I'm interested in planning my first cruise for August 2006. For the last few hours I've been researching ship ratings and various threads in these forums. Although I have a feeling that this is all pretty basic stuff, I have some first-time questions to ask before I book it.

1) I'd prefer to cruise aboard a ship that is abundant in pools, hot tubs and saunas. Unlike most of the Holland America lines, I'd prefer fun over ritz and luxery. Considering that many of the Royal Caribbean ships have more of a 'fun for all ages' feel, do you think that the popular Adventure of the Seas is just what I'm looking for? If not, than are there any similar (but better) ships that I should consider?

2) My dream is to travel to a nice tropical hot-spot, but there's just one problem: I live in Washington State. As many of these cruises depart from southern California and Florida, I'm a little concerned about transportation. When I look at price quotes on sites like Orbitz.com, are the prices including airfares, or am I supposed to buy those tickets separetely?

3) As I said, I'd love to go to a tropical paradise. Originaly I thought of going to the south Caribbean area, but are there any other destinations that are commonly enjoyed more (besides Hawaii)?

4) Would I be much better off booking my trip via a travel agent than a website? Now that the net is such a mainstream afair, is it the most efficient (and cheapest) way to do it these days?

5) As far as Royal Caribbean goes, are activities like going to the day-spa and ice skating free, or are they highly priced? In general, are most things aboard the cruise completely free (i.e. eating, swimming, rock climbing, etc.)?

Suggest you visit 2 or 3 local land based travel agencies and pick up a selection of cruise Line brochures. Mention that you are researching for 12 months hence.

A good TA will ask you questions and from your answers will make suggestions. Hopefully one TA will 'click' with you and you'll be comfortable airing your questions and expectations.

Don't commit to anything. Take time to study the brochures you have acquired and then return to the agent you 'clicked' with.

I'd definitely advise staying away from Net agencies at this point.

Good Luck

A question you might want to ask yourself is how 'active' do you plan on being during your cruise? Very? Moderately, or not all? I know you asked specifically about certain amenities, but would you use and enjoy using amenities such as roller-blade tracks, ice skating rinks, and rock-clinmbing walls? I've been on these ships and consider myself fit and somewhat in good physical shape, but never used those facilities. Spent more time in the pools, Spa, and Fitness center.

You asked for advice on bigger or 'better' ships. The AdventureOTS and her sisters are as big as they get (if you dont count the QM2), but have you considered any of the Conquest-class ships from Carnival Cruise Lines? They may be worth looking into also.

Or maybe one of the Grand-class ships from Princess Cruises? Both RCCL and CCL have departures from Texas and/or New Orleans too.

Most website cruise prices will not include airfare unless you program that request into the price matrix. If you do fly from the west coast to Florida consider flying over a day ahead of time and getting a hotel close to the port. Get yourself time-adjusted and to allow for any unforseen travel delays. And compare prices between websites and land-based agents, but dont shop so many you confuse yourself. I know of a couple of very reliable major web-based agencies that can offer great deals. Make sure with any web-based agency you can actually 'talk' to and book with a human, dont just book online. Some online booking engines may have stiff penalties for cancellations and changes even if you are booking a year in advance. Do a google search for any 'cruise deals' and see what pops up. You may hit a gold-vein of options.

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Originally posted by {Monarch}:
2) My dream is to travel to a nice tropical hot-spot ...
3) As I said, I'd love to go to a tropical paradise. Originaly I thought of going to the south Caribbean area, but are there any other destinations that are commonly enjoyed more (besides Hawaii)?

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Don't be seduced by the plentiful glossy photographs in the cruise brochures of deserted palm-fringed beaches etc. The reality of a cruise is that you are mostly on the ship, and usually there with a lot of other people, in the middle of the ocean with its often-indifferent and always-unpredictable weather. Time in port is limited, and most shore-side places are crowded on cruise ship days. The discrepancy between brochure promise and real life is probably most marked in respect of the cruise lines' "private islands", but there is a general structural incompatibility between "tropical paradise" and "cruise holiday".

One of the RCI five 'Voyager' class sound right for you.

2) I'm a little concerned about transportation. When I look at price quotes on sites like Orbitz.com, are the prices including airfares, or am I supposed to buy those tickets separetely.

Cruise lines offer Air packages, with transfers included. On occasions it may be cheaper to organise your own.

3) As I said, I'd love to go to a tropical paradise. Originaly I thought of going to the south Caribbean area, but are there any other destinations that are commonly enjoyed more (besides Hawaii)?

The Carib has the most choice of ships and best fares. People do praise Hawaii, but there is less choice of ship and higer fares. See www.ncl.com for Hawaii cruises.

4) Would I be much better off booking my trip via a travel agent than a website? Now that the net is such a mainstream afair, is it the most efficient (and cheapest) way to do it these days?

Do not use a cruise lines web site to book. A specialist Cruise TA will give you a lower price than cruise lines the web site and the brochure.

RCI's web site is great www.royalcaribbean.com. but use it for fare quotes and info only - NOT to book.

5) In general, are most things aboard the cruise completely free (i.e. eating, swimming, rock climbing, etc.)?

Food is included unless there is a speciality dining available. Alcohol, photographs, spa treatments and excursions cost extra. The rock Wall, pools and gym are free. The cost of the extras can mount up if you are not careful. The excursions in particular can be pricey. The prices of excursions are on RCI's web site.

[ 08-02-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Did a two week back-to-back (two one week cruises put together) and can honestly say its an thouroughly enjoyable experience, even the second time round!

Like people have said, most things are free, and only drinking soda means that it can be really cheap. You can buy a $60 "soda pass" which lets you hav unlimited soda for your cruise, which saves money hugely.

As for destinations, the Caribbean is excellent. I did the Eastern & Western (well I was meant to until a hurricane got in the way) and it was beautiful weather from start to finish. Another destination you may have not considered is Europe.

Europe has some really nice cultures, and almost every day it will be a totally new country. Air-fares etc. will be more expensive, but its another good experience. I "did" Europe with Ocean Village, and although the ship is hardly new, it was still enjoyable.

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Originally posted by debm3553:
I must say I totally disagree with dmwnc1's advice on going to one spot instead of a cruise. If you have never been to a tropical location how would you know if you would enjoy staying there. You could spend major bucks on airfare, lodging, and possibly food and activities if not included in your choice of hotel. What if you hated it!!!

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As should have been clear from my post, I was not trying to dissuade the OP from doing a cruise at all, but trying to ensure that he knows the difference. Personally, I love cruising and I hate tropical beach resorts. But I know what I'm getting with each of them.