First Time ...thinking i need some help....

Tiff&Greg · #1 (**permalink**) December 27th, 2008, 04:04 PM

HI All!!
My hubby any I are getting ready to book our first cruise.
we have everything picked out just have to make the booking.
its going to be Nov 14-19 Enchantment of the Seas to Grand Caymen and cozumel. leaving from ft. lauderdale. good choice?

I have been reading the post on here for days...feel like i know someof you already...lol

were planning on sending off for pass ports the end of Jan and booking cruise the middle of feb. is this too soon?
im so lost as this point I dont know what to do. I have read post and websites and everything else ...i think the more i read the worse it gets!!

I would love to get any information at all that you are willing to share about crusing. seeing as how i have NO IDEA what im doing so, anything you can tell me will be helpful!!!!

Thanks in advance!!

Tiff

beentravelin · #2 (**permalink**) December 27th, 2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiff&Greg

HI All!!
My hubby any I are getting ready to book our first cruise.
we have everything picked out just have to make the booking.
its going to be Nov 14-19 Enchantment of the Seas to Grand Caymen and cozumel. leaving from ft. lauderdale. good choice?

I think this a great choice. In Cozumel if you feel adventurous try the dunebuggies, they were a blast!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiff&Greg

I have been reading the post on here for days...feel like i know some of you already...lol

Well welcome to Cruisemates, some of us here are addicted to cruising. Me included. Hopefully you will be too and will spend time back here to share your experiences.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiff&Greg

were planning on sending off for pass ports the end of Jan and booking cruise the middle of feb. is this too soon?

Umm. I'm not sure but I don't think you need a passport to book a cruise, just to board. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

Tiff&Greg · #3 (**permalink**) December 28th, 2008, 08:27 AM

Thanks!! I was looking last night and looked up the dunebuggies they do look like fun!

BTW im in NC too!!

TomS · #4 (**permalink**) December 31st, 2008, 10:23 PM

You certainly can book your November cruise in February. That will not be a problem. As for your passports, you will not need them at booking, just at boarding. Sending off for them as early as possible is a very good idea.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. We are a friendly bunch and we will do our best to answer your questions accruately.

Tiff&Greg · #5 (**permalink**) January 1st, 2009, 12:53 AM

Thanks so much for the help that you guys are giving me! I have gotten me ideas and helpful tips from this site. you all seem so nice and willing to help. sure helps to make this eaiser to plan. Thanks again!!

beentravelin · #6 (**permalink**) January 1st, 2009, 01:10 AM

No problem Tiff & Greg! Where in NC are you from?

Tiff&Greg · #7 (**permalink**) January 1st, 2009, 07:23 PM

were in Murfreesboro NC. bout an hour from OBX. 8)

mrrobb · #8 (**permalink**) February 10th, 2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiff&Greg

were in Murfreesboro NC. bout an hour from OBX. 8)

I'm in Murfreesboro TN (originaly from NY) we're ttaking our first cruise to cozumel as well. I belive its better to just have a passport to be safe all around. Spoke to a lady at Carnival, and she stated a bith certificate and license is sufficient enough to board if you sre leaving and returning at US port. But, again, passport is better. Especialy if something happens and you have to fly, then you do need a passport

msblackjack · #9 (**permalink**) February 10th, 2009, 01:16 PM

order your passport early as possible just in case

and the Enchantment of the Seas is a BEAUTIFUL ship and a little unique in that she was "strecthhhhed" in the middle; her pool deck is a little different than the others in her class. I will sail this ship again! in a new York minute, but since I have done that iteniary a couple of times, I booked a different ship.

lots to do in Cozumel; and the must do thing in Grand Cayman is swimming with the stingrays! and of course, Margaritaville afterwards...

great choice

jmaul99 · #10 (**permalink**) February 20th, 2009, 04:54 PM

Booking in February is fine and will guarantee the ship, dates, and cabin category you want. But, if you are flexible I have found the best deals are generally offered about 3 months prior to cruising. This is the point where cruise lines start getting worried if a ship is heavily under booked. For example I was able to book my next cruise leaving March 29 in January for the Southern Caribbean for 7 days on Caribbean Princess with the highest level of inside stateroom for $399 per person and they gave me a $50 shipboard credit. This same cruise has since gone up to $599 for same category stateroom with no shipboard credit. The more you save up front the more you can spend on board and on shore excursions. There is a lot of luck involved in getting these great deals, but with the current economy there will be many of these deals coming closer to November, but if you find one of these offers be willing to book quickly, because they don't always last more than a week. By the way the Western Caribbean is my favorite itinerary so a good choice for a first cruise.