Ships: Does Size Matter?

Good suggestion. We were booked on the Legend, out of NY, a couple or three years ago and ended up having to cancel. Sigh. I've seen some good comments on here about the Spirit class ships.

Wait,,,what? Your signature line says you have sailed Carnival Miracle twice. The Miracle is a Spirit Class ship.

I loved the Pride which will be the only Spirit ship left sailing from USA once Miracle gets sent to China in 2017. I wish they would bring the Legend back full time when Miracle leaves. I really enjoy this class as it isn't small, easier to navigate than the Conquest class, the layout of public areas is ideal and holds 800 to 1300 less passengers than the Conquest ships.

Like you, I have absolutely no desire to sail anything bigger than Dream class. I found it almost too big. As far as Fantasy class, I myself have no desire to sail them and would actually go on a huge ship before I would pick this class.

Just saying,

I'm loving this thread. As a beginning cruiser, but someone who researches like crazy, it's fun to see this. There was a time that the Fantasy was the biggest cruise ship in the world, and everyone thought she was too big. Now many people think she is far too small. (The Titanic was "only" 52,000 tons)

Having gone on the Elation last year and heading on the Dream in a few months, I think I'll make sure I compare and contrast a lot in my review.

Wait,,,what? Your signature line says you have sailed Carnival Miracle twice. The Miracle is a Spirit Class ship.

 

I loved the Pride which will be the only Spirit ship left sailing from USA once Miracle gets sent to China in 2017. I wish they would bring the Legend back full time when Miracle leaves. I really enjoy this class as it isn't small, easier to navigate than the Conquest class, the layout of public areas is ideal and holds 800 to 1300 less passengers than the Conquest ships.

 

Like you, I have absolutely no desire to sail anything bigger than Dream class. I found it almost too big. As far as Fantasy class, I myself have no desire to sail them and would actually go on a huge ship before I would pick this class.

Just saying,

 

I'm loving this thread. As a beginning cruiser, but someone who researches like crazy, it's fun to see this. There was a time that the Fantasy was the biggest cruise ship in the world, and everyone thought she was too big. Now many people think she is far too small. (The Titanic was "only" 52,000 tons)

 

Having gone on the Elation last year and heading on the Dream in a few months, I think I'll make sure I compare and contrast a lot in my review.

Cool. I look forward to you sharing what you learn through extensive research, especially in regard to ship size. I'm plenty happy with the "medium" size ships, but sometimes I get to wondering if I'm missing out on something by not even giving the older ships a try, thus this thread. I may never sail a Fantasy class ship due to it's limited itineraries and three and four day cruises, but if I don't, I'll always wonder if I should have. If my wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to do a dozen cruises a year, like some CC folks, it wouldn't be an issue. I'd just take a small, calculated risk and book one. But since we only average about 1.5 cruises per year, I'm hesitant to risk one of those opportunities on a cruise I might not enjoy as much. Again, thus this thread. Bottom line, I guess I can't know how much I'd enjoy a smaller ship without biting the bullet and spending time on one.

PS-Right now I'd settle for ANY cruise, having had to cancel one in September, then again on Wednesday of this week (what was to be a replacement for the first cancelled cruise), because of sickness in the family. This makes three of our last four booked cruises having to be cancelled days before the sail date. Not fun. But then this is a "first world problem." I'm trying to maintain perspective. :-)

Bigger is definitely better, but its also ok to go on smaller more quaint ships if its not your main and only cruise for the year.

For us, RC larger ships are our main cruise, but this year, we chose the Valor to be our primary cruise since it was 8 nights and southern caribbean.

Larger ships offer so much more in complementary places to eat, more specialty restaurants, they have more things for kids to do such as rock climbing wall, flowerier, zip lining and ice skating. They have bigger water parks and larger fresh water pools and more pools to choose from. They also have better and more assortment in entertainment and activities.

I definitely would have Carnivals Vista to be my main cruise since she is large and all new.

The smaller Carnival ships such as the Fantasy class have limited balcony cabins some such as the Elation have none unless you get a suite. They offer you less variety/selection in the lunch buffet than what you would get in the ships in the Dream class.

Smaller ships do offer mostly shorter cruises and more children since the cost of the cruise is less, but they also have a lot less passengers, easier to use the tenders and during embarkation and disembarkation.

Do I find the RC larger ships crowded NEVER, do I find NCL larger ships crowded HECK YES! It depends on the layout of the ship, I also like Princess layout of its larger ships.

We do take land based vacations in addition to our main cruise each year which also includes two weeks in Aruba...but Carnivals smaller ships are quaint and they are inexpensive which allows us to take an additional cruise or two each year.

It all depends on what you want in a cruise but any cruise is better than no cruise.

Have you ever considered Holland America? Their ships tend to be smaller with on average 1300 to 2100 passengers. They never feel crowded, and many of their ships, even the smaller ones, have two pools, one of which is covered with a retractable glass roof. The balcony's are good size, big enough to hold a lounge chair and another chair with footstool, and a table. They really have a relaxed, casual vibe. Even my DH, who likes life more casual, loves life on Holland America.

My first two Carnival ships were the Ecstasy and Fantasy. I enjoyed both cruises very much (Especially liked the fact that the Serenity was aft-Great Views), but there was no getting away from the fact that they both felt crowded to me and they only had one pool.

No one cruise line or class of ship will ever be perfect for all. I don't think I would enjoy the lines and crowds that come with the mega ships, and I don't need zip-lines or flow riders, but I do like having a few choices when it comes to eating, a couple of entertainment choices, and a nice place to relax.

Have you ever considered Holland America? Their ships tend to be smaller with on average 1300 to 2100 passengers. They never feel crowded, and many of their ships, even the smaller ones, have two pools, one of which is covered with a retractable glass roof. The balcony's are good size, big enough to hold a lounge chair and another chair with footstool, and a table. They really have a relaxed, casual vibe. Even my DH, who likes life more casual, loves life on Holland America.

 

My first two Carnival ships were the Ecstasy and Fantasy. I enjoyed both cruises very much (Especially liked the fact that the Serenity was aft-Great Views), but there was no getting away from the fact that they both felt crowded to me and they only had one pool.

 

No one cruise line or class of ship will ever be perfect for all. I don't think I would enjoy the lines and crowds that come with the mega ships, and I don't need zip-lines or flow riders, but I do like having a few choices when it comes to eating, a couple of entertainment choices, and a nice place to relax.

Bigger is definitely better TO ME

I went ahead and fixed that for you. :D I dunno, somehow I find a 50 to 70 ft yacht more appealing than an aircraft carrier. But that's just me. That's hyperbole, of course, but I think it does demonstrate that bigger is not always better when it comes to pleasure ships. I'm not one who depends on a lot of entertainment and endless eating venue options to enjoy a cruise. I relish quality time with my wife, the ocean, the islands, and even just sitting on my balcony, coffee cup in hand, watching for flying fish. Honestly, I'd about as soon spend a week at a really nice super mall as on something like the Oasis of the Seas, or NCL Epic. They seem very similar to me. But that's me. If some prefer that I am pleased and happy for them.

Thanks for your thoughts! I have looked at Holland several times and a friend of mine who sails Holland raves about them. They have some nice itineraries I've noticed. The thing that turns me off a bit about them - and you're going to think this is silly - is the color of the ships. The black hulls are unattractive to me, even dirty looking. They remind me of cast iron and industry, rather than a tropical vacation. Yeah, I know it's silly, but I can't help it. I'm not turned off enough to absolutely refuse to sail Holland, but it does enter into the equation when I'm comparing cruises. Just being honest... at the risk of sounding deranged. :)

Actually I don't think it's silly, after all we use all of our senses (Including sight) when it comes to enjoying life! For years I was really turned off by the brightly colored hull designs on NCL. I just thought them strange, and cheap, low-class looking. I've managed to get past that, and have a cruise booked on their new mega ship, Escape for next year. Mainly I am going for all the extras; lots of bar & dining venues, wide variety of entertainment and their thermal suite. Because it's a special cruise (DH's 60th birthday) we are getting one of their Haven Suites. If I wasn't staying in their Haven area I don't think I would give up my precious vacation days to sail on it. The following week we are sailing on Carnival's new ship, the Vista. Again, since we are still celebrating DH's 60th (And our 12th anniversary) we are staying in a Havana Cabana Suite. This is mainly because I am intrigued by the concept of the Havana Cabana area and want to try it out.

If you have found the type of ship you enjoy I say stick with it! However, on the other hand.....We were loyal to Princess for years and years, and finally branched out to try other lines, mainly because of a great deal or an intriguing itinerary, and found that we loved Holland America and Carnival, NCL was okay and Royal Caribbean is probably not the best fit for us.

I love, love, love the Fantasy class ships. There's a favorite spot I like to sit at, have a drink, and watch the people walk by. I love the $10-store, the Serenity area, the coffee shop, the theater and the casino.

 

Here's what I don't like about the Fantasy-class ships: The crowding. Sea days are horrendous and finding a place to sit in the sun is nearly impossible. Some of the rowdiest cruises I've experienced, and I don't mean that in a good way, have been on Fantasy-class ships. The low, low prices attract people who tend to have fewer manners and a high tolerance to great quantities of alcohol. I know that statement is a generalization, but I haven't had the rowdy cruise crowd on any of my cruises on larger ships.

 

We'll be on the Imagination next week and I'll just bring my ear plugs and my patience and have a good time.

Actually I don't think it's silly, after all we use all of our senses (Including sight) when it comes to enjoying life! For years I was really turned off by the brightly colored hull designs on NCL. I just thought them strange, and cheap, low-class looking. I've managed to get past that, and have a cruise booked on their new mega ship, Escape for next year. Mainly I am going for all the extras; lots of bar & dining venues, wide variety of entertainment and their thermal suite. Because it's a special cruise (DH's 60th birthday) we are getting one of their Haven Suites. If I wasn't staying in their Haven area I don't think I would give up my precious vacation days to sail on it. The following week we are sailing on Carnival's new ship, the Vista. Again, since we are still celebrating DH's 60th (And our 12th anniversary) we are staying in a Havana Cabana Suite. This is mainly because I am intrigued by the concept of the Havana Cabana area and want to try it out.

 

If you have found the type of ship you enjoy I say stick with it! However, on the other hand.....We were loyal to Princess for years and years, and finally branched out to try other lines, mainly because of a great deal or an intriguing itinerary, and found that we loved Holland America and Carnival, NCL was okay and Royal Caribbean is probably not the best fit for us.

I'll try to be as direct as possible without hurting some people's feelings. For me, there are two reasons to sail on a Fantasy class ship. They are cheap and they are convenient. Period. But I don't glamorize the experience on these ships by saying things like "they are cozy" or "they carry less passengers" or "the crew treats you like family" or "you really get to connect with the ocean".

Objectively speaking, these are the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet, with some of the worst space to passenger ratios in the industry (yes, they are smaller, but they are packed), they lack activities or the food selection found on larger ships, they also lack balconies (meaning you need to get all the way to a top deck to "connect" with the ocean unless you are one of the few with your own balcony), the decor is outdated, and the itineraries leave a lot to be desired.

BUT, they are a GREAT way to get away on vacation without spending too much, either on the cruise or the airfare. These ships are strategically deployed so that most of their passengers drive rather than fly. As a result, you'll have a very laid back and unpretentious cruise with fellow cruisers who are attracted to these sailings because of price rather than the overall cruise experience.

With the Fantasy coming to Mobile (an easy 4 hour drive for us), I'm DEFINITELY considering sailing on her. But I will do so with very realistic expectations, and that's how I can make sure that I'll have a great time. I recommend that if you choose one of these ships that you do the same.

I'll try to be as direct as possible without hurting some people's feelings. For me, there are two reasons to sail on a Fantasy class ship. They are cheap and they are convenient. Period. But I don't glamorize the experience on these ships by saying things like "they are cozy" or "they carry less passengers" or "the crew treats you like family" or "you really get to connect with the ocean".

 

Objectively speaking, these are the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet, with some of the worst space to passenger ratios in the industry (yes, they are smaller, but they are packed), they lack activities or the food selection found on larger ships, they also lack balconies (meaning you need to get all the way to a top deck to "connect" with the ocean unless you are one of the few with your own balcony), the decor is outdated, and the itineraries leave a lot to be desired.

 

BUT, they are a GREAT way to get away on vacation without spending too much, either on the cruise or the airfare. These ships are strategically deployed so that most of their passengers drive rather than fly. As a result, you'll have a very laid back and unpretentious cruise with fellow cruisers who are attracted to these sailings because of price rather than the overall cruise experience.

 

With the Fantasy coming to Mobile (an easy 4 hour drive for us), I'm DEFINITELY considering sailing on her. But I will do so with very realistic expectations, and that's how I can make sure that I'll have a great time. I recommend that if you choose one of these ships that you do the same.

Well said and not going to disagree with your points or perspective at all. And to be honest maybe my "bar" is a little low compared to others here. I'm used to camping trips with old tents and cross country voyages where we stay at the cheapest hotels imaginable. Cruises (even the more expensive ones) are a fantastic value, and because of that, staying on a 20 year old ship seems amazing compared to staying in a hotel whose best years were sometime around the Korean War.

I thought the Elation was an amazing ship and in fantastic shape. We heard others call her a rust bucket and quite serious about it. Getting on the Dream this winter will be a very interesting experience and it'll be interesting to see if my "bar" changes.

I agree with Tapi also. Its why we take multiple cruises per year the smaller ones are just cheaper.

OP a 70 ft yacht can't compare to an aircraft carrier they are two different things....a large and small ship are the same ships but different sizes, an aircraft carrier is military, I don't understand your analysis.

Indytraveler83 glad to hear you like the Elation because we are loosing our getaway ship Fascination to the Elation in April next year...she has no regular balcony cabins so I guess that just means double up that cruise since she be cheaper lol. ;)

I only have small ship experience. Yes, it is because of budget. But I love them.

I don't think anyone has mentioned that you don't have to pay for sauna or steam rooms on Fantasy class ships. I am not sure about the next size up, but the mega ships have pay areas for that. (Obviously much swankier)

I have only felt crowded during embarkation day lunch. Of course I cruise low season too. ;)

OP a 70 ft yacht can't compare to an aircraft carrier they are two different things....a large and small ship are the same ships but different sizes, an aircraft carrier is military, I don't understand your analysis.

I agree. It was a poor comparison. I get a little "out there" with my comparisons and analogies sometimes, when I need to quickly come up with one. :D Obviously a smaller cruise ship can't pack as many amenities as a larger one. That's one of the reasons I've yet to sail a Fantasy class ship. I'm very content with Conquest and Dream class cruises, but since a Fantasy class ship is slated to come to Mobile, I was hoping maybe I've not given them fair consideration and they might be better than what I've assumed for years. As I stated a few posts back, I suppose the only way to truly satisfy my curiosity is to give one a "test run" when Mobile opens for business.

I've never sailed on anything smaller than Conquest class ships, nor larger than Dream class. Well, once, my inaugural cruise, and it was... just okay (RC Majesty of the Seas), but I wasn't sold on cruising until my second cruise, which was on the Valor :). I really have no interest in sailing on anything bigger than the Dream Class. I would, however, like to hear from those of you who believe good cruises come in small packages:cool:. Tell me what I've missed out on, and why I should consider a cruise on a smaller ship. I especially would like to hear from those of you who have sailed both the Conquest class ships and the smaller/older ones... Imagination, Ecstacy, etc... and can compare the two. Also, those of you who believe bigger is better, and huge is best, feel free to chime in with your two cents. You probably won't sell me on cruising on a floating mega mall:rolleyes:, but take your best shot:D.

 

Thanks.:)

Carnival Ecstasy was our first and we have been hooked every since. Is smaller better IDK but it was awesome.

Well you see that we been on the Fascination class a few times and going next week, any cruise is a great cruise.

Ecstasy doesn't give us a balcony cabin so we be on her more lol

Our favorite is the Conquest class. I thought the Fantasy was a bit small but when we went on the Fantasy we went with a lot of new cruisers and it was great for a first cruise! Dream class was great too. I guess we're partial to the larger ships.

When we first Sailed RCCL's Mariner, we never thought we could downsize. Then we moved to South Texas before RCCL put nice ships there year round. We went on the Conquest and it was fine and then did a 9 B2B on the Ecstasy for less than a 7 day and had a great time. Back on Big RCCL ships now that they're in our neighborhood,

The thing that turns me off a bit about them - and you're going to think this is silly - is the color of the ships. The black hulls are unattractive to me, even dirty looking. They remind me of cast iron and industry, rather than a tropical vacation. Yeah, I know it's silly, but I can't help it . :)

I can relate. When we sailed on Holland America for the first time I had similar thoughts. A dark hull just looked old and unattractive. However, when we finally saw the ship in person, we realized that she actually looked very classy, from a bygone era. Pulling alongside the ship as we tendered back from shore, she looked majestic.

With that said, Holland wasn't our favorite cruise line. While they delivered a wonderful cruise experience, it didn't really fit our personalities (a bit too traditional and low key). :)

This is a very interesting thread. I am going on my first cruise that involves driving to the port in 2 days - Fascination. It was cheap and convenient sine it is a girls' trip. I am a little apprehensive as some have had less than stellar experiences. But my friend and I have a suite.

My first and favorite cruise was on the Inspiration so I guess I am in the minority of liking the smaller ships. After cruising Oasis of Seas in 2012, I wasn't sure if I would I ever get another cruise ship. It was horrendous to me - a cupcake shop? A burger joint? A doughnut stand? I have these things within 5 minutes of my house so the idea of waiting in a line with 3000+ people was an absolute nightmare. I have no need to visit steakhouses and sushi bars on a cruise ship. Likewise, I can do that at home. I prefer being able to get to know people at the piano bar or stay up late at the dance club. The bigger/newer ships do have better spas but again, that is the least of my concerns. I go to the spa when there is nothing better to do on a cruise and that means I am bored. I'd rather not go to the spa as the services at home, like restaurants, are way better at home than on cruise ship.

In contrast, I sailed BVI on a private charter - 45 foot catamaran. Now that is an experience. At times, I felt like I was roughing it - the bed, the shower, the lack of shoes. But going to uninhabited islands and private islands was truly amazing. 6 weeks later, we sailed Legend on her last voyage of the Alaskan season and it was wonderful. That was a nice sized ship for me. It is similar in size to Celebrity Summit. I sailed that last Christmas and loved it so much that we are doing the same cruise this year. It was the best time I have ever had on a cruise ship. Celebrity has fewer passengers and a slightly higher crew size.

I don;t think anyone can sell you on a ship. You either know what works for you or what does not. I am not a big ship person. I would rather not go on a cruise than sail on a mega-cruise ship. To each their own. I am more interested in the itinerary than the ship.

After cruising Oasis of Seas in 2012, I wasn't sure if I would I ever get another cruise ship. It was horrendous to me - a cupcake shop? A burger joint? A doughnut stand? I have these things within 5 minutes of my house so the idea of waiting in a line with 3000+ people was an absolute nightmare...

 

 

 

I don't think anyone can sell you on a ship. You either know what works for you or what does not. I am not a big ship person. I would rather not go on a cruise than sail on a mega-cruise ship. To each their own. I am more interested in the itinerary than the ship.

Your last statement sums it up for me. If I'm going to a new place, the ship become secondary. If I'm going to destinations that I have frequently visited, or ones that are not as attractive to me, then the ship becomes the main focus.

Contrary to you, we had an absolutely fantastic time on the Allure of the Seas.It ranked as one of our best and most memorable cruises ever. Interestingly, we didn't do any of the gimmicky stuff that Royal advertises so much, and although the ship packed 6,000 passengers, we didn't stand in line or battle crowds ONCE during the entire week. I've had to deal with worse crowds on Fantasy class ships.

But a big ship like that doesn't work all the time. When we sailed to Alaska, we didn't even look at the ship. We picked based on itinerary and it was the best decision ever. We sailed on the Westerdam and while the ship was nice, there wasn't much about it that qualified as memorable. That cruise was also one of our best cruises ever but for very different reasons.

But like you said, no one can sell you on a ship, each person knows what they like or they don't. :)

Have completed 18 cruises (all Carnival), am booked for number 19 and will buy number 20 while on our next cruise. We started with the Sensation in 1995. At the time, being our first cruise, we were completely amazed and wowed by the ship. It was fantastic. Then we did the Imagination, Paradise, Tropical, Spirit, Valor, Liberty, Miracle, Freedom and the Breeze. They were all good but some were better than others.

My conclusion is go bigger and newer. We found that each new class has added features, It's like buying a 1995 Ford versus verses a 2015 Lincoln. You just might like the Lincoln a bit better although you will remember the good old days with the 1995 Ford.

Now I am looking at the Vista. It is bigger, newer and with a more improved Thrill theater, touring car that circles the ship, more new restaurants and many other features. Sounds good to me.

It's like buying a 1995 Ford versus verses a 2015 Lincoln. You just might like the Lincoln a bit better although you will remember the good old days with the 1995 Ford.

 

 

 

 

We had lots of good times in my Mercury Comet and on the Jubilee! Will take an Altima and a Dream Class ship in a cove Balcony any day of the week!