Cruises

[MsBehave]

Has anyone been on a cruise round the Caribbean? It looks really expensive but there are some deals out there I think! I would like to know who's done it, how they got there, and what they thought of it. It's a little confusing because the sites aren't very clear about flights TO the Caribbean and back home after the actual cruise. Is anybody able to help me out? Thanks!

[jno]

most cruises include flights, though ships based in America may not. And cruises have never been cheaper, so if you have time, go for it; the lines are discounting heavily because of the credit crunch. In general you pay extra for drinks and excursions, and sometimes tips. I've been on Ocean Village and loved it

http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/

There are quite a few others. Look in the travel pages of the Saturday and Sunday papers for the best deals. Never pay the brochure price - aim at about half of it. Lots of specialist websites like 1st4cruising and cruise.co.uk have discounts too.

[getonwithit]

ocean village really good value �2,200 for 2for 2 weeks with flights ,dont bother with a porthole internal cabin great and all islands easy to get around the extersions can be expensive yet all the islands are small so easy to explore yourself drinks on board reasonable have been twice on ocean village great to get away from uk in winter when you would pay around �480 just for flight

[lilacben]

My husband and I have been on a few cruises and are hooked.! I have never wanted to sail from the UK as the thought of our waters and Bay of Bissca has alwas put me off.. We have been on Ocean Villiage, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines. If you just want to try it out and not dress up too much then try Ocean Village or if you like the extra nights of dressing up then go for one of the others. There are a few out there now that go for "casual dinning" if you do not want set times ect for meals. Although we now enjoy the other cruises where we do. Its a matter of choice.
Its a great way to see the Caribbean and so many islands in one holiday. You will not be bored. Have a great time.x

[lilacben]

Sorry forgot to say the travelling to and from is a breeze. You just go to the airport and when you get there they take your cases ,after you have gone through, and the next time you see them is when they are on the ship. Same on the way back, You put your cases outside your cabin door the night before and the collect them for you. Sometimes we have had to identifie them when we get off and they are whisked away to the airport for you.

[loonytunes]

All cruises are not the same, nor are the wys of getting there. I have been on 28 cruises, mostly to the Caribbean. Usually get my own flights to Orlando or Miami (cheap enough and plentiful) or go via New York but this is always dicey in Winter because of weather delays. I have a few days in Florida and drive to Fort Lauderdale for a 7 nighter before coming back for a few more days before flying home. 2 cruises, flights, hotels and car together usually come to less than �1650 and you get more of what you want. For an idea of cruise costs, see www.vacationstogo.com. You will then get an idea of how much travel agents rip you off on packages.