Ecstasy 5 day Bahama or Freedom 6 day Western Carribean?

[Christine in MO]

Looking at taking a family cruise in October 2013. It would be myself, DH, DS(12) & DD (8). DH & myself have been on the Conquest Western Carribean....his favorite port was Jamacia and mine was Grand Cayman which the Freedom offers both so we would would both be happy. We took our kids on a cruise 2 years ago to Cozumel & Progresso so they have not been to any of the ports on either of these itineraries. The extra day on the Freedom is ultimately going to cost us an extra $235 (this is total cost difference including flight, etc). So....if it was you what would you do?

[klmorg]

Definitely 6-day Freedom.........

[Cruizinman]

Like both ships , but Freedom gets my vote in this story ;)

[Tapi]

The extra day on the Freedom is ultimately going to cost us an extra $235 (this is total cost difference including flight, etc). So....if it was you what would you do?

 

Freedom

 

$235 is what I would call, a negligible difference, specially when you consider that you'll be sailing on a MUCH nicer ship, MUCH newer, and MUCH nicer itinerary, for an extra day. (Ecstasy is an older ship, visiting Nassau (ugh!).

 

This would be a no-brainer for me. I would've never even considered the Ecstasy had I been the one doing the research

[gilby]

Freedom

[Christine in MO]

Thanks for the input guys....looks like Freedom is hands down the favorite here. While it is the ship that *I* would prefer I just think the kids would enjoy the waterworks features on the Ecstasy (which it is why is is even in the running).

[luv cruising 007]

FREEDOM Is my winner but I loved both cruises! Just got off the FREEDOM 6 day Key West, Grand Caymen, Ocho Rios cruise & in january I did the ECSTASY 5 day Nassau, Freeport & Half Moon Cay! Both are great,it was def. cooler on the ECSTASY cruise not sure in October though!

 

ECSTASY-

-Half Moon Cay -absolutely dreamy(PLUS PLUS PLUS)

-Waterworks- so fun(Plus)

-Inside of the ship has been remodeled & in great condition

-BUT cooler weather & water temps

-No Indian Tandoori or fish & chips section

-No specialty steakhouse

-Nassau & Freeport just ehh for ports!

-One LESS sea day! :(

-From MCO- Orlando Airpot is a 50+min drive to Port Canaveral (MINUS)

-Love the NEW YORK theme of the interior

-No big screen lido TV & only one pool! :(

 

FREEDOM-

-Really fast single waterslide(have a couple bruises to prove it) :D

-NO waterworks

-Key West- love it as a port even though its still the U.S.

-Calmer design inside the ship, good condition as well

-Tandoori, fish & chips & bigger lido buffet & lounging areas!

-Specialty Steakhouse including free cooking demonstrations there:D

-Bigger serenity area BUT in the front of the ship(more wind)

-Grand Caymen- love it swam with stingrays & survived :eek:

-Ocho Rios- LOVED IT, & not trashy like most people say! Def will go back!

-2 SEA DAYS (BIG PLUS)

-WARMER AIR TEMPS mid 70'S SEA DAYS MID 80'S PORT DAYS(another Plus)

newer ship(but except for the dated outside the Ecstasy is in just as good shape)

-Fort Lauderdale(Port Everglades) is 2.7 miles from the airport (PLUS)

-No car rental needed or long transfer to port $14 five min cab ride

-HUGE SCREEN TV on the Lido deck(a Minus for some BUT HUGE PLUS FOR ME!!ME WATCHING NFL FOOTBALL ON THE BIG SCREEN SUN NITE & MON NITE IN THE HOT TUB HAVING A COCKTAIL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CARIBBEAN! & movie nights the other nights(so cool) PLUS PLUS PLUS

[MrFunInTheSun]

Freedom!

 

Have a great cruise!

[lucky13elec]

Freedom... as said before its a much nicer ship & layout.

[jwalk03]

Agree with everyone else about the 6-day Freedom cruise being the choice. I am currently in the process of writing a review for that very cruise. Lots of pictures and details if you want to check it out.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1756016

[DOTTE]

Freedom