[FirstTimeCruiser]

My boyfriend and I are considering going on a cruise in April. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before. We are thinking we want to go to the Eastern Caribbean for somewhere between 5-7 days. Can anyone recommend a good cruise that doesn't cost too much (less than or as close to $1000/person). We like to stay busy but at the same time are looking forward to some relaxing time as well. Also, does anyone know of a good place (Not a travel agent) to book a cruise through? Thank you!

[ConcernedCitizen1616]

My favorite place to look for cruise bargains is http://www.vacationstogo.com. It has a lot of search options including date range, departure port, destinations, length, etc. You can sort the list by price to see the lowest prices first. I've seen some 7-day cruises under $500 per person for an inside cabin.

[TaraW0735]

First of all, I love the Eastern Caribbean, it is beautiful! If you book last minute, most of the time 7 night cruises aren't much more than 5 night and I think they are worth it because you usually get 4 ports instead of 2! The best site that I have found to search cruises is www.cabincloseouts.com. I think Royal Caribbean is a good bet. All of their ships offer a huge variety of things to do, and also have places for relaxation!

[Kirk7360]

goto sixxpaktravel.com

you can book the cruise your self but if you need there staff at sixxpak will be avaiable to help you by sending them an email

There are great cruise deals on the site and closeout deals as well.

[itrip7440]

I use redhotescapes.com I have done Carnival and Princess and both are great cruise lines Carnival tends to be cheaper with a younger party crowd Princess is more upscale and romantic I got married on Caribbean Princess. a balccony room is great for a caribbean cruise but more money and if you can wait to book 60 -90 days before the cruise the prices are cheaper vacations to go is no different after the tax and fuel charges they advertise cheap cruises but once its all added up there the same.

[browneyed]

Hi, we always use royal caribbean.
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/
you can pick your dates, where to sail from, what ship, how long, and you can calculate how much it would cost right on their website. just keep in mind airfare and cruises are starting to charge a fuel charge.
in some cases it is just as cheap to fly into an island and do all inclusive. (my opinion)Cruises are def. nice and keep you moving and you get to see alot!
good luck

[Tom8219]

You'll be hard-pressed to find an Eastern Caribbean itinerary from the mainland US under 7 days. In a 7-day time frame, you'll probably get St. Thomas and/or St. Martin and another port (maybe Grand Turk or San Juan) and either a private island or Nassau in the Bahamas.

For a first time trip, St. Martin instead of St. Thomas and "private island" instead of Nassau.

Cheaper trips are generally on Carnival. Princess and Royal are more upscale. Don't recommend HAL or X unless you are 40+. No NCL and Costa unless you get a real deal on the fare. Disney ships do not have casinos and it is priced into the fare...

Leave from a Florida port, if possible.

If you are date-flexible, even a couple of weeks can make a big difference in the price.

Go for a cheap inside room the first time. You can do a balcony or suite, on the second trip when you've experienced the onboard activities.

Be advised that there is a real science to selecting rooms on a ship as you need to be very aware of where you are on the ship and what is located around you. Book a room over the anchor chain, near the disco, or underneath traffic areas and you'll find out what I mean. Many travel agents do not have the knowledge to get this right!

That said, I've used Cruise Value, mostly for last-minute internet bookings. Impersonal, and cheaper as long as you know what you are doing and don't change your mind. Note that they charge for changes and pocket the difference if the fare goes down.

Good luck! Enjoy!

[GregC]

Try to get a cruise that includes St. Martin and pay for a cab/bus to Orient Bay. Although shopping is good, you can do that on any island. Orient Bay is hard to beat.

Also cruises do not include land excursions, so the price of the cruise is just shipboard activities. You can get off the ship and explore on your own, but a planned tour can be $60 and up per person. Many are double that price.

[RocketStar]

cruises.com i got a 5 night 2 stops for 279/person in august. it was a blast! good luck and have fun