[jsykora]

Help! Trying to plan a tenth anniversary cruise and I need some advise. Although our anniversary is in June, I am open to other times as well. Only problem is, we are both teachers so unless the times fit into our school schedule, we can't go. That rules out fall and spring (unless it falls in the week between March and April).

Any advice as to WHEN and WHAT (as well as how to plan)?

[mattomouseman]

Well I haven't been on the Disney Cruise (YET) but my wife is a teacher and we will have the same issues. I have been to the Caribbean a number of times and it is wonderful I would suggest the Western Caribbean cruise, I thought Cozumel was real pretty and if you happen to be a diver the diving is wonderful. I have friends who have done both cruises and they loved each equally! :)

[MickeyMac]

Do you have any time off at Christmas? The boat's beautiful that time of year.

With cruises, it's best to book as soon as you select a date. That's going to be tough with your schedule, isn't it. If you are primarily looking at summer months, I would tend towards June, as hurricane season gets more of an issue the closer to fall you get.

Are you going on the seven day, three day, or four day cruise? Are you able to take a couple of days off from school? Can you time it to coincide with workshop days or early release days? (our local SAU allows that, as long as the privelege isn't abused)

[jsykora]

Originally posted by MickeyMac
Do you have any time off at Christmas? The boat's beautiful that time of year.

We have time at Christmas yes, but I have five brothers and sisters and we all get together at Christmas. Me Mum makes it back up to the great white north for the occasion so in short, I would love to do a Christmas Cruise some day, but not now. (Would LOVE to hear more about Christmas Cruises.)

[mickey]

Did you say you can go in March? March is usually one of the cheapest times on the cruise, yet you will have the best weather. You will save about 30% if you go in March compared to during the summer, or even more compared to over Christmas.

To give you an idea, the cruise that is March 27 through April 4, 2004, 7 night Western Caribbean, category 10 is $2,337, excluding insurance and transportation. If you go in June (19 - 26), the price is $2,977, so you save over $650, and the weather is way better.

[jsykora]

Originally posted by mickey
To give you an idea, the cruise that is March 27 through April 4, 2004....

The week between March and April is our Spring Break but it would have to be Saturday to Saturday. For instance, in 2003 we would have to cruise from March 29th to April 6th. Much easier to schedule over June or July. Such is the life of a school teacher.