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ThreeCats
Train Ride
Member since 5/05 3127 total posts
Name:
A
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Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i want to leave out of ny/nj - this leaves us with three different cruise lines on the dates we need.
all three are the same amount of days, the cost is too close to help us make any decisions and the port are more or less the same.
help!!!
adding cruise details:
the three different boats are:
Carnival Miracle
Royal C explorer of the sea
Norwegian Jewel
two adults and two children, 4 and 6 at time of travel
Message edited 3/4/2012 8:01:55 AM.
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Posted 3/3/12 9:50 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one?
What lines/ships are you choosing between?
After cost and ports, it comes down to the amenities of the ship, and then certain cruise lines have different "feels" to them. Some skew older vs. younger, singles vs. families, etc.
There are a lot of girls who have been on multiples cruise lines. I'm sure if you provide more detail, they can help.
I can give you feedback about Disney cruises since I'm leaving for one in 5 hours (why am I not packing???)!
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| Posted 3/3/12 11:00 PM |
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ThreeCats
Train Ride
Member since 5/05 3127 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one?
Posted by JenniferEver
What lines/ships are you choosing between?
After cost and ports, it comes down to the amenities of the ship, and then certain cruise lines have different "feels" to them. Some skew older vs. younger, singles vs. families, etc.
There are a lot of girls who have been on multiples cruise lines. I'm sure if you provide more detail, they can help.
I can give you feedback about Disney cruises since I'm leaving for one in 5 hours (why am I not packing???)!
have fun on the disney cruise!!! that's not one of the choice 
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| Posted 3/4/12 7:07 AM |
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Arieschick29
aries+cancer= pisces&gemini
Member since 3/06 4268 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one?
I think I'm going to start saving $$$ for Disney cruise for my whole family when they come to NYC.... I love Disney and having never been on a cruise, I have a feeling that would be the best first experience to calm my sea-fearing nerves!
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| Posted 3/4/12 7:38 AM |
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Mouse Tales Travel
LIFamilies Business
Member since 7/08 417 total posts
Name:
Melissa Salinas
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one?
Jen, DCL is cruising out of NYC this summer and after that, the Magic moves to other ports so think about booking SOON!
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
Did you book your vacation through Disney and now you’re overwhelmed? We can help!
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| Posted 3/4/12 7:51 AM |
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ThreeCats
Train Ride
Member since 5/05 3127 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one?
please do not hijack my tread!!!! this is not a disney thread 
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| Posted 3/4/12 8:01 AM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out of all of those, I would choose royal. Their rates are always higher than the other 2 so that's amazing if it's a comparable price. That line also always has a ton for the kids to do and the food is comparable to princess (a good thing). I was on the NCL jewel last yr and I def liked the ship and their buffet was outstanding... The best selection and setup I've ever seen but the main dining room food isn't all that great unfortunately. Prob bc they want you to visit the specialty restaurants and spend spend spend.
Eta: not all ports are created equal lol. If you can list them, I can tell you which ones are best. I've been on 6 cruises and have visited almost every single island in the Caribbean. Fm me if you want some help  . I love playing travel agent! I think I missed my calling lol
Message edited 3/4/2012 8:31:35 AM.
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| Posted 3/4/12 8:26 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When are you sailing? June? Nov? Where are the cruises that you are looking at stop? I personally think that can be as important as the ship.
If you are looking at this summer -there is also - The Summit (celebrity) which leaves from Bayonne and goes to Bermuda. We did it last summer and the girls had a blast. We are planning on going again at the end of this summer.
What are you looking for? Lots of nightlife? Excellent service? Excellent food? More party atmosphere or more relaxing but still enjoyable atmosphere (fewer announcements, fewer say pool side type games).
Etd to add I agree with the above poster - that not all ports are equal - I have been to all the islands (this will be my 15 or 16th cruise this summer). I have sailed on NCL (long time ago), Celebrity, and Princess - (and another 5 star line in Europe that isn't around anymore).
Another good source is Cruisecritic.com
Message edited 3/4/2012 9:27:51 AM.
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| Posted 3/4/12 9:24 AM |
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ThreeCats
Train Ride
Member since 5/05 3127 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cruising feb 2013
all ships stop at Port Canaveral, Nassau and either (freeport, cococay or little stirrup cay)
Message edited 3/4/2012 10:14:34 AM.
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| Posted 3/4/12 10:12 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by ThreeCats
cruising feb 2013
all ships stop at Port Canaveral, Nassau and either (freeport, cococay or little stirrup cay)
I would probably go with RCCL - it is the nicest of the 3 lines. Plus I hear Cococay is a great private island. It probably leaves from Bayonne right? Bayonne is so easy. There is parking right next to the ship - we did that when we sailed from there. You drive up to the terminal and they take your bags right from your car. Then you circle around and pull into the lot and park and walk next door to the terminal and you are on very quickly.
BTW how many sea days do you have? While I love the convenience of sailing our of NY/NJ in Feb somethings you might want to consider - it will be cold - some lines their indoor pool is for adults - so your children might not be able to swim the 1st day or two. With the cold weather you might be able to do much outside for the 1st 2 days. My parents just sailed out of Bayonne in February. While they had a great cruise - they said the trip down was pretty rough (they sail several times a year but my mom does get bad motion sickness) and the trip back got boring pretty quickly - and was also rough (20 ft waves). They had a great time - but it is something that you should be prepared for.
I take it Port Canaveral you will hit WDW? or another amusement park?
Nassau not a huge fan - have been there before. Will you go to Atlantis?
So my 1st choice would be RCCL, NCL then Carnival.
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| Posted 3/4/12 10:34 AM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lillykat
So my 1st choice would be RCCL, NCL then Carnival.
Agree.
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| Posted 3/4/12 11:27 AM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by ThreeCats
cruising feb 2013
all ships stop at Port Canaveral, Nassau and either (freeport, cococay or little stirrup cay)
Freeport is a waste IMO. Def would pick a private island ove that one
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| Posted 3/4/12 2:09 PM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by Lillykat
So my 1st choice would be RCCL, NCL then Carnival.
Agree.
Agreed.
We have sailed RCCL 3 times already, sailing the 4th this coming April on Explorer of the Seas.
We choose RCCL because we like the service and the value we get.
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| Posted 3/4/12 8:34 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my in laws swear by RC
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| Posted 3/4/12 8:37 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a huge Carnival fan and have been on the Miracle twice. Great ship!
But I do know that their itinerary is the one that goes to Freeport. Knowing that, I'd say choose one of the private islands. I've never been to either one but I've been to Carnival's (actually, it's Holland America's but I digress..) and it was awesome!
Freeport and Nassau are probably my least favorite ports but that could be because I've been to them both several times.
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| Posted 3/4/12 10:50 PM |
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Kissy331
My two miracles!
Member since 5/06 17826 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was just on rccl explorer of the seas in November without the kids & honestly I don't think it would be a good option especially in Feb out if ny. We had horrible weather in November & found ourselves napping a lot during the day. The pools were not indoors & the kids pool was most certainly not indoors. It was so windy on our trip, the kids pool only opened in port. There's an ice rink on hoard but out of our 5 day cruise it was only opened 2 nights, around dinner time for skating.
I've cruises NCL & Princess before & honestly I felt their at sea days were more passenger fun filled. It's seemed RCCL had a lot of nonsense going on & nothing truly interesting during the day (no bingo, no movies). I also felt the night time shows were lacking compared to the other lines I've been on.
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| Posted 3/5/12 5:11 AM |
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CaMacho
Sisters :)
Member since 7/06 15112 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been on both RCCL (Navigator of the seas) and Carnival (most recently the Miracle in Jan) and I have to recommend RCCL.
We had the BEST time on the carnival miracle I have to say, but the food, activities and overall look/layout of the ship just doesn't compare to RCCL navigator. It is a nice ship though and I would never turn it down. 
On the navigator there were so many activities going on, the food was excellent and it was such a nice ship with the promenade area. DH and I both agreed that we'll probably do RCCL again over Carnival. That said, carnival is lower priced so if that is an issue go with carnival. You really can't go wrong with a cruise.
Have you checked out cruisecritic.com? You can even post this question and get lots of answers. There is a family board I believe and a specific rccl board, carnival board, etc.
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| Posted 3/5/12 4:23 PM |
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jam11308
Member since 11/07 7273 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lillykat
So my 1st choice would be RCCL, NCL then Carnival.
I've been on the Explorer & the Jewel & I agree with this. I haven't been on a Carnival cruise in over 10 years so I can't give a fair assessment on them.
As a Lillykat also mentioned, the Celebrity Summit to Bermuda is also a great cruise! We took it out of NJ for ds' 1st b-day in 9/10 and had a fabulous time. The crew was so attentive it was like ds was the mayor of the ship - everyone remembered his name & played with him! It was so sweet
Cruising out of NJ is sooooo much easier than leaving out of NYC. We just took the Jewel this past Oct. & while it was great, given the option from now on I'd choose a cruise leaving out of NJ every time.
If you're willing to consider Celeb then I'd change my suggestion to Celeb, RCCL, NCL & then Carnival. Good luck choosing!
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| Posted 3/5/12 6:17 PM |
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ThreeCats
Train Ride
Member since 5/05 3127 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks everyone for all your wonderful input!!
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| Posted 3/5/12 8:44 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since your kids will be 4 & 6 I'd look into the kids amenities on the different ships.
I've only been on RCL out of those 3 & I liked it ( but I've never left from NY or traveled with kids.)The buffet wasn't bad, which is probably good to keep in mind with kids. Also look at pool options, and kids activities ( if you want to use them.) RCL had a good mix of all ages on the 2 cruises I went on.
After that, I'd look at the private islands if they are on your itinerary.
You can find basic info on the cruise line's sites, and traveler opinions on cruisecritic.com
ETA-the kids activities might be important if as other people mentioned the weather is chilly the first few days.
Message edited 3/6/2012 11:26:12 AM.
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| Posted 3/5/12 11:04 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are you considering Disney?
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| Posted 3/6/12 9:08 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11486 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by lynnd126
Are you considering Disney?
 
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| Posted 3/8/12 10:46 AM |
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Samira0407
Love being a Mom
Member since 6/08 4030 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cruise - how do you pick the right one? NOT DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been on Carnival; Royal Carib; NCL & Disney.
I LOVED our RCL cruise!! I thought it was perfect for us (traveling w/OUT kids). We went to the spa; enjoyed the solarium; rock climbing; flow rider and enjoyed our meals both in the dining room & the specialty restaurants. I tend to pick very port intensive cruises-few days at sea; as many ports as possible in 1 week. So i don't give myself TOO much time to wander on the ship. But the 2 days at sea we had were perfect! They were the 1st & last day. It was fun getting on the flowrider the first day-great exciting start to our cruise. Day's 3-5 were all ports. Day 6 was a relaxing day at sea. Actually i think i took ice skating lessons that last day!
I highly recommend RCL for the abundance on UN-organized activities available. I'm not a bingo; line dance; hair leg contest type of person. Freedom of the Seas was perfect for us. Now they have Oasis & Allure which has even MORE to do!
Have fun!!!
ETA: I see you have small kids...we traveled mid November-not a lot of kids on our ship which was perfect for us-but if you're going around a break when kids are out of school then you'll get more kids on board for your little ones to play with. The few kids we did see were having a BLAST climbing the rock wall; going on the flowrider; taking ice skating lessons etc. There's so many activities.
Message edited 3/8/2012 5:03:40 PM.
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| Posted 3/8/12 5:01 PM |
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