DCruisinlife

I appreciate the demographic insight and plug for VV @SoloAlaska. Based on all the feedback I have received, doesn't seem like we can really go wrong as long as we go into it with the right attitude, as you say. Thanks.

1 hour ago, Pudgesmom said:

On a side note, you may have quite a few more children on the Orlando cruise. Schools in the South tend to get out about a month earlier than East Coast. Here in our Texas area, this year’s classes will end in the third week of May vs mid-June around NY/NJ. While people travel to cruises from all over, my guess is that the New York cruise will have fewer kids at that time of year. Of course this may not be important to you. 

Good thought. Thanks. 

Thanks for the random thoughts @Mum2Mercury. I think those ports will end up being the decider here, which was my instinct from the beginning -- San Juan and Bermuda sound great and I think St Maarten would be a nice beach day...seems like those three ports rank quite highly from my searches. Good to know on Coco though.

A lot of thumbs up for Playmakers from you and others as the biggest miss from Oasis. I'll have to keep that in mind if not now, for the future. Final group not set, but it's the first for most, but not all; it'll be the first time as an adult for me, so essentially new. That was my one hesitation with going 9 nights off the bat, but given the variety of ports, it seems worthwhile. And all you veteran cruisers here say nine is great. Anyway, I'm sure we'll enjoy regardless of the pick.

25 minutes ago, fla33023 said:

I wouldn't choose Liberty as there's not a Playmakers, Izumi or poolside eats like El Loco Fresh or Fish & Ships. But as new cruisers, you wouldn't miss those things! 7 days is the bare minimum. I prefer 9 or 10 as you need days to do all the things and then days to do nothing. I also like the Freestyle machines because of all the Vitamin Water flavors and Freedom doesn't have any. If you want to knock first-time cruisers socks off, I would choose Wonder! I'd also look into VV. A friend of mine recently went and had an amazing time. She's in the 50+ crowd. She loved that there weren't any kids on the ship. She felt it made a big difference. Whichever your group decides, I hope you have an amazing time!

I appreciate the plug for Wonder. It was leaning heavily the other way. It gives me more to think about. I trust we'll have a great time no matter which we end up choosing!

@Jasukkie Thanks, yes, I saw that one and it is in the running. I was trying to limit my post here the best I could 🙂 That said, it is probably running last given that one of the ports is Port Canaveral, which seems like a bit of a waste to me though I'm sure I'd enjoy KSC. Thanks for the thought though.

@Another_Critic point taken on duration. Since you've done several different classes, your thoughts on Liberty vs. the newer ships then? Your point about suites notwithstanding.

4 hours ago, SbbquilterUT said:

Consider - longer cruise should mean fewer kids if that matters (it does for us so we steer away from giant amusement park ships).  May is lovely in the caribbean - sailing from NYC you will have cooler day starting and perhaps ending.  Bermuda is one of my favorite ports in the Atlantic sailings and a great place to explore on your own.  

That makes sense re: fewer kids on longer journeys; I had heard that. Plus early May, many of them won't be out of school yet. Appreciate it.

Thanks @Jasukkie for elaborating. Very helpful post; most advice I've gotten here and elsewhere seems to be a lean towards Liberty. Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

9 minutes ago, RG306 said:

We often sail with a group of friends and family.  We have done so on Oasis class, Voyager class, Freedom class and in February will be doing the Odyssey (Quantum ultra class).  Oasis class tends to keep everyone happiest because of the variety in activities, dining, and most importantly calibre of entertainment.  There's a WOW factor every time you board. Having sailed the Wonder, we enjoyed it. We were in a junior suite and took advantage of coastal kitchen so for the first time we did not utilize any speciality dining.  I also like the first itinerary just fine; both St Maarten & St Thomas (St John) are nice ports to walk around, shop, eat, drink.  They offer excursions beyond the beach. CocoCay - you can always opt to take advantage of the beaches or activities or enjoy a less crowded ship but it definitely offers more than Labadie.  

 

We're also in our mid-late 30s and Virgin is on our list to try.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices.  There's nothing like your first cruise. Enjoy!

Thanks, RG; that's helpful to hear...sounds like I've narrowed it down to some good choices, as I hoped. Appreciate your perspective. Since you've done several different classes of Royal, is the WOW factor of Oasis ever diminished by the long lines/kids everywhere concern that I had or is it not that big a deal? Did your Voyager/Freedom experience ever feel like it fell short due to lack of amenities, wear/tear, etc? (now that you've been on newer ships that may color your perception, I realize)

That makes sense Essiesmom and yes, the relative easier access to Cape Liberty is appealing. Thx.

42 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

One potential game changer is the cabin category(ies) you plan to book.  

Definitely springing for ocean view balcony in my case; perhaps some others in the group would not. Curious as to how that changes your advice? Thanks.

22 minutes ago, Jasukkie said:

As I was reading your post I thought Virgin Voyages and then you wondered if that's what you should book. I'm D+ on Royal with many very happy cruise experiences and I would choose VV with your group. The food and drink quality is much better, the party is there if you want it, or easy to avoid if you don't. It's just really nice to be in a space where no one is in parent mode. 

Appreciate the response, Jasukkie. Definitely keeping my eyes on VV as well; looks like we pay a bit of a premium to do so in May, but may be worth it. Good to know that we have good options given your Royal status though. Will keep your recommendation in mind!

Apologies in advance for the wordiness...

A group of friends (35-40 age range; no kids) are planning a Caribbean cruise. We're looking at a few options for May on Royal Caribbean. I realize the ultimate choice here is highly subjective, but if there are considerations I'm not thinking of or additional insight to share it would be helpful...

• Orlando - St. Maarten - St. Thomas - CocoCay; 7 nights; Wonder of the Seas

• Pro: very good ship (as far as my research tells me); 7 nights sounds about right

• Con: Orlando a bit less accessible but certainly not a dealbreaker; slightly less preferable ports (from my impression)

• NYC - Bermuda - St. Maarten - San Juan - Labadee; 9 nights; Liberty of the Seas

• Pro: NYC port more accessible for most of the group; includes all the top ports based on general consensus research and frankly, those that I perceive I'd be most interested in
• Con: older; less-impressive ship (?); nine-night cruise (?)

Group: mix of beachy and non-beach people, but overall definitely like exploring and a variety of things to do on vacation; most not uber-partiers, but still like to live it up occasionally and still know how to have fun...good drinks/good food; some adventure seekers.

I see the decision as newer/better ship with average ports vs. older (less good?) ship with a bit better and more ports overall. Some days I find that I value the ports more and if you had asked me before I did a deep dive into cruise life, that definitely would've been my priority. As I've researched, I find myself drawn in by the Oasis class. This being most of our first cruises, I wonder if we should go with the itinerary that gives us the best impression of the cruise itself. Or as newbies would we even notice the wear and tear on Liberty or whatever it's lacking in amenities? and/or is Wonder more than we bargained for (e.g. kids running around; long lines)?

Then there is the duration consideration--is nine nights just too long for a group of friends on most of their first cruises regardless; my perception before planning was that seven nights was the sweet spot. But folks here may tell me I'll love those two extra days at sea.

Or are we crazy as late 30-somethings with no kids even looking at Royal Caribbean; should we pass and go with Virgin Voyages? Or if there is another itinerary I should look out for, let me know.

I'd like to think I've narrowed it down to all good options (even the VV possibility) which is what makes this difficult, but certainly appreciate any

Apologies in advance for the wordiness...

A group of friends (35-40 age range; no kids) are planning a Caribbean cruise. We're looking at a few options for May on Royal Caribbean. I realize the ultimate choice here is highly subjective, but if there are considerations I'm not thinking of or additional insight to share it would be helpful...

• Orlando - St. Maarten - St. Thomas - CocoCay; 7 nights; Wonder of the Seas

• Pro: very good ship (as far as my research tells me); 7 nights sounds about right

• Con: Orlando a bit less accessible but certainly not a dealbreaker; slightly less preferable ports (from my impression)

• NYC - Bermuda - St. Maarten - San Juan - Labadee; 9 nights; Liberty of the Seas

• Pro: NYC port more accessible for most of the group; includes all the top ports based on general consensus research and frankly, those that I perceive I'd be most interested in
• Con: older; less-impressive ship (?); nine-night cruise (?)

Note: costs are roughly equal

Group: mix of beachy and non-beach people, but overall definitely like exploring and a variety of things to do on vacation; most not uber-partiers, but still like to live it up occasionally and still know how to have fun...good drinks/good food; some adventure seekers.

I see the decision as newer/better ship with average ports vs. older (less good?) ship with a bit better and more ports overall. Some days I find that I value the ports more and if you had asked me before I did a deep dive into cruise life, that definitely would've been my priority. As I've researched, I find myself drawn in by the Oasis class. This being most of our first cruises, I wonder if we should go with the itinerary that gives us the best impression of the cruise itself. Or as newbies would we even notice the wear and tear on Liberty or whatever it's lacking in amenities? and/or is Wonder more than we bargained for (e.g. kids running around; long lines) to the point we may regret our fascination with the captivating videos.

Then there is the duration consideration--is nine nights just too long for a group of friends on most of their first cruises regardless; my perception before planning was that seven nights was the sweet spot. But folks here may tell me I'll love those two extra days at sea.

Or are we crazy as late 30-somethings with no kids even looking at Royal Caribbean; should we pass and go with Virgin Voyages? Or if there is another itinerary I should look out for, let me know.

I'd like to think I've narrowed it down to all good options (even the VV possibility) which is what makes this difficult, but certainly appreciate any input.