" accomodations.

You may very well get the "lowest cost" cabin category available when you book at these rates. But I think you will find that on a modern ship, the lowest cost cabin ain't exactly a Turkish prison. It may be small, but should be well-appointed and in good repair. They are in all probability, the same type of cabins that were $700 on the cruise you went on last year. I noticed that in some cases, you could even upgrade to an oceanview (outside) cabin for as little as $30!

Whatever you think of your cabin, you can always draw comfort from the fact that you can't stay at a Motel 6 and eat McDonald's three times a day for what most of these specials cost.

 

[kewl]

Not a bad deal on the 5 day trip out of Galveston. I took that cruise twice last year. I've got some pictures here and here.

 

[doinmybestatlast]

Cruise ships staterooms can generally be graded in two categories: inner and ocean view.
Inner staterooms do not have a window, though they do have curtains. Move the curtains and you have a fabulous view of a wall.
Ocean view staterooms are just that. You have portholes, windows, or sliding glass doors that leads to a balcony.
Inner and ocean view staterooms do not have much differences in size in the lower categories. Size of the berths are generally alike in modern ships. Upper category oceans view berths are the same size until you hit the deluxe staterooms and suites.

You will not stay in your room for much of your cruise. In fact three S's are the main activities in your stateroom: showering, sleeping and S. There is so much to do on the ship why would you stay in your room?

IMO just get on a ship and go with the most affordable room. If you're young then that's the way to go. If you're older and like some comforts of a room then the sky is the limit on what you can spend. On one cruise I was upgraded to suite (sweet!) and had a butler. There are some perks to cruising on a line again and again. I get 24K gold plated tin medals on several of the lines I cruise because I have cruised enough to meet there veteran cruiser minimums. Many cruise lines give you an automatic room upgrade on your second cruise.

Most importantly - have fun, enjoy yourself and don't take a vacation because it is a hot deal. You need a vacation because you need it.

 

[pspada]

Originally posted by: doinmybestatlast
Cruise ships staterooms can generally be graded in two categories: inner and ocean view.
Inner staterooms do not have a window, though they do have curtains. Move the curtains and you have a fabulous view of a wall.
Ocean view staterooms are just that. You have portholes, windows, or sliding glass doors that leads to a <snip>.

Sliding Glass doors? On a ship? Isn't that like screen doors on a submarine?

 

[TecJunkie]

Sliding Glass doors? On a ship? Isn't that like screen doors on a submarine?[/quote]

haha no because its on the upper more expensive/desireable decks that also have nice viewes and are quite high above the water.

 

[NarsDaD]

It is against US Law to bring Cuban product into the USA...

My sister brought back a box for me from the Bahamas last year, she told me that so long as its for your own use its ok. She had the box open and put a couple away before she got to customs. She said that she bought them, the shop owner told her to do it that way. All gone btw...

 

[lotust]

jeeezzzz is this for a limited time ?

 

[EXman]

to bad I am computer poor

 

[kewl]

Originally posted by: NarsDaD

It is against US Law to bring Cuban product into the USA...

My sister brought back a box for me from the Bahamas last year, she told me that so long as its for your own use its ok. She had the box open and put a couple away before she got to customs. She said that she bought them, the shop owner told her to do it that way. All gone btw...

You are giving out bad information.

"Only persons returning from Cuba after a licensed visit there are permitted to bring Cuban cigars into the United States, provided the value of such cigars does not exceed $100 US dollars and the cigars are for that individual's personal use and not for resale. All other importations of Cuban cigars are illegal. All offers to buy or sell such cigars in the United States involve cigars that were imported illegally. Contrary to what many people may believe, it is illegal for travelers to bring into the United States Cuban cigars acquired in third countries (such as Canada, England, or Mexico)."

US Customs

 

[NarsDaD]

You are giving out bad information

Just telling you my experience. I read your link,thanks. Damn shop owner was willing to let my baby sis face fines and a jail term. Who woulda thunk it?

I do know guys that go to Canada regularly and bring back tho.

Does anyone else have any experience with bringing some back from other than
a licensed visit and customs didn't take them? Please let me know. She's going back in June.

 

[lsman]

Originally posted by: lsman
i was thinking 7days/nights (compare to 5-days you are almost the same need to take a week off) for $299 on Eastern Caribbean with Carnival Paradise.

Anyone with experience of West vs Eastern caribbean?

may be some days too late, i finally got on the price of $349 + tax = 391.

 

[doinmybestatlast]

lsman

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by: lsman
i was thinking 7days/nights (compare to 5-days you are almost the same need to take a week off) for $299 on Eastern Caribbean with Carnival Paradise.

Anyone with experience of West vs Eastern caribbean?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



may be some days too late, i finally got on the price of $349 + tax = 391.

Negative tax?! Have this example sent to Congress!

Just having fun, no mean intentions Isman. As for East versus West. Beach is beach is beach is beach. White sand and partying. You need more?

 

[LilHen]

thanks

 

[NewForumMember]

If you buy accomadations for one person will they always put you together with someone?

 

[Banana]

We liked Eastern Caribbean much more than Western. The US Virgin Islands, Dutch Antilles, etc seem a little more exotic and beautiful than the usual Mexico, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica spots.

Regarding lone travellers: The rate quoted is for double-occupancy, so--Yes, you will have to share a stateroom with another lone traveller. Exception: If the ship is not fully booked, you may luck out and get a whole stateroom to yourself. Or--pay twice as much and have a stateroom all to yourself guaranteed. (Also, I think they match travellers by gender, i.e. same gender share one stateroom)

 

[xkenny013]

Originally posted by: NewForumMember
If you buy accomadations for one person will they always put you together with someone?

Good question ... I've been considering getting away, you know, "just me". Having a roommate would kinda spoil that...

 

[sirpado]

Hello,

I was interested in doing something like this with some of my college buds this summer. What is the cheapest way to go somewhere tropical? Itd be nice if we spent aroudn 200 dollars each. thanks.