image from flickr by Loimere

Immediately after our Disney World adventure, Marla and I went on a 10 day, eastern Caribbean cruise with sister Connie and husband Jon aboard Princess’s Caribbean Princess. They drove from Michigan, picked us up at Disney World, and chauffeured us on to our embarkation port, Ft. Lauderdale. We spent the night before at a hotel near the docks, an especially good idea if arriving by plane. This alleviates concerns about flight arrivals and, to some degree, lessens the anxiety of the boarding process. The parking cost is about a trade off with the cruise package cost of transfers to and from the airport. After we went through check-in, we relaxed on our balcony, sipping champagne (compliments of Vacations To Go, the web site we used to book the cruise) and readying ourselves for stops in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda….read more in About Us

Where we stayed 

She Said:

We were on the Princess Cruise Ship with about 3000 of our nearest and dearest friends.  My sister Connie and her husband Jon are members of the Princess Club, mainly because they cruise primarily with Princess.  Because of this they get many amenities, and sometimes get room upgrades for less. 

On this particular cruise they upgraded to a large suite located on the back of the ship.  Our room was a decent room with a large balcony and located down the hall from them.  I have to admit, when I saw their suite and all the amenities (a one- time, stocked bar, special appetizers, free laundry, upgraded lotions, shampoos and free internet access), I was overwhelmingly jealous!!!!  Their room had a very nice sitting room, nice bedroom, huge bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, dual sinks, large walk in closet, and a veranda that went the entire length of the suite.  It was big enough for a large table and chairs and two nice lounge chairs. 

There is only one thing almost as good as having a large suite, and that is having a very close relationship with someone who does.  Needless to say, we were in their suite most of the time sharing everything with them.  They really did want us!  We played euchre on their deck almost every night in the late afternoon before dinner. We met a very nice Canadian couple Dave and Diane, who were a lot of fun and taught us to play six handed euchre (girls against guys, and we beat them like a drum!).  They really enjoyed Connie and Jon’s suite too.

He Said:

The Caribbean Princess is a newer, very large (3100 passenger) ship in the Princess Cruise fleet. It is truly amazing how the shipbuilders so gorgeously and functionally appointment these behemoths of the sea. There are multiple pools, restaurants for every palate, lounges, a casino, and a spa and health club, and so many on board activities one could never have a minute to spare should they opt for constant activity. As we were looking more for relaxation, we booked an ocean view room with a large balcony. Jon and Connie, being frequent cruisers, were able to upgrade to a two room suite at the rear of the ship. Their king sized bed adjoined a luxurious sitting area with a couch, chairs and wet bar for entertaining, a huge, double sink, whirlpool bath and separate shower bathroom, all of which opened onto a wide deck adorned with teak lounge chairs and a table for four. Access to the internet and laundry services was also complimentary. Needless to say, we spent every afternoon in this luxury, enjoying the complimentary hors d oeuvres and toasting another glorious day at sea. Also, I must admit we did manage to sneak a few items into their laundry as well as look over their shoulder in the computer room so we could check our emails. The suite and the additional services just about doubles the cost, so, unless like Jon and Connie, one is receiving some sort of frequent cruiser upgrade, it is easy to do without them and still have a very pleasant voyage.

image from flickr by Danila Medvedev

What a great site!   I have used them many times in the past and they have good customer care. 

If you are flexible, you can save much on cruises.  If you are extremely flexible, you can save 50%-75%.  The CEO, R. Alan Fox, even has a blog about his cruising experiences, and what you can expect if you go on one of them.  And he has been on some VERY nice trips! 

A couple of years ago they also added a vacation to go escorted tours.  I’ve never taken one of these, but I imagine they are well planned.  Check out this site www.vacationstogo.com.  It may make you want to take a cruise.