You want the balcony. because that way even if they have a no smoking policy you can still get away with smoking your cigars, plus there is something to be said of sitting out there and just staring at the water as it goes by. I know you can do that on the deck but to be able to sit out and do it is worth the extra bucks.
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I have been on two cruises. There is so much to do besides sit by the pool. You have to be open to playing bingo and things like that. But they always have some type of entertainment whether it be shows or game show type things. I say Royal Caribbean is better then Carnival because it is a little less college party.
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Graycliff is a 10 minute walk from the terminal in Nassau and a great place to eat and sit at the piano bat at night..

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Pete,
If you are on a cruise to Nassau, and you are looking for a great place to sit at the piano bar at night, you missed the boat, literally.:-):-):-) (they usually leave at 5 PM).
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I was searching a few months ago, and a good reference point to start with if anyone is shopping for a cruise line.
http://cigars.about.com/od/cultureof...garscruise.htm
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Heavyd's link is the other one I would look at also, because it is fairly fresh, and one I bookmarked as well, http://cigars.about.com/gi/dynamic/o...cfm%3FID%3D225
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I have never been on a cruise, but I like to be on the water so maybe in the near future I will take a cruise.
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I'd really like to go on a cruise, never been on one either. As long as I could get on one without a smoking ban, I think it would be awesome
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I've done at least 18 cruises, averaging 1 per year.
You might say I like to vacation that way.

My favorite line is Holland America. I don't know why
someone had a problem with their service, as the top-notch
service is precisely why I return to Holland America again & again.
The staff truly goes above & beyond every time I'm there.

Unlike you, though, I'm very content doing as litttle as possible & just recharge my batteries. There's plenty of activities for those who like such diversions, but I'm perfectly happy sitting on the back of the boat with a cigar in one hand & a drink in the other, maybe read or do a crossword puzzle or yak to those around me.

The downside to this line is that there are VERY few places to smoke cigars, basically just on the outside decks, but that's good enough for me. I 've gotten balcony rooms in the past but stopped because I prefer to smoke in public areas where I can meet & converse with others. There's always a few fellow cigar lovers out there, too.

And "warning", Holland America tends to attract mostly older people. So much so, that I'm definitely in the younger 1/3 of the passengers, & I'm 48!
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who said bar, he wants to sit with the piano bat :-)
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I'm a committed Princess Cruiser but I have to admit I did cruise Holland America a few times and loved their ships and smoking rooms. I went on the Zaandam and it has a great cigar room and the ship was really nice,,,the food was excellent but you're right,,it caters to people in their 50's on up,,which is fine as I am nearly 55. I don't like Carnival as they tend to draw party people who run up and down the hallways at all times of the day and night,,well into the early morning hours. They are usually drunk and their kids run back and forth all night yelling,,,you can have Carnival as I wouldnt cruise for free on that line.


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Cigar rooms on Holland America are history.
Have been for at least 2 years.

And yes, I agree with you on Carnival - I'm not sure I'd go on that
"frat party at sea" if they paid me.
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some BOTL and I have been kicking the idea of a herf cruise around.

i could tell u 100 things to make u want to go on a cruise but i think i will just have to call ya Landhony
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that's funny, I didn't know there was a cruise ship named after my hometown.
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I just called them and the Oosterdam still has a cigar room.


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It's just sea water :-)
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I've been on three cruises, enjoyed them all. The food is simply amazing and you get as much as you want at dinner, so make sure you pick the later seating so you have a bigger appetite!

The larger ships I went on had actual cigar lounges. The lounges also had live jazz ensembles in them at night, it was a badass time.

Definitely sign up for some excursions early and get out on the deck in the am on the days at sea if you want a lounge chair!
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Cruise is booked! 10 days out of Denmark. We're hitting Copenhagen, St.Petersburg(Russia), Sweden, Berlin, Poland, Estonia. Flying over, and the cruise starts over there. I'm pretty excited, we're leaving at the end of June. :-)
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Awesome Seth. Enjoy your cruise! I'm going on the "frat party boat" in December but I got an aft cabin so I never hear any noise back there at all.
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Have a great time!
And don't forget to pack a cigar. Or 2.:-)
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OMG I love them! It's nice living right by the port too, no airfare!

I have been on 3, my wife 7 and we are going on another one in 3 weeks with my parents and brother!

The ports - well, some do have a lot of fun stuff to do, but it's not cheap. There is such a variety of options - everything from tours and hikes, to water stuff like diving, snorkleing, party boats, etc. to just relaxing on a private beach with an open bar.

Of course there is a TON of shopping at each one too, and some of it is priced ok - most is either crap or overpriced. The jewelry, if your woman is into it, is some pretty sweet stuff - very unique designs at some of the stores. The cruise will have a dedicated channel on the in room TVs for port destinations running 24/7.

All the ports are pretty similar though - if you've been to a couple you've been to them all. Pretty much all the same stores or kinds of stores, and a good overlap of activities.

I personally love it on the ship more than in port. There is ALWAYS something going on - the shows are generally really good - especially the comics and game shows. Yes, if you are a multicruiser it's a lot of the same stuff, but it's still very fun!

Casinos, multiple bars, dance floors, some have cigar bars, piano bars, art galleries, auctions, multiple dinning areas along with specialty areas like sushi...you are never bored.

After splurging the first time we always get the cheapest room available. We are ONLY in it to crash and wash. When it comes right down to it they are all the same - all have great beds, bathrooms and enough space. I don't care about a balcony - I have the multiple rear decks to enjoy my drinks and cigars!

One big fear I had was that it was going to be crowded. Every cruise I've been on has been at max capacity, and I have NEVER felt crowded. There are so many things going on, the only time I saw a bunch of people was after leaving port and going through the mandatory safety drill on deck. In 10 min when that was done, everyone split up and sometimes it felt like I had the boat to myself!
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