Do you pick a cruise for itinerary or ship?

[rjrpar]

Have done 12 cruises to the S. Caribbean in Feb and March. The daytime temperature has ALWAYS been 78-88 degrees, usually about 83.

[bouhunter]

Despite your insultive comment...I'll respond.

 

Apparently the comment content of "high to low" was missed in your reading. That includes day and night (peak high to peak low) during that entire 4 month timeframe.

 

Translation = peak warmest day compared to coldest night during the 4 month period.

 

Apparenently you missed reading your own post:

 

""we went a bit later to take advantage of 80's weather instead of upper 60's and 70's common in February. ""

 

which implied that temps in February were in the "upper 60's and 70's". If you meant night time lows even that is wrong, 60's are NOT the norm at any time of year in the Caribbean......:rolleyes: And 80's for high temps ARE the norm every month. Your arguement is comical.

 

I believe you said you've been to the Caribbean twice. We've been there every year for 15 years on land and cruise vacations. Never once seen temps in the 60's, it's not the norm at any time of year......... Florida and Bahama's yes, Caribbean no.

 

How is it relevant to mention "peak low" in a "four month time frame"..... Did you read the stats I posted? Average February low in St. Martin 72 in February, in Antiqua 74. Who would recommend scheduling a vacation based on the "peak low and peak high" in a four month period"...........whatever that means.........

 

And yes it is absurd to suggest scheduling a vacation based on the remote possiblity, that, just maybe, one could encounter that 20 degree swing one day, knowing that the averages are 70's at night and 80's during the day, YEAR ROUND. And of course if one did encounter 68 at night and 88 during the day, that's almost perfect anyway :)

Edited November 7, 2014 by bouhunter

[BillOh]

Hmm I thought there would be more folks saying itinerary.

 

To the question, "Do you book for ship or itinerary" I was tempted to just reply, "yes!". ;) My 2016 cruise will be my third time on that itinerary, but I want to try Oasis instead of Allure, so I guess that one is for the ship!. My 2015 cruise is definitely for the ship, I want to revisit Freedom after loving it so much in 2008. But I also specifically picked this over one with friends doing Oasis because Freedom stops in Grand Caymen, so I guess I booked for the itinerary. I guess its a little of both, but maybe a bigger factor is whats available around our anniversary which is when we cruise. Thrown in date!

[screamin400]

I called RC and asked them why the poor itinerary for the big ships? She said they get a lot of calls. I asked her if they could not run the same route as the smaller ships due to port but she did not know. She did mention that in 2016 there are I think 3 new large ships coming into play. If one of them makes it way to Florida then the itinerary could change. As of right this second I am leaning toward the breeze for 2016 and see what the ships do for 2017. In 15 more seconds I will have changed my mind so who knows.

[Ladysilver]

We are going on the adventure in Feb. with a very busy itinerary. 5 ports in the Southern Caribbean. We are ready to book the Carnival Dream for the following Feb. as it goes to the rest of the Southern Caribbean. We also took a look at the Oasis class ships. I know there is no comparison of ships but there also in no comparison of itinerary. I wish the Oasis could get a good itinerary. So do you book ship or itinerary? I am leaning toward the itinerary but not sure. Opinions please.

 

 

I pick the ship close enough for me to drive to the port! :D

[harryfat1]

I called RC and asked them why the poor itinerary for the big ships? She said they get a lot of calls. I asked her if they could not run the same route as the smaller ships due to port but she did not know. She did mention that in 2016 there are I think 3 new large ships coming into play. If one of them makes it way to Florida then the itinerary could change. As of right this second I am leaning toward the breeze for 2016 and see what the ships do for 2017. In 15 more seconds I will have changed my mind so who knows.

 

Size matter.

 

Bigger ships either can't fit into the port or unrealistic trying to tender 6,000 people off the ship so there is a limit on where they can go. So your decision point will be ship versus ports.

[NancyIL]

Itinerary. Our first consideration is where we want to go. The ship is merely the means of transportation to get us there. Now, if two ships are offering the same itinerary, then we will consider the amenities and the cost differences and make our decision based on those factors. The bottom line is, itinerary is always our first consideration.

 

SO FAR….I've booked 100% for itinerary. Of course with two ships with the same itinerary I'll pick the ship I like best OR the one I haven't been on yet...

 

Both of these reflect my priorities. :D

[mattpro]

Being retired and living in northern Virginia, I want to only cruise the Caribbean in the cold weather months from October to March - though I do cruise in April and May.

 

Started cruising on RCL in May 2012 with 22 trips on Oasis, Freedom and Voyager ships - with the one exception on the Legend, whatever class that is.

The Legend does not have a Promenade, which means if you want a cup of coffee after midnight or before 7 a.m. - it's room service.

 

I have stayed in GS, JS, balcony, ocean-view and interior depending on whether I'm traveling alone or with someone.

 

The only ship that goes to the Southern Caribbean ( my favorite itinerary ) on a regular basis is the Adventure that has a Promenade.

 

The Oasis ship is the destination - the Freedom Class ships offer the best value for me - size of ship, quality of entertainment, size of casino and the Diamond and Concierge lounges.

 

Since I've been to the ports the Freedom sails into many times, I use these ports to enjoy the hot tubs and pools on the ship and the WJ.

 

So weather, size of ships, price , then itinerary would be my criteria for picking a cruise.

 

Cruising on a ship with a bunch of other folks who are looking to have a good time and a nice vacation in warm weather is a good recipe for a nice cruise.

[NewYork8048]

For us it starts with dates: when we think we can both get off work (there are certain times of the year when one or the other of us are required at work) - then itinerary - then price

[OCruisers]

Both the itinerary and the ship are very important to us. :)

LuLu

[screamin400]

Being retired and living in northern Virginia, I want to only cruise the Caribbean in the cold weather months from October to March - though I do cruise in April and May.

 

Started cruising on RCL in May 2012 with 22 trips on Oasis, Freedom and Voyager ships - with the one exception on the Legend, whatever class that is.

The Legend does not have a Promenade, which means if you want a cup of coffee after midnight or before 7 a.m. - it's room service.

 

I have stayed in GS, JS, balcony, ocean-view and interior depending on whether I'm traveling alone or with someone.

 

The only ship that goes to the Southern Caribbean ( my favorite itinerary ) on a regular basis is the Adventure that has a Promenade.

 

The Oasis ship is the destination - the Freedom Class ships offer the best value for me - size of ship, quality of entertainment, size of casino and the Diamond and Concierge lounges.

 

Since I've been to the ports the Freedom sails into many times, I use these ports to enjoy the hot tubs and pools on the ship and the WJ.

 

So weather, size of ships, price , then itinerary would be my criteria for picking a cruise.

 

Cruising on a ship with a bunch of other folks who are looking to have a good time and a nice vacation in warm weather is a good recipe for a nice cruise.

 

I agree. By the way we come to Northern Virginia to warm up :)

[CRUISEFAN0001]

And yes it is absurd to suggest scheduling a vacation based on the remote possiblity, that, just maybe, one could encounter that 20 degree swing one day, knowing that the averages are 70's at night and 80's during the day, YEAR ROUND.

That wasn't stated either....but OK...you just don't get it. :rolleyes:

 

In the mean time...to the original topic and poster...

 

You've gotten some good advice on narrowing down you other cruise plans...and we all wish you the best of enjoyment regardless of your choices.

 

After all, your preferences are really the #1 selection criteria.

 

Happy sailing.

[roysmith99]

Mostly itinerary, but if the price is right we will go anywhere and on any ship.

 

I have not read all of the other posts but totally agree with this one. If we can get to a nice departure port and the price is right - we just cruise.....

Edited November 7, 2014 by roysmith99

[rtazz17]

We book for the ship.Idc where it goes as long as its warm.

[printingchick]

Queue up the first extinguishers, flames are about to begin!

 

But truly, I do want to understand why a true cruise fanatic would choose to cruise on one of the mega ships, strictly for the ship experience. I would really like someone to explain to me how the experience then differs from a LAND-BASED resort. I have friends who have cruised on the large ships and...even if they LOVE LOVE LOVE it...they comment that glimpsing the ocean is NOT as easy as it is on other ships. And it seems like we all agree that the itineraries are awful.

 

Admittedly, this is my own opinion, but isn't seeing the ocean surrounding you all the time part of the attraction of a cruise versus a land-based vacation? I haven't experienced a balcony yet, but I can tell you that I woke up nearly every hour on the hour during the first night of my last cruise, just to look out the window at the sea. (It was calling!)

 

If you want big entertainment opportunities, great food, and a variety of fun attractions, you could get all that and far grander accommodations in Vegas. (Nothing against Vegas; I've visited twice and loved it.) But you don't see the ocean in Vegas and you spend the entire vacation in ONE place. Kind of like if you sail on a mega ship and never disembark.

 

I know this with inflame many who will let me know why I'm totally wrong in no uncertain terms. But that is really not my intent. Honestly, I just don't get the point.

[chanat]

We use to book for the itinerary ,mostly , but after going on Oasis and doing the Eastern, Western many times and Southern Carib and Bermuda each once, we tried Oasis and loved it so much we are going on her again in Jan. The Southern Carib was wonderful but we did experience some pretty rough seas as with Bermuda. We hardly felt any movement on Oasis and the shows were awesome. My DH gets sea sick easily and will take meds to help but then feels tired often. Oasis seems like it is the best fit for us now. I still want to take a cruise to Europe one day though

[mattpro]

"But truly, I do want to understand why a true cruise fanatic would choose to cruise on one of the mega ships, strictly for the ship experience. I would really like someone to explain to me how the experience then differs from a LAND-BASED resort. "

 

==============================================

 

Yes, cruising on the Oasis can be like a land based resort - ONLY at a THIRD OF THE PRICE.

 

In other words cruising is a better value proposition - plus it can move out of bad weather - which an island can't.

 

At least that's why I changed to cruising after vacationing in Aruba for the past 20+ years.

[tidygirl]

Itinerary for us! The more ports the better. The ship is our moving hotel with a bonus of shows in the evening! My hubby drives everyday for a living so when we go on vacations he doesn't want to drive. He loves just going to sleep, travelling all night and waking up in a new place.

[Wheeling_family_of_3]

Cruising on Oasis is a totally different experience to a land based resort, and as mentioned, quite affordable. We saw the ocean constantly (not to mention our stateroom was a balcony room), and there is just a grandeur and elegance to the whole experience knowing it's at sea. We have done all included land based vacations and have been on Oasis and we are forever hence going on Oasis or Allure!

 

We choose based on ship. We rarely get off on the destinations because most are not (or are very marginally) handicapped accessible and my husband uses a wheelchair (not a scooter). We're on Oasis in 5 weeks for family Christmas holiday and Allure in March for our anniversary. Can't wait!

Edited November 8, 2014 by Wheeling_family_of_3

[sjudis]

The ship for me, I love every moment on board!

 

 

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[buddylover]

When we first started cruising it was for itinerary first, then on what ship?? Now that we have done many of the "typical" itineraries, there are some cruises we are choosing just to be on the ship (i.e, the Allure, but foresaking the same "old" itinerary). Of course, the next consideration is always pricing.....so after the itinerary and/or ship, the price sometimes dictates which ship and which cruise lines too!

[JimAOk1945]

So far, we have been cruising based on the itineraries. We enjoy seeing new places. Since my wife is into photography, she chooses the itinerary for each cruise and plans all the details. I don't mind that at all. I like to see her happy.

 

Cruising is a great way to explore the world and have quality time together. Happy cruising everyone.

[screamin400]

Never thought I would get this much response. Thanks to all of you. It appears to me that many folks start out with itinerary and after a few cruises lean more toward the ship? I think I want to see everywhere there is and once I have seen it then the ship will probably become more relevant. When your leaving snow country in Feb. anywhere looks better than here. At this point I really think we will do the southern Caribbean on the Breeze. Great ship with a great itinerary. Many of you made very valid points.

[CFC]

Itinerary first, I will not go on a ship that stops in the Bahamas or Costa Maya. Waste of my time and precious vacation days.

Ship for me is second.

 

 

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[American Bear]

Sometimes we book for ship, sometimes for itinerary, but mostly for price.

 

Right on Bob, totally agree!:D

Can't go if you can't afford it!

Edited November 8, 2014 by American Bear