Eastern Carribean - Which Itinery Would You Choose

[poffles]

Hi all,

 

I keep tossing back and forth between two 7 day Eastern Carribean cruises, one NCL and the other Princess, the ship has become a toss up. We have never been to the Eastern Carribean region "ever" so we have no idea how to compare and decide. I've read lots here on the ports but still not sure. I know it is opinion, but what would others choose and why? Perhaps I am getting too picky?

 

Here are the two itineries (one in November, one in January).

 

NCL (Dawn)

 

Miami

At Sea

Samana

St. Thomas

Tortola

At Sea

Great Stirrip Cay

Miami

 

or ....

 

Princess (Crown) (Says 7 days but looks like 8?)

 

Fort Lauderdale

Princess Cays

At Sea

St. Marten

St. Thomas

Great Turk

At Sea

Fort Lauderdale

 

Any and all opinions welcome ... thanks ...!

[Keith1010]

I think the are both fine itineraries. I'm probably more partial to Princess than NCL but as you say it's just opinion.

 

Keith

[Coolmama_1]

I am partial to Princess as well. Either way, enjoy your cruise!

[rebeljohn]

Any cruise that stops in St. Martin is a winner for me. Stuff is much cheaper there...............I'd go for the Princess cruise.............

[Name game]

Oh the Princess itinerary sounds so much better. Tortola is quite boring. St. Martin is great. I know nothing of Samana but I heard great things about Grand Turk.

 

You also have to remember that these are two completely different types of cruises as well whereas the Norwegian Dawn is freestyle cruising and I am pretty sure Princess is not. That makes a difference with meals whereas Princess you get a more typical dining experience and Norwegian (although I haven't done freestyle) you eat whenever.

[poffles]

Yes Princess dining appears slightly different but it says they have "anytime" dining which I'm thinking is somewhat similar to the freestyle. The dress attire might not be quite as casual but I have no problem with semi casual, not into ball gowns but not upset if I can't wear jeans to dinner.

 

I've been leaning towards the Princess too, St. Martin sounds like a place I'd like to visit. It's the January one (09) and yes I am looking ahead, means a couple more months added to the long wait :-(

 

Decisions, decision ... thanks everyone.

[Kan't Wait]

I would choose Princess over NCL any day.

I am doing the Eastern Caribbean in April 08 and this will be my third time to St. Maarten. If you haven't been there than you need to go. JMHO:)

[trish1c]

I've never sailed Princess but love NCL.

 

The itineraries are very similar. Which cruise is cheaper & which Airfare is cheaper, if you are flying? I'd pick that cruise.

[poffles]

Cruise prices are very similar, the Princess is a little more but I think it's because it really isn't a 7 day as they indicate (but an 8). By little I mean less than $100.

 

I don't expect the flight difference to be significant. Coming from Halifax, Nova Scotia which will cost a bit either way so I don't anticipate the short distance between these two ports being noticable or a decision maker. There may be a difference in available flights but this often changes until closer to the time you're looking to book and I am hoping to make a decision long before I can commit the flight, just know I will fly the day before.

 

I love everyones responses so far. So far I'm thinking that St. Martin might be the deciding factor. Lazing at the beach is nice, but I having some choice of things to do would be a plus. I'm sure I will be happy with either cruise, but appreciate hearing others opinions in the decision. Thanks ... !