Another cruise question

This one is actually from DH!

So if you leave out of NY instead of FL you're at sea more days.

Is it better to be at sea or in port? Is it just a matter of personal perference?

Sorry if these are silly questions- we have no cruise experience!

Re: Another cruise question

personal preference IMO... I like more port days bc i end up spending a fortune on at sea days in the casino I also get bored very easily and need new exciting places to see just about everyday on the cruise

I love them and im sooo jealous that you'll be taking your first one! (altho the excitment of planning one and actually stepping foot on the ship never gets old)

go to cruisecritic.com and you'll learn everything you need to know

Re: Another cruise question

I love Sea Days because I feel like I can just hang out and I am not pressured into doing anything.

You can lay by the pool, or do anything you want. Just chill out.

I always feel rushed during Port Days.

Re: Another cruise question

It's a matter of personal preference.
I like sea days to just veg out, work on my tan and maybe get a massage.
On the other hand, I do like to sightsee.

When we cruised Alaska, there was so much to see even when we were at sea, since the vessel sails close to the coastline. We just sat on deck or on our balcony and watched the scenery go by.

Our next cruise in April only has one day at sea ! We hit 5 islands in 7 days, not including our departure/arrival port.
I've already been to three of the islands, so I might stay aboard and get a spa treatement for at least one of them. They are discounted on the days the vessel is in port.
I can always get off the boat to wander a bit and grab some lunch.

Re: Another cruise question

I personally like more port days. The two cruises that I went on with more at sea days - the sea was kind of rough then - so it was tough.

I also like more port days since the boat is empty if you choose not to do an excursion.

My favorite cruise was the Southern Caribbean - the waters are calm and the weather was beautiful.

Re: Another cruise question

Totally personal preference.

More sea days - you can relax more - sit by the pool (If you are in warmer weather), sleep in, go to the bars or ship board activities - basically it depends on what you want to get out of it - BUT if you leave from NY expect the weather to be cool (if it is winter) so you won't be able to do things like lay out next to the pool or swim etc.

More port days - you can get off and explore, do a shore excursion, swim, go to the beach or shop. They tend to be more active days.

So I think it depends on your personal interests. I like sea days - but I haven't sailed from NY - I don't think I would enjoy those as much unless it was summer. I tend to spend the day at the pool and relax, and sit on my balcony for breakfast, etc. It is a nice break from the shore excursions (we usually do catamaran trips and snorkeling) so those are fun with some activities I'm not a big shopper.

Re: Another cruise question

I like more sea days. More days to sleep in, to relax, just hang out.

Re: Another cruise question

We just got back from a 7 night western.

We were only at sea for 2 days (first and last) and by day 3 of ports we were ready for a sea day to break it up and give us some rest.

But as others said - it is a personal preference. I prefer 3 port days and the remaining as sea days. But the ratio of sea to port days wouldn't make me steer clear of a particular cruise. As others have said, just because it's a port day it doesnt mean they kick you off. Port days we try to be back on the boat earlier so we have the pools, jacuzzis and other toys to ourselves.

Re: Another cruise question

Thank you!! Good to know. I will have to talk to DH and see what he prefers!

Re: Another cruise question

Personal preference- I always prefer a sea day though! We leave out of NY a lot and love it! The ILs are actually on a cruise out of NY this week!

Re: Another cruise question

Def. Personal choice, But what I like about more ports, is the ship is empty, We have done quite a number of cruises, and after a while all the caribbean ports seem the same, so to have the boat to yourself is great. As regards to less ports
, with the newer bigger ships, there really is so much to do onboard, that the ship is a destination in itself.