Which would you take?

[jerseygirl79]

I'm looking for a 1 year anniversary cruise in May '10. I've narrowed it down to:

 

RCCL Explorer of the Seas 5 night to Kings Wharf Bermuda

 

Seems a bit pricey at $849 for an OV, but since it's sailing from NJ we wouldn't have to fly. I don't know that I like the idea of going to one port, but I'm interested in trying RCCL.

 

Glory or Valor 7 nights GC, Isla Roatan, Belize, Cozumel

 

Great price at $569 for an OV. Would love to try the Conquest class. All of these ports will be new to me (minus GC in Nov). A bit skeptical of traveling to Mexico due to swine flu, but I'm getting over this.

 

Freedom 8 night $649 OV nights Coz, Limon, Colon

 

 

 

I love a nice calm beach. DH does too, but I'd also like to see some history and culture this time around.

[CapeCodCruiser]

For me personally 7 nights is always better than 5! I would rather have the longer cruise and repeat a port. As far as swine flu goes - wash your hands, wash your hands - oh - and wash your hands!

 

Whatever you pick - have fun!

[BaseballMomof4]

I am all for the bang for your buck and would take one of the longer cruises. We are actually on the Glory in December on that identical itinerary and I will be posting a review when we get back. Also, the Glory goes into drydock in January and will be newly refurbed.

 

With the airfare factored in, you may be paying about the same thing in the long run, but you would still get more cruising days on either the Glory or the Freedom.

[Adelheid]

I really wouldn't factor swine flu into it since you're talking May of next year, and by then we'll be vaccinated or it'll have died down because that's not flu season.

 

Have you factored the costs of airline tickets into the CCL prices? That might even out the pricing (and who knows what fees the airlines will be tacking on by then).

[jerseygirl79]

I agree, the airfare from BWI or PHL to MIA would even out the cost, and a 5 day is not as appealing as a 7 or 8.

[DEL67]

Personally, I would take the Freedom as I like longer cruises and there should only be $100 or so difference in the total price of the Freedom vs the Explorer once you add airfare (assuming you can get air for $300 or less which you should be able to do from EWR or PHL in May.). In addition, Bermuda may be a little chilly for the beach in May with an average high of 75 degrees.

 

That being said, the Freedom's itinerary is one where you really need to take excursions (ship or private) as Colon and Puerto Limon are poor cities with little to offer. Cozumel has some nice beaches, but Puerto Limon really does not and most people do not go to the beach while in Colon. I also like sea days so Freedom's 4 days at sea would be a plus.

 

The Glory and Valor would probably be the least expensive even after adding air. Their itineraries are offer nice beaches, but also offer a number of other activities you can participate in (cave tubing, zip lining, archeological sites, etc.) if you want something different. However they are a day shorter.

 

I would not worry about the swine flu.

[gargoyle999]

I think you should research the ports and see what interests you the most. We have been to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel and I'd go back to any of those ports. Went snorkeling at all three (Roatan was my favorite).

 

We are also looking forward to going to Panama, Costa Rica and returning to Belize on the Miracle next year. I'm really looking forward to the excursion that takes you through the Panama Canal.

 

Really I don't think you could go wrong...once your cross RCCL off the list! :D

[rsinj]

I'm looking for a 1 year anniversary cruise in May '10. I've narrowed it down to:

 

RCCL Explorer of the Seas 5 night to Kings Wharf Bermuda

 

Seems a bit pricey at $849 for an OV, but since it's sailing from NJ we wouldn't have to fly. I don't know that I like the idea of going to one port, but I'm interested in trying RCCL.

 

 

 

I love a nice calm beach. DH does too, but I'd also like to see some history and culture this time around.

1. We sailed Voyager of the Seas on this same itinerary. Also from Jersey, it was convenient and we were at the pier barely 45 minutes from walking out the door of our home (and likewise for the drive after). You should consider not only the cost of the airfare, but also the time and hassle of going to the airport, parking or transportation and everything that goes along.

 

Generally, if flying you're also going to want to fly in a day early so as not to take any chances with flight delay or cancellation the day of your cruise - so probably another day to add on for your vacation time, and expense for hotel and food. I think if you take everything into account, the RCL cruise would probably come in less expensive than the alternatives.

 

2. If you are considering the RCL itinerary, then consider NCL from NYC as they do the same itinerary, for more days and price would probably same/under RCL and you'd still have the same advantages with driving or travel to port. You will have plenty of time in Bermuda so rushing back to the ship is not an issue with multiple days there.

 

3. If you're looking for some history/culture, I don't really think you're going to get much on any cruise that doesn't overnight in a port and only docks for 8 hours. Especially with the Carnival excursions I've been seeing lately - only a few hours for a fairly expensive price. Just my opinion...I'd do RCL for the ship/itinerary or NCL for the itinerary/price.

 

The RCL Voyager class ships are incredible - so much to do. Also, don't underestimate the convenience of being close to port from home.

 

Howard

[Payd]

I'm looking for a 1 year anniversary cruise in May '10. I've narrowed it down to:

 

RCCL Explorer of the Seas 5 night to Kings Wharf Bermuda

 

Seems a bit pricey at $849 for an OV, but since it's sailing from NJ we wouldn't have to fly. I don't know that I like the idea of going to one port, but I'm interested in trying RCCL.

 

Glory or Valor 7 nights GC, Isla Roatan, Belize, Cozumel

 

Great price at $569 for an OV. Would love to try the Conquest class. All of these ports will be new to me (minus GC in Nov). A bit skeptical of traveling to Mexico due to swine flu, but I'm getting over this.

 

Freedom 8 night $649 OV nights Coz, Limon, Colon

 

 

 

I love a nice calm beach. DH does too, but I'd also like to see some history and culture this time around.

 

The Glory/Valor ports are amazing. We travelled this itinerary on the Legend last March. Fabulous time!!!

 

The Freedom sounds interesting too~~can't beat the # of days!

 

I would also like to try RCCL someday but 5 days just aren't enough. Also the one port trip just doesn't seem like enough.

 

Good luck with your decision!!

[grandislandgirl]

I just went on the Explorer this past May. It was warm enough to swim and there is a lot to do in Bermuda. I have been twice and would go back again. There's things I've not seen/done yet that I would like to. The Explorer is a beautiful ship and the food was great, service was very good. The cabin was very nice and the bed was really comfortable. That being said I agree with the other posters who have said it's too short. It really left me wanting one more day in Bermuda.

 

Are you flexible on your dates? Carnival goes to Bermuda one time this year on the Miracle. Six days out of Bermuda on April 15th.

 

Have fun whatever you choose! If you end up thinking you didn't choose the right one it's a good excuse to go again! :D

[LemurCat]

I'm looking for a 1 year anniversary cruise in May '10. I've narrowed it down to:

 

RCCL Explorer of the Seas 5 night to Kings Wharf Bermuda

 

Seems a bit pricey at $849 for an OV, but since it's sailing from NJ we wouldn't have to fly. I don't know that I like the idea of going to one port, but I'm interested in trying RCCL.

 

A bit pricey for a short cruise. Have you ever been to Bermuda? It's not in the Caribbean. It's essentially off the coast of North Carolina. I wouldn't want to speculate as to how warm it will be. Might be worthwhile if you've never been there. Being docked in one place kind of turns it from a cruise into a floating hotel. Keep in mind the casino will be closed (same with the shops) while in port, and usually entertainment is minimal. I haven't been to King's Wharf in about 5 years, and it was dead boring then, and I didn't make it there last summer, so I can't update that opinion.

 

Glory or Valor 7 nights GC, Isla Roatan, Belize, Cozumel

 

Great price at $569 for an OV. Would love to try the Conquest class. All of these ports will be new to me (minus GC in Nov). A bit skeptical of traveling to Mexico due to swine flu, but I'm getting over this.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the Swine Flu. Just sneeze into your elbow. That should cure it. ;) Seriously though, it's going to go pandemic, so is it really going to matter?

 

Freedom 8 night $649 OV nights Coz, Limon, Colon

 

 

I love a nice calm beach. DH does too, but I'd also like to see some history and culture this time around.

 

Never been there, but it sounds like a good one to me. Then again, the two Caribbean ones sound good. I would pass on Bermuda, but I was just there.

[jerseygirl79]

Thanks! Really gave me a lot to think about. I don't think we'll be doing RCCL....too short. Freedom is a bit too long, May's a busy time of year for DH's landscaping business. The 7 day would be perfect Sun-Sun.

 

I know Glory and Valor are both Conquest class. I'm leaning toward Valor.

 

Also, I've never purchashed travel insurance so I'm not familiar. However, I will be getting insurance for future cruises. If I book for May what happens if the stork pays us a visit and I'm unable to sail?

[jerseygirl79]

Also, I've never purchashed travel insurance so I'm not familiar. However, I will be getting insurance for future cruises. If I book for May what happens if the stork pays us a visit and I'm unable to sail?

 

Just checked with insuremytrip.com Pregnancy is an exclusion. Whatever choose I can't book until mid Jan.

[golfadj]

I like the Freedom one. In fact like it so much we are booked for Feb.

 

Did the same one two years ago on the Miracle and loved it. Only difference now is they have removed Belized and added Cozumel which is a great improvement.

 

Only thing to worry about is on the way down to Panama the trade winds can act up and cause the ship to rock a lot. In fact the only time in 15 cruises that I was affected by seasickness.

[dan40]

If you can truly pick any of the 3. Why would you consider anything but the 8 day. Longer is better!

[jerseygirl79]

If you can truly pick any of the 3. Why would you consider anything but the 8 day. Longer is better!

 

I agree, but for work purposes I'd rather take a full week than a week and a day off.

[Shipshape7]

I'm looking for a 1 year anniversary cruise in May '10. I've narrowed it down to:

 

RCCL Explorer of the Seas 5 night to Kings Wharf Bermuda

 

Seems a bit pricey at $849 for an OV, but since it's sailing from NJ we wouldn't have to fly. I don't know that I like the idea of going to one port, but I'm interested in trying RCCL.

 

Glory or Valor 7 nights GC, Isla Roatan, Belize, Cozumel

 

Great price at $569 for an OV. Would love to try the Conquest class. All of these ports will be new to me (minus GC in Nov). A bit skeptical of traveling to Mexico due to swine flu, but I'm getting over this.

 

Freedom 8 night $649 OV nights Coz, Limon, Colon

 

 

 

I love a nice calm beach. DH does too, but I'd also like to see some history and culture this time around.

 

I'd eliminate Bermuda in early May because the water is still likely to be pretty chilly. Explorer is a wonderful ship but the price is too much for 5 days IMHO. (We've sailed on her sister ship Mariner and it was hands down the whole family's favorite ship.) Still, NCL Dawn is our preference out of New York because you get more time in Bermuda for less money on an excellent ship. I'd take the Dawn again in a heartbeat but not in May to Bermuda - it was windy and downright chilly in mid-May the year we were there.

[golfadj]

Freedom is a leave Sat get back Sunday.