Which 1st Cruise: Magic, Triumph, Navigator of the Seas?

[bakingem]

I'm cross-posting this in RCI & the first-time cruisers board.

 

My husband and I are planning on taking out first cruise in August when we have a gap before starting a new jobs. We have twins that will be 17 months old and we are leaving them with grandparents for our first big baby-free vacation. We want to cruise from Galveston as we live in Texas. We would like to keep costs as low as possible because twins literally eat and poo a lot of our cash away. Our main goals are just to have a relaxing, stress-free time. We're up for drinking, meeting people, and having a good time, but not exactly in our beer-pong days anymore (32 & 29 when we would sail). We're up for whatever, so we'll probably want to try a lot of whatever is on board, both food and entertainment. As for excursions, we're more the snorkeling, adventure, stroll through a new place type, than a visit Mayan ruins crowd (scarred from a terrible tour from our honeymoon). That said, here are our options. I'd love feedback on what sounds like a good match from those who have cruised before, if Carnival or RCI has a lot of hidden fees to add to the advertised cost, what ports would be better, etc. Thank you from a very tired set of parents who desperately need a vacation!

 

Carnival Triumph - 5 nights, leaves Aug. 11. Ports: Progreso & Cozumel. Price on Travelocity for comparison purposes: $529

 

Carnival Magic - 7 nights, leaves Aug. 10. Ports: Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayment; Cozumel. $829.

 

RCI Navigator of the Seas - 7 nights, leaves Aug. 10. Ports: Coxen Hole, Roatan; Belize City, Belize; Cosumel, Mexico. $673

 

Any opinions on what might be best?

[missypriss19]

First let me say that I have only travelled with Carnival so I know nothing about RCI. With that being said though for the price and ports that you show I would pick RCI. I would pick this for the cost and the ports available. I would not do the Triumph; not that I do not love her; but she is only going to Cozumel and Progresso. Progresso is a nonport if you ask me. Not a lot to do unless you want to go see ruins and in August trust me that makes no sense. In August you want to be in the water and progresso's beach is not the best.

 

About extra costs I can only tell you about Carnival. They have a drink program that allows you to drink up to 15 drinks/day for $49/day. The Steakhouse will cost you $35. El Capitano will cost about $12. The only other extras you pay for is pictures, shopping, specialty coffees and specialty cakes.

 

I hope you have a great vacation.

[missypriss19]

Let me add that if you want to go on the Magic; which is a beautiful ship by the way; you could book early saver and get price protection for future price drops which will likely occur for an August cruise.

[LMaxwell]

Navigator just came out of an extensive dry-dock and Oasis-Class upgrade/refurbishments. There are active threads on the RCI board detailing both the dry dock and ones posted by excited cruisers sailing today. When I say just came out I mean today is the FIRST sailing with the new upgrades. Worth a look.

[wantocruisemore]

I have done the Triumph sailing you mention, had a great time but 5 days is short and only 2 ports.

 

I have also done Navigator of the seas but it was in the Med. I loved that ship and that was before the improvements.

 

I've been to the ports NOS goes to. Loved them all. From what you mention you like, I would do NOS and snorkel at the ports, except Belize and then you should do cave tubing.

[CoconutJD]

The largest "not included" costs are likely going to be excursions (and tips, Carnival is 11.50 per person per day, not sure about RCI). I'd research the prices on those and make sure you have enough to actually enjoy the vacation.

[DebJ14]

We are Diamond on Carnival and Emerald on RCI. We've been on the Triumph once (worst cruise we ever had) and on the Magic 3 times. We much prefer the Voyager Class of ships like the Navigator than the Magic. Also, if you are having a nice adult, baby-free vacation you probably would appreciate being on the Navigator. Carnival is loud - always making dumb announcements, music is too loud etc. We have found the live music on Royal Caribbean to be superior to Carnival and yes they still have live music at the pool!

[bobmal99]

From the prices you listed I imagine you

will be in an inside cabin. !!

 

I have been on several Carnival cruises,

the most recent was their newest ship

the Breeze. The Breeze was amazing

and I have already booked it for this

Decmber..

 

I have also been on the NOS. For your 1st cruise

I would pick the NOS because this ship definitely

has the WOW factor.

 

With the exception of the ship itself most everything

offered is more similar than not on both cruise lines.

 

Although the NOS has an ice show that is absolutely

amazing, considering it is on a ship..

 

Definitely take the seven days on the NOS.

 

Good luck, let us know what you decide...

[john91498]

Navigator, hands down...

[wantocruisemore]

Another suggestion - be sure to check the port of call boards for things to do in port. These boards are a great resource for planning, especially for DIY and saving money.

 

And if you like snorkeling, highly recommend for Cozumel you just take a $10 taxi to Money bar and spend the day their snorkeling and eating/drinking. There's no cost to get in, tables and chairs there, they just like you to buy food and or drink. Food is good and reasonable and you can snorkel right there. In fact, excursion boats bring people there to snorkel. We had a cheap, relaxing day there last sept.

Edited February 5, 2014 by wantocruisemore

[lemonade-sails]

I would go with Navigator, but my experience is limited ;) Enjoy your vacation together!!

[bakingem]

Thanks for the feedback! Navigator seems to be the way to go this time. We're really excited. Now we just need to actually book the cruise . . . and then wait 7 months. Blech. :)

[clackey]

Have not done the Magic but the Navigator was our best cruise to date. Gorgeous ship, good food and service, plus the entertainment was first class. I like Carnival (we are platinum) but RCL beat them hands down.

[forwardcabin]

As young as you are, Carnival is the fun ship to be on. Take a Carnival Magic 7-day cruise to Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel. Lots of great snorkeling at any of these ports. Magic has some great activities for active people, like the ropes course--we are older but still like the challenge. There is also a large gym and basketball court onboard. The food is wonderful--try the Italian restaraunt at noon for no extra cost. Pizza, deli sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream available 24/7.

 

Here's hoping you find the cruise that's right for you. Bon Voyage!

[Tapi]

As young as you are, Carnival is the fun ship to be on!

 

 

Carnival's "Fun Ship" moniker is exactly that, a moniker. While you can definitely have a lot of fun on a Carnival cruise, IMHO you can have just as much (if not more) fun on Royal, specially these days when Royal's ships offer so much more than Carnival in terms of facilities and activities. You just can't beat Royal's entertainment these days.

 

With that said, I dare this 20-30 something couple to go on either cruise line and not have a fun time.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Sarapdot]

I disagree....I have been on the Magic 3 times and RCCL only once. While the price for RCCL is great and their ships are beautiful if you want to walk around the port and explore on your own Belize and Roatan are NOT the places to do that. You can't even get outside the gates in Belize without a tour operator escorting you.

My personal opinion is that Jamaica, GC and Cozumel are a better option.

[wantocruisemore]

I disagree....I have been on the Magic 3 times and RCCL only once. While the price for RCCL is great and their ships are beautiful if you want to walk around the port and explore on your own Belize and Roatan are NOT the places to do that. You can't even get outside the gates in Belize without a tour operator escorting you.

My personal opinion is that Jamaica, GC and Cozumel are a better option.

 

Actually you CAN get outside the gate in Belize without a tour operator escorting you. While I do not recommend just wandering around by yourself in Roatan or Belize, I also do NOT recommend just wandering around in Jamaica.

 

Go with the NOS and just plan ahead for the ports.

[bptex]

Depending on where you live New Orleans might also be an option, which gives you the Dream and Elation. Basically the same itineraries but they are a little cheaper than Galveston typically and the town is a lot more fun in my opinion.

 

I've never sailed on RCI but if I'd choose the Triumph over the Magic. I've been on both and the Triumph has a smoother ride. Not knocking the Magic by any means but you definitely move around more on it.

[Sarapdot]

Actually you CAN get outside the gate in Belize without a tour operator escorting you. While I do not recommend just wandering around by yourself in Roatan or Belize, I also do NOT recommend just wandering around in Jamaica.

 

Go with the NOS and just plan ahead for the ports.

 

Well they wouldn't let us out the gates. We had to show our tour confirmation and then they got the tour guide to come to the gate and escort us. Maybe it was just the time we went (Sept 2013) or the fact that we were two blonde 30 something women.

[NavarreCruiser]

I've been on all three and IMHO take the NOS. I'm on the Sunshine for 14 days starting Sunday. Then the Glory for 7 days the first week in March. Then we're on the NOS at the end of March for spring break with kids and grandkids.

The NOS was one of our favorite ships before the dry dock. Now it's getting a flow rider and other upgrades. And like another poster said, the ice shows are great.

[Jenny in TX]

I have cruised both Magic & Triumph. I would choose the Magic hands down because of the ports. It is a beautiful ship and you will have a great time. We enjoyed the Triumph very much, but I would choose a 7 day cruise over a 5 day anytime.

[christmas]

I would choose the Magic my favorite ship. I don't care for the ports on the NOS or Triumph. So I would choose Magic.

[jakeT]

One word. RCCL.

[Lars2014]

Been on all 3 and Navigator wins by a mile. She is fresh out of dry dock and blows my mind at how she looks now. I'm sailing her 2/23.