First Cruise - Which one to pick?

My husband and I are planning on taking our very first cruise (a very belated honeymoon) and I'm torn on which one to pick.

Our budget for the whole vacation is $3K (maximum) and I really want to squeeze in the best time possible. I've been to the Caribbean several times but my husband has never traveled.

Okay, so my choices at the moment are (all Oceanview rooms):

Disney - 5 Days on the Wonder, $375/person (Cozumel/CastawayCay)

Carnival - 5 Days on the Fantasy, $389.00/person (Nassau/Freeport).

Carnival - 6 Days on the Breeze, $559/person (KeyWest/GrandTurk/Nassau)

I love hearing about Disney's service, but I've read some reviews that don't say great things about the Wonder. We'd definitely have money to spend on extras though if we did the Wonder. I'm not thrilled about Freeport, but it would be the cheapest travel cost since we live within driving distance to the Fantasy. Again, money to do extras though. I love the idea on sailing on the Breeze, especially because of the waterslides and sushi, but it would be at the top of our budget.

What do y'all think? Should I just be frugal and go with Disney? Or be broke and do the Breeze?

The Fantasy also has a waterslide.

Are you set on only those 3 cruises?

I would say ditch Key West you can do that any time on a land trip. Although I absolutely loved Grand Turk, the beach is right there when you get off the ship. If you are beach people this is great.

Nassau.... well it makes for a nice day on the ship

Have you looked in to other lines? Disney is a lot of money and no casino and you're paying a premium. Have you looked at NCL or Royal Carribean? You might find different ports of call that might be more interesting.

Agree with the comment about also checking NCL and RCI for port alternatives but have you considered booking a "guarantee" OV cabin. The fare may be slightly lower and you may get nicely surprised with the final cabin assignment.

Also, if you don't mind an inside, you may be able to get a 7-day cruise for near the same fare AND get to more distant ports AND be able to avoid either Freeport or Nassau or both.

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

Not sure we would choose any of those cruises. If you have some flexibility in when you can cruise we would suggest looking for a good bargain price on a 7 day cruise. Since you have to travel all the way to Florida you just as well maximize your vacation. Disney would not be high on my list for a couple without children. Suggest you add both RCI and Princess to your thinking and do some online research for some bargain prices.

Hank

I'd pick the 6 day on the breeze! Better ports and a nicer ship IMO!

We often do ocean view on NCL, 'dam ships and once on Carnival legend: Most of our cruises have been 7-10 day in length: We never spend 3k ( which includes our airflight from Maine along with hotel prior to crusing): Oh most of our crusing has been in early Dec. Tuesday and Wed evenings looking for cheaper air rates has been productive for us: ) Enjoy your cruise:)

If it was my choice, I would choose the longest cruise on the Breeze. I prefer longer cruises though. I've been to Cozumel once and personally didnt enjoy it much. Of course my experience may have been an exception and Im sure Cozumel is a favorite for others. Disney is also going to have a lot of kids on it... Although I have heard that Carnival does have a lot of kids on it too.

I've heard great things about the Carnival Breeze and I think you will be fine with your budget if you choose that route.

Ultimately you have to decide what cruise you feel most comfortable purchasing. What cruise ship fits what you want to do while on the ship and which ports are of most interest to you. Don't try to rush into your decision. It took me three to four months to decide which cruise I wanted to go on. Ultimately it came down to ship amenities, days at sea and cost for me. Only you and your husband can decide what is most important for you. Any choice you make I think you will enjoy.

I would stay away from the Bahamas trip especially since you've cruised the carrib before. It's a let down after visiting other ports!

I've done Disney and its fantastic, their private island (the adult section) is to die for. Get a massage (they might even offer a couples one!) there. Snag yourself two hammocks and with the waiters always walking down to check on you, you'll be set for the day!

If you like Cozumel, and I haven't done it yet we just have it booked for March, Mr. Sanchos has a Romance package for $90pp including a cabana, 30min massage with all the AI stuff. Other beach clubs might do the thing but they have a ton of other stuff you can do too which sold us on it ;)

Congrats and have fun on your cruise!

Have you checked other cruise lines? It may give you some options for comparisons such as itineraries, onboard activities, etc.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

If you are only going to choose from those 3 cruises -- then pick the Breeze -- better ports.