I can't wait for the info to arrive! Thanks for everyone's input. My thinking is that I want to take Rob (boyfriend) on the cruise early this fall as his graduation/birthday/got into (fingers crossed) law school present.

I just did the Western Carribean on Norweigan Cruise Lines, and it was great! It is different from other lines because there are no set meal times and more restaurant options. I highly recommend it.

dzsaigirl and AOII Angel
 

My best friend and I are thinking about taking a Carnival cruise in June also.

Are you guys taking the Carnival Celebration or Jubilee ship? And which trip (4 day or 5 day) are you going on?

I don't know which one yet, I just sent off for all the stuff. I have no idea how early or anything to start. Where are you at c&c? My mom suggested that for me up in north texas, it might be easier for me to fly to New Orleans and leave from there, as opposed to driving to Galvaston and having to drive back. I am just anxious to go now!!!! I really want some HOT weather!! Do you know which one you are wanting to take?

Here's my take on it....
 

Karen, In terms of food, staff, etc., they're all pretty well the same. I can tell you that Princess is "Senior Citizen Central", whereas Carnival is referred to as "Cheap and Cheerful". Carnival is geared more towards younger people (i.e. mid-40's downwards.)

I don't know much about Royal Caribbean. My friend is a Junior Assistant Purser with Princess (and I used to work on the shore operations for Alaska) so we have pretty good first hand knowledge!

I am cruising on the Celebration.

Cruises
 

The cruise clientale also depends on what time of year you go. Princess may have lots of seniors at times when college kids are in school, but I cruised Princess over winter break, and it was great. There was a big variety in ages.
Think about what time of year and what destination you'll be cruising on Carnival too. My friend has done Carnival a couple times (to Mexico and the Caribbean), and there was puke all over the public bathrooms and hallways! There were people stripping in the pools in the middle of the day! However, I went on a Canada cruise on Carnival which was very relaxing.
Another thing, the quality of service on the cheaper lines (Carnival) is not that great. I was pampered like a queen on both Holland America and Princess.

I am going on a cruise in July on the Norwegian Dawn. Has anyone been on this cruise? I am wondering what to expect and bring, etc. Any advice? :)

I just came inside from a night of drinking and chatting with a friend on my patio. The weather was perfect, the citranella candle kept the buggies away...and we had fun sitting on my new patio furnature. I think I found my new favorite hangout spot!!!! There's a lot of cute guys in NICE cars that live in my apartment and I got to see all ove them!:p

That's nice. :) Were you on a cruise at the time? :)

Still looking for cruise info and suggestions.

Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship for 3/7/2004 to 3/14/2004.

leaves from Miami, FL - to: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel

The band playing at the cruise: moe.

I want to go on this cruise so bad.