Considering first 14 night cruise! Questions...

[AviGirl]

Okay all you 14 night cruisers, what are the pro and cons of a 14 night cruise? Dh and I are considering the holiday cruise on Eclipse instead of our regular 7 nighter... I would assume there would be less children than a 7 nightwear? Older demographic? How many formal nights? Any special activities?

 

Looking forward to reading your responses!

[TLCOhio]

Okay all you 14 night cruisers, what are the pro and cons of a 14 night cruise? Dh and I are considering the holiday cruise on Eclipse instead of our regular 7 nighter... I would assume there would be less children than a 7 nightwear? Older demographic? How many formal nights? Any special activities? Looking forward to reading your responses!

 

Where do you want to go? Port stops and areas of the world visiting make a huge difference for whether it works or not!! What are your personal interests, travel style, etc. Past cruising experiences? Lots of factors at play. Below you will see a couple of my live blogs. For the Norway coast, it was 15 days, but it was a super, total experience. Great, also on 11 days in the Med. Many variables and moving parts to consider. A seven-day cruise can be boring if it doesn't fit your "sweet spot". Tell us more!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 102,692 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 81,440 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Lsimon]

I've having a lot of trouble with this as there seems like there are too many pros to list and I can't think of any cons. All the things you mention in your question are true in relation to shorter Caribbean cruises.

 

We've done a few 14 night cruises including the south Caribbean itinerary which we loved. We did that in 2011 on the Constellation and have it booked again next year, and the year after, on the Eclipse. We've also done a round trip to Hawaii and a couple TA's that long.

 

The 14 nigh Caribbean sailing you're considering is a great itinerary! It will reach the further Eastern Caribbean islands that the 7 day cruises from Florida can't get to like Barbados, and also reach the Southern Caribbean islands, like Aruba, Curacao and sometimes Bonaire, that event the 10 night sailings from from Florida can't get to. This full sweep of Caribbean island is my favorite. The only other cruise we've done that reaches all of these was the 10/11 night cruises from San Juan but Celebrity doesn't offer those any longer. The 14 night cruises are even better than those as they include more sea days so you have all the islands as well as plenty of days to just relax while cruising.

 

There are usually three formal nights. I really don't recall if there are any "special" activities but with the additional sea days there will be more activities than on a 7 day cruise and more opportunities to check out activities that you might not get around to on shorter cruises.

[PeglegJ]

I cannot think of any cons. I have only been on one cruise, around the med on the Eclipse. We are going on her again 15 days to Iceland, Faroe islands and Norway.

 

We never got bored, still have things we want to do on her and bars i didn't visit enough, etc etc. I don't know about children on the caribbean cruises but my sister says we definitely had more activities than on her 7 day cruises that she did.

 

Um, 3 formal nights, and really so much time to really relax and spend lots of time on board having fun.

 

x

[jerrymanos]

My DW and I love the longer cruises. Some people think that 14 days away from home becomes too much of a good thing. I have friends who wouldn't dream of being away from home for that long. They can't be gone even on land trips for that long. If you are one of those, a 14 day cruise may be too long. My wife and I are ready for more cruising even after 14 days. We have done Hawaii twice and a couple of TA's. All were wonderful. Of course I love cruising so much that I don't even need port days. One could take me on a cruise out onto the ocean for 14 days without docking and bring me back and I would be very happy. So there are no cons for me. We are taking a 15 day Panama Canal voyage leaving next Saturday. I can't wait. Hope you enjoy your trip, Jerry of Jerry and Kathy

[welshfamily]

Although I have never done a 14 night carribean cruise I have done 3 others, 2 in the Med and 1 in the Baltic. All on the Eclipse.

Here are my Pros and Cons,

 

Pros;

1. There are 14 different menus so you don't get the same menu twice.

2. There are usually at least 4 sea days therefore plenty of time to plan tours of the ship ( we've done the Galley, Bridge, backstage tour, cocktails and sailaway on the Helipad etc), spa treatments, specialist resturants and generally do all the things you'd like to do on a shorter cruise but havn't got the time.

3. The Eclipse had several activities which are held over several days eg, Battle of the sexes. This was held thought the cruise men against women, we made martinis, played games on the lawn, held a scavenger hunt, answered Travia questions etc and the points rolled over until the last day. You didn't need to go to each one to take part but it was fun. There was also a choir, they rehearsed a few times and performed on stage during a show as did the winner of the children's talent show.

4. 14 days on a cruise ship is better than 7 as you really get to completely chill.

 

Cons;

1. You put on a lot more weight, please don't believe people who tell you you will get fed up of all that good food.

2. If you are flying it's a lot harder to decide which clothes to take.

3. Your on board account is a lot bigger even if you have a beverage packages.

4. You start to sway in motion with the ship even when you are on land.

5. It's a lot harder to get back to normal every day life when you return home.

 

Hope this helps.

Have a good cruise.

[Hawaiidan]

You will still have a lot of kids on 14 day and the age is not really different for the passengers. However this is dependent of destination and time of year. Christmas, Thanks Giving, Easter, Presidents days, Spring Break and Summer will put lots of families with lots of kids on.

 

If that is not your wish, sail at different times and not the Med or Carribe which attract both the american and euro party crowd.

 

More and more people are discovering that 7 days is really a 5 day cruise,.:eek:

 

By the time you settle in its time to get off on a 7 day Thus the 14 day ( important it is a true 14 day and not 2-7 days tacked together returning after 7 days to the same departure port) is 12 day true cruise:o

 

It has been my experience that by day12 your totaly getting into the swing of thing, have everything figured out and are beginning maximum benifit.

So, in reality it takes you all this time to get to this level of enjoyment , but you only get 2 days of it and then off:rolleyes:.

 

The solution....is easy, take 21 day or longer cruises.:D !

 

I now see28 day cruises as a minimum and and drifitng to 36 day...43.. and 54.

Dont have 30 day vacations? Well, then save the time and cruise everyother year in total bliss rather than short partial satisfying trips:rolleyes:

 

Longer cruises do unusual ports..like trans-pacific from Australia or China to California Or rt LA to Tahiti and Hawaii. Or South America to London..:)

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

You will have a great time ....

[Kevnzworld]

I prefer the longer cruises. I no longer even consider anything less than 10 days, with 14 being optimal.

Like previous posters said, it takes a few days to settle in and relax. It's nice having some sea days too on the longer cruises. It's great not having to get up early every morning!

There are less kids on longer cruises as well, unless it's summer.

I am also going on the Eclipse for the the New Years cruise this year, hopefully the kids will have to be back in school!

[AviGirl]

Loved all your responses... thanks! Welshfamily... I chuckled at your "cons". ;) Kevinzworld... you'll be on her right after us! I'm also thinking that there wouldn't be as many children because of the length and price.

 

We are all about relaxing on cruises... our careers keep us extremely busy and we look forward to our annual December cruise to relax & recharge. We booked a 7 nighter on Reflection last year while we were sailing on Eclipse but we are now seriously considering cancelling Reflection for the 14 night on Eclipse.

 

We are big "foodies" (Qsine is dh's fav) and tend to eat at specialty restaurants most of the time, we enjoy trivia, I love the solarium, Persian Gardens and hanging out on our balcony. We haven't been interested in the main-stream Caribbean islands and usually stay on-board but this itinerary does look appealing!

 

We find on the 7 nighter we are completely relaxing for the first 5 nights, then by the time we are recharged... it's time to go home! We don't even make it to any shows at night! So this will really be new to us. I'm pretty excited!!

 

And, as a bonus, we'll get 3 credits which will finally make us elite! :D

[TLCOhio]

Loved all your responses... thanks! Welshfamily... I chuckled at your "cons". ;) We are all about relaxing on cruises... our careers keep us extremely busy and we look forward to our annual December cruise to relax & recharge. We booked a 7 nighter on Reflection last year while we were sailing on Eclipse but we are now seriously considering cancelling Reflection for the 14 night on Eclipse. We are big "foodies" (Qsine is dh's fav) and tend to eat at specialty restaurants most of the time, we enjoy trivia, I love the solarium, Persian Gardens and hanging out on our balcony. We haven't been interested in the main-stream Caribbean islands and usually stay on-board but this itinerary does look appealing! We find on the 7 nighter we are completely relaxing for the first 5 nights, then by the time we are recharged... it's time to go home! We don't even make it to any shows at night! So this will really be new to us. I'm pretty excited!!

 

Appreciate the added information on your personal travel "style" and interest. Lots of great options for food and relaxing on these Solstice-class ships. The Solarium is one of my favorite areas for that type of low-keyed hanging-out and re-charging. It's great you've past experiences on these wonderful types of ships.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 102,692 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Gordoncruickshank]

The longer the better as far as I am concerned. We did 20 nights on the Emerald Princess last year which was great and are doing 22 on Eclipse in Nov. Last year on Emerald I put on a whole 4 pounds (eat what you do back home), if you travel business you can bring what you want.

 

Didn't get bored once and really looking forward to November

[nothriver]

Con: you'll never want to go on a shorter cruise.

[grammy c]

My DW and I love the longer cruises. Some people think that 14 days away from home becomes too much of a good thing. I have friends who wouldn't dream of being away from home for that long. They can't be gone even on land trips for that long. If you are one of those, a 14 day cruise may be too long. My wife and I are ready for more cruising even after 14 days. We have done Hawaii twice and a couple of TA's. All were wonderful. Of course I love cruising so much that I don't even need port days. One could take me on a cruise out onto the ocean for 14 days without docking and bring me back and I would be very happy. So there are no cons for me. We are taking a 15 day Panama Canal voyage leaving next Saturday. I can't wait. Hope you enjoy your trip, Jerry of Jerry and Kathy

 

Ditto Jerry, we have been avid (one with the sea) folks for so long that I still find myself wondering if something is REALLY wrong with us, But so far no answer LOL and still cruising. Doing B2B Eclipse 12/1--12/29 with a slight change in the second itenerary. Is this too long on the same ship, NO. Did this ship 14 days last Jan. and booked the first half(sky suite) while onboard, with great discounts. Got home, wished we had done the second leg also, so lucked up a few months later and got a great deal for a Bal. on the hump. Would I stay this long without a balcony, NO. To the OP, give it a try. You won't know until you do. Happy cruising!

[CathyCruises]

Loved all your responses... thanks! Welshfamily... I chuckled at your "cons". ;) Kevinzworld... you'll be on her right after us! I'm also thinking that there wouldn't be as many children because of the length and price.

 

We are all about relaxing on cruises... our careers keep us extremely busy and we look forward to our annual December cruise to relax & recharge. We booked a 7 nighter on Reflection last year while we were sailing on Eclipse but we are now seriously considering cancelling Reflection for the 14 night on Eclipse.

 

We are big "foodies" (Qsine is dh's fav) and tend to eat at specialty restaurants most of the time, we enjoy trivia, I love the solarium, Persian Gardens and hanging out on our balcony. We haven't been interested in the main-stream Caribbean islands and usually stay on-board but this itinerary does look appealing!

 

We find on the 7 nighter we are completely relaxing for the first 5 nights, then by the time we are recharged... it's time to go home! We don't even make it to any shows at night! So this will really be new to us. I'm pretty excited!!

 

And, as a bonus, we'll get 3 credits which will finally make us elite! :D

 

If you aren't interested in the Caribbean ports, why not look at a transatlantic? There are a couple 14 day ones leaving from Rome with great ports for the first 7 days, and crossing the ocean for the last 7 days--best of both worlds!!! the new Reflection leaves on December 1. Almost no kids, lots of relaxation, great trivia games, etc. And when you see the prices, you'll REALLY be sold!!

[phoenix_dream]

The longest I have been on is 10 days and I vastly prefer it to 7 day cruises for the reasons already mentioned. I can't think of any cons at all.

 

I'm not stating anyone is wrong, but I just find it hard to believe that 14 day cruises as a general rule don't skew a bit older as few people who are working can afford to take off the full two weeks (plus travel time) 14 day cruises require. Perhaps summers for people with alot of time off like teachers, but not for most of the rest of us. I also would have to think taking a bunch of kids on 14 day cruises would also get pretty pricey for growing families. I can't legitimately argue the point as my longest is 10 days (and those were definitely an older - and in one case quite old - crowd). Just wondering if others agree that 14 day cruises attact the same age group as 7 day cruises? What has been others' experience?

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Con: you'll never want to go on a shorter cruise.

 

I agree! 14-night cruises ruined me for 7-night cruises!

 

And I disagree that there are the same numbers of children on 14-night cruises. I see very few children on these, which is how I like it.

[TeaBag]

There are no cons to a 14 day cruise except for the fact you may want a 21 day or longer next! Our last one was 24 days and our next is 37.

 

I would think there will be lots of children on any holiday sailing.

[Lois R]

There are also some 14 night New England/Canada sailings and there is Hawaii too...those are 15 nights and longer......

[hancock]

Loved all your responses... thanks! Welshfamily... I chuckled at your "cons". ;) Kevinzworld... you'll be on her right after us! I'm also thinking that there wouldn't be as many children because of the length and price.

 

We are all about relaxing on cruises... our careers keep us extremely busy and we look forward to our annual December cruise to relax & recharge. We booked a 7 nighter on Reflection last year while we were sailing on Eclipse but we are now seriously considering cancelling Reflection for the 14 night on Eclipse. :D

 

If you cancel the booking you made last year, you will lose your OBC. If you transfer the booking # to the new cruise, you won't lose out.

[ClaudiaB]

We like the longer ones best. We have sailed twice now with Elite status and one change we made is to use the free laundry, dry cleaning and pressing and take less clothes. I got over having to have a completely separate outfit for each dinner and now repeat some tops, mix match, and do a whole lotta' black on the bottom! Even if it wasn't free we would use the laundry and dry cleaning just to free up packing room---------------------------for shoes!!!:D

 

On a longer cruise it's easier to meet people and actually spend some quality time with them over the two weeks. We made several good friends on our last TA.

[Texmike]

My wife and I have only done 7 nighters and they go so quick.

Wish we could afford a 14 or 21 night cruise but we lost out jobs in in 2010.

 

I'm 58 and wife is 55 so it will be hard to find jobs. I was a journalist (newspaper writer) for 27 years.

 

Wife was a secretary and can't find anything in the Greater Houston area.

 

Hopefully we can rebound, find jobs and cruise again

[TLCOhio]

My wife and I have only done 7 nighters and they go so quick. Wish we could afford a 14 or 21 night cruise but we lost out jobs in in 2010. I'm 58 and wife is 55 so it will be hard to find jobs. I was a journalist (newspaper writer) for 27 years. Wife was a secretary and can't find anything in the Greater Houston area. Hopefully we can rebound, find jobs and cruise again

 

Sorry to hear about those economic challenges. Know and work with many in the media field. That area has been changing so, so much in the past decade. Newspapers and magazines are trying to figure out that future "revenue stream" for the coming years to pay the salaries and costs for good writers, photographers, editors. Not easy to make that old economic model work today!! The Internet has changed everything. Mostly for the good, but not in all ways. Good luck and hopefully things will come back together for you and your wife.

 

THANKS! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 102,692 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[PeglegJ]

I think 14 day cruises are so possible with us in England as we almost always take 2 weeks off in the summer. Most people get 5 paid weeks as standard in a year.

 

xx

 

ps TexMike - I do hope things change a lot for you soon!

[ibxcruiser]

We did a 14nt on Summit to Hawaii from CA. Loved it. Then did 10nt on Connie. Loved that, too. Last was 14nt So Carib on Connie last March that is now Eclipse and we booked same while on Connie, loved it so much. 2 at sea days gets you all relaxed and ready to go, enroute to Aruba. Then last 2 at sea days get you prepared for "reality". Very few children. Demographics was mostly 40+ Americans, and 30+European. Def worth the $$.