Need sugg: Legend of the Seas OR Westerdam for July Med. cruise?

[dcsam]

We're looking at either Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas (July 18) or HAL's Westerdam (July 10). I'd prefer: least kids; most casual; best itinerary.
They both have their strengths. Just thought somebody could offer suggestions.
Thanks much
Carrie

[RuthC]

Royal Caribbean will have more kids. HAL is dressier.
The Mediterranian in July will be hot as blazes on either ship. :eek:

[hammybee]

RCCL courts a lot of European family groups which may or may not be to your liking. We sailed with them in the Norwegian Fjords a few year's ago and U.S. passengers were a minority, onboard. This bothered some of the passengers.

The Legend will be 12 years old next summer while the Westerdam will be 3, I think. While I think HAL's ships tend to age well, I think the opposite of RCCL.

I HATE the RCCL brainwashing on in cabin TVs whereby every 5 minutes there is a break for a RCCL commercial.

I lost 10 pounds on my RCCL cruise which says how I felt about the food. (This was not necessarily a bad thing:)

Both cruise lines have Formal nights. If you prefer something less formal, you might consider Oceona, at a similar price point.

I echo Ruth's advise about the temps in July and August, for that matter. It's miserable and these are all port intensive, get up and go, types of intineraries. And the kids get crankier than the adults. I personally would steer clear of summer vacation time for cooler temps and fewer kids.

[dcsam]

Thank you for the information. If it's really that hot, we may opt for the Aranui 3 to the Marquesas. We really like the itinerary of the Legend of the Seas and Westerdam, but my 80 year old mother would have a problem with the high temps. Did you mean the Oceana line?
Thanks again
Carrie

[hammybee]

Oceana Lines-yes.

Given your mother's age, I think everyone will be happier cruising the Med in May.