Cruise Opinion

We are deciding between 2 cruises to book.

Cruise 1 - better itinerary but the boat is 10+ years old

Cruise 2 - not crazy about itinerary but the boat will be 1 year old when we sail

Which would you pick?? Both cruises have 3 days at sea and 4 islands.

Message edited 1/12/2018 10:56:48 AM.

Cruise Opinion

I would pick the better boat.

Cruise Opinion

I would probably pick the better itinerary - as long as the boat had a lot of ammenities that I liked, but, I'd need more information.

Re: Cruise Opinion

It really depends on the particular ships involved. I've been on some 10+ year old ships that were terrific. Really depends on what amenities/attractions are on the ship, and what the islands are.

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Re: Cruise Opinion

Cruise 1 (older boat) from Galveston - Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Freeport, Key West

Cruise 2 (new boat) from Miami - Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, Grand Turk

They only reason I like the itinerary for Cruise 1 better is because we have already been to Aruba and Curacao. I have been to Bahamas and not crazy about that stop but figured we could check out Atlantis for the day. I also like the idea of going out of Galveston, never been there and heard its nice. Thought we could stay there the first night before departing on the cruise.

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With those options, I would go with cruise 2. Miami is an easier port to cruise out of. Galveston often has issues. Also, I think the itineraries are comparable in terms of the islands. Actually, really like Aruba, and Curaçao was nice too. Never been to the other 2. I would go with the newer boat from the easier port. Either way, have fun!

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I prefer the older boats because the rooms are usually bigger and the ships are constantly being refurbished so things are in good condition.

So... I wouldn’t be turned off by an old boat.

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I’d pick Cruise 2. The itinerary looks better to me, IMHO.

Cruise Opinion

Cruise 2 by far. We stay on the ship when we’re in Nassau because there’s really not much to do other than Atlantis and we did that once and will never do it again. Honestly the only stops that are decent are HMC and KW. Freeport is pretty lame too but maybe because I’ve BTDT a few times. Grand Turk is one of my favorite ports.

Message edited 1/12/2018 3:03:17 PM.

Cruise Opinion

I would choose cruise 2 as well. I think the ports blow the others away and it's the newer boat.

Re: Cruise Opinion

definitely cruise 2

Re: Cruise Opinion

For me it depends on the specific ship & itineraries. I've done older ships with a great itinerary & been plenty happy. Older ships aren't necessarily bad at all- some are probably even better laid out. I'm taking a cruise in March on the new Carnical Vista. I've been to all but 1 port so this time it's mostly about the ship.
So it always depends- no blanket answer.

With the options you posted, I'd personally hands down go on cruise 2. I'm not a fan of that Bahamas itinerary. BTDT. Nassau is okay, Freeport was terrible, & HMC was only okay. With option 2, for me it's a better itinerary & more exciting ship.

Message edited 1/12/2018 10:22:50 PM.

Re: Cruise Opinion

IMO, cruise 2 has the better itinerary and the better boat. No brainer to me.

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I've never been on a cruise but with the itineraries you listed I would choose cruise 2.

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I don't book cruises based on itineraries since they are 'Subject to Change' according to the cruise contract. I book because of the ships amenities. I'm going on a cruise in May and it's the same 4 ports I've sailed in 2016 & 2017 but different ship.

Re: Cruise Opinion

I love to cruise. Hate to fly. 4 Islands is a lot. I think you need to look at what you want to get from each cruise.

Are you looking to relax, sight see?

What does each boat have to offer?

The nice thing about going to the same location is you can either redo stuff you like, try new experiences or take things a little slower.

Depending on who you will be going to will depend on which boat may be better too.

Cruise Opinion

Personally I would choose the second option because I haven’t been to any of those islands. I love exploring new places and I am not the type of the person that would spend hours at the pool. I have been on a seven day cruise with one sea day and five ports and we got off the ship everyday to explore. Having a busy itenarary is not a bad thing. On port days, most people get off the ship and if you decide to stay, you will have the pool to yourself and spa will be less busy. I have been on four cruises in the past four years and luckily the itinerary never changed.

I think it’s personal preference. I know someone who books a suite for $6k on a 10+ year old ship and spends his time between the cabin and the pool and hardly gets off the ship. For him the itenarary or the age of the ship don’t matter. If you are taking the kids, check the kids club activities. Ships that are old do get refurbished often but may not have all the bells and whistles that the new ships have. If you post your question on cruise critic and mention the ship names, you will get lot of feedback on them and it will make it easier for you decide.

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How are you getting to Galveston ?
Personally I wouldn't go to Galveston, Miami is easier to get to-from, although I prefer Ft Lauderdale.

Itinerary 1 is not interesting enough to trek to Galveston.

Re: Cruise Opinion

Thanks everyone!

We are choosing the 2nd one. Its the new Carnival Horizon that is set to sail this April. We are going in 2019.

Re: Cruise Opinion