Cruise Talk: Princess or RCL????which should we try??

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Topic: Princess or RCL????which should we try??

daniel
Just Boarded
Member # 987

posted 01-07-2000 09:57 PM

We're in our mid 30's planning a cruise to the Southern Caribbean this year together with my sister & husband & our mom to celebrate her 60th b'day. We're big on great food & service & good entertainment, so this is not an easy choice. Can we have suggestions....for fun, good food & great time.

Posts: 2 | From: bermuda | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Lisette
First Class Passenger
Member # 282

posted 01-07-2000 11:24 PM

My husband and I have not been on any princess cruises but we have been on RCCL three times and we really like them. The last cruise we did was on Legend of the Seas and found it absolutely wonderful, staff was outstanding, food was very good not as good as celebrity but very good. The entertainment was superb. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of a RCCLs its our favourite line. My husband and I are in the 35-40 age group. Hope that helps good luck deciding, cruising is definitely the way too go, my husband and I are hooked.

Posts: 32 | From: Mississauga | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 01-09-2000 06:29 AM

Celebrity's Galaxy has a really nice Southern Caribbean itinerary! And their food IS as good as Celebrity's

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Phil
First Class Passenger
Member # 983

posted 01-09-2000 03:14 PM

I would suggest the Galaxy, Celebrity Cruise lines, they have a good itinerary and their food is as good if not better than Princess.

Posts: 32 | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

sabine
First Class Passenger
Member # 759

posted 01-10-2000 06:33 AM

I must give Princess Line a plug. Have just completed my 5th cruise with P & O - 3rd with Princess - and can recommend it every time. It is definitely the choice for the over 50s, but there is plenty to do for the younger set too. Excellent service, can't fault the food, world class entertainment, worth a try.

Posts: 32 | From: Bella Vista NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-10-2000 09:29 AM

Try Holland America - lots of ships to choose from and good itineraries. Yes, I know everyone says it is for the old crowd, but we were in our late 40's when we started sailing on her in '81 and after 34 cruises we still have a lot of fun. We have met a lot of younger and older people who are most enjoyable and then a lot of old crabby people, but then every ship has these. The new ships have excellent gyms, there is lots to do for the younger people, food ranges from great to good and there is plenty of it even a midnight buffet at 11pm every night, and the ice cream and cappuccinos are FREE.
Whichever ship/line you choose, have a great time.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

CruiseBuff
First Class Passenger
Member # 94

posted 01-10-2000 10:47 AM

I agree with Phil and Mercy. Although RCCL and Princess are excellent lines, I really think Celebrity is worth checking out.

Posts: 27 | From: Denver, CO USA | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Laura
First Class Passenger
Member # 924

posted 01-10-2000 07:01 PM

I've been on Holland America and Princess, and had a much better time on Holland America. (We were on the Noordam - Western Caribbean.) My husband and I are in our late 20s, and thought the Dawn Princess ship had an older crowd. And, the entertainment was so much better on HAL. (The Princess crew was a little dry, and boring, we thought!) We're booked for our 1st RCCL this February, on the Voyager of the Seas, so then we'll have 3 different lines under our belt! We are completely hooked on cruising! It's the best vacation you'll ever have, no matter what line you choose. You're guaranteed to have a great time!!!!

Posts: 114 | From: Ohio | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

daniel
Just Boarded
Member # 987

posted 01-10-2000 10:45 PM

Thanks everyone!!! Great input.
Unfortunately we've had to reschedule for May so we're now looking into Holland America & RCCL as Princess stops its Caribbean route late April.
We are quite happy with RCCL having gone on the Sovereign & Majesty of the Seas, but want to try one of the other liners. Galaxy looks really appealing however can't find appropriate itinerary for May, so maybe next time!? Look forward to your replies!

Posts: 2 | From: bermuda | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Ascendancy
First Class Passenger
Member # 840

posted 01-12-2000 02:57 PM

Daniel,

Just remember RCCL increases your benefits the more you cruise with them. I'd say if you are happy with RCCL, stick with them.
This is what we've done.

Posts: 354 | From: Aurora, CO | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-12-2000 09:39 PM

Daniel - HAL also stops Caribbean sailings middle of April. If Zaandam is out as expected in March, she will be the only ship sailing Carib in the summer. We had been looking into also for May.
Zaandam will be doing 7 day Western/Eastern cruises.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 01-13-2000 05:20 PM

Daniel,
Look into HAL. Check out the size of the cabins, I think you will find HAL has much larger cabins. Go for the change. It took me a while to convice my husband to try a different cruise line. He was very content with the Norway and did not want to change. Last year we sailed on the Ryndam and now he thinks HAL is far superior and we are sailing on the Volendam in March.

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Gordy
First Class Passenger
Member # 1018

posted 01-21-2000 01:01 AM

daniel,
If you choose HAL you will be among the youngest people on board...but your Mom won't. If the cruise is really for Mom, I think HAL would be a great choice. As far as room size goes, I would suggest what I and all my nurses do...get a room with a verandah. It really makes the room seem larger and gives you a wonderful place to escape alone, which can be nice considering you will be floating along with 2500 others. Remember that Mom will want you two to escape and do some "fun" stuff too. If you don't she'll feel guilty. She will probably want to spend at least one sunset on that verandah while you guys swoon elsewhere. I think it's really neat of you youngsters to spend your vacation time and money treating Mom. She'll remember it for the rest of her life, guaranteed!

Posts: 24 | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Gordy
First Class Passenger
Member # 1018

posted 01-21-2000 01:15 AM

daniel,
The reason HAL and Princess quit the Caribbean in the spring is to prepare for the Alaskan tour. Shame on you all for not suggesting the Inside Passage and SE Alaska. It's refreshingly different and quite beautiful. If you've already cruised the Caribbean, why not try Alaska. We sent our Mom on the Veendam year before last and she absolutely loved it. Glacier Bay is spectacular as is the wildlife. The shore excursions can include a trainride up to Denali Park, rafting on glacial rivers, even King Salmon fishing. Most depart from Vancouver Canada, due to the Jones Act, which is a beautiful area in itself. A tram ride to the top of Grouse Mountain or Whistler can be breathtaking. Sorry, we Pacific NW people can get a little carried away.....

Posts: 24 | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

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