Cruises, like them?

[landhoney]

I have traveled/vacationed extensively; Europe, S.America, Africa, Asia, Alaska, etc. But I have never been on a cruise. I am looking to hear you experiences. Its things like: stuck on the ship, mediocre entertainment, mediocre food...and lots of it, unsolvable problems with the room, too many people, limited time at the destinations, extras cost extra money, etc., etc. that have kept me away and are making my trigger finger shy (never have this problem with cigars :confused::D).

Part of my fear is that the travel (on the boat only) days will be boring. I'm not a "lay by the pool and catch some rays all day" guy (except at the Playboy Mansion). I like to do things, especially "soaking up the local culture", whether through food, architecture, museums, etc. That's why I like to travel, not to take it easy by the pool. I can do that at home. I may sound biased without trying it, but after reading reviews of cruise ships online....forever, it seems like this is what its like.

So give me the straight dope (or be a dope giving it to me straight). Looking for your :2 on cruising (specifically carribean/island if possible).

[Volt]

Hmmm cruises.... Well, typically I took longer cruises, normally 6 months or so. No pool or booze but All expenses were paid! It really was a good deal. Visit you local Navy recruiter and he will hook you up. :)

[landhoney]

Hmmm cruises.... Well, typically I took longer cruises, normally 6 months or so. No pool or booze but All expenses were paid! It really was a good deal. Visit you local Navy recruiter and he will hook you up. :)

As long as the wife can come with me, we get a private room and bath with balcony, and I have my cigars. :r Those are my only conditions.

[md4958]

I LOVE cruising and have been on about 6 so far. All good things to say.

My last cruise my whole family (including my 1.5yr old at the time) caught the stomach flu from a sick passenger who lied about her illness before coming aboard. We were all isolated to our rooms for 24hrs each... and of course we caught it consecutively.. so we pretty much missed about 3 days. That being said they were wonderful to us and I wouldnt hesitate to cruise again.

If you get bored easily (like me) go for a bigger ship. They have everything from pools, spas, tennis, basketball, rock climbing, driving range (youll see) mini golf, dancing, shows, live music, comics.

I would highly recommend you try cruising... Try a carribean cruise to start, the water is calm and youll get to see a bunch of different islands .

[md4958]

As long as the wife can come with me, we get a private room and bath with balcony, and I have my cigars. :r Those are my only conditions.


The last ship I was on had a beautiful Cigar bar, but due to that stomach bug I only visited... never smoked or bought any

[Genetic Defect]

this one interested me a little.

http://www.freedomoftheseas.com/

[BigAl_SC]

We love cruising. We have tried the land all-inclusive also but we get bored after a couple of days and the food is not as good.

these are the lines we like:

Royal Caribbean is really well run, clean ships, good food, not too snobby, usually a good bunch of cruisers.

Celebrity is a little more uppity but also runs great cruises.

Carnival - Party all the time.

Get one that goes to port more often. I'm not much for the pool either (I've got one here, why pay for one). Do not use the cruises excursions every day, we only do the cat/snorkel ones. The sight seeing trips are fun and cheaper with others off of the boat just hiring a cab. About $20 each if you can get 6 people together. Much better tour usually.

If you decide to do it, PM me and I'll give you some other tricks of the trade.

[Blueface]

Seth,
I just went on the Navigator of the Seas a couple of weeks ago (Royal Caribbean).
I have been on other Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line cruises.

I love it.
A great time to be had.
However, highly recommend you do a newer, larger ship like the Navigator and that you do a balcony.
Only way to go is with that balcony so you can wake up to a cup of coffee and a cigar out there.
The cruise I did two weeks ago was great with every regard.
The entertainment was wonderful.
The food was very good (fillet mignon one night - very good, lobster tails another night - very good also).
One night, we paid extra to go to the "Chop House" steakhouse.
I have got to tell you. I go regularly to Ruth's Chirs, Del Frisco's, Charlie's and other top steakhouses. This Chop House rivaled any of them. Truly amazing dining.
Remember, like anything in life, you generally get what you pay for.
If you book a cheaper cruise, you will get cheaper.

[Ashcan Bill]

things like: stuck on the ship, mediocre entertainment, mediocre food...and lots of it, unsolvable problems with the room, too many people, limited time at the destinations, extras cost extra money, etc., etc.

I took my first cruise in the late 80's, and got hooked. I still take one at least every year of so. Here's my perspective.

The cost of a cruise today is actually less than it was twenty years ago. Other than TVs and computers, I can't think of too many things you can say that about. To do this the cruise lines have had to add/increase charges for almost everything on board, as their expenses have continued to increase. Pretty much everything is now "extra", and even things that were always extra have increased in cost dramatically. Specialty restaurants are pushed. Drinks are expensive. You'll be invited to purchase photos, excursions, bingo, lotteries, sodas, and so on. Activities include art actions, on-board shopping, and casinos, all designed to separate you from your money. You're constantly hit with marketing strategies from the moment you step on board.

None of this really bothers me because I recognize it for what it is, and I can choose to opt out. I can spend as little or as much as I want. The entertainment can be very good, the food in the main restaurants more than decent (certainly better than most of us eat on a daily basis), and the service more often than not is exceptional. The entertainment, food in the main restaurants, and service won't cost you anything. It's included in the basic cost of the cruise.

While some people get on board already convinced they're going to find a million things to complain about, I walk up the gangway knowing I'm going to have a great time even though everything may not be perfect. The complainers get what they want and I get what I want. It's mainly in your expectations.

Some lines are known for on-board activities, some for food, some for entertainment, some for catering to different age groups. You need to do your homework and figure out which are which, and then choose based on your own priorities.


Part of my fear is that the travel (on the boat only) days will be boring. I'm not a "lay by the pool and catch some rays all day" guy (except at the Playboy Mansion). I like to do things, especially "soaking up the local culture", whether through food, architecture, museums, etc.

Pick a cruise that hits at least four, preferably five ports in seven days. You won't have time to get bored. Trust me.

[Blueface]

This should tell you if I enjoyed the lobster dinner or not.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0168.jpg

[Genetic Defect]

This should tell you if I enjoyed the lobster dinner or not.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0168.jpg

:hm

[TTOURS]

This should tell you if I enjoyed the lobster dinner or not.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0168.jpg

Yes to cruising. It is an awesome experience. As for the picture of those South Texas crawfish, it would take more 5 to fill me up. We normally do at least 2lbs. LOL

tt:cb

[phidelt076]

I just took my first cruise in October and I loved it. It was a Carnival 7 day cruise stopping at Montego Bay, Grand Caymen, and Cozumel.

I thought the food was good and they made a little effort to match it to destination, jerked pork tenderloin the night before Montego Bay for example.

We didn't have a balcony but I would definitely get one on my next cruise.

I didn't find the pools were really big enough for swimming but the hottubs on deck were nice at night.

The casino was a blast even though I'm not a big gambler. I went on a nice run playing blackjack the last few nights and ending up paying for my entire trip with a couple hundred left over.

The destinations:
1 - Montego Bay, Jamaica - I hated this stop up until we got to Margarittaville. That place rocked and had a water slide from the third floor into the ocean. I did notice that one of the snorkel/catamaran excursions made a stop here for an hour or two. I'll do that next time. The shopping locations were filled with people trying/nagging you to buy their drugs/junk. We did pay $5 to go on one of the beaches and do some snorkeling.

2 - Grand Caymen - Unfortunately it was raining this day. I went to some of the shops before stopping by Churchill's and grabbing some sticks to take to you guessed it.... Margarittaville.

3 - Cozumel - Went to one of the all-inclusive places and snorkeled, drank, rented jet skis, drank, got sunburned, drank, got a massage on the beach, drank and then we had some beers. Great stop!

I will say that the pictures your woman persuades you to take with the towel animals you find in your room at the end of the nights will be some of your favorites!

[JohnnyKay5]

[QUOTE=phidelt076;131388]

We didn't have a balcony but I would definitely get one on my next cruise.

~ Agreed

I didn't find the pools were really big enough for swimming but the hottubs on deck were nice at night.

~ Agreed

The casino was a blast even though I'm not a big gambler. I went on a nice run playing blackjack the last few nights and ending up paying for my entire trip with a couple hundred left over.

~ Didnt go to the Casino

The destinations:
1 - Montego Bay, Jamaica - I hated this stop up until we got to Margarittaville. That place rocked and had a water slide from the third floor into the ocean. I did notice that one of the snorkel/catamaran excursions made a stop here for an hour or two. I'll do that next time. The shopping locations were filled with people trying/nagging you to buy their drugs/junk. We did pay $5 to go on one of the beaches and do some snorkeling.

~ We went to Ocho Rios... Dont go to the all inclusive beach party.. skimpy on food and drink. All we did was lay around. DO go to the 600 ft. waterfall climb... its long and not too step, great trip!

2 - Grand Caymen - Unfortunately it was raining this day. I went to some of the shops before stopping by Churchill's and grabbing some sticks to take to you guessed it.... Margarittaville.

~ Went here, it was also cloudy that day... This island has tons of shipwrecks, i suggest snorkeling or scuba if certified.. I Also agree on the choice of sticks.. pretty good selection and the margrittaville is one of the main things to do here.

3 - Cozumel - Went to one of the all-inclusive places and snorkeled, drank, rented jet skis, drank, got sunburned, drank, got a massage on the beach, drank and then we had some beers. Great stop!

~ We went to Costa Maya Mexico, its a small port with lots of shopping. We did a private beach tour which was great!


QUOTE]

Bottom line.. I loved the Carnival Cruise I went on. Great food, the only set back is alcohol, smuggle some in if you can!

[Squid]

Hmmm cruises.... Well, typically I took longer cruises, normally 6 months or so. No pool or booze but All expenses were paid! It really was a good deal. Visit you local Navy recruiter and he will hook you up. :)

:r:r:r

Ditto....and just think, they paid us to do it!!! Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Mediterranean, North Atlantic...all free on the taxpayers dime. Smoked stogies on the fantail, surf and turf nights, and of course....brought home many bottles of gin, rum, whisky duty free! Damn....just didn't know how good I had it! :ss

[heavyd]

I've been on a few cruises, all within the last five years. I can relate a few experiences...

* Avoid Holland America Cruise Line at all costs. Nice ship, big rooms, nightmare crew.

* If you go to the Carribean, be sure one of your stops is the Virgin Gorda in BVI. Unreal. The Eastern Carribean was much better than the Western Carribean, in my experience. Better ports, nicer weather, more to see, etc.

* Most cruise lines outline their smoking policy on their website. Make sure you can smoke stogies on your balcony - at the very least. Some allow room + balcony, some balcony only, some = none at all.

* Bring image-stabilized binocs, if possible, especially in the Carribean, lots to see :D

[smitdavi]

Where can you find the smoking options on the Cruise line websites

[Blueface]

Where can you find the smoking options on the Cruise line websites

For Royal Caribbean, under Customer Support, under Frequently asked questions.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do;jsessionid=0000Tl_nbENDbVSweua4BragdRp: 12hdhubrs?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Onboard+Policies&faqId=3101&faqSubjectId=333&faqType=faq

P.S.
Don't think I was able to smoke on my balcony.
Everyone did it.
Stateroom attendant won't care as long as you don't stink up the room.
I made sure the door was closed at all times.

[landhoney]

Thanks for the input all, very interesting. Intersting that all had mostly positive things to say. Good things to think about.

[smitdavi]

For Royal Caribbean, under Customer Support, under Frequently asked questions.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do;jsessionid=0000Tl_nbENDbVSweua4BragdRp: 12hdhubrs?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Onboard+Policies&faqId=3101&faqSubjectId=333&faqType=faq

P.S.
Don't think I was able to smoke on my balcony.
Everyone did it.
Stateroom attendant won't care as long as you don't stink up the room.
I made sure the door was closed at all times.

Is it worth it to pay the extra money for the balcony, or are there plenty of other places on the ship were you can smoke?

[Genetic Defect]

Is the balcony for cigs or cigars?

[Blueface]

Is the balcony for cigs or cigars?

Perry,
On Royal Caribbean, I have never, ever had an issue smoking a stogie on the balcony.
That is my biggest pleasure on a cruise.

OK,
Maybe not the biggest.
Hotel sex comes first.

Maybe the second.
OK
Maybe not the second.
Eating and drinking comes in second.

OK, maybe third biggest pleasure on a cruise.:r

[Blueface]

Is it worth it to pay the extra money for the balcony, or are there plenty of other places on the ship were you can smoke?

Depends on the ship.

Navigator of the Seas has a cigar room.
They have top shelf booze there to choose from and smokes to sell also or you can bring your own.
You can smoke on the upper decks outside.

As far as the balcony goes, I have done one cruise with an inside room (my very first cruise ever). I swore I would shoot myself before I would ever do that again.

I have done numerous with windows and numerous with balconies.
Never again will I go on a cruise without a balcony.
It is simply worth every penny.
I will never buy the old "you are never in the room anyway".
That is BS.
You have to go to the room to shower and sleep.
Make it a big room or as big as you can afford so as to not throw your partner overboard after a couple of days in a cramped room.

[heavyd]

Where can you find the smoking options on the Cruise line websites


Different lines list the policy in different places. This link is useful...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=225

[Genetic Defect]

Perry,
On Royal Caribbean, I have never, ever had an issue smoking a stogie on the balcony.
That is my biggest pleasure on a cruise.

OK,
Maybe not the biggest.
Hotel sex comes first.

Maybe the second.
OK
Maybe not the second.
Eating and drinking comes in second.

OK, maybe third biggest pleasure on a cruise.:r
:r
When is our cruise?

[floydpink]

I live 1 hour from Port Canaveral, so a cruise is 1 hour away for me.

Last minute travel is usually anything booked under 90 days.

Royal Carribbean does a 3 day cruise for about $250 with an inside cabin and we leave on Friday, wake up in Nassau Saturday amd leave Nassau late and wake up outside their private island for the day and arrive back early Monday.

It's a great weekend getaway and I love the shows, the food is just ok, and I gamble while my wife shops and daugter plays in the many activities.

I don't know about much more than 4 days, although I would love to do an Alaska or Hawaii cruise.

When you figure in entertainment, meals,etc, it's a bargain no matter how many days you go.

The crew is always from all over the world and are top at service.

[Cigary]

The wife and I have been cruising for about 15 years and have gone pretty much everywhere. Our favorite was the Transatlantic Cruise ( 17 nights ) where we flew to Rome, Italy and then came back to New Orleans. We cruise Princess because they have some great ships plus when you stay with a cruise line you get benefits. We are not platinum class which gives us free Internet, free laundry plus other choice things that make a cruise even better. Here are a few things to consider when taking a long cruise and a short one.

Long Cruise
*Get a Balcony at least and sometimes you will be upgraded ( we get upgrades to suites because we are a platinum member. When you stay in a suite you can get your meals in your room just like in the dining room,,,same menu,,,in the other rooms you only get a small menu to choose from
*Bring plenty of cigars and choose a ship that has a cigar room
*Bring books
*Order as much as you want for dinner,,,if they have lobster tails,,,order 4 if you want,,,,I did and they don't care.

Short Cruises
* Balcony rooms are the best,,,ocean view is ok but you will use the balcony more than you think,,,,,go to the lunch dining room and get all kinds of cheeses, fruits, etc and have your wine on the balcony,,,we did that every day and got to watch the isands or out at sea,,,
* Pick S. Carribean as the beaches are much nicer,,,ex. St. Thomas, St. Marteen, Aruba, Grenada,,,plus the water is much warmer. Cozumel and Belize and those areas the water is cooler and not very good for snorkeling.
*Since this would be a first time cruise for you pick a room that is near to the middle of the ship as possible.
* Bring with you medicine for sea sickness,,,just in case and also bring antiseptic wipes so that you can make your room sick proof.

[floydpink]

I agree about the balcony, although it's more expensive.

Last few cruises I had an inside cabin and tossed and turned all night worrying I would oversleep my day at port as no light gets in.

NEVER book during Spring Break or you will be overrun with drunk college kids up all night running down the halls.

ALWAYS get up off the toilet before flushing. The suction will give you a hickey on your ass cheeks and you will be explaining it to your wife.:r

[Genetic Defect]

Lots of great info here, glad Seth asked :) now I want to go on one

[Blueface]

ALWAYS get up off the toilet before flushing. The suction will give you a hickey on your ass cheeks and you will be explaining it to your wife.:r

:r:r:r

Hickey?
You are lucky if that is all you get.
You may actually get sucked into a void somewhere, butt first.
That flush is a frightening experience the first time one does it.

[Blueface]

Here is a photo of what a balcony room view looks like.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0197.jpg

[Blueface]

Seth,
Study this photo well.
This is what YOU DON'T want to see on your cruise.

While docked in Cozumel, Carnival's oldest ship was docked next to us.
I could not help but capture this photo.
Note the mom watching the kids in the "kids" pool.
Note the kids getting ready to go in the water.

Now, for the best part.......................

NOTE THE WATER!!! It is piss green.:r:r:r

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0087.jpg

[Blueface]

God I love this theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCwl0jhmyyY

I need to plan another one.

[Spagg]

Is it worth it to pay the extra money for the balcony, or are there plenty of other places on the ship were you can smoke?

On all the Royal Carribean and Carnival ships I was on there was a cigar bar and one outside deck they allowed cigar smoking. I always had my cigars in the cigar bar as the wife and I didn't want to spend extra money on a balcony. Really depends on what appeals to you.

We love cruising!!

[Cigary]

Another thing,,depending on who you choose to do your cruise thru,,,there are a lot of sites where you can get a really good price on your cruise. Travel agents are not necessarily your best friend,,,I used to use them but now do my own travel planning. I get some awesome deals on cruises:

17 night Transatlantic- Rome, Livorno,Canne,Cartegena Spain, Barcelona Spain, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Madeira Portugal, Ft. Lauderdale Suite w/airfare was $5200 for both of us

12 night Carribean on QM2 New York, Grenada, St. Thomas, St Marteen, Aruba, St. Kitts, Barbados, Puerto Rico Balcony for 2 was $2600

7 night Carribean on Princess St. Thomas, St. Marteen, Nassau, Private Island
Balcony for 2 was $1200

This is just an example as I have about 12 sites I use and we have sailed on just about every cruise line. It really does pay to use one exclusive cruise line so you can upgrade your amenities and your room. As a platinum member you get express checkin,,,which is great so u don't have to wait with the masses. You will get plenty of upgrades as far as wines, special invites, etc.

One thing we always do,,,,,,always befriend your room steward,,always,,,he holds the keys to everything. Since these poor people do not eat the same stuff you and I do we always approached our room steward when he was alone and asked him what he'd like for dinner. They always act surprised because they are not allowed to eat off the menu,,,but its not breaking rules if WE order a lunch or dinner and invite them to our room and have a nice meal. Trust me, these guys will break their necks for you. Our steward offerred to use his account to buy anything we wanted on the ship,,,they get anywhere from 20-40% off anything and we had him buy us some things we wanted on the boat,,,we got some great things with 40% off.

We would usually take second seating for dinner because we wanted to do more things on the islands. If you take first seating you have to always be in a rush to get back.
Another thing, on the first evening dining slip your dinner steward an extra $20 and he will act like you are the only guy at the table,,,he will get you special dinner items as I always asked my guy that I wanted lobster two nights instead of the one night they had it. The same went for the filet mignon,,I wanted it on two seperate occasions and he made sure I had it because I let him know early. When everyone else was asking why I got mine the steward told everyone that I had placed special orders,,,,lol

I love cruising,,it is one of the most economical ways to travel. When you go to the islands,,forget the tours,,,they rip you off. Rent either a scooter or one of those small 2 person cars they have and tour the island yourself. When you find out what islands you will be going to do some study and get a map and do it yourself. The tours only take you to tourist places,,,who gives a crap about that? You paid all this money to see other places,,,so go see them. This only applies to most islands except Jamaica,,,be very careful about doing it on your own there,,,very careful and be back before nightfall.

If you do elect to tour don't use the ships tour. You can usually negotiate with the cab drivers to do a tour,,,trust me, it will be cheaper than the $100-150 they charge you for the cruise line bus tour. In Acapulco we got about 2 other couples to go with us on a tour in a big Suburban,,,the guy first wanted to charge my wife and I $200 for a 4 hour tour. I asked him, how many people will fit into his vehicle? He says inlcuding himself, 6 other very comfortablly. Sooooo, I said how about I bring 4 of my friends and we all give you $300 ( $60 a piece ) and he thought, sure, why not? He gets another $100 for the same thing and we got the best tour of Acapulco,,,places where the tour busses never go and we stopped wherever we wanted to so we could take pictures or whatever. Always negotiate and go in a small group,,,2-3 couples and you will save a lot.

[SmoknTaz]

I went on a one week Alaskan cruise (Norwegian) two years ago for my honeymoon and loved it. Granted it was in May and was still quite cold but I really enjoyed the whole experience. Last year we went on a 4 day adjustment cruise with a different cruise line and enjoyed that too even though the ship we were on did not have a cigar lounge. (a must in the future) As mentioned, do your research, you don't want to get stuck on a boat with a bunch of drunken college kids or on a Disney special.

[JohnnyKay5]

Cigary
love cruising,,it is one of the most economical ways to travel. When you go to the islands,,forget the tours,,,they rip you off. Rent either a scooter or one of those small 2 person cars they have and tour the island yourself. When you find out what islands you will be going to do some study and get a map and do it yourself. The tours only take you to tourist places,,,who gives a crap about that? You paid all this money to see other places,,,so go see them. This only applies to most islands except Jamaica,,,be very careful about doing it on your own there,,,very careful and be back before nightfall.




Great advice here. the tours were expensive and not too amazing... And wathc out for Jamaica, one of the beach party hostess was murdered the night before we got there.. alot of crime on Jamaica.

I learned some stuff here too about tipping! great advice!

[floydpink]

Most of the cruises I go on stop at Nassau, which is not such a nice place and is overrun with touts shoving crap in your face hoping you'll buy some. The streets are lined with bad fakes as far as cigars go.

I learned to walk off the ship and head a half mile to the Colonial Hilton and pay 15 bucks to use their beach, chairs and towels all day as well as kayaks and water toys for my daughter. Conch fritters are great across the street and Graycliff is a 10 minute walk.

Last time I was there, Larry Birkhead was staying at the Hilton for the Anna Nicole Smith trial and there was a lot of media around, but we still had a great time.

My biggest complaint about cruises is the set dining time as I spend my life on schedules and deadlines, so if I was planning your cruise, I would suggest the flex dining plans where you can eat whenever and wherever you want.

Royal Carribean has the Crown Viking lounge for cigar smoking and normally has a cigar get together each night.

Again, more money, like a balcony. I try to not focus on the price, and instead, look at the overall experience.

[cvm4]

I just got back from a cruise. I've been on about 5 so far. You definitely get more bang for your buck with cruises.

My bit of advice would be to take a newer ship. And check beforehand that they have a cigar bar or allow cigar smoking inside. The Carnival Holiday did not allow cigar smoking inside, only outside on the decks. And it was somewhat of an annoyance.

[smitdavi]

Are there any good "Cigar" destinations on any of the cruise lines. For example does any of the lines stop anywhere that would be nice destination to visit a factory or anything cigar related?

[Benzopyrene]

You want the balcony. because that way even if they have a no smoking policy you can still get away with smoking your cigars, plus there is something to be said of sitting out there and just staring at the water as it goes by. I know you can do that on the deck but to be able to sit out and do it is worth the extra bucks.

[IBQTEE1]

I have been on two cruises. There is so much to do besides sit by the pool. You have to be open to playing bingo and things like that. But they always have some type of entertainment whether it be shows or game show type things. I say Royal Caribbean is better then Carnival because it is a little less college party.

[floydpink]

Are there any good "Cigar" destinations on any of the cruise lines. For example does any of the lines stop anywhere that would be nice destination to visit a factory or anything cigar related?


Graycliff is a 10 minute walk from the terminal in Nassau and a great place to eat and sit at the piano bat at night..

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/rastapete69/gray3.jpg

[Blueface]

Graycliff is a 10 minute walk from the terminal in Nassau and a great place to eat and sit at the piano bat at night..



Pete,
If you are on a cruise to Nassau, and you are looking for a great place to sit at the piano bar at night, you missed the boat, literally.:r:r:r (they usually leave at 5 PM).

[replicant_argent]

I was searching a few months ago, and a good reference point to start with if anyone is shopping for a cruise line.
http://cigars.about.com/od/cultureofcigars/qt/cigarscruise.htm
__________________


Heavyd's link is the other one I would look at also, because it is fairly fresh, and one I bookmarked as well, http://cigars.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=cigars&cdn=hobbies&tm=43&f=00&tt=13&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm%3FID%3D225

[Don Fernando]

I have never been on a cruise, but I like to be on the water so maybe in the near future I will take a cruise.

[King James]

I'd really like to go on a cruise, never been on one either. As long as I could get on one without a smoking ban, I think it would be awesome

[smokin5]

I've done at least 18 cruises, averaging 1 per year.
You might say I like to vacation that way.

My favorite line is Holland America. I don't know why
someone had a problem with their service, as the top-notch
service is precisely why I return to Holland America again & again.
The staff truly goes above & beyond every time I'm there.

Unlike you, though, I'm very content doing as litttle as possible & just recharge my batteries. There's plenty of activities for those who like such diversions, but I'm perfectly happy sitting on the back of the boat with a cigar in one hand & a drink in the other, maybe read or do a crossword puzzle or yak to those around me.

The downside to this line is that there are VERY few places to smoke cigars, basically just on the outside decks, but that's good enough for me. I 've gotten balcony rooms in the past but stopped because I prefer to smoke in public areas where I can meet & converse with others. There's always a few fellow cigar lovers out there, too.

And "warning", Holland America tends to attract mostly older people. So much so, that I'm definitely in the younger 1/3 of the passengers, & I'm 48!

[Genetic Defect]

Pete,
If you are on a cruise to Nassau, and you are looking for a great place to sit at the piano bar at night, you missed the boat, literally.:r:r:r (they usually leave at 5 PM).

who said bar, he wants to sit with the piano bat :r

[Cigary]

I'm a committed Princess Cruiser but I have to admit I did cruise Holland America a few times and loved their ships and smoking rooms. I went on the Zaandam and it has a great cigar room and the ship was really nice,,,the food was excellent but you're right,,it caters to people in their 50's on up,,which is fine as I am nearly 55. I don't like Carnival as they tend to draw party people who run up and down the hallways at all times of the day and night,,well into the early morning hours. They are usually drunk and their kids run back and forth all night yelling,,,you can have Carnival as I wouldnt cruise for free on that line.

I've done at least 18 cruises, averaging 1 per year.
You might say I like to vacation that way.

My favorite line is Holland America. I don't know why
someone had a problem with their service, as the top-notch
service is precisely why I return to Holland America again & again.
The staff truly goes above & beyond every time I'm there.

Unlike you, though, I'm very content doing as litttle as possible & just recharge my batteries. There's plenty of activities for those who like such diversions, but I'm perfectly happy sitting on the back of the boat with a cigar in one hand & a drink in the other, maybe read or do a crossword puzzle or yak to those around me.

The downside to this line is that there are VERY few places to smoke cigars, basically just on the outside decks, but that's good enough for me. I 've gotten balcony rooms in the past but stopped because I prefer to smoke in public areas where I can meet & converse with others. There's always a few fellow cigar lovers out there, too.

And "warning", Holland America tends to attract mostly older people. So much so, that I'm definitely in the younger 1/3 of the passengers, & I'm 48!

[smokin5]

Cigar rooms on Holland America are history.
Have been for at least 2 years.

And yes, I agree with you on Carnival - I'm not sure I'd go on that
"frat party at sea" if they paid me.

[GoodFella]

some BOTL and I have been kicking the idea of a herf cruise around.

i could tell u 100 things to make u want to go on a cruise but i think i will just have to call ya Landhony

[Don Fernando]

I went on the Zaandam

that's funny, I didn't know there was a cruise ship named after my hometown.

[Cigary]

I just called them and the Oosterdam still has a cigar room.

Cigar rooms on Holland America are history.
Have been for at least 2 years.

And yes, I agree with you on Carnival - I'm not sure I'd go on that
"frat party at sea" if they paid me.

[cvm4]

NOTE THE WATER!!! It is piss green.:r:r:r

It's just sea water :confused:

[Agent11br]

I've been on three cruises, enjoyed them all. The food is simply amazing and you get as much as you want at dinner, so make sure you pick the later seating so you have a bigger appetite!

The larger ships I went on had actual cigar lounges. The lounges also had live jazz ensembles in them at night, it was a badass time.

Definitely sign up for some excursions early and get out on the deck in the am on the days at sea if you want a lounge chair!

[landhoney]

Cruise is booked! 10 days out of Denmark. We're hitting Copenhagen, St.Petersburg(Russia), Sweden, Berlin, Poland, Estonia. Flying over, and the cruise starts over there. I'm pretty excited, we're leaving at the end of June. :tu

[DPD6030]

Awesome Seth. Enjoy your cruise! I'm going on the "frat party boat" in December but I got an aft cabin so I never hear any noise back there at all.

[smokin5]

Have a great time!
And don't forget to pack a cigar. Or 2.:ss

[kaelaria]

OMG I love them! It's nice living right by the port too, no airfare!

I have been on 3, my wife 7 and we are going on another one in 3 weeks with my parents and brother!

The ports - well, some do have a lot of fun stuff to do, but it's not cheap. There is such a variety of options - everything from tours and hikes, to water stuff like diving, snorkleing, party boats, etc. to just relaxing on a private beach with an open bar.

Of course there is a TON of shopping at each one too, and some of it is priced ok - most is either crap or overpriced. The jewelry, if your woman is into it, is some pretty sweet stuff - very unique designs at some of the stores. The cruise will have a dedicated channel on the in room TVs for port destinations running 24/7.

All the ports are pretty similar though - if you've been to a couple you've been to them all. Pretty much all the same stores or kinds of stores, and a good overlap of activities.

I personally love it on the ship more than in port. There is ALWAYS something going on - the shows are generally really good - especially the comics and game shows. Yes, if you are a multicruiser it's a lot of the same stuff, but it's still very fun!

Casinos, multiple bars, dance floors, some have cigar bars, piano bars, art galleries, auctions, multiple dinning areas along with specialty areas like sushi...you are never bored.

After splurging the first time we always get the cheapest room available. We are ONLY in it to crash and wash. When it comes right down to it they are all the same - all have great beds, bathrooms and enough space. I don't care about a balcony - I have the multiple rear decks to enjoy my drinks and cigars!

One big fear I had was that it was going to be crowded. Every cruise I've been on has been at max capacity, and I have NEVER felt crowded. There are so many things going on, the only time I saw a bunch of people was after leaving port and going through the mandatory safety drill on deck. In 10 min when that was done, everyone split up and sometimes it felt like I had the boat to myself!

[BeerAdvocate]

Im afraid I would run up a huge bill drinking all the time.
What does a beer/mixed drink cost on a cruise?

[skullnrose]

This months Smoke Magazine has a nice article on cigar friendly cruises.

[landhoney]

http://www.princess.com/pb/itineraryDetails.do?voyageCode=E918&trade=E

Here's a link to the specific cruie. Really excited to see Berlin again, I love Berlin. Of course, I'm most excited to see Russia, St.Petersburg is supposed to be an amazing city. And yes, I'll bring just a few cigars. :r