Thinking of doing first time Carnival over Christmas

[leela14]

Hey fellow cruisers - kind of a last minute decision here, but my DH and I are thinking of taking a Carribbean cruise around Christmas time. We were also rolling around the idea of Vegas and have't totally decided yet.

 

I imagine the pricing wouldn't be that different. We have to fly from Canada either way. Cruise has meals and entertainment included, and I think I'd shop less!! I have a feeling you can rack up the bucks big time in Vegas. We've never been, but we aren't much into gambling.

 

We've been on cruises with RCCL (Carribbean) and NCL (Mediterranean) but are thinking about trying Carnival for Christmas.

 

Just wondering if anyone has any feedback - cruise or Vegas? We don't have a ton of time to research this obviously which is why I'm looking for feedback. Are there any icky ships to avoid? We would be looking at somewhere around 5-6 days I think.

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[firefly333]

The ships that do 5 days are Triumph class and Destiny might, and Fantasy class.

 

At least insides are 185 s.f. unlike the older RCL ships which have teeny tiny cabins on their 2 oldest ships.

 

Destiny seems to have a lot of mechanical problems. Triumph leaves from New Orleans (maybe you would enjoy a night in the qtr before the cruise). I think all the rest of the choices are Fantasy (smallest) class that do 5 or 6 days.

 

Triumph is not a gaudy as other Carnival ships, lots of black marble and little white lights.

[leela14]

We might be able to kick it up to 7 days. The other cruises we did I spent months researching, it's kind of overwhelming wanting to plan within 3 weeks or less. YIKES!!

 

We aren't overly picky cruisers, but do like somewhat of a newer ship, doesn't have to be the latest and greatest, but not old and busted either. :p

 

Vegas or a cruise, a cruise or Vegas, what do we pick??!! I'm sure the weather would be better in December in the Carribbean - Vegas gets pretty cold in December, and being from Canada, the last thing we need is more cold. :eek:

 

And I think we'd rather leave from Florida with no pre-stays anywhere. This is not our dream vacation where it has to be super special, we just want to try something new for Christmas this year, but as laid back and easy going as possible.

[forwardcabin]

Christmas time on a Carnival ship is wonderful. The ship is decorated throughtout and you might hear some Christmas music as well. If you book one that is sailing over New Years, Carnival's NYE parties are terrific. There will be a killer band on Lido, complementary champagne throughtout the evening, hats and noise makers provided. They blow the horn at midnight (no fireworks, of course) and they light the New Year sign. The whole ship is turned into one big NYE party.

 

Here's hoping you have a great cruise. Bon Voyage!

[PAPERBKWRITER]

I've done both and vote for the cruise, especially if you aren't big gamblers.

 

Pat

[firefly333]

And I think we'd rather leave from Florida with no pre-stays anywhere. This is not our dream vacation where it has to be super special, we just want to try something new for Christmas this year, but as laid back and easy going as possible.

 

I would ALWAYS fly in the night before .. winter .. flying from canada.. I would spend the night before in a hotel. enjoy the beach somewhere.. but too many things can happen flying in the day of the cruise, especially winter.

 

Ft. Lauderdale is about the easiest to fly into and cruise out of, as the port is very near the airport. .. or Miami is only about 30 minutes away. Lots of options from S. FL

[jimbo5544]

We are talking about doing one next year. Thanks for all the input.

[wimsiecruise]

Check out Carnival Liberty (they may be sold out tho', dunno), but the Liberty leaves December 24 from MIA and has a great Itinerary / Eastern Caribbean over Christmas and New Year's Eve. It's a a tad more expensive than the 7-day cruise, non-holiday, but it will be 8 wonderful days ! WooHoo, it's almost time to go ! Can't wait ! :)

[pe4all]

My vote goes for the cruise. You will definitely have warmer weather than in Vegas!:D

[Roz]

Be prepared for a lot of children on a Christmas cruise. Don't know about the kid factor in Vegas.

 

Roz

[mykiddiewinks]

CRUISE!! this will be our second Christmas cruise, we all had so much fun last year we have decided this will be our family tradition from here on out. We will be on the Legend out of Tampa, there are still inside and balcony cabins available. We did plenty of research before booking and this one was certainly the best price and itinery.

 

Definitely fly in the day before, we learnt that the hard way, had a direct flight booked due to land in Tampa at 11:30am didnt land until 3:30pm due to having been diverted to Orlando becasue of weather, fortunately there were LOTS of other people in the same position so Carnival left late but we would never risk that again.

 

Having done Vegas earlier in the year, yes it is lots of fun but I dont think it would be a Christmas vacation for me.

[1midsun]

I vote for cruise!!!

 

I am also in Canada. Calgary actually, and according to one news report I read yesterday, we were the second coldest place on the planet!! Antarctica was the only place colder. We were -26 C with a wind chill of -38 C. (-14F, windchill of -36F) BUT we are getting a chinook, so right now is -10C (14F) and will be -3C (26F) tomorrow.

 

Gotta love those Chinooks!!!

 

happy Cruising!!

[cuyahoga11]

We might be able to kick it up to 7 days. The other cruises we did I spent months researching, it's kind of overwhelming wanting to plan within 3 weeks or less. YIKES!!

 

We aren't overly picky cruisers, but do like somewhat of a newer ship, doesn't have to be the latest and greatest, but not old and busted either. :p

 

 

 

Spirit class is my favorite and they do 7 days but I was on the Fantasy last week (oldest and smallest in the fleet) but she is far from busted. We has a fantastic 5 days.

[Charleyann]

We are doing our First Christmas cruise on Carnival. might I suggest the limited edition southern cruise going to Aruba, Dominican Republic , Grand Turk and Curacao ???

 

Beautiful beaches and bragging rights.Continential has some awesome prices out right now on return trips. No sure where you are located, but I am in New Brunswick

 

Have a great cruise!!!

 

Charleyann

[jetison2003]

having done both cruises and vegas, I vote for a cruise. Hell you can always visit the casino on the ship if you want to make your money disappear!

 

This year, I'm staying home for xmas, but then packing up the kids for a Jan 3 cruise while the kids are still out of school!

 

Note: you should fly in the day before the cruise....you never know about delays/cancelations!!

[Irishlinny]

I will always vote for a cruise! The Legend out of Tampa is my favorite ship (Spirit class)...great staff, great itinerary. I, myself would probably not sail Fantasy class because I love my balconies and they are very limited on those ships.

As others have said, I would not fly down the day of the cruise in the winter...too risky:eek: Other times of the year I would chance an early non-stop flight, but never in the winter...

[lillian marie]

Both are great options for a trip. Vegas will be more expensive. Your hotel rooms should be a bargain but dining will be expensive especially compared to the old days in Vegas. We've stayed at several of the strip hotels. Vegas is kind of an adult Disneyland but unlike a cruise, food costs extra. Vegas will be chilly at Christmas but pleasant. I'm from a cold climate too.

[ruag8tr2]

Split the difference between a 7 and 5 day cruise and do the 6 day out of Lauderdale on the Freedom. You can fly into FLL the night before, stay at a nice lauderdale hotel and board on a Sunday. Nice thing is that you get back on Saturday so you can either stay a night on the back end or even fly out of FLL the very same day and be back in the cold weather by that Sat. night.

 

Oh- I will always look for a cruise before Vegas- But I still love the glitz of Vegas. But I also think Las Vegas is more expensive in the long run. So much food, entertainment, lodging... in Vegas that is not included in the price. At least with the cruise you can budget more easily.

[golfitfc]

Going on a cruise at Christmas is great- Southern Caribbean ensures warm weather- Victory out of San Juan has some great pricing but for us Canadians the flights are limited and expensive. We booked very early with Early Saver and now have a nice OBC.

Join us on the Victory!:)

[yesaccasey]

Hey fellow cruisers - kind of a last minute decision here, but my DH and I are thinking of taking a Carribbean cruise around Christmas time. We were also rolling around the idea of Vegas and have't totally decided yet.

 

I imagine the pricing wouldn't be that different. We have to fly from Canada either way. Cruise has meals and entertainment included, and I think I'd shop less!! I have a feeling you can rack up the bucks big time in Vegas. We've never been, but we aren't much into gambling.

 

We've been on cruises with RCCL (Carribbean) and NCL (Mediterranean) but are thinking about trying Carnival for Christmas.

 

Just wondering if anyone has any feedback - cruise or Vegas? We don't have a ton of time to research this obviously which is why I'm looking for feedback. Are there any icky ships to avoid? We would be looking at somewhere around 5-6 days I think.

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I would recommend the 6 nighter on the Freedom out of FLL. If you go on the shorter 3/4 night cruises just know that they are older ships. The 6-8 day itineraries on the newer ships offer a much better experience.

 

I've been to Vegas a couple times. I would always go on a cruise over Vegas. In fact, I would never go to Vegas again if it wasn't for other people wanting me to go there with them.

[black forest]

I like the Glory. She leaves Miami for a 7 day cruise to Eastern Caribbean on Dec 19 and to Western Caribbean on Dec 26.

 

Have a nice trip!

[pe4all]

Warm Caribbean over cold U.S.? It is a no brainer to me!:p

[joshchristine100700]

Cruise over Vegas at Christmas. While it may be cheaper payment wise before you get there Vegas can drain your pockets quickly without gambling lol DH and I don't gamble and still spend a ton every time we go there and we've gone the day after Christmas until New Years. Shows are big bucks, food is even more expensive, lots of shopping to be had, drinks are expensive...it's fun but you have to be prepared for the price of it. Plus a great hotel is a must there especially when it's colder and have to do a lot of walking.

We prefer Vegas in summer.