PP here. Here's a list of all of the cruises out of Baltimore. None higher than 4.0 (out of 6.0). http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm (I don't know if that link will work but if not, just go and search by departure port.)

There have been some recent threads on this. The ships that sail out of Baltimore are lower-rated ones. It depends on how picky you are. I'm trying to put this as nicely as possible so don't flame me. Personally, I'm not a big drinker/partyer. I like the cruises on the newer ships that have better service and food. (Side note: I used Vacationstogo.com's rating system and prefer ships 5.0 or greater, and no lower than 4.5).

My impression (never having actually sailed on Carnival) is that Carnival is the party ship. If you want to drink and gamble, I think that's a good deal for you. If you want to relax, see good shows, eat well, go for something else. My understanding is that generally the caliber of guests is different. Sorry, but that's what I've heard.

I love the idea of saving the airfare/travel time and sailing out of Baltimore but I haven't seen any cruise I'd be willing to take. For us it is worth flying to Miami, Orlando or even Puerto Rico to take a nice cruise.

For years I resisted Disney because I am a bargain hunter and didn't want to pay extra (sometimes double). Then I found a good rate and took a Disney cruise and now that I have kids I won't do anything else.

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Carnival. Use the other cruise line. Bermuda is beautiful. Bus system on the island is easy to use, making cheap transports to beautiful pink sand beaches.

Why avoid Carnival?

We took Carnival Pride out of Baltimore and it was great! Half Moon Cay is an amazing stop! We also love Grand Turk!

Think about leaving your toddler home with grandparents. We did a cruise with our toddler and it was the worst vacation I have ever been on. When we were on the plane home I turned to my husband and said, "I don't think I will be planning any more vacations for the next few years." His response, "Yep."

Anonymous wrote:carnival is the most fun. lots of action in the bars for picking up.

Cuz that's what a pregnant woman wants: Hot bar pickup action.

carnival is the most fun. lots of action in the bars for picking up.

You need to make sure you're not beyond a certain gestational week; cruises have limitations on when you can be admitted (e.g., 24 weeks). Just went on a Carnival cruise, and it was fine.

Take Royal Caribbean! The ships out of Baltimore are a little smaller/older, not their nicest, but it's still an excellent line. Plus, so convenient and reasonably priced for a vacation.

Yes - you can go to Florida, Bahamas, etc.

Lazy NP here. Any tropical cruises out of Baltimore besides Bermuda?

Cruising out of Baltimore is very convenient. Try cruisecritic.com for more ideas.

We took a Royal Carribean out of Baltimore a couple years ago. It was nice. Splurge on a decent cabin with a deck.

Avoid Carnival. Use the other cruise line. Bermuda is beautiful. Bus system on the island is easy to use, making cheap transports to beautiful pink sand beaches.

would love to know!

Suggestions please! We've never done a cruise before and are considering one as baby moon with our toddler before #2 comes. Thanks!