3/18 SpringBreak WestCaribb FEARS!

[sherrywine]

Hello cruisers, I'm really hoping some of you older folks (above 20-25)can help me out. My husband and I (40's) just booked by accident a "spring break" cruise...not realizing the dates. Carnival Valor for March 18th 2007 - Western Caribbean. I work around college students all day, every day, at my job. I am a little worried that this was not a good "get away" decision for us. Please... can you allieviate my fears at all? How bad is it? Just hit me with it. Thank you very much.

[LHP]

Well, I hope I can relieve at least some of your fears. Unfortunately, in today's society no "vacation" is safe anymore from unruly tourists. We have sailed on several cruises during March without a problem.

If it is a 7 day cruise, that will be to your advantage. The 3 or 4 day cruises are more the party college crowd.

Just be sure to take a few precautions. I always take ear plugs with me and my portable sound machine.

The rest should be a piece of cake.

[penny3333]

Even on spring break you will encounter many passengers in your age group. I am sure there will be some amount of partying going on, but I've been on some cruises where the 70 year olds are the ones partying down. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about, the cruise industry really tries their best to keep people from getting too intoxicated due to liability reasons. We sailed on the Magica for Christmas, there were tons of children and teens on board, but we had a marvelous time. They have activities for the children and teens, plus they are really busy trying to get tans. I'll wager you and your hubby will have a marvelous time. BTW, my hubby and I are in our 50s. Have a great cruise!!

[sherrywine]

Thank you so much for your reply. Our cruise IS a 7 day. I have heard that shorter cruises tend to be more of the party college atmosphere, but that was direct from Carnival when I tried to change the dates without paying a whopping $500 extra. So I am happy to hear your opinion. Earplugs-Check....ipod-Check.... Thank! I'm curious though if anyone else has been on this 7 day Western Caribb during March and has had any negative experiences. Just so I can prepare myself. Also... do you know if nudity is banned from cruises? It's another fear. Thanks again!

[tncruiseman]

We were on a 7 day cruise during that same period last year and did not notice any over-abundance of spring-breakers. Although we were on Princess, the other ships at ports didn't seem overflowing either. Not many college students can afford the 7 day, moneywise or timewise. LHP is right about the 3-4 day cruises for they will be party central!

[tncruiseman]

Carnival does have a designated area that allows topless sunbathing, but you will not be bothered by it at all unless you walk up to take a look around. Signs are posted at the base of the stairs. Very few people take advantage of it. The one's that should don't and the ones that do, shouldn't. Its really a non-issue. Of the entire Western Caribbean, the only place spring breakers might be overly noticeable would be at Carlos and Charlies in Cozumel, and that place is always over the top! Enjoy your cruise!

[sherrywine]

Thanks. I am beginning to feel much better about this. I have no problem with children...I have 3 myself. Just after working around college students all day, I'm trying to get a "spring break" myself. Glad to hear the cruise industry tries to help. tncruiseman... thank you very much for relieving my fears on the nude sunbathing... mistakenly took a vacation in Negril, Jamaica one year... you wouldn't believe! The nude but tactful Europeans were fine, it was the nude, rowdy, untactful American's who were quite embarrassing to our culture. And yes...I agree and couldn't have said it better... the ones that should..don't, and the ones that do...shouldn't!! Thanks again! You've all been very helpful.

[Jim C.]

That time is also springbreak for the younger childern, so its a time when families tend to cruise. My wife is a school teacher, so all of our cruises tend to be at break time and we have not run into any problems. Yes, there will be young folks and old folks having a good time.. what's wrong with that? isn't that what you are going on vacation for? To have fun? If you want a relaxed cruise do an Alaskakan cruise. Those are much more sedate. People go on Caribbean cruises to have fun.

Springbreaking college students don't tend to have the cash to do a 7 day cruise. Most don't think far enough ahead to get a reservation before the family cruisers fill up a ship. You shouldn't have a big issue.

[sherrywine]

Thanks for the "school teacher" experience. I am very much in favor of a good mix of young and old. Who said anything was wrong with having fun? Not me! However, working around college students every day, I'd like a break from dealing with the 24/7 partying, "Girls Gone Wild" scene. I live it every day of my life and need a little break. And, don't people who like to relax go on Caribbean cruises for the warmer weather? No one likes to relax on Caribbean cruises? I'm surprised about that.