Decisions, decisions...

[SailorJeff66]

Looking at two cruises for next April. Freedom of the Seas to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and St. Martiin. OR Carnival Horizon to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel. Carnival is considerably cheaper, but the only port I really am excited about is Ocho Rios(wife REALLY wants Jamaica). The other issue is I've never sailed Carnival, so a bit unsure of how the experience compares. The RCI itineraries for Jamaica don't really excited me so I've kind of written them off for the time being. Thoughts???

 

[Tree_skier]

I would totally do the FOS. Vastly superior itinerary in my opinion. 

[ONECRUISER]

4 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I would totally do the FOS. Vastly superior itinerary in my opinion. 

Agree, FOS would my first choice 

[sdrocks]

FOS would be my first choice.  We are not fond of Jamaica at all. Just my opinion.

[Crism]

Freedom! We don't get off the ship anymore in Jamaica.

[MightyMike]

If your focus is on the ports, then I agree that Freedom has a vastly superior itinerary. 

 

If your focus is on the ships, then I don't think the difference between cruise lines is a great as you might think. You will have a great time on Carnival. Horizon is a brand new ship--and considerably cheaper. There will be lots to discover. You will find things on Carnival that you like better than Royal Caribbean. You will find things on Royal Caribbean that you like better than Carnival. The similarities outweigh the differences.

 

Based on what information you have provided, if it were me, I would give Carnival a try. I don't think you have much to lose by doing so.

Edited April 28, 2019 by MightyMike

[sailor05]

I agree with Mike, there's not much difference between cruise lines.The Horizon is brand new and I personally love going on newer ships with the latest, greatest technologies. IMO, the food is better on Carnival, especially LOVE Guy's Burgers by the pool deck. We always like going to Cozumel as there is a ton of activities to do. St. Maarten has come along since the hurricane destroyed it, but the best part of the island has done little since. Aruba is beautiful, but imo, there's not much to do there other than the beach and/or scuba. 

 

I think you will have fun on either one, but if it was a considerable price difference I'd have NO problem with going on Carnival.

[dacsmom]

Both ships are wonderful and you cannot make a bad decision between the two, but I would definitely choose the Freedom itinerary.

[Mikew0805]

Agree.. food is better on Carnival. The Horizon was a fantastic ship! I know others are telling you to go with the other itinerary, but it seems like you and your wife really want to go to Jamaica. There is no way I would do the other itinerary, if Jamaica is what you really want. 

 

I will not even bother to get off the ship in Falmouth. Ocho Rios on the other hand I have enjoyed a couple times, and would again. 

[Norwich Cruiser]

Preference for FOS itinerary but wouldn’t hesitate to cruise Carnival again we’ve never had a bad cruise with them.

We think Carnival food is better plus Guys burgers are the best.

[luvs2travel50]

Freedom is going into dry dock from Jan 19, 2020 to Feb 23, 2020.  She will be like a new ship when she returns.

[mac66]

ABC islands for the win!

[Sobro]

OP's wife REALLY wants Jamaica. All that needs to be said.

[SailorJeff66]

So, after consulting with D.W. (Allicat), looks like we're gonna go for the FOS in December and the Horizon in April. I'll get the upcoming November Rhapsody cruise paid, get Horizon booked, then start looking at FOS for a winter 2020. Win/Win. Trying real hard to get two a year in, a shorty in spring and a 7day plus in winter. Thanks for the input gang!

[sailor05]

On 4/28/2019 at 7:36 PM, SailorJeff66 said:

So, after consulting with D.W. (Allicat), looks like we're gonna go for the FOS in December and the Horizon in April. I'll get the upcoming November Rhapsody cruise paid, get Horizon booked, then start looking at FOS for a winter 2020. Win/Win. Trying real hard to get two a year in, a shorty in spring and a 7day plus in winter. Thanks for the input gang!

Doing them both, I like it!

[SailorJeff66]

Yeah, mamma has a big ol' grin now that I booked Horizon. Grabbed FTTF while I was at it. Oh, and booked the tepanyaki for first sea day....  

[PhoenixCruiser]

On 4/28/2019 at 4:36 PM, SailorJeff66 said:

So, after consulting with D.W. (Allicat), looks like we're gonna go for the FOS in December and the Horizon in April. I'll get the upcoming November Rhapsody cruise paid, get Horizon booked, then start looking at FOS for a winter 2020. Win/Win. Trying real hard to get two a year in, a shorty in spring and a 7day plus in winter. Thanks for the input gang!

 

A win/win for sure!

[Big_G]

Tough choice. We haven't sailed Horizon yet but that's my least favorite itinerary in the Caribbean. I'd probably stick to Freedom.