Kelly22388 Posted July 28, 2013 #1 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I am interested in taking another cruise comparable to the ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Last year, my family and I did the ALLURE carribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. We are looking for something that will wow us just as much! I am 25, traveling with my parents (early 60s) and boyfriend (24). We are certain we would like to take a carribbean cruise in January 2014. We are not necessarily looking for all of the very kid-friendly activities that Allure has to offer. I am looking into Royal Princess...or maybe a NCL ship? Any thoughts or feedback?? THANKS!! Kelly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ParticularHbr Posted July 28, 2013 #2 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I'd recommend a Royal Caribbean Freedom Class ship (Freedom, Liberty, Independence). We did Liberty before and after Allure and found we're happiest on that class of ship. Big but not too big. Next up, Freedom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zigggypup Posted July 29, 2013 #3 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Where do you want to go? Where do you want to sail from. Once you have a destination in mind, then you can move on to a ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyawayca Posted July 29, 2013 #4 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I sailed on the Norwegian Epic and really enjoyed it. I haven't been on the Allure yet so I cannot make a direct comparison. But in terms of size it is very close with many things to do. The Blue Man Group was a highlight. I'd highly recommend looking into it. The ship will be in the Caribbean in January. I went with my husband and I (both 27 at the time), my aunt and uncle, and my grandma. Everyone enjoyed it and so far it's my grandma's favorite ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted July 29, 2013 #5 Share Posted July 29, 2013 We highly recommend a southern Caribbean sailing out of San Juan with a day or two in San Juan prior to boarding. Unfortunately the Adventure of the Seas will not have been refurbished by then but even so, it is our favorite ship so far. Your parents being about the same age as us will most likely enjoy Old San Juan and the history and architecture that comes with it as you may too. The evenings are quiet and peaceful or you can go around the next corner to a street party. Lots of fun. Already being south, you have the opportunity to hit some more southern ports than you would sailing out of Florida. The Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas and I believe St. Kitts is a beautiful, relaxing and diverse itinerary. You can also sail out of San Juan on the Jewel but it is much smaller although loved by many. Another itinerary on AOS puts you in 5 ports. When we sailed it was Barbados, Antigua, St. Croix, St. Martin and St. Lucia. A little port intensive. Very enjoyable but needed another vacation after. We personally have no intentions on sailing on Oasis or Allure. Their currently very limited itineraries and massive rush of people in the ports just takes some of the relaxation out of the experience. With half that number on the AOS and only 1/3 on the JOS, you have some elbow room when in port. I realize many will disagree but just our preference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim13 Posted July 29, 2013 #6 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Kelly, where are you from? The new Norwegian Breakaway is sailing from New York and I believe is doing a 12 night to the Southern Caribbean around your time frame. If not, look into the Freedom Class ships by Royal Caribbean, I have been on Freedom and recently Allure which both offered an amazingly fun vacation! They also share similar features. I hear mixed reviews on the Norwegian Epic, some hate the cabins, some love the ship overall. I named those ships because they are all in a company catering to the same market with similar activities and a somewhat comparable size. Do not go on the Royal Princess if you are after something similar to Allure! They are marketing towards an older crowd and although they have beautiful ships, they lack many of the upbeat activities you probably loved on Allure. So I hope that helped!! If it were me, I would choose any of the Freedom class ships or hell, go back on Allure or try Oasis! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killtheump Posted July 29, 2013 #7 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am interested in taking another cruise comparable to the ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Last year, my family and I did the ALLURE carribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. We are looking for something that will wow us just as much! I am 25, traveling with my parents (early 60s) and boyfriend (24). We are certain we would like to take a carribbean cruise in January 2014. We are not necessarily looking for all of the very kid-friendly activities that Allure has to offer. I am looking into Royal Princess...or maybe a NCL ship? Any thoughts or feedback?? THANKS!! Kelly I know exactly what you mean. We looked at other cruises for our Oct. 2014 cruise. We kept looking and trying to figure out which ship, it kept coming back to the Allure. So we booked it again. It was by far our best cruise so we figured what the heck lets do it again. We love the mega ships and if The Adventure of The Seas would have been in San Juan that week we may have booked that cruise. We have never had a bad cruise, some better than others, so I think whatever you choose will be the right one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaK Posted July 29, 2013 #8 Share Posted July 29, 2013 How about Oasis? Or, Freedom? Or, southern Carib on Jewel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted July 29, 2013 #9 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Check out this review of the Jewel that was just started. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1887362 If you want to see diverse ports, San Juan is the place to cruise from. There are limitations to where the ships can get to when leaving from Bayonne or even Florida. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCI Cruisers 004 Posted July 29, 2013 #10 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Check out Freedom of the Sea's western Caribbean cruise. 7 night cruise, with 4 stops ! You can go early or extend your vacation post cruise and stay in Orlando ! Lots to do and see, between Disney, Sea World and Universal ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koohiichan Posted July 29, 2013 #11 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I have to agree with Adventure of the Seas. We did Liberty first in 2008, but loved AOS this past February. (In fact, we loved it so much we are doing the B route this Jan 2014.) The ports can't be beat, especially if coming from a cold climate. Adventure just seems to be made for the Caribbean. It seemed less crowded and harried than Liberty. You are missing a specialty restaurant (Chops) and the flow rider, but that is about it. There were less kids on Adventure and it is less orientated toward families, I believe, at least those with young children. There are no "characters" or similar parades on Adventure, which is perfect for our family. Anyhow, since you are all older, you might like this as a change of pace. AOS is more about the ports and less about the ship, however. If you are really in it just for the ship, it might not be the one for you. But, you'll never know unless you try it. Let us know what you decide. Happy choosing! Koohiichan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted July 29, 2013 #12 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I have to agree with Adventure of the Seas. We did Liberty first in 2008, but loved AOS this past February. (In fact, we loved it so much we are doing the B route this Jan 2014.) The ports can't be beat, especially if coming from a cold climate. Adventure just seems to be made for the Caribbean. It seemed less crowded and harried than Liberty. You are missing a specialty restaurant (Chops) and the flow rider, but that is about it. There were less kids on Adventure and it is less orientated toward families, I believe, at least those with young children. There are no "characters" or similar parades on Adventure, which is perfect for our family. Anyhow, since you are all older, you might like this as a change of pace. AOS is more about the ports and less about the ship, however. If you are really in it just for the ship, it might not be the one for you. But, you'll never know unless you try it. Let us know what you decide. Happy choosing! Koohiichan You hit the nail on the head. Great comments on the AOS although the AOS is still quite a ship. We love it for the ship and the ports and will be back on it ASAP. At the OP's parents age, such as ours, the flowrider is just a hospital visit waiting to happen. Chops quality steak can be ordered special in the MDR. Staff has been the greatest. Love the private balconies with the steel in between. Could go on and on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpoole3 Posted July 29, 2013 #13 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am interested in taking another cruise comparable to the ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Last year, my family and I did the ALLURE carribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. We are looking for something that will wow us just as much! I am 25, traveling with my parents (early 60s) and boyfriend (24). We are certain we would like to take a carribbean cruise in January 2014. We are not necessarily looking for all of the very kid-friendly activities that Allure has to offer. I am looking into Royal Princess...or maybe a NCL ship? Any thoughts or feedback?? THANKS!! Kelly This is simple just book her sister The Oasis of The Seas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted July 29, 2013 #14 Share Posted July 29, 2013 This is simple just book her sister The Oasis of The Seas. They would most likely be duplicating the cruise they just took due to the limited ports and a 7 day itinerary that only includes 2 ports, the same as Allure in Jan 2014. Sailing out of San Juan, unlike any other departure port for Caribbean salings, you can visit 4 or 5 ports in 7 days, some of which will be in the true Southern Caribbean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomahawk246 Posted July 29, 2013 #15 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I went on Allure and had the same problem. After Allure I went on Freedom which was very good but is not as good as Allure. My next cruise will be Oasis. I think you should try Oasis next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly22388 Posted July 29, 2013 Author #16 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Wow, thank you all so much for the feedback. This was my first time posting on the site and I am in awe! I had not thought of departing from San Juan. This will certainly widen my options. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted July 29, 2013 #17 Share Posted July 29, 2013 In fear of repeating myself, Old San Juan is a beautiful town and a great place to unwind, site see, hit the beautiful beaches or party for a day or two prior to boarding for a cruise. I guarantee you and your parents will make it a place to want to return to or sail out of again in the future just like it did to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted July 29, 2013 #18 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am interested in taking another cruise comparable to the ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Last year, my family and I did the ALLURE carribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. We are looking for something that will wow us just as much! I am 25, traveling with my parents (early 60s) and boyfriend (24). We are certain we would like to take a carribbean cruise in January 2014. We are not necessarily looking for all of the very kid-friendly activities that Allure has to offer. I am looking into Royal Princess...or maybe a NCL ship? Any thoughts or feedback?? THANKS!! Kelly The Oasis would be a ship you should try. It is a sister of the Allure with some differences. Also, the newest ship Quantum is wonderful! I think you will love it. It isn't out yet, but from the information available, looks great. Princess would be a no vote for me- nothing like rc and not kid (or adult) friendly. I would also consider other RC ships- the freedom class before Ncl. Enjoy your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Tam Posted July 29, 2013 #19 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I know exactly what you mean. We looked at other cruises for our Oct. 2014 cruise. We kept looking and trying to figure out which ship, it kept coming back to the Allure. So we booked it again. It was by far our best cruise so we figured what the heck lets do it again. We love the mega ships and if The Adventure of The Seas would have been in San Juan that week we may have booked that cruise. We have never had a bad cruise, some better than others, so I think whatever you choose will be the right one. I'm right there with you! We had taken a few years off from cruising and came back to the Allure. So when planning our third cruise since coming back and having already done 2 cruises on the Allure, I looked at the new Princess ship but just couldn't do it due to bad review and balcony size. Well, we are headed on our third cruise in 3 years on the Allure. :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgi-one Posted July 29, 2013 #20 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am interested in taking another cruise comparable to the ALLURE OF THE SEAS. Last year, my family and I did the ALLURE carribbean cruise and absolutely loved it. We are looking for something that will wow us just as much! I am 25, traveling with my parents (early 60s) and boyfriend (24). We are certain we would like to take a carribbean cruise in January 2014. We are not necessarily looking for all of the very kid-friendly activities that Allure has to offer. I am looking into Royal Princess...or maybe a NCL ship? Any thoughts or feedback?? THANKS!! Kelly We have been on over 30 cruises on every mass market line and i can guarantee you that nothing will WOW you like Allure. We sailed Allure last year because we like to try new ships and it was fantastic. We are doing the same exact cruise again this January. If you can wait a year, Quantum of the Seas will be sailing in late 2014 and it will definitely be a WOW ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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