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View Full Version : Which ship for W. Caribbean?


Susie51
February 18th, 2011, 12:25 PM
I have been following Dave's two week "live" posts from Ryndam. I really like the itinerary that includes: Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya. I have never visited these ports and Dave's pix look so beautiful I would like to see these places for myself.

My problem is that I couldn't find a HAL ship that is doing that itinerary for March 2012. I did find NCL Star and Spirit visit these ports plus Cozumel. RCCL Mariner stops at Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. Carnival Legend goes to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan.

Of these ships, I have been on NCL Spirit. Of the six NCL ships I have been on, I like Spirit the least, because of the theater and poor service we received.

HAL Vista class ships are my favorite, but that is not an option for me. Which ship would I like the best?

Here is a description of my cruising experience with my likes and dislikes to help you be able to give me good advice. I have only sailed with Carnival once on Victory. I hated the buffet, because of the food and the design. I liked that there was more room in our inside cabin than other inside cabins we have had. Also, the covered aft pool and whirlpool was very nice and there was 24 soft serve ice cream, pizza, and burgers in this area. On HAL I have been in OV, balcony, and suite so I can't compare the type of cabins.

I have been on RCCL Song of America and four Vision class ships. I'm wondering if Marineer would be too big for me. Golden and Diamond Princess are the biggest ships I have been on and I do like their design. So do you think Mariner's size would be a deal breaker for me?

Oh, how I wish a Vista class ship was doing this itinerary. I enjoy the weekly pass to the Hydro pool and thermal suite so much. The way HAL does AYWD suits me just right. Much better than NCL Freestyle.

Many of you have such vast cruising knowledge and have helped me so much in the past. I remember RevNeal and Lisa's reviews of Alaska in 2009. After reading those posts and seeing the pics I booked a Westerdam balcony for Sept. 2009 and loved every minute. Having the weekly pass was so nice after chilly, rainy days, the soothing warmth of the hydo pool and loungers was just what I needed.

Thank you for your help.

Krazy Kruizers
February 18th, 2011, 12:32 PM
i just looked at hal's site and saw that the ryndam is doing the western caribbean in march 2012

kazu
February 18th, 2011, 01:29 PM
The Rhyndam does several of these in 2012 - I am looking at this myself. There is a nice 14 day collectors' cruise available.

Mind you this is an 'S' ship, not a vista, so a bit smaller, but if you have been enjoying Dave's posts, I think there has been quite a bit of info on the ship itself.

It covers all your ports. speaking for myself only, I would rather go on and S/R ship any day of the week. :)

Susie51
February 18th, 2011, 04:17 PM
Thank you for your responses. I went to my TAs sight and it listed several W. Carib., but not Ryndam. Then after reading your replies I checked out just HAL and saw it listed. March 18, 2012 will work for me. Now I need to find a cruising buddy.

Does Ryndam have the heated lounges?