In two years it will be our 25 year anniversary.Let me first say that I care nothing about the hype of a cruise but my wife has always dreamed of one.I know that she hasn't even looked into it because if she had she would've talked about it.She has been just damn near a perfect wife for 23 years now so I want to make a big deal out of our 25th and surprise her with a cruise.I plan on getting with the local travel agency here in Albertville because they are very reputable and doing the pay some down and then make monthly payments up until the time of the cruise.What I need from you guys is some advice.All of the whens,wheres,hows and how longs would be greatly appreciated because this will probably be the only one we ever do.Thanx in advance for your responses.

I am leaving on one Saturday. Where do you want to go? How many days?

Hard to beat Disney or Carnival. Summertime Alaskan or Caribbean. Usually the longer the cruise, the more cost effective it is. Don't think for one second that Disney is just for kids, its some of the most fun you can have at any age.

Carnival has a great 5 day cruise that leaves from New Orleans. We've done a 7 day before and it was just too long. The 5 day one is great and it stops in Cozumel and Progreso. That was our first cruise and it was great! Book it during the off-season and it's a great value

Also, you don't need a travel agent. Just go on the carnival website, pay your deposit, and then make payments until you sail. Remaining balance has to be paid 30 days before you depart

I've been on 7 cruises and this summer will be the 8th. I can tell you a lot of info. A cruise is cheaper than going to the beach.

My wife always wanted to go on one, but it never interested me. Eventually, I booked one for her Valentine present and we both had a great time. I enjoyed it way more than I previously thought I would.

I hate hate hate the beach so I figure a cruise might work out pretty good because we could see all the nice stuff like she wants and I don't have to get sand in my crack as often as if we went to the beach.Thank you for all the advice so far.

Call carival and speak to one of there vacation planners.They will assist you on booking,answer any questions or concerns you may have.Once your all paid up nothing else to spend except alchol on ship,gambling in casino and money for the islands you may want to spend.Get them to include the gratuities in the price and you want have to worry with that at the end of the cruise.I suggest a 5 day minium but we like 7 days.The onesout of New Orleans are great.They have areas where u can leave your vehicle for long term parking.Way better vacation for your money than the beach !

Progreso is a nice place. We went and saw the mayan pyramids there, I'd go back there. 5 days is long enough, don't do 7. We went to Nassau last year, don't recommend that chithole at all. Mexico is better IMO.

Be sure to get a balcony room and if you can afford it, get a suite. The extra space is nice to have.

I've been on Royal Caribbean a couple times and Carnival a couple times. I think Royal Caribbean is a little nicer. My wife has been on Disney and she enjoyed it.

When you pick a destination, research the excursions you are interested in. You can usually get better prices on the excursions from companies not affiliated with the ship. Research them and read feedback from prior users.

I've only been on one. We held out for the Alaskan 7 day from BC for our 30.

I actually logged on here to ask this very question. We're having our 10th in a few days.

Another option is to skip the cruise and go to an all inclusive resort. There are several pros to this vs the cruise to include:

Much bigger rooms and bathrooms. Much, much, much bigger
Non crowded pools and beaches, restaraunts, etc
All alcohol is included
No timelines

I can give you some pointers/resorts if this is an option.

We did Alaska this past summer, Second best trip in our 30 years.
We went from Alaska to VC. The all inclusive beach trips are fun, just depends on what you enjoy.

I've got a 14 foot johnboat and a 2 acre pond. For $100 yall can sleep out on the pond in the boat for 3 days and I'll provide 6 cans of potted meat, one block of cheese and a brand new box of saltine crackers.

Sand Mountain Cruise Lines.

This is what we'll probably do next. Really enjoyed our cruise, but I think all inclusive gives you more time to relax and check out whatever island you're on.

Carnival out of Jacksonville down to Nassau, Bahamas is a good cruise.

I just took a 7 night Disney Cruise right before Christmas. We went on their Fantasy ship down to the Virgin Islands, San Juan, and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. Like mentioned earlier, Disney ain't just for kids and everything they do is first class.
They have a Northern Europe cruise and a Hawaii cruise coming up this year that would be awesome to go on. I've never been on a Carnival Cruise, but they had one parked next to us in Canaveral and it seemed like a big party. Probably wouldn't be my thing, but to each his own. From a distance it looked more like a singles cruise atmosphere than a family type vacation.

Been on both a Caribbean cruise and an Alaskan cruise. Both fun but really no competition. Alaska all the way. Constant scenery, not just water. A more romantic ship setting and better shore excursions. We did the 7 day inside passage out of Seattle on Royal Caribbean.