It’s a very broad question! It’s like me asking you ‘which car should I buy’.

Although you claim to have no idea what you want for them, I bet you know what you don’t want!

For example: If I recommend QE2's 20 day cruise from Southampton (return) on 30th of August in QG grade at a cost of about $150,000 per head, you would probably say: wrong port/country, too long and far too expensive!

You need to help us a bit more:

Firstly: pick a major cruise line like; Cunard, Royal Caribbean (RCI), Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess or Holland America (in no particular order). I left out Carnival Cruise Line, because they may be too Las Vegas and ‘party’ style for them?

At least book them a basic balcony grade cabin. They are not the cheapest but they fitting for a special occasion.

A one week cruise is a popular choice.

Just about all ships operated by the above companies are pretty ‘big’ and have excellent facilities.

Miami has the most choice of cruises, but today there are many other ports on offer inc. NY.

Use the Cruise lines web sites to compare itineraries – but do not book via their web sites.
RCI have a very informative web site for example: www.royalcaribbean.com

If you are looking for good value RCI and NCL may prove cheaper? But do your own a comparison.

DO NOT pay brochure price. Do not book via the cruise lines own web site. As specialist cruise travel agent will give you a discounted price, cheaper than the brochure.

Don't forget travel insurance!

[ 03-10-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

In America, for first time cruisers, and for a special celebration, wouldn't the QM2 on a caribbean cruise be very fitting. I thought she makes sometimes 7day cruises to that area.

Go to a travel agent and pick up some brochures on the Caribbean and check out the itineraries and prices.

Volendam and Westerdam leave from Fort Lauderdale and Veendam from Tampa. Look into these three ships.

You don't want to be flying out of NY in January - first couple of days are too cold and I doubt any ships would be doing a 7 day cruise to the Carib at that time of year.

Maasdam also goes out of Norfolk, VA.

[ 03-11-2005: Message edited by: sympatico ]

quote:

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Originally posted by redskline:
Thanks everyone so much. These replies are really helping alot. Just one more question--what's HAL?? I'm thinking Holland America? Thanks! Shannon

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You got it! HAL is Holland America Line - HAL for short.

Check out our many readers reviews Here. You can check out a wide range of opinions by 'real' people, on your chosen ship.

Do let us know which line AND ship you choose. Not all ships, even in the same fleet, are equal. NCL tend tio be good value, but some of NCL's ships are more special than others!

[ 03-12-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

If you turn up at the same time as everyone else, 7.30 - 8pm then you may have to wait a while to get seated.. but we have never had to wait, as always eat between 6 & 7pm.

Never been charged for ice cream.. alwasy a couple of hours each afternoon when its always been free.. Globaliser can advise whether a charge has been brought in recently or not.

If your parents would prefer the eat when you please idea, then NCL is a great choice. Everything is not shut up by 10 or 11, I think most people who have sailed NCL would smile at that comment There is no requirment to dress up on formal nights either, but we found the majority of people did. Less on the Caribbean itinerary, than in Europe or on a Transat where nearly everyone did.

NCL do however have a wide range of ships, quite different to each other. The older ships, Dream, Wind, Sea, Crown.. were not built with Freestyle in mind, and have been adapted. They do not work as well as those built for Freestyle. I've been on Dawn, Sun & Dream.. given in the order of the best experience

Norfolk it is not as hectic, nor as pricey, as New York. Check out the "Park and Cruise" rates from the hotels; and you can save some money.

You can see inside 'Legend': .Click Here

Book them a 'Balcony' cabin if you can afford one. Remember you will get a price lower than the brochure or web site rate, from a specialist cruise Travel Agent.

[ 03-24-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

NCL excels at entertainment where food can be uneven.