TheCriuseDirector

I think that the smaller ships are better in many ways i.e. less crowded, but the bigger ships have their advantages too. They have been designed in a way to make it feel like the ship is the destination and they have more amenities, but i think it's all up to the individual cruiser to decide. What cruise are you sailing on?

So my family is planning (I'm trying to convince them) to go on a Christmas cruise this year. Some of the rules we had were that it had to be 5+ days, we could not be on the boat on Christmas, and it had to be on a Spirit Class+ ship (we have only been on Fantasy-classes and want to upgrade). So in the short amount of time that I had to search for cruises, I narrowed it down to two cruise possibilities.

#1 Carnival Sunshine

-7 Day Eastern Caribbean

-$967 for ocean view

-Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk

-Dec 27th-Jan 3rd

Pros: Really Interesting Itinerary, Fits Schedule, Amazing Ship, Port Canaveral

Cons: Expensive, Would have to fly (returns on 3rd)

#2 Carnival Breeze

-6 Day Western Caribbean

-$933 for Ocean View

-Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Cozumel

-Dec 27th-Jan 2nd

Pros: New Ports, Amazing Ship, Fits Schedule, Ends on 2nd (Cushion Day)

Cons: Need to Fly (20+ Hour drive to Miami), 6 days

What do you think we should do? The itinerary for the Sunshine is amazing, but the Carnival Breeze is moving to Galveston and this would be the only time to go on it. Thanks for helping us out!

~ TheCriuseDirector

Hopefully going on my 3rd Carnival Cruise New Years of 2015-2016! 7 Days on the Sunshine or 6 days on the Breeze!

I know that on my cruise last year over christmas, they still served it, i don't see why they would take it off the menu

I'm wondering what waterslides everyone thinks the Vista will have?

I would say Green Thunder, Drainpipe, Twister, and a new slide.

They will most likely give you a sea day or reroute the ship to go to another port. I know for a fact that the carnival splendor (this is all time extreme, don't worry about this happening) which sails out of NYC, was on an 8 day cruise and had 3 stops. They made it to PC, missed HMC AND nassau, but we're retorted to Baltimore on the last day.

I think that you should definitely go to the dance, I always loved it, and so did my parents. Also, make sure they get signed up for the scavenger hunts when they are available, I loved those as well. It will sure keep the kiddos busy!

1. If you reserve the steakhouse on night 1, you get a complimentary bottle of wine

2. Cucina del Capitano is open on embarkation day, almost nobody knows it is

3. A cove balcony is a great way to see the water because the lanai isn't in the way

4. There are showers in the spa locker room just in case your stateroom gets too crowded

The only thing i would change about the design is i would move the slides to the aft of the ship. I really like being able to see the wake as i slide.

I always think that the price goes down as you get closer to the sail date, but don't wait until the day before because they might be out of rooms. Also, if you book later, then not many stateroom choices are available. Kepp this in mind if you book later.

I always enjoyed the sail away parties, but they are cliche and cheesy, i guess that's my type of cruise.

I am wondering where do you (Cruise Critic Members) think that Carnival should go back to, or explore more of?

Ex: Mediterranean, Asia, South America

Closer to buffet? But most of us prefer restaurants that are usually on mid-decks.

 

Closer to debarkation? But they open mid-decks or lower decks for that.

 

Closer to the pool? Balconies and verandas on top decks? But many of us get inside cabins.

 

Closer to casino and shows? No, those are on middle decks.

 

Bars? They are on middle decks too, and so are the shops.

 

Are the views better from top decks' balconies compare to mid-decks?

I think that having a balcony higher up on the boat is more desirable to some people because they want to be able to party hard at the pool party and not have to worry about falling down 7 flights of stairs to get to their cabin.

Well, if you just go into the cruise having very little expectations and not expecting it to be the perfect cruise, then I would say that you would be fine.

If you plan on having fun, you will

I know that on the liberty, Deck 7 has a stateroom deck above and below it. Those decks should minimize any noise, but if you have rowdy neighbors, then you may experience a moment where you want to punch them in the face.:cool:

I have a few (like 20) packing tips that might help you. Also, be sure to not over pack, pack for a day less than your actual cruise length.

1. Take as many things as possible in your carry-on (bathing suits, formal clothes, towels, etc.)

2. Pack Ponchos for rainy days

3. Sea sickness medication is a must

4. Water proof cameras are great for the pool and excursions

5. “Rainy day” activities (cards, board games, puzzles, etc.) are good things to bring

6. It gets cold sometimes, bring a sweatshirt

7. You only need 2-3 formal outfits

8. Bring your own towels

9. The ships are big, you need comfy shoes

10. You will get a schedule for the next day, pack a few high lighters to mark interesting events

11. For wet clothes, zip-lock bags can be helpful

12. Bring a power strip, there are only 1-2 outlets in your cabin

13. $1s and $5s for tipping

14. Shower gel and shampoo are included, so you don't need to bring them

15. There may not be hair dryers on board, so pack one

16. Some beaches are very rocky, pack water shoes

17. Take a few extra clothes in your carry on, just in case if your luggage arrives late

18. Your carry-on for the plane SHOULD work for the cruise

Any helpful tips? Where to park, what time to get there? Anything is appreciated.

If I have one peice of advice for you, it's get there early or wait for 2-3 hours. I learned that the hard way.

Every time I have cruised, we book late, i think that it's a better deal than to book Uberly Early.:D I think that if you compare prices, it's cheaper to book late than early. There are almost no extra expenses besides shopping and the steakhouse, so you don't really need to worry about that. Right now, to show how late a booker i am, i am currently planning on going on a carnival cruise later this month! (like the 23rd ish!) Also, you can book the day before the ship sets sail, but be sure to not get too late.

Congratulations on reaching 20 NCL Cruises:D