crazyboutdisney Posted March 24, 2018 #1 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Ok so I am taking my 14 yr old daughter on her first cruise March 2019. We are currently booked on RCL Brilliance of the Seas out of Tampa. I have never sailed RCL and I have never gone from Tampa. The ports are Cozumel and Grand Cayman and its 5 days. I was looking around on Carnivals site and found we could take a 5 day from Port Canaveral on the Sunshine to Grand Turk and Amber Cove. I have never sailed from Port Canaveral but I have been on the Sunshine and I did enjoy her in adult company. Cruises are almost the same exact price. So....can anyone give me some insight between these two ships?? I have never been so conflicted in making a decision. lol On one hand I am excited to try RCL but I guess its mostly the unknown of a cruise line new to me. HELP!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGal999 Posted March 24, 2018 #2 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I guess the first question is ... did you book with non-refundable deposit? If yes, maybe that resolves your conflict. It was a long time ago, but I really enjoyed RC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyboutdisney Posted March 24, 2018 Author #3 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I guess the first question is ... did you book with non-refundable deposit? If yes, maybe that resolves your conflict. It was a long time ago, but I really enjoyed RC. Deposit is refundable. When I booked I wasn’t 100% sure we were going at all. So I won’t lose any money changing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakersdozen12 Posted March 24, 2018 #4 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Personally, I book based on ports and not on the ship. I’m not very picky when it comes to ships. As long as they feed me and provide entertainment, I’m good. But it’s the things I do in the ports that I find most memorable. If I were deciding between these two I would figure out what excursions I would want to do at each port, then I would pick whichever ones seem more exciting. Or new. I like new experiences and prefer new ports to ones I’ve been to before. But that’s just me. What are you hoping to get out of this vacation? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stateroom_Sailor Posted March 24, 2018 #5 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I would try RCL, hopefully a few less Spring Breakers. Itinerary wise, Amber Cove and Grand Turk are less common, creating more of the tough call for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torcruise Posted March 24, 2018 #6 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I would go for Rcl if the price is the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevefrisco Posted March 24, 2018 #7 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I hate to be a fuddy duddy but the Sunshine is the only cruise ship I’d ever advise someome against if choice was between it and another ship. You’ve been on the ship and thought it was fine so that should factor into your decision too but I feel like it is always has a crowded feel and it flows the worst of any ship I’ve ever been on. It’s saving grace is the nightclub (though the DJ sucked in August) and I like the back lido food area with the cuban food, JiJis, Italian and open seating. It had excellent views and access to lots of different food in the AM and at night. The casino was never good too me but has a good location. The gym sucked and the Red Frog Pub was bad location but they did they job! I hate to be negative but I’d consider another ship. I’m very sad that she is in Charleston soon as it is so drivable for us. The only way id sail her now is bermuda on the cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandmarnnurse Posted March 24, 2018 #8 Share Posted March 24, 2018 My daughter has sailed the Sunshine, and loved it so much, she’s headed back out on it on Easter. Her kids loved it! As for Royal, we have sailed 2 Royal ships, and they always have a good product, but I think the Brilliance is an older ship (I’m thinking older than Explorer class without the Promenade design), so I would look at some videos on YouTube on this ship, and then the Sunshine. Have your daughter watch them, then decide which looks best to you. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycruise3 Posted March 24, 2018 #9 Share Posted March 24, 2018 The Sunshine has a really nice Serenity so that can be nice if your daughter is at the camp or something. Based on the ports, the Sunshine is much better. I love Grand Turk, even after being there like five times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jimbo5544 Posted March 24, 2018 #10 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Sunshine is way better than BOTS.....not even close. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyboutdisney Posted March 24, 2018 Author #11 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Thanks for the responses! My daughter is fine with whatever I choose. She is very easy going and just excited to go with me. I think honestly I am leaving more towards Sunshine because I am not too excited about Cozumel. Although I really like the turtle farm in Grand Cayman. I know whatever we do she wants to swim w dolphins. I am wondering if Amber Cove would be better for that?? Another factor I am thinking about is the port. I am normally traveling with my husband and a group of friends. Is Tampa easier to navigate than Orlando?I know I am over thinking this. Lol As a side note we recently tried NCL and fell in love! Saw a lot of differences between carnival and them. So maybe that’s why I am looking at RCL?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Nerd Posted March 24, 2018 #12 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Ok so I am taking my 14 yr old daughter on her first cruise March 2019. We are currently booked on RCL Brilliance of the Seas out of Tampa. I have never sailed RCL and I have never gone from Tampa. The ports are Cozumel and Grand Cayman and its 5 days.I was looking around on Carnivals site and found we could take a 5 day from Port Canaveral on the Sunshine to Grand Turk and Amber Cove. I have never sailed from Port Canaveral but I have been on the Sunshine and I did enjoy her in adult company. Cruises are almost the same exact price. So....can anyone give me some insight between these two ships?? I have never been so conflicted in making a decision. lol On one hand I am excited to try RCL but I guess its mostly the unknown of a cruise line new to me. HELP!!! The Sunshine is a better ship in almost every way over the BOTS (IMO) but the ports on the BOTS cruise beat the heck out of the ports on the Sunshine cruise (again IMO). So are you cruising for the ship or the ports? Otherwise, pull out a quarter and flip. BTW, sailing out of Tampa is fantastic, especially when going under the Sunshine Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Nerd Posted March 24, 2018 #13 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Thanks for the responses! My daughter is fine with whatever I choose. She is very easy going and just excited to go with me. I think honestly I am leaving more towards Sunshine because I am not too excited about Cozumel. Although I really like the turtle farm in Grand Cayman. I know whatever we do she wants to swim w dolphins. I am wondering if Amber Cove would be better for that?? Another factor I am thinking about is the port. I am normally traveling with my husband and a group of friends. Is Tampa easier to navigate than Orlando?I know I am over thinking this. LolAs a side note we recently tried NCL and fell in love! Saw a lot of differences between carnival and them. So maybe that’s why I am looking at RCL?? Port Canaveral is about 45 miles from Orlando so no need to worry about navigating Orlando. Port in Tampa is easy to get to as well (IMO). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcvtmom Posted March 24, 2018 #14 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Port Canaveral is much easier to navigate than Tampa. It's just like a little beach town.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stobe1 Posted March 24, 2018 #15 Share Posted March 24, 2018 Grand Turk alone tips the scales for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Nerd Posted March 25, 2018 #16 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Port Canaveral is much easier to navigate than Tampa. It's just like a little beach town.:D No need to know or really navigate Tampa. Just take I-4 west and get off at exit 3 (Hwy 41). Turn left (south) until you get to Hwy 60. Turn right (west) and it takes you right to the cruise port. The only way you can miss it is if you cover your eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyboutdisney Posted March 25, 2018 Author #17 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Now I threw Conquest into the mix. I think I need to stay off my computer! lol Same price for a 6 day Nassau Amber Cover Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. From Ft Lauderdale. I am actually really leaning towards this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmichael1279 Posted March 25, 2018 #18 Share Posted March 25, 2018 I was going to suggest the Sunshine cruise, based on the ports - but Conquest is a great ship and Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay are great ports - that's an awesome itinerary in my opinion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyboutdisney Posted March 25, 2018 Author #19 Share Posted March 25, 2018 I was going to suggest the Sunshine cruise, based on the ports - but Conquest is a great ship and Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay are great ports - that's an awesome itinerary in my opinion! Ya I think I am going to book that one. I am familiar with Ft Lauderdale since we have sailed from there several times. I really like the Sunshine because of the Serenity Deck but I wont be doing adult only things since my daughter is 14. I also didnt realize the Conquest added BBQ. I think last time we sailed on her it was fish and chips up there. I need to stop thinking about it. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNJCruisers Posted March 25, 2018 #20 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Just book the Conquest. You get Amber Cove and Grand Turk just like the Sunshine, it's on a larger ship, it's 1 day longer and you get HMC to boot. Just decide on inside, OV or balcony and leave it at that. And stay on the ship in Nassau. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stateroom_Sailor Posted March 25, 2018 #21 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Just book the Conquest. You get Amber Cove and Grand Turk just like the Sunshine, it's on a larger ship, it's 1 day longer and you get HMC to boot. Just decide on inside, OV or balcony and leave it at that. And stay on the ship in Nassau. ;) That's what I would have chose, HMC is a great addition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momof4girls Posted March 25, 2018 #22 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Definitely the Conquest! Great itinerary and nice ship! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookworm1985 Posted March 25, 2018 #23 Share Posted March 25, 2018 After i book a trip, i stop looking! That way i can have no regrets! (Just my personal feelings) Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Nerd Posted March 25, 2018 #24 Share Posted March 25, 2018 With the addition of the Conquest and HMC I would choose that one as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorJeff66 Posted March 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted March 25, 2018 Going on BOTS in December and Conquest next April. I enjoyed my other cruise on RCI, and they have a nice blend of activities as well as upscale relaxation. That said, RCI is undergoing some major technical difficulties with the merger of their website with the "X". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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