Jessica helps you answer some of your cruise questions

Q:      Hi Jessica. I will be cruising Alaska with my family -- that is my wife and my two children aged 16 and 19 -- on the Vision of the Seas in June. Could you please suggest what shore excursions are worth taking as we are extremely confused about this. Thank you.

A:      Most all of the shore excursions in Alaska are a must do, but obviously money and time restraints usually don't allow you to go on all of the ones you would like to. I remember when I sailed there last summer (around the same time you're going) it was hard to pick and choose. However, I was very happy with the selections that I made.

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The dog sled and helicopter adventure was the best one my father and I went on. If your family isn't afraid of going in helicopters, then definitely do it. Although I must warn you that is on the pricey side, but well worth it -- spectacular! We also went in a floatplane over the glaciers which was also very scenic. If you guys are fishers at all, then go on one of the sportsfishing excursions (if I remember correctly, Ketchikan and Sitka are the best for fishing). A woman on my boat caught a king salmon and had it shipped home, but if you catch one, the chefs aboard Vision of the Seas may cook it for you and your family for dinner that night if you choose. Another nice, but low key option is the salmon

bake. It's usually held in a remote woodsy camp-like area with picnic benches and a fire for marshmallow roasting. I thought the food was great. If you and your family are nature lovers, you might like the Eagle Preserve float or jet boat excursions. You'll raft or boat on a river through the preserve. It's very peaceful. On the other hand, if you like

to kayak, go for a kayak adventure excursion instead. If you guys really like adventure or physical activity, then try out one of the mountain bike or jeep tours. An educational type tour to take, which you guys can actually do on your own, is the Salmon Hatchery. It's very interesting. In Seaward, you might just want to walk around town, because there are only a couple of excursions offered there. Above all, I would definitely not miss an

opportunity to take a helicopter glacier tour, whether it's combined with the dog sled adventure, or if it's the Mendenhall Glacier excursion.My best suggestion to you though, is to book these excursions early. Take advantage of Royal Caribbean's option to book excursions online prior to your cruise. Alaska excursions fill up fast! Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

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Q:        I've started looking for a late May cruise for our 20th anniversary. My wife is recovering from a lengthy surgery and probably won't be as "active"as she would like to be when the time comes around. However, she mentioned that an Alaska cruise would be nice. I'm not really looking for a Kathy Lee Gifford experience. Frankly, we would like a little more class than that. Perhaps something in the luxury or premium arena on a boat that isn't absolutely HUGE... What would you suggest?

A:        I have the perfect cruise for you and your wife. . . .Alaska on the new Seven Seas Mariner.  I sailed to Alaska last year on Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Navigator and it was a very exceptional experience.  The Mariner is the ship's sister ship, however it is better. . .all suites, all with balconies.  The service, cuisine, atmosphere, fellow passenger mix and entire experience is incredible.  It's luxurious to say the least and you don't have to be too active.  You're in charge of what you want to do and when to do it.  It can also be very romantic cruise.  Top notch!   Check out the company's web site at www.rssc.com. You may also read my review of the Navigator in the past issues section of CruiseReports, in the August 2000 issue, at www.cruise-report.com.

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Q:        My wife and I would like to take a cruise during the Christmas week. We are thinking of taking the Carnival Sensation ship from New Orleans to western Caribbean because we wanted to go somewhere warm. What do you think about the ship and the cruise is it a good one worth our money? Do you have another suggestion.

A:        Thanks for your inquiry to CruiseReports regarding a cruise on the Carnival Sensation.  I do want to let you know that the ship is older and doesn't have some of the latest amenities available to cruisers, but we have had good reviews of the ship.  Have you looked into any of the other Carnival ships?  The line does provide a good value for your money.  You might also want to look into Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises or consult with your travel agent.  There are plenty of cruises to the Caribbean during the Christmas week.

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Q:        I just came back from a real nice experience on Sovereign of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. My girlfriend and I were first time cruisers, but we have a lot of traveling experience, and we know when the service is good, and when we are getting value for our money. We loved Sovereign, and have very few complaints about our experience. My question is this: I read MANY cruise reviews about this ship prior to going, and the opinions vary from "lousy, old, terrible, never going again, etc." to "the best vacation I have ever had."  Why is there such a disparity in opinions on this ship? Is this normal for cruise lines? From my experience, I can't believe some of these reviews. Could these four- day cruises be so different from week to week? Just looking for an informed opinion. Thanks.

A:        Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on the Sovereign of the Seas.  We welcome your comments as well as your ratings, so please feel free to fill out a Ship Evaluation (if you haven't done so already) on our Web site, www.cruise-report.com.
         Judging from the various ship evaluations we receive daily, cruise passengers' opinions certainly do differ from one to another, especially if those guests are on different sailings of a particular ship.  Let's face it. . .everyone expects different things as well.  First time cruisers tend to expect less from a cruise experience than those who have been on three, four and even 10 cruises.  But it also can go the opposite way -- some first time cruisers may expect more.  Another important factor, as you mentioned, is the length of the cruise.  Although sad, but often true, service on shorter cruises is not always as acceptable as it is on longer cruises.  Sometimes the staff feels that shorter cruises are more for party-type people that may not tip as well, so they are less gracious and helpful.  I'm not condoning this under any circumstances, mind you.  I think it's horrible, especially because tipping IS NOT required on any cruise line.  It's only recommended or suggested.  I'm sure, however, that other factors are involved as well, i.e., the food, fellow passengers, smokers vs. non-smokers, what time of year the cruise sails, etc.
         To be honest, the only times when I see and read consistently good reviews is on the luxury lines such as Radisson Seven Seas or Crystal Cruises, and even then, some people are picky!  Always remember as well, people who have complaints about things are more willing to voice their opinions, then those who have praise.  I say. . .if you have something good to say then say it!
Thanks for your comments!

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Q:        My husband & I want to go to Alaska this summer (July). Price is not too much of a concern but we want to get our money's worth. Someone suggested Holland and another said "don't use Carnival". Can you help? We are in our late 50's. Thank you.

A:        Thanks for your inquiry to CruiseReports regarding cruises to Alaska this summer.  If money isn't a big issue for you, then my first suggestion is to look into Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, www.rssc.com. The line's newest ship, the Seven Seas Mariner will be sailing Alaska this summer.  The ship is very luxurious and has all suites, each one with its own balcony.  I sailed on its sister ship to Alaska last year and had a remarkable time.  You will find my review in the August 2000 issue of CruiseReports in the past issues section at www.cruise-report.com. It's first-class cruising all the way!  Per person rates start around $2,500, including gratuities and wine with dinner.
         You also might want to look into Celebrity Cruises, www.celebritycruises.com; Crystal Cruises, www.crystalcruises.com; Princess Cruises, www.princess.com; and as you suggested, Holland America Line, www.hollandamerica.com. These lines all offer great values!

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Q:        What do you think about the Voyager? I heard its very crowded. Thanks.

A:        Even though Voyager of the Seas is a huge ship -- and holds 3,100 passengers -- somehow it doesn't seem "crowded," or at least it didn't when I sailed.  There is plenty of open deck space and a bunch of bars and lounges, so the crowds seem to disperse a little.  Whereas, on smaller ships, people are confined to socialize in certain areas.  The ship is really comparable to a huge mall (but not around Christmas time), if you can picture that!  I think Voyager and its sister ship Explorer of the Seas, are great ships.  I'm sure you'll have a fun time, especially if you like sports activities!
Good luck!

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Q:        I'm thinking of going on Crystal Symphony with my wife (#1207 Italian Splendors) on May 10. Is this a good time of year to cruise to the Mediterranean? Would you recommend the Crystal Symphony? Would you prefer the deluxe stateroom with verandah in category B ($6,245) or would you think that we'd be happy with Category C ($4,640) deluxe stateroom with picture window? Cat C gives a savings of $1,615 pp/do. you know of any airline deals from Boston to Rome etc.?
Would appreciate your opinions on this. Thanks.

A:        I'm sure you will love the Crystal Symphony.  It's a very intimate, upscale ship with exceptional service and food.  I do want to make you aware, however, that the median age onboard is around 64 years old.  I'm only telling you this because I don't know what age group you and your wife are in. 
         May is a great time to visit Europe and the Mediterranean.  If money isn't really a concern for you, then I would book the stateroom with a balcony.  I'm sure you'll enjoy the privacy of having breakfast on your veranda while cruising into those beautiful and scenic Italian ports.  But there is definitely nothing wrong or unacceptable about the Cat. C, with the big picture window.
         As for the airfare from Boston, I would search some web sites such as travelocity.com or alitalia, or check with your travel agent, and then compare the rates to what Crystal has to offer.  Sometimes it' safer and cheaper to go through the cruise line's air/sea department.

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Q:        Do you have any information about the Star Clippers sailing line?

A:        Thanks for your inquiry to CruiseReports regarding Star Clippers.  The cruise line has three yacht-like sailing vessels, the Star Clipper, Star Flyer and the new Royal Clipper.  Unfortunately, I cannot give you my first hand opinions of the ships because I haven't sailed on them.  We did, however, feature the Star Flyer in the August 1999 issue of CruiseReports and it received high ratings.  If you're a subscriber, you can access the review through the "Past Issues" section of our web site, www.cruise-reports.com. If you're not a subscriber, you can easily become one for as little as $39.95.
         For more information on Star Clippers, call 1-800-442-0551, visit www.starclippers.com or e-mail info@starclippers.com.  Hope this helps.


Q:        Hi Jessica, My fiance and I would like to take a Hawaiian cruise following our November 3, 2001 wedding. I have previously cruised with my family on RCCL, NCL and Carnival, but this will be the first cruise for fiance. Because I have been very happy with RCCL in the past, my first instinct would be to choose the Vision of the Seas repositioning cruise from Ensenada. However, I have never cruised in the Pacific and am a little concerned about whether the four straight days at sea would be too much for a first time cruiser (or even for me if the waters are rough.) With this in mind, we also received the brochures for the Independence and Patriot. My concern with these choices is whether the quality will be at the same level as RCCL. My final consideration is whether there will be other younger couples/honeymooners on any of these cruises. I have heard that Hawaiian cruises attract more of an older crowd. We wouldn't rule out Hawaiian cruises for this reason, I'm just curious about who generally cruises to this destination. Any recommendation or information you have is very much appreciated. Thank you.

A:        Thanks for your inquiry to CruiseReports regarding Hawaii cruises.
         In my opinion, you are making a good choice with RCI's Vision of the Seas, but I'm also glad to see that you have been doing a little research.   . .especially because this is your honeymoon we're talking about here. 
         I do, however, understand your concern for the four days at sea in the beginning of the cruise, because it may be a little long for first time cruisers (your fiance) to sail without a port call in between.  But once you're there, you have seven days to spend in Hawaii, visiting the different islands.  And if you've been happy with RCI in the past, chances are you will be satisfied with the cruise.  Besides, it's perfect timing because the ship departs Ensenada the day after your wedding.
         I don't want to rule out your other options though, except for the Patriot, which hasn't received great reviews.  Due to the time of year that you're sailing, American Hawaii's Independence is really your only other cruise option.  CruiseReports has reviewed that ship in the past (April 1999), and it received an average rating.  A downside is that it's an old ship who is apparently showing her age.  An upside is that you would fly to Hawaii, which would replace those four sea days on Vision.  Also, American Hawaii is sort of "experts" in the area because the Independence is homeported there. 
         RCI might offer you a better value because of the accommodations, atmosphere, etc.  I think you need to really weigh the two options carefully and decide what's most important to you in a cruise.  Vision of the Seas is more modern, but yet you'll be at sea for longer; the Independence is old, but you can fly right into the island.
         I say, if you don't think you or your fiance will get sea sick (which can be avoided with remedies), then I would definitely take the Vision of the Seas cruise.  Plus, it's your honeymoon and I think those sea days will be relaxing and romantic and will give you plenty of time to enjoy each other and all the ship has to offer.
         If you are still indecisive, you may want to talk to some travel agents about it.  Either way, let me know what you decide.
Good luck!

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Q:        Hello Jessica: I am in the middle of planning a cruise to the Mediterranean. I have been pricing the Wind Surf, and the Crown Odyssey. I understand there is a difference one is more traditional and the other is an experience. Both offer different itineraries and although they are varied in pricing this is my dilemma. I like the freedom and attention to detail that is offered by the luxury ship. But I like the itinerary and dates offered by the Odyssey. My question is how is the Odyssey rated and what is your opinion about the social aspects on the Wind Surf. Also what is your take on a Med cruise? Thanks.

A:        The decision you make between the Crown Odyssey and the Wind Surf really depends on the importance of two things that you mentioned in your e-mail -- itinerary and luxury.  The Crown Odyssey offers more of a destination-intensive cruise experience, whereas the Windsurf offers a romantic, luxurious atmosphere on a sailing vessel.  You certainly wouldn't be "roughing it" on the Crown Odyssey though.  It is an older ship (built in 1988), but it was refurbished last year when it was transferred to Orient Lines from parent company Norwegian Cruise Line.  We have not yet published a review of the ship, but I can tell you that so far the comments from past passengers have been mostly positive.  We did review the Wind Surf in the December 2000, issue and it received a very high Value Index of 18.4. 
         I must stress again that your choice really depends on what is more important to you.  Would you rather settle for less in port/itineraries to cruise on a sailing vessel with top personal service, cuisine and romance?  Or, do you want to really enjoy the ports and sights, but maybe sacrifice a bit in service and overall quality?  This is not to say that the service and food are bad on the Crown Odyssey at all, but the standards are lower than that of Windstar Cruises.  If you want to really explore the Mediterranean, then go for the Crown Odyssey cruise!  If you want to be wined and dined, then sail on the Wind Surf.

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Q:        I just booked a November, 10-day cruise to the Caribbean on the new Celebrity Summit. My wife and I are having a (friendly) dispute about what category stateroom to choose and where. I'm concerned about what I've heard about engine noise in these new gas turbine engines (or whatever they are) that's a problem on the Millennium, so I booked a category 4 with a window facing forward on the ship. (If you want a non-verandah location up high it can't be in the middle of the ship.) My wife says we should save the extra $500 and book a stateroom lower in the center of the ship since the ride is less rocky and if you're facing forward you can't see anything out your window when in port. Is she right, or is my concern about more engine noise down low in this ship valid??? Also, I'm concerned because she wants to book a room right under the promenade deck--any concern about people walking/jogging on top of you?? Any advice would be appreciated.

A:        Thank you for your question. You've brought up some interesting points, and as I spent 13 nights on the Millennium, Summit's older sister, Jessica has asked me (Mike Brown) to reply.
         First, I was more than a little surprised to read your comment that you have heard that engine noise is a problem on these ships. My experience, and the comments of passengers who rated Millennium for the review we published in CruiseReports this January, was just the opposite; the ship's gas turbine engines are so quiet and the vibration so minimal as to be unnoticeable. So that's one worry you can put aside.
Here's an insider tip gleaned from the daily reports I sent to our Web site during the trans-Atlantic crossing of Millennium: Though I don't have a Summit deck plan in front of me, I believe it is essentially the same as that of Millennium and Infinity; if that's the case, the best value on the whole ship are the six Category 3 staterooms on the aft corners of Decks 7, 8, and 9 (staterooms 7199, 7202,8166, 8181, 9156 and 9197). All six are considerably larger than regular staterooms -- including those in higher categories -- have twice as much closet space, and open onto huge private balconies that offer views both aft and to the side.
If you are a CruiseReports subscriber, you can read the full account of the Millennium cruise, including other useful tips, and our complete review of the ship based on our independent surveys of past passengers.  I hope you have a great cruise. Millennium is a spectacular ship, and I've heard Infinity (which I will see in late April and preview in CruiseReports in May) is even better. That bodes well for your cruise on Summit.

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Q:        Hi Jessica, I'm taking my first cruise this summer aboard Celebrity's Horizon to Bermuda. Besides the Martini Bar, what are some of the more interesting things I can do aboard and ashore? I'm not very thrilled about hanging around some old people on the shuffleboard deck. Thanks.

A:        There are plenty of things to do on the Horizon besides hanging out with old people playing shuffleboard.  Sounds like you've been watching old reruns of the Love Boat.  Your idea of cruising is shared by others, however, because the majority of first time cruisers have no idea what to really expect from a cruise vacation.  If you go into it with an open mind, you're sure to have a great time!
         Here are some of the activities that the Horizon offers: Eight bars and lounges, including a disco, show lounge, piano bar and casino; a video game room; AquaSpa and gym; two pools and a whirlpool; and a bunch of other games and activities all day and night hosted by your cruise staff.  On shore, there will also be plenty to do.  You can venture off by yourself or with your traveling companion(s), or join the groups of people on shore excursions.  Some excursions offered include snorkling and/or scuba diving, land tours, boat tours (sometimes better known as booze cruises), kayaking, deep sea fishing, safari tours, and others.  For more information, you might want to call Celebrity Cruises at 1-800-327-2056 or visit the line's Web site, www.celebritycruises.com.
         Have a great cruise!

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Q:        Jessica, My company has awarded me with a four-day cruise for two - my choices are Carnival on either the Ecstasy (four-day cruise from Miami to Nassau) or Norwegian on the Leeward (four-day cruise from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay or Royal Caribbean on Nordic Empress (four-day from San Juan, to St. Thomas and St. Maarten) or Sovereign of the Seas (four-day from Miami to Nassau and CocoCay). Help, as a first time cruiser I have no idea what to choose. Some background -- age - 53 -- enjoy fine dining, quiet beaches as opposed to being a 'party animal'. Any suggestions appreciated!

A:        My first recommendation would be to go with the Nordic Empress cruise from San Juan.  Although the food will not be top notch, it isn't horrible -- and that cruise will probably attract less of a party crowd than the other ones you mentioned.  While the Carnival Ecstasy and Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas may feel more modern (and you may enjoy the cuisine better on Carnival), they may not provide the atmosphere that you're seeking.  The Nordic Empress received a pretty good review and ratings from our volunteer evaluators when we featured her last may.  I also suggest you call some travel agents in your area and see what they think if you are still unsure.
Good luck. . .and let us know what you decide.

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Q:        I'm planning a cruise in November-I currently have a reservation on the Carnival Spirit that will be in Miami in November. I've had bad experiences with them in the past and I'm a little leery of using them again. I love princess cruise line and I know they have the new Golden Princess coming out in October as well-so what have you heard ? Is it true Carnival has gotten a lot better? Let me know if you have info on the Spirit also-good or bad.  -Thanks

A:        To answer your question -- Yes, Carnival has improved over the past several years.  I'm not sure when exactly you sailed with the line, but today's Carnival does offer a great product full of value, especially on its newer vessels.  The Carnival Spirit has not yet entered service -- its debut date is April 29 -- so unfortunately I can't give you any passenger feedback.  I can tell you, however, that the ship is suppose to great!  It has a reservations-only steakhouse onboard which will offer an "art nouveau" atmosphere and also serve stone crabs from Miami Beach's famous Joe's Stone Crab restaurant at $15 per night.  The ship is also the first in a new series of 86,000-ton vessels for Carnival.  Some other Carnival "firsts" that the ship will offer includes a wedding chapel, a wrap-around outdoor promenade, the highest percentage of ocean view and balconied staterooms in the fleet, an enclosable pool (with a retractable roof/dome).  Carnival Spirit has about 12 bars and lounges, including an Egyptian-themed show room, a sing-a-long piano bar, a disco, a sports bar and more.  I think the biggest two improvements on Carnival over the past few years are the cuisine quality and the service.  I'm sure you'll enjoy the ship, and the new Carnival.
         As for the Golden Princess, that is also a good option for you if you like Princess.  That ship is set to debut mid-May.

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Q:        Hello Jessica. I am considering taking a Caribbean cruise this summer during the first week in July with my girlfriend. We are in our mid 30's (no children) and I was wondering if there are any cruise ships that are geared more toward younger couples versus families and retirees?

A:        There are, indeed, a few cruise lines that appeal to young couples.  The most obvious of the bunch is Carnival Cruise Lines, 800-CARNIVAL, www.carnival.com. Carnival offers a good product and a great value.  The food and service are good and their newer ships are great. . .filled with plenty of bars and lounges, dining options and activities.  Royal Caribbean International, 800-255-4374, www.royalcaribbean.com is another great option.  This line boasts active cruise vacations.  Their newer ships -- the 142,000-ton Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas -- both offer a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, in-line skating track, full sports court (volleyball and basketball), miniature golf course, golf simulator and more.  The ships also have an inside mall-like promenade area, plenty of bars and lounges and eateries (including Johnny Rockets).  They also have a series of other smaller vessels.  We get good feedback from couples who sail with Royal Caribbean.  A third choice is Celebrity Cruises, 800-327-2056, www.celebritycruises.com. This line is a notch or two above Carnival and Royal Caribbean in the way of accommodations, service and cuisine.  The ships offer famous Cigar Bars and Cova Cafes and menus designed by world renowned Master chef Michel Roux. 
         Although these cruise lines do appeal to couples, they also attract families.  If you're strict about going on a couples-only type vacation this summer, you may want to look into Renaissance Cruises, 800-525-5350, www.renaissancecruises.com or Windstar Cruises, 800-258-7245, www.windstarcruises.com.
         To be honest though, I'm sure you'll have a great time on any of the above cruise lines!

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