I enjoy tours too, we've done them with so many different companies,
here and abroad.
There are limitations to going the tour route, but it is so nice to
have someone else plan all the stops, get all the tix, etc. :)
As to All inclusives, in January I'll be going to one of those for
the twelfth time. Basically a week at the beach, which is what this
one group of friends and I enjoy. I used to book a week for
immediately after school let out, so I could just go and RELAX....
Now we go in January and escape the cold weather for a week.
We've always booked via Applevacations for the all inclusives.
Since they have several locations with direct charter flights from
PIT, it's very convenient.
Went to the Bahamas to such a resort once, but was not impressed
with that one. It had three meals a day, and one little bar window
open most of the time, just as promised, but nothing more.
Four times to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and five times to
Cancun, and this year will be my second trip to the Riviera Maya,
this time to Akumal, Mexico.
Prices range about the same as for a cruise with airfare, but you
get a really nice room (mostly jr. suites and suites) and all the
meals, tips, and all beverages are included, plus some activities
and a show each night.

On 11/06/09, Jeannie, 1st wrote:
> Thanks, ML,
> I also added the title to my name that you used. Actually, I
> was going to do that and forgot.
>
> You mentioned all inclusive vacations. Those sound great too.
> Where have you gone on those and what companies were they? We
> have taken about four Tauck tours and loved them. They are a
> little more expensive than some of the other tour lines but they
> are will worth the extra money.
>
> We had considered Tauck for the British Isles but we would have
> to take two tours in order to see the places we wanted. They
> didn't have the right combination for us. However, Princess
> does so we are considering going that route.
>
> I would love to hear about your inclusive vacations. I know
> some who have done Club Med and enjoyed it a lot.
> Jeannie
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>> Hi Jeannie, 1st. :)
>>
>> I used to really enjoy cruises, not so much anymore.
>> Of course they are still a great vacation for many people,
>> don't get me wrong.
>> Reasons I don't cruise anymore:
>> Ships too big for my taste. I used to choose ships with
>> 800-1000 passengers, those are not what's out in the mass
>> market nowadays.
>> Less classy and special: Personally now I prefer a
>> casual dress vacation, so I go to all inclusive resorts. But
>> when I did cruise once or twice every year from the 80s on to
>> the millenium, I enjoyed the dressing up for dinner every
>> night, and being with others who were appropriately dresssed,
>> and dressing nicely for a true 'tea time'...also it was
>> special to have your own table and your own waiter every night
>> at your appointed dining time.
>> Now it's mostly all open seating and dress codes are
>> nonexistent or ignored.
>> Less inclusive product now it's pay extra for an ice
>> cream, for a coffee "with", for a darn bottle of water.
>> Pay extra to get to eat dinner in a 'better' restaurant.
>> more inclusive? many lines now 'include' prepaid tips
>> because they are dealing with passengers who are so low class
>> that they'd stiff all the people who served them all week.
>>
>> NOw, that said, IN THE PAST I had wonderful cruises on HAL,
>> Princess, and many other cruise lines.
>> More recently, I traveled by ship with the Semester at Sea
>> program, much more to my liking now; and I took a one week
>> cruise with Royal Caribbean to give those huge mega monster
>> ships just one more chance to win me over. Result? Had a great
>> week despite the aspects of the ship which I personally don't
>> care for. :)
>>
>> I may book a European river cruise one of these days, have not
>> done that particular type of cruise, and would like to give it
>> a try.
>> As to your recommendation for which line, sorry I can't help
>> much. I think you'll get pretty much the same kind of product
>> with just a few details differing whether you choose Holland
>> America (HAL), Princess, or Royal Caribbean. In fact, since
>> the destination is "European", even Carnival has pretty much
>> the same product.
>> A European cruise is more port intensive and less time at sea,
>> unless you do an ocean crossing. So the details on the ship
>> are not quite as important as with a Caribbean type cruise.
>> A lot has to do with luck, too, such as who happens to be on
>> the ship with you, nice traveling/dining companions add a lot
>> to a cruise.
>> I'd select by itinerary and price if it was up to choosing
>> between those major players.
>> Worst cruise ever (of about 25)? Cunard.
>> One of the best? also with Cunard.
>> Often has little to do with the cruise line chosen. :)
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/05/09, Jeannie wrote:
>>> Hubby and I are thinking of doing a cruise in the future of
>>> the British Isles. We are considering Princess because we
>>> like the schedule. We have had good luck with Royal
>>> Caribbean. Holland was a huge disappointment. Carnival
>>> had just taken it over and it didn't offer what I know was
>>> provided before the take over. Yet Princess is owned by
>>> Carnival too. I did a sister's cruise with my sister and a
>>> girlfriend's and her sister. That was a short mini cruise
>>> via Carnival and it was great.
>>>
>>> Our experience with Carnival-Holland is that we paid a
>>> premium price for a low rent cruise. It was a huge
>>> disappointment.
>>>
>>> If you have had good luck with Princess I would love to
>>> hear. If you haven't send your comments too.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Jeannie

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