Hi everyone! First time cruiser here!

I thought I'd through out a few thoughts. Caribbean Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30th. Have you ever been on a boat before ? Do you know if you get sea sick ? I always recommend that a first cruise be a short one to make sure you like being on a ship.

Of the lines you were thinking of, Celebrity is a premium line, Princess falls in the middle and NCL is at the bottom. I have been on all 3 of them. Celebrity is my favorite line and NCL is my least favorite cruise line (I'd rather go Carnival then NCL......I will catch flack for that from some of the site users that loves NCL..... to each their own).

A few questions to help you a bit better....who are you traveling with ? Any kids ? what is your age rang? What kind of cruise experience are you looking for, casual, a bit more formal ? Are you looking to relax or to party ?

Being a foodie .... if you travel NCL I suggest the specialty dining package, I found the main Dining room food not good on that line but the specialty dining was good, the French, Indian and the steak house were all excellent, for an extra fee.

If you are doing the Caribbean, I would suggest November or December due to the risk of Hurricanes before that. I've done both the Southern and Eastern Carib cruises out of Ft. Lauderdale on Crown & Royal Princess - their "anniversary sale" has several 8 or 10 day that give back onboard credits.I personally like cruises that have a couple sea days in the beginning.

Welcome! Like the others have said, we'll be happy to answer any questions. Most of are "cruise addicts" and don't want to be cured.

Thanks everyone! I have been looking at cruises for NCL, Celebrity, and Princess. Do a lot of first timers go on cruises that are more than 7 days? I've seen Caribbean cruises that interest me that are 10-12 days long. As for shore excursions I really don't know, I don't want to do any water activities/sports. I'm a huge foodie so I wouldn't mind do wine tastings and things like that and I'm into culture. I know I don't care to sail on Carnival and I don't want to go to the Western Caribbean. I'm looking for cruises that are any month, in late August through December of next year.

I neglected to mention - At the top of the page if you click on Advice you will find a ton of info, especially good for first time cruisers.

Welcome. If you have any questions, just ask. We'll be more than happy to help.

Welcome to the forum. The different cruise lines have a ton of info on their websites pertaining to the gratuities, dress code, etc. we are here to help too and you will get good answers from people who have cruised on a variety of lines and ships.

If you can tell us a little about what you want from a cruise it would help, and what activities you might want to do on the excursions too.

Welcome!! There is lots of good information on this site as well as friendly and helpful folks.

Enjoy your new addiction, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask