sunbelle

Thank you so much for the photos and updates. I had hesitated booking the cruise for the Barcelona - Rome trip in May and am now getting excited. What can you tell us about the Tea (BoBo) station? I understand my premium drink package won't cover the cost of the tea drinks. Is that so?

Seriously considering the Pearl for an 11 day southern Caribbean cruise in Dec 2014. Is anyone aware of any recent updates to the ship or if it's slated for a dry dock re-do?

I've read that it no longer has a slide?

Does it have a pool side movie screen (like Princess)?

Debating between the Pearl, celebrity constellation & reflection.

any advise?

I've made what's suppose to be a relaxing cruise to come, an already stress induced, mind boggling decision. Would so appreciate any advice, suggestions, help :)

This is our 1st vacation in two years. Hubby & I run our business together & work crazy hard all year & are looking forward to really chill-axing, enjoying the sea days, great food, & fun island excursions.

We've previously traveled to many of the Caribbean islands & have been looking for a trip, offering a longer itinerary with new ports. Bringing our, 15, 17, 2- 22, & 23 yr old kids ( & some of their significant others)

Stressing that the 5 sea days will have them bored without the fun & games of some of the mega ships. I'm still considering Norwegian Getaway, RC Oasis/Allure & Freedom. But the itineraries are all 7 days & to islands we've visited.

However here's another issue. Hubby & I (O.k. mostly me) with 4 kids & always extra around...I want to be pampered on vaca. I want the better linens, choice of pillow, bath robes, & the "pretty" & "clean" of a newer/or refurbished ship, I want finer meals & convenient yummy snacks pool side & YES the umbrella in my drink too :p) A lot of which is offered on the "mega" ships but they're also adding so many fee's for all the extra eating establishments. Even cupcakes!

A few years back, we loved our Princess cruise with an aft pool, & the main pools movie screen during pool/sun bathing, & am hoping to find this feature on our next trip?

Is there a perfect mix of - up beat fun, food, & amenities & a beautiful ship? Is it R.C. & their mega size & price & boring itinerary? Or can it be had on a smaller ship i.e.

Norwegian Pearl 11 days or the Celebrity Constellation 9 days.

or do I just go with Carnival's 8 day Freedom, & save the extra $$ or spring for the difference & go "mega"?

Thanks guys for any input. I need to get this trip booked & just start counting the days with excitement.

P>S> anyone know any details on Pearl being dry docked for upgrades- I read there's not even a slide on pool deck???