More important? Ship or itinerary?

[shibes372]

Hi there! I'm a first-time cruiser, trying to schedule our December 2013 honeymoon adventure. We've settled on Norwegian as having the most offerings in the style and price range we'd prefer. We're childless 31-year-olds who want some romance, adventure, fun, and good food on our own time table.

The problem is, I'm totally stuck on three different cruises. The first is on NCLs newest ship, the Epic. We're inclined towards that one b/c of the myriad options for food and entertainment. However, I'm not that thrilled with the itinerary (St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau). There are two other trips (New Orleans to Montego Bay, George Town, Cozumel on the Jewel and Tampa to Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Costa Maya on the Dawn) that sound so much more interesting to me, but the ships are older and less grandiose.

So my question is: What's more important about the cruise? The ship b/c that's where you'll spend the most time, or the islands b/c that's where you get to adventure?

[tak81288]

That is strictly a personal choice and just depends on your priorities. Some people could care less where they go, as long as they are on a ship. Others care more about the itinerary.

For me, the itinerary is the most important. I figure out where I want to visit and then choose the best ship for me that will take me there. Others do the exact opposite.

However, I do find that the more sea days I have, the more weight I put on the ship. If I just have 1-2 sea days during a 6-7 shorter cruise, I don't really care so much about the ship, since I won't be spending a great deal of time on it. Once I start to hit 3 or more sea days with fewer ports, then I examine the ships a little more closely.

Good luck and have a great first cruise!

[Hlitner]

For us, a Caribbean cruise is a Caribbean cruise and we really do not care all that much about where it goes since most (not all) of the various islands have sun and sand (which is what we seek in the Caribbean). However, when we cruise in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, etc.. the itinerary is the most important factor.

Hank

[srlafleur]

Itinerary tops the list for us. Definitely. We prefer, at this stage of the game, to go to as many new ports as possible. Someday, when we've run out of ports, perhaps we'll worry about the ship, or even, the cruise line.
We just care that they can get us where we want to go for the most reasonable cost for our preferred cabin type and location.

[beachbum53]

Everyone chooses their cruise for different reasons. We tend to pick the itinerary first. Just because the Jewel and the Dawn are older ships doesn't make them bad choices. Take each of the three and list what each has to offer in the way of on board amenities and their itineraries, and decide what appeals to you the most. You may have to do a little compromising if you can't get everything you want in one cruise. But that will give you a good excuse to go on another one.

[Cruise a holic]

Originally Posted by shibes372

Hi there! I'm a first-time cruiser, trying to schedule our December 2013 honeymoon adventure. We've settled on Norwegian as having the most offerings in the style and price range we'd prefer. We're childless 31-year-olds who want some romance, adventure, fun, and good food on our own time table.

The problem is, I'm totally stuck on three different cruises. The first is on NCLs newest ship, the Epic. We're inclined towards that one b/c of the myriad options for food and entertainment. However, I'm not that thrilled with the itinerary (St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau). There are two other trips (New Orleans to Montego Bay, George Town, Cozumel on the Jewel and Tampa to Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Costa Maya on the Dawn) that sound so much more interesting to me, but the ships are older and less grandiose.

So my question is: What's more important about the cruise? The ship b/c that's where you'll spend the most time, or the islands b/c that's where you get to adventure?

Since my husband and I are seasoned travelers, we prefer the Eastern or Southern Caribbean. However, most important to us is the ship. We love new ships. We check out the size and location of the cabin It really does matter. Cabins above and below is our rule and mid ship if possible. Be sure you check the square footage. For example, some ships a balcony cabin can be 170 Square feet- another for a balcony cabin 195 square feet. We also like larger ships as they typically have many more activities and venues. As far as we are concerned, adventure is available at all ports if you view the shore excursions available. We also prefer to sail out of Ft Lauderdale as opposed to Miami, Tampa or Cape Canaveral.

At the end of the day it is personal choice. Look at the reviews on cruise critic and see how the ship stacks up. Enjoy your cruise

[chipq]

I also prefer Eastern or Southern itineraries in the Caribbean but the itinerary is most important to me. I look for a good balance of port calls and sea days and the ship is secondary. Maybe write down a pros/cons list of the ships and itineraries and see which combination best meets your cruise needs? Bon Voyage.

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[Essiesmom]

Choose the itinerary that tempts you the most. You have never cruised before, you will be totally wowed by any ship and spend mush of your time onboard just exploring. The Jewel and Dawn are likely less expensive than Epic, so use that money to upgrade your cabin. And remember, of the half of your time being spent on the ship, half of that will be sleeping.
Don't do the big bells and whistles first. EM

[shibes372]

Wow! How great to come here and get all of this awesome feedback! Thanks guys!

Ok, so maybe all of you experienced cruisers can tell me if you think any of these itineraries are really more exotic/exciting than the others? I like the idea of sailing out of New Orleans, b/c we just love New Orleans. And Jamaica sounds like fun (although I'm torn about some human rights issues there, but anyway). The Western Caribbean trip on the Dawn is the one that sounds the most exotic to me - Central America with monkeys and rain forests ... or am I terribly wrong? Are these places all virtually the same with minor differences in cultures? I swear I'm making this into the biggest decision of my life.

[put me on a ship]

Originally Posted by shibes372

Wow! How great to come here and get all of this awesome feedback! Thanks guys!

Ok, so maybe all of you experienced cruisers can tell me if you think any of these itineraries are really more exotic/exciting than the others? I like the idea of sailing out of New Orleans, b/c we just love New Orleans. And Jamaica sounds like fun (although I'm torn about some human rights issues there, but anyway). The Western Caribbean trip on the Dawn is the one that sounds the most exotic to me - Central America with monkeys and rain forests ... or am I terribly wrong? Are these places all virtually the same with minor differences in cultures? I swear I'm making this into the biggest decision of my life.

Each port is different, yet the same in ways. The shops are pretty much the same everywhere, unless you get away from the cruise ship terminal. Culture is different in each port, but I wouldn't say drastically so. The geography of the ports is different too. Some areas are relatively flat, others very rugged and mountainous.

We prefer the Western Caribbean, and have done that itinerary 3 times, mainly because we love to snorkel, and Belize and Roatan have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean! Cozumel, it was cool to see the Mayan ruins (very hot, though!), if you go to Tulum, there is a nice beach to cool off in!

We've been to Jamaica once, and are getting ready to go again in April. I highly recommend Dunn's River Falls there, and you can often combine that excursion with something else (at least, Carnival does).

[CA Winediva]

Originally Posted by shibes372

Wow! How great to come here and get all of this awesome feedback! Thanks guys!

Ok, so maybe all of you experienced cruisers can tell me if you think any of these itineraries are really more exotic/exciting than the others? I like the idea of sailing out of New Orleans, b/c we just love New Orleans. And Jamaica sounds like fun (although I'm torn about some human rights issues there, but anyway). The Western Caribbean trip on the Dawn is the one that sounds the most exotic to me - Central America with monkeys and rain forests ... or am I terribly wrong? Are these places all virtually the same with minor differences in cultures? I swear I'm making this into the biggest decision of my life.

Don't expect to see monkeys in the rain forests. Just think about it, 2-3 thousand people all going on rain forest excursions at the same time. We were very disappointed in some of our side trips in Panama, we got lucky and saw a stray lemur. You can hear the monkeys, but you won't see one.

Pick the itinerary first. Were going Bangkok to Beijing on Princess, not our favorite line. We love the smaller Oceania for Europe, no sea days. The bigger the itinerary the more sea days. Then the ship becomes important.

And really, forget Jamaica, unless you want your hair braided. Aruba was way more interesting and safe. And people are right when they say if you're going where the weather's warm spend a little more and get a balcony.

[cruzin Phillis]

It comes down to a personal preference. Since me and my husband have ben to many of the Caribbean islands, we now look at the features of the ship. I like finding a balance where i can enjoy the destinations and the ship. I would prefer a ship that is not too busy, because you really miss out on experiencing everything. Write down what your dream cruise vacation would look like and then start modifying from there. Do not feel like you have to get everything done in one vacation.

[maryred]

Being that it's your first cruise I say go with the itinerary that is most appealing. Just remember cruising is not for everyone, but everyone should give cruising at least 1 try. You just don't know until you've gone what a cruise does for you, it could either be your best vacation ever because of the choices offered or it could be the worst because of how you body reacts to being on board. So go with what you do know, which is what ports interest you. With an appealing goal in mind sometimes that notion can help the the brain over ride the body.
As for features of the newer ship's more being expansive since you've never experienced them before you won't real realize what your missing. It's a little like those that have always traveled in an Ocean View or Interior cabin experiencing a Balcony or Suite for the first time, and for most once you've done that the lessor cabin option is no longer even a thought. So save the lessor desired itinerary on what you think is currently the better ship for a later cruise once you've discovered what cruising does for you.

[mikehn]

Money talks, so that is the first consideration and sets the course. After that, I tend to favor ship over itinerary. After all, caribbean itineraries are not all that different, a caribbean island is a caribbean island.

[kitty9]

double post. Computer acting up. Sorry

[kitty9]

For those who've not cruised much at all, itinerary is probably the most important. For those of us who've been on a lot of cruises, the ship is usually the destination and the ports are secondary.

Is there any reason why you seem tied to NCL? There are a lot of other lines out there that might be more conducive to your needs. NCL is an OK line, but you'll find lots of kids on board, like you would on Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Have you looked at Princess or Celebrity? They are a bit more upscale and are known for a more refined cruise experience with what many feel is better food and service.

If you take the time to read a lot of threads, you'll see one of the least popular ports is Jamaica. Most consider it a dangerous place for many reasons and a lot of people tend to stay on the ship if it's part of an itinerary.

Can you manage a cruise longer than 7 days? The reason I ask is, we just returned from an 11 day cruise on Celebrity Equinox that might be of interest to you. On that itinerary they had things like cave tubing, arial trams through the rainforest, a trip through the Panama Canal, ziplining, kayaking and a lot of other active tours.

I would suggest finding a good local travel agent and just talking to them about what you need/want from a cruise. Pick up some brochures----it doesn't cost a thing and a good TA might provide some perks for your cruise like on board credit or wine or whatever.

[johneeo]

Originally Posted by shibes372

So my question is: What's more important about the cruise? The ship b/c that's where you'll spend the most time, or the islands b/c that's where you get to adventure?

As mentioned, it is strictly a personal preference.

To me, the ship is just about everything.

I do not shop, do island tours, care about culture, etc.

When we get to any of the ports, I either hop on a sailboat, or find a nice beach with beer.

BTW, the great majority of the time you will be on the ship.

[cruzn4abruzn]

Originally Posted by shibes372

Hi there! I'm a first-time cruiser, trying to schedule our December 2013 honeymoon adventure. We've settled on Norwegian as having the most offerings in the style and price range we'd prefer. We're childless 31-year-olds who want some romance, adventure, fun, and good food on our own time table.

The problem is, I'm totally stuck on three different cruises. The first is on NCLs newest ship, the Epic. We're inclined towards that one b/c of the myriad options for food and entertainment. However, I'm not that thrilled with the itinerary (St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau). There are two other trips (New Orleans to Montego Bay, George Town, Cozumel on the Jewel and Tampa to Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Costa Maya on the Dawn) that sound so much more interesting to me, but the ships are older and less grandiose.

So my question is: What's more important about the cruise? The ship b/c that's where you'll spend the most time, or the islands b/c that's where you get to adventure?

Okay, so you like the idea of being on a new ship cuz of the entertainment but are not thrilled with the itinerary. Well, go for the itinerary that you DO like. I bet it might be cheaper for you to go on an older ship anyway. If so, book a nicer room on the ship of the itineray that you DO like!!! That will make you feel better. Yes, you can always say, "oh im going on the biggest cruiseship by NCL" (which by then the Breakaway will be around so it won't be) but isn't more fun to say "I'm going on a cruise to (insert exotic ports here) for my honeymoon and I have a penthouse suite (or whatever nice room you book)!!"????

Some people say you won't spend much time in your room but if you think about this, you just might spend more time if you had a nicer room. Being that this is your honeymoon, I'm guessing you will be spending more time in your room LOL so book the itinerary that you like and a much nicer room and forget the ship. Besides, there will be many more cruises you guys will take. Trust me, our honeymoon was a cruise and we have been addicted since!!!

[cruzn4abruzn]

Not sure why it's not showing in my "signature" but this is what we chose to do for our NCL Pearl cruise in 2014. We opted for this older ship but got ourselves a nicer room.

[blonde1981]

With all of my cruises I aim to go to ports I haven't visited before. I don't worry about the ship all that much because the things I enjoy on the ship - main dining room, adult pool area, gym, etc are things that are on most of the ships. Some are just newer or bigger than the others. The extras like the ice rinks, sports courts are nice but I don't miss them on the smaller ships when I sail on them.

So for me ports first, ship second.

Don't forget there are ships & lines in Galveston, TX as well and some have an itinerary that goes to Roatan, Belize City, and Cosumel which might sound more appealing (NCL won't start till 2014 though).