First cruise next month?

[Elephantay]

We are thinking of doing a short ( 4-6 day) cruise next month, sailing wherever from Florida. We have never cruised before, and really the only thing we know is we'd want a verandah. Please help! Advice and encouragement/ discouragement welcomed. Thanks

 

[Mommb]

If you just want to explore the ship and walk around the ports, that’s a fine idea.

Be aware that booking for on-board activities and shore excursions begins months in advance, so their availability for a cruise next month may be limited. You can certainly have a great cruise even without specialty dining, alcohol tastings, and shore excursions. Most activities do not require (or allow) advance reservations, including theater shows, musical performances, bingo, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and trivia.

You may be able to find discounted Veranda Guarantee fares. There are a good deal if you are sure you want to cruise and don’t care about the exact stateroom location. These fares are non-refundable and non-changeable, and while you would be guaranteed a room with a veranda, it can be anywhere on the ship and you may not know the room location until close to (or even on) your departure date.

 

[Cheburashka]

We are thinking of doing a short ( 4-6 day) cruise next month, sailing wherever from Florida. We have never cruised before, and really the only thing we know is we'd want a verandah. Please help! Advice and encouragement/ discouragement welcomed. Thanks

I recommend sailing either the Dream or Fantasy to Castaway Cay. Tried and true, gold standard ships and private island.

 

[onesam319]

The first response was right. I've heard that the fare increases the closer you get to the sail date. Maybe the option of a Guaranteed rate for a veranda would offset that increase.

 

[Cheburashka]

Just fyi on the non-Wish ships, there is typically availability for booking specialty dinners onboard, even when they appear sold out in advance.