More important? Ship or itinerary?

[johneeo]

Wow, how rude. And unnecessary.

 

And I found your post rude and incredibly unnecessary.

 

I had a point to make, and I made it.

 

Please elaborate, what did you find to be rude about it?

[shorbr]

And I found your post rude and incredibly unnecessary.

 

I had a point to make, and I made it.

 

Please elaborate, what did you find to be rude about it?

 

I'm puzzled too :confused:

[johneeo]

I'm puzzled too :confused:

 

Hey, I will be the first to admit that I can be rude, snarky, obnoxious and at times a horrible human being, but disagreeing with someone shouldn't be deemed rude or offensive.

 

Really, all of the islands are pretty much the same FOR ME.

 

And I understand that for most that isn't the case.

[srlafleur]

If the only thing you are interested in on the islands are the beaches, then, yes, the islands are all the same, pretty much. Might as well stay in Florida or just go to an all inclusive, IMHO. But that's just me. We don't do beaches at all (I've been to the Caribbean without a bathing suit), and want to learn about the history and culture, and see the unique geographical and botanical features of each island (yes there are differences). Then again, I think there may be only 3 or 4 ports we haven't been to, many we've been to several times, so we likely won't be doing the Caribbean again for a while unless someone comes up with some new itineraries.

I don't really care what ship I'm on and find very few differences that matter to me between any of the mainstream lines (I've been on CCL, NCL, RCCL, HAL, X, and Princess). Differences, yes, but nothing that would keep me off one vs another.

 

OP, however you make your choice, I'm sure you'll have a grand time. Don't get overly wrapped up in knowing everything there is to know ahead of time. The surprises and happy accidents of personal discovery are some of the great things about travel.

[johneeo]

If the only thing you are interested in on the islands are the beaches, then, yes, the islands are all the same, pretty much. Might as well stay in Florida or just go to an all inclusive, IMHO.

 

By "just staying in Florida" I do not get:

 

1. The sailaway party on a fantastic ship.

2. Being at sea in the middle of the ocean or Caribbean watching a sunrise.

3. Standing on deck at 6:00 AM with my binoculars and camera, and seeing those specks in the distance that are islands, trying to figure out which one we will be docking at.

4. Being surrounded by fellow cruisers that enjoy the experience of cruising.

5. Ordering 3 appetizers and 2 main entres every night in the MDR.

6. Conveniently going to the theater every night enjoying the entertainment.

7. The casino

 

I could go on. I hope you get the point.

[shorbr]

Hey, I will be the first to admit that I can be rude, snarky, obnoxious and at times a horrible human being, but disagreeing with someone shouldn't be deemed rude or offensive.

 

Really, all of the islands are pretty much the same FOR ME.

 

And I understand that for most that isn't the case.

 

Uh yea, you can be...lol...BUT you are allowed to disagree...

 

We cruised to Bermuda and I was not the least bit interested in going to the beach. We enjoyed time being together on the ship and walked around a bit while in Bermuda, but to each his own. Never been a beach person and I am not interested in seeing how poor many of the islanders are...oh boy, I am setting myself up. But seeing the sunset from my balcony and the beautiful sea is enough for me.

 

No flames please...

[Cruise a holic]

Uh yea, you can be...lol...BUT you are allowed to disagree...

 

We cruised to Bermuda and I was not the least bit interested in going to the beach. We enjoyed time being together on the ship and walked around a bit while in Bermuda, but to each his own. Never been a beach person and I am not interested in seeing how poor many of the islanders are...oh boy, I am setting myself up. But seeing the sunset from my balcony and the beautiful sea is enough for me.

 

No flames please...

 

 

We are all entitled to our opinions. They should be respected. I am of the impression that these websites afford all of us with an opportunity to voice opinions and share information. Nice to hear different points of view. As intelligent people, we learn from each other and can "step outside of our comfort zones" but should always be respectful to each other while we might not agree.

[johneeo]

Uh yea, you can be...lol.....

 

Yes,

 

But ..... my keen insights and brilliance far outweigh my obnoxious behaviour.:rolleyes:

[Cruise a holic]

Yes,

 

But ..... my keen insights and brilliance far outweigh my obnoxious behaviour.:rolleyes:

 

 

Welcome to Mensa!

[shorbr]

Yes,

 

But ..... my keen insights and brilliance far outweigh my obnoxious behaviour.:rolleyes:

 

Yes indeed. Actually I find you quite amusing...lol. I can tell you about obnoxious behavior. I work in medicine and surrounded by many with god-like syndromes and behaviors that you would not believe. Intelligent folks, but extremely pompous and obnoxious behaviors that you wouldn't imagine.

[johneeo]

.... I work in medicine and

 

Then I am going to have to dislike you.:rolleyes:

 

Everyone in medicine wants me to do everything I don't want to do.

 

And they keep telling me that if I keep doing what I am doing I am gonna die.

 

DUH!

[shorbr]

Then I am going to have to dislike you.:rolleyes:

 

Everyone in medicine wants me to do everything I don't want to do.

 

And they keep telling me that if I keep doing what I am doing I am gonna die.

 

DUH!

 

Lol...

[BeagleOne]

And I found your post rude and incredibly unnecessary.

 

I had a point to make, and I made it.

 

Please elaborate, what did you find to be rude about it?

 

There was nothing rude about either of my posts. In fact my first post wasn't even directed at you. Your comment, however, was very rude, especially the ridiculous, emphasized, misspelled "excuse me". You made your point several times...you don't care about the islands, or the people, or the various cultures. That's certainly within your rights. But your comment on my post (which again, was NOT directed at you), was rude, and unnecessary.

[srlafleur]

By "just staying in Florida" I do not get:

 

1. The sailaway party on a fantastic ship.

2. Being at sea in the middle of the ocean or Caribbean watching a sunrise.

3. Standing on deck at 6:00 AM with my binoculars and camera, and seeing those specks in the distance that are islands, trying to figure out which one we will be docking at.

4. Being surrounded by fellow cruisers that enjoy the experience of cruising.

5. Ordering 3 appetizers and 2 main entres every night in the MDR.

6. Conveniently going to the theater every night enjoying the entertainment.

7. The casino

 

I could go on. I hope you get the point.

 

 

My intent wasn't to offend. Pardon me, please. I, myself, personally, would be more inclined to go to go to Florida or another beach destination, or to an all-inclusive if going to the beaches were my only intent, being personally more interested in the destinations than the ships. That's all I meant to say. YMMV

[johneeo]

There was nothing rude about either of my posts. In fact my first post wasn't even directed at you. Your comment, however, was very rude, especially the ridiculous, emphasized, misspelled "excuse me". You made your point several times...you don't care about the islands, or the people, or the various cultures. That's certainly within your rights. But your comment on my post (which again, was NOT directed at you), was rude, and unnecessary.

 

Well, you posted

 

"Please don't believe those who say an island is an island is an island. It's simply not true!"

 

I find it incredible that you are telling me that what I believe to be in my world is "simply not true".

 

Then you have the gaul to call me rude.

 

OK, if that is the way it is, then yes, I am rude.

 

Please accept my apology.

[johneeo]

My intent wasn't to offend. Pardon me, please. I, myself, personally, would be more inclined to go to go to Florida or another beach destination, or to an all-inclusive if going to the beaches were my only intent, being personally more interested in the destinations than the ships. That's all I meant to say. YMMV

 

This goes to you and everyone else on CC.

 

There is nothing that anyone could post to me on CC that would offend me. I might respond, but, really, no offense taken.

 

And as noted, I love the ships, the ports are relatively meaningless to me.

 

A lot of folks really need to lighten up a bit.

[cruzn4abruzn]

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 :o 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!!!:D

[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.:D

[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).

[Miss SeaBee]

Definitely ship!!! If I am interested in a particular destination, I go on a land vacation.

[zoncom]

Used to cruise NCL often, am Platinum. Dawn is getting old,tired. No Dawn. I much prefer Eastern Caribbean over W. Caribbean . Nassau OK. To me, both the best ship and itin are found on Epic.Order of importance to me; 1) ship.especially its food. 2) itin. 3) cabin. PS. ON NCL, be prepared to spend extra for dinners at speciality restaurants.

[zoncom]

Listen to some of the old time cruisers here. It will cost you extra to have good food on NCL. Probably equal to going on one of the newer Celebrity ships out of Miami. Look up the Tuesday sales of Celebrity. Xciting Deals.com( or something close). Todays listings show the Silhoutte 7N $579. 2 months out. First 10 days or so Dec. are Historically the slowest cruise time of years and priced accordingly! Something to consider.

[kimmigirl]

Congratulations on getting married! Like everyone has said it really is a personal choice. My husband and I are also in our early 30's. We like a mix of both however I think we now lean more towards the ship than the ports. We have only cruised on Princess and while the ships are lovely and the ports were wonderful we were bored on sea days since the activities were geared for a much older crowd.

[Snit13]

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.

 

Although I agree with most of what has been suggested so far, this post is the one I agree with most. We have sailed, Princess, NCL, RCCL and Celebrity. If it is your honeymoon and your first cruise, PLEASE look at Celebrity Solstice Class Ships...Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette all sailing from Ft. L or Reflection out of Miami. As someone mentioned Ft. L is our favorite to sail from and if you are flying from PGH the flights on SOUTHWEST are probably your best deal.

We will be on Celebrity Silhouette for 2 weeks March 31 to April 14 and we are booked in AQUA class. It is absolutely the greatest. Please check it out. We prefer the ship and what it has to offer over the ports it visits.

No matter what, enjoy your time at sea.

[prophet0621]

If the only thing you are interested in on the islands are the beaches, then, yes, the islands are all the same, pretty much.

 

For those who only care about the beaches I agree one island is the same as the others. I know the beaches can be different, I grew up in Va Beach and it's an ugly beach, rough sand, and very ugly grey/green/brown water and from the ages of 5 to 19 I probably went to the beach maybe 15 times and usually because other people visiting wanted to go. My experiences with Southern Florida beaches and Caribbean beaches is that they are pretty much the same. I'm not a beach person so Florida, Grand Turk, HMC...etc are pretty much the same, only HMC has less to do and therefor boring in my opinion and all have too many people for me to find them relaxing. Besides, if I wanted to see a beach there are plenty much closer to me (though admittedly much uglier), I want to see and experience the things not around me.

 

Though we all have different ideas of what is interesting about the destination I think we can all agree that we like the journey. When we do arrive at the destination we can all be grateful that I (and other non-beach avoid the baking sun if possible people like me) am not taking up someones space at the beach and they aren't in my way while I'm trying to explore what I think are the more interesting parts of the islands.