Mother/Daughter Cruise - suggestions please

[cjknick]

I'm currently saving my dollars so I can take my daughter on a cruise for her graduation gift. She graduates in May 2010 but we won't go until Spring Break 2011.

I've never cruised anywhere before and am totally ignorant. I've done some online research but haven't really found anything that answers the things I'm curious about.

1) While I'm in my 40's, my daughter will be 18. I would like input as to what cruiseline might be best for this combination. I want to be able to interact with my daughter and the activities offered on the ship. I don't want anything close to a "singles" cruise nor do I want it to be too adolescent. We both love to be pampered but it's RARE when that happens so maybe touching on that a bit would be fun.

2) Where to go... I'd love to take her somewhere she hasn't been. I'm thinking tropical. Hawaii is probably out since her dad has plans to take her there for Xmas 2009. I'd love to go somewhere where the ports might offer parasailing, whale watching and shopping, of course!

3) Departing ports. Let's face it. We live in Boise and it's not real condusive to departing cities. Probably the best would be Seattle (which doesn't sound like much of a tropical-type departure city) or California.

Anyone have any ideas? I'd love to hear any and all.

Please and thank you!

cjknick

[Donna]

Hi CJ,
There are some ships that sail out of CA, usually the Mexican Riv...I'd also suggest looking into Royal Caribbean, Princess or Carnival. It sounds more like you'd both enjoy a Caribbean cruise. Those mostly go out of Florida, Texas and Louisiana...The Eastern would give you more shopping stops and beautiful islands while the Western is more for water activities, etc.

At least you have plenty of time to do your homework and find the perfect ship.

[Trip]

I would suggest the newer, larger Royal Caribbean ships, that offer so many activities for you both. Rollerblading, rock climbing wall, flow rider, golf, some of which, you might try together...the promenades have parades during the week, that are fun...

If you both do like water sports, I would say, do the western itinerary. The eastern has a mix, leaning more to the shopping, Cozumel, and St John, offer spectacular snorkeling.

Since this will be spring break, there will be loads of kids onboard, so, don't be surprised if you don't see too much of your daughter during the cruise, so, plan your excursions to give you that bonding time...have fun planning and yell, if you need more info

[colorcrazie]

Took my 2 nephews on a graduation cruise...a year after they graduated so they were both 19. We did the Carnival Inspiration 5 day cruise out of Tampa. They had a ball.
Marty

[cjknick]

The Caribbean would be the ultimate cruise I would think. After what I read from Donna and Trip, the Eastern might be the best route. I guess my biggest fear is cost. Afraid that I can't afford it Can anyone put my mind at ease and maybe tell me what kind of expense I can expect (not including air travel... just cruising)? What's a deal and what's not?

We probably would only have 7 days total and 2 of those would be travel to & from port of sail so I guess that would leave basically 5 days for cruising.

I'm such a newbie to cruising and there are SO MANY websites out there on the 'net that I have no clue on even how to shop, see what excursions are offered and which sites are most creditable. Any suggestions on that?

I really appreciate all of your input and am really glad I found this forum!

cjknick

[Trip]

You could do a 7 day cruise, just flying the day of, and, coming home on the day you port. The time frame you need to go, is a more $$ time.

Try going to our advertisers, or our agent that books our group cruises for CM, and use there websites, to plug in your info....try both 7 and 5 day cruise choices, and get a sense of the pricing.

Once you are onboard, just realize that, IF, you choose to partake, in buying lots of photos, [very $$] specialty restaurants that charge, gambling, and liquor, all will considerably add to the cost of the cruise. Tips, about $150.00 for the 2 of you for the week, needs to be considered, as well as travel insurance.

This cruise being your first, everything will be new to you, and you both will have a sense of euphoria, we old timers will be jealous of. Figure out what your priorities are, matching the best ship and length to your needs, go to a "Cruise Specialist" not just a travel agent, and pour over the reaserch with a smile..you both are going to have a ball!