Woody14

did overnight in Cabo (so tendering) and we could come and go all night. It was interesting there was a carnival ship in doing the same thing but they could not come and go.

absolutely

your on board the ship experience is going to be the same. Since both cruises have 3 sea days that will be similar. You have really 3 different things to consider: 1 - travel time to the ship and home - as a fellow west coaster (Vancouver) it is a significant factor for me, if I can extend time out of Florida I don't object but it is a long way just to go on a cruise. The other part of that is cost - for me I can get cheap flights to LA but not so much to Florida. 2. weather - the two coasts have different weather - less of a factor in December but still a consideration 3. the ports - this is the big difference - Mexico ports and many Carribbean ports are a very different experience so it depends what you are looking to do. I have done the Mexican Riviera cruise 3 times now and so for me it is about relaxation time, but I still do a tour to the arch and spend time at lovers beach in Cabo, and do some shopping and exploring in PV, Mazatlan for some reason I have always done either hiking or food type things. On the Carribbean Princess Cay (private island) is relaxation / beach time. San Juan is a neat place and I would explore the forts (although I have been 2x so I might look for something new), St. Thomas has a lot of water (sailing, snorkelling) and some amazing beaches. Either will be great.

1/2 of St. Martin prefers euro's as well but they will take USD

Regarding the communications, did you book with a TA or royal direct. If you booked with a TA the changes would have been sent to them. You would have got the excursion change notice as you booked that with Royal via the website or the App.

Royal would be my first thought then perhaps MSC (different vibe but my kids loved it)

I like cruising which is why I cruise and don't fly to my destination. That said most of the time the destination is more important than most other things. The ship (one vs another) is not important. While I do have my favourite cruise lines that is less important than the destination. Cruiseline would rank higher than the ship for me.

Thanks for the clarification.

the only part of the 'problem' might be flight costs being a bit more at the time. spring breakers and river cruise people are definitely different crowds.

we did it by train. last time was about 10 yrs ago and it was a bit of walk to the train station but the train stopped near the entrance of pompeii. got our tour at the gate spent several hours then took the train to sorrento. had a late lunch in sorrento and walked to the bottom (ocean) and took the ferry back to Naples. It was a great day. I understand that now there may be a new train station closer to the port which would make it even easier.

You will pay the tips at the time you purchase the package. so they will advertise a $ per day and when you get to check out it will be that plus 18% for tips.

The check in times are for capacity management. It is to help minimize the line ups. If there are no line ups they process you right away. When there are big line ups they will enforce the times. Ultimately they want to get you on board as quick as possible so they won't make you wait unless they have to.

Valletta - been 2x we did a tour the first time but the second we walked around on our own and did the Hop on hop off bus to see the island. It was good value for us. Kotor & Dubrovnik are easy to do with out a tour. Dubrovnik you will need a cab or transit to the old city (we did cab tour which was very reasonable that took in the view from the top of the cable car and then dropped us at the old city).

I was on in November and thought the ship was in very good shape. The crew were amazing. Sure it does not necessarily have all the latest and greatest updates that some have but it is a great ship and I would sail on her again.

Have to say I like the NCL itinerary better so I would need to vote that way. Although I like cruising Royal better than NCL. But as it is a port intensive cruise I vote for the better ports IMO