What has been your favorite ship?

[alfaeric]

*Applause*! Thank you SO much for this! I am going to copy and paste this for future reference. Each ship sounds so great in their own ways, and I am looking forward to trying many different ships!

 

I am so happy to hear the Radiance class ships are lovely. I think that will be just perfect for us!!

 

Thank you again. I really, really appreciate you taking the time to educate a newbie like me. :)

 

As everyone who has posted- you are very welcome.

 

I'm sure you have realize that most of us here have found crusing to be very addictive. Like most, we started slowly- 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006... Some of those we actually happened to be in the area. But as time went on, something snapped. So we cruise as often as our time and money budget allow. It happens.

 

That's kind of a warning. :D

 

We are very happy that we found cruising, and that RCI happens to fit us so well.

Edited August 12, 2014 by alfaeric

[paggerscorvette]

Freedom has been my favorite (so far) going on the Liberty in Dec. Just so you know, cruising is very, very addictive, BE Careful, :D

[dustedice]

alfaeric, I just saw you are from "A2". :) I just moved from there last year!

 

And thank you for the warning. :D I have no doubt that we will be addicted like the rest of you great people!

Edited August 12, 2014 by dustedice

[alfaeric]

alfaeric, I just saw you are from "A2". :) I just moved from there last year!

 

And thank you for the warning. :D I have no doubt that we will be addicted like the rest of you great people!

 

Go to school here? (GO BLUE!)

 

If so, UM Almuni Assoc do have some cruises they do, too. Never done one- as they tend to be a little on the affluent side of cruises....

[dustedice]

Go to school here? (GO BLUE!)

 

If so, UM Almuni Assoc do have some cruises they do, too. Never done one- as they tend to be a little on the affluent side of cruises....

 

GO BLUE!! I sure did. DH did undergrad and dental, and we met during dental school! I love that town, and I am am going to miss those crazy game days. haha

[Compass Rose Monica]

Such a happy thread!

 

For us, it depends on our moods.

 

From the big-down....

 

Oasis-Allure- we keep mentioning how many things blow us away on these ships. The top highlight is hanging out in Central Park listening to music, having a glass of wine. Or just strolling through it. The neighbohoods, the aqua park, the shows, the dining options, etc. It's just an amazing ship. Yes, I know you can't see the sea all that often, but sometimes you do want a resort experience where you are in different places as the week progresses. The ships are just amazing.

 

Liberty (hope to do Freedom and Indy over the next two years)- this is kind of a mega ship with the view of the sea. With all of the options available, this is the one we keep coming back to as the actual favorite. Great sea based locations, great options, great ports, great shows, and great people.

 

Adventure/Navigator/Explorer- the Adventure was our second cruise, and at the time, it was the WOW ship. We still very much like these, but for the most part, it's about what is available in a close area. Short cruise with friends, long cruise from New Jersey, week out of San Juan. It's a smaller Liberty, and it seems to show it more than one would thing. Still a a great class of ships.

 

Brilliance/Serenade/Jewel- one of the most beautifly decorated ships- as in the elegance that one associates with the older ships. Yes, I know it's not a QEII, but it has a LOT of the feel of one (I think). It takes very little time to realize that this ship is all about the ocean. views, views, views. From the elevator that points out to the sea to the open deck of the Windjamer- the whole goal is to remind you that you are part of a ship at sea. The itineraries are interesting- some are about convienence- doing a cruise from Tampa, or just being in Puerto Rico at the right time- but others about the size and ability- going to Alaska and cruises from Boston to Canada. I also noted that some of the ports from San Juan are enough different than the Adventure that you kind of end up more on your own. And even with all of that, the ship options are really nice- lacking the Royal Prommedade and Ice rink- the water centric nature more than makes up for it. And it still has great dining options.

 

Rhapsody/Enchantment- similar to the Radience class, but just a little smaller. Not quite as water centric, but the crew really makes up for it. The week we spend on these ships (before the EN move to PC) puts you into places that big ships don't go. Two major highlights- the Endicott Arm to see a glacier, and parking in Conneticut for Independance Day. Two of our most favorite total cruises of all time were on these two ships.

 

Majesty/(Monarch)- people now think of these as small. But the Monarch was our first cruise back in 2001. got us into some great locations in the Caribbean. But for what she does now, the Majesty does it really well. For such a short cruise, the balcony isn't as important, nor is some of the more major ammenities. And since the crew knows it, they really try to make up for it. It is a good weekend outing, especially for the price.

 

So, in short:

Oasis/Allure- want to float an amazing resort

Liberty- real favorite

Adventure- great ship- but more for the convinence

Brilliance/Serneade- total sea going experience. lovely

Rhapsody- so good for the specialty cruises, we will do her in Europe

Majesty- perfect for the weekend get away (Enchantment, too).

 

That felt good to type.

 

 

I have to chime in with my THANKS! I recently booked the Anthem (April 2016) and started to read about the other class ships. It's been since 1997 since I cruised with RCI and I think it was Monarch of the Seas.

 

I mostly cruise with Celebrity (love their S-class ships!!) and want to get a feel for the RCI ships for other future cruises.

 

Monica

[Mrs_Tiki]

This is a fun thread!

 

Another vote for the Radiance class ships. We've sailed on Radiance, Jewel and Serenade and loved them all. Ditto what alfaeric said about elegance and gorgeous sea views! Nothing better than having breakfast on the open deck area behind the Windjammer.

 

That said, we've also sailed Navigator and Freedom and enjoyed ourselves very much also, but find the size and number of passengers a bit overwhelming. Much prefer the smaller ships.

 

Except for the very petite Viking Serenade, our first RCL cruise. Can't recommend that one, but luckily it has been gone from the fleet for a long time!!

[Joe12]

Oasis Class! Tons to do. For someone like me, Sea days are boring without at least an Ice Rink and Promenade. I loved Freedom and Voyager Class too, Perfect size and VY Class not too crowded. Radiance Class ships are stunning but are very boring on at sea days, I learned that the hard way on Serenade last year, All I can do is go to the crowded pools. :mad:

Would certainly sail one again but probably on a port intensive 7 nighter.

I didn't care for the Vision Class at all and have no intention to sail a Sovereign Class ship.

But if I could get an extra cruise a year, I would sail any RCCL ship regardless.

[EatSleepCruise]

We have been on the Legends of the Seas-smaller than Serenade-which was nice, actually had great service, but we like the amenities and different offerings on larger ships

 

We have been on both Freedom and Independence, and had a good experience on both sailings.

 

Hands down, Allure has been our favorite cruise to date.

 

We went in February, so the crowds were not an issue. We never had an problem getting seats at a show or a lounge chair to grab some sun. We spent a lot of time on the Boardwalk and evenings relaxing in Central Park. Never really busy.

 

We want to try Oasis when it does a unique itinerary outside of the Caribbean.

[jjtimes2]

Congratulations on your marriage and finally getting to take a honeymoon! Our first cruise was for our honeymoon. It was a smaller ship, Enchantment of the Seas (Vision Class). The service was excellent, our stateroom was very small, but we enjoyed all of the activities and weren't bothered by the small room. I remember it fondly and it started our love of cruising! We've been on a few Holland America cruises because they sail from a port close to our home, but our favorite cruise by far was on Oasis last year! DH absolutely loved it and swears he won't cruise on a smaller ship ever again (I know he will; he's just being dramatic :p). It really was an amazing ship. The best part, to me, was that we never felt like we were on a ship with 6,000 people. There is so much to do and see that everyone is off doing one thing or another and you just don't feel "crowded." The only time it seemed like as big a ship as it is, was after the muster drill with everyone on the stairs and in the elevators.

 

I know you will love your cruise and it will probably be the first of many!

[Dan-P]

I've only been on two cruises to date, on two different ships. First on the Majesty and the second on the Independence.

 

The Majesty was our first, and for that reason alone, will always hold a special place. The staff was outstanding and the ship in great shape for her age. She got us "hooked" if you will.

 

The Independence was an entirely different experience. It really wowed us. We had a great time and enjoyed the layout, activities, and dining options.

 

If I had to pick one of those two as a favorite, it would be the Indy.

 

Our next two are the Vision and the Navigator. I'm sure they will each provide their own unique experience.

 

I'm not sure that I will personally ever embrace the Oasis/Allure or the new Quantum ships. They seem very "centered" in their design which appears to make you lose a lot of the outward visibility and feeling of actually being at sea. I like seeing/staring at the water and knowing I am in the middle of the ocean. Guess that is the nice thing about the current various classes of ships - they provide something for everyone.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Dan.

 

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

Edited August 12, 2014 by Dan-P

[macpiper]

Serenade of the Seas!

 

All of that glass. Nothing but great views. Hands down winner!

[alfaeric]

GO BLUE!! I sure did. DH did undergrad and dental, and we met during dental school! I love that town, and I am am going to miss those crazy game days. haha

 

Funny- I played IM hockey with the Dental School. Back in 1990.... :eek:

[MattInFLL]

Explorer of the Seas is probably my favorite cruise so far. It was my 3rd one overall, and the two previous had been on Carnival Tropicale and Queen of Bermuda (long ago sent for scrap I believe, and a long forgotten cruise line). After those two experiences, to have the amazing Voyager class was what hooked me on cruising. Plus, and this is a big factor, we met a great group of people day one and the crew was exceptional. It's hard to go wrong when those two factors are added in to any trip.

 

But I still really enjoy Majesty, too. She has a great crew and it's a fun weekend away.

 

But generally, and for a first time experience, Radiance class and above is going to work just fine.

Edited August 12, 2014 by MattInFLL

[novalab]

Allure was our favorite ship & cruise so far. Will be trying out the Radiance Class in a little over a year. We will be sailing on Jewel while she visits our side of the continent. BIG THANKS to RCCL for sending her our way!!

 

Any chance that we can keep her?:rolleyes::p

[wassup4565]

Radiance class, so far in our experience. Tried Independence, tried Navigator, tried Legend, but we keep coming back to that Radiance class (of which Serenade is one).

 

The bigger ships have all that junky stuff in the middle - all the shops and pubs, the parades, all that stuff. To me, it's just something I have to figure out what I have to do to get around all that bulk to get to the things at the front of the ship. Legend is lovely, but limited - you'd better like your traveling companion and the people you meet. Not a lot more than that on that small ship. But the Radiance class, big enough for some buzz and some variety. Small enough to easily find your way around.

 

We've sailed on Radiance (herself) Brilliance (more than once) and coming up in October, Serenade. Can't wait! People mention all the glass, but here's what it means in practical terms. You can have a drink in the Schooner, and see out the windows to the passing scape. You can eat in the dining room and see out the windows to the passing scape. You can stand in line at Guest Services and see the passing scape. It's everywhere you look, all the time. Oh, and you can have your Windjammer breakfast outdoors - try it once and you'll be hooked.

 

Can't wait to get on Serenade in October!

[RCCL Fan]

Hello neighbor!

 

Dustedice, We're in Germantown, just east of Memphis, south of Cordova.

 

Longtime cruiser here, got hooked when I was 18, been sailing ever since.

 

The Mrs. and I got married during a cruise, and honeymooned on one too.

 

We're considering driving down I-55 for the Serenade ourselves in a few months.

 

Happy to give you tips and advice, or anything you need, we consider have sent a many friends on their first cruise armed with tips and info, and haven't had an unhappy customer yet.

 

 

Finding this website is a great step one.

 

We'll have to figure out a way to swap info, if you like.

 

But happy to see your excitement!

[drummerdavebmth]

My wife (to be) and I will be on the Serenade for our honeymoon in September.....really looking forward to it!!

 

Our only experience of cruising thus far has been on Freedom class (Independence out of Southampton and Liberty out of Barcalona).

 

Loved both those ships (maybe Indy slightly more because it was our first cruise - lots of "wow" moments , a short drive from where we live, no smoking in any public area - no smelly casino! and I proposed on that cruise!).

 

However, I like the idea of a smaller ship like Serenade, with lots of glass and the covered solarium, Arial shows in the Centrum etc.

 

But let's not kid ourselves....none of these ships are actually "small", they are all pretty massive really and I fully expect to experience plenty of further "wow" moments from Royal Caribbean!

Edited August 13, 2014 by drummerdavebmth

[Cruz-On]

Hands down Freedom of the Seas!! Love love this ship! It has a big but cozy feeling for me.

[dancinman66]

I like all the facilities on the mega ships but not keen on all the people when in port

While on the ship numbers are not an issue

 

Small ships I prefer due to the ports that they can visit and more quant you get to know most people

:)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[dustedice]

Serenade of the Seas!

 

All of that glass. Nothing but great views. Hands down winner!

 

This makes me even more excited to be on the Serenade in December!! :D

[dustedice]

Hello neighbor!

 

Dustedice, We're in Germantown, just east of Memphis, south of Cordova.

 

Longtime cruiser here, got hooked when I was 18, been sailing ever since.

 

The Mrs. and I got married during a cruise, and honeymooned on one too.

 

We're considering driving down I-55 for the Serenade ourselves in a few months.

 

Happy to give you tips and advice, or anything you need, we consider have sent a many friends on their first cruise armed with tips and info, and haven't had an unhappy customer yet.

 

 

Finding this website is a great step one.

 

We'll have to figure out a way to swap info, if you like.

 

But happy to see your excitement!

 

Thank you, kind sir! I am actually in Germantown as I type. haha Small world!

 

I appreciate your help! I will definitely contact you with questions. I am a little unsure exactly what to book for off the ship activities. We will be going to Falmouth, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

 

Enjoy this beautiful TN day!

[dustedice]

Radiance class, so far in our experience. Tried Independence, tried Navigator, tried Legend, but we keep coming back to that Radiance class (of which Serenade is one).

 

The bigger ships have all that junky stuff in the middle - all the shops and pubs, the parades, all that stuff. To me, it's just something I have to figure out what I have to do to get around all that bulk to get to the things at the front of the ship. Legend is lovely, but limited - you'd better like your traveling companion and the people you meet. Not a lot more than that on that small ship. But the Radiance class, big enough for some buzz and some variety. Small enough to easily find your way around.

 

We've sailed on Radiance (herself) Brilliance (more than once) and coming up in October, Serenade. Can't wait! People mention all the glass, but here's what it means in practical terms. You can have a drink in the Schooner, and see out the windows to the passing scape. You can eat in the dining room and see out the windows to the passing scape. You can stand in line at Guest Services and see the passing scape. It's everywhere you look, all the time. Oh, and you can have your Windjammer breakfast outdoors - try it once and you'll be hooked.

 

Can't wait to get on Serenade in October!

 

Thank you for painting a picture of what it is like to be onboard a Radiance class ship! I love the idea of seeing the sea from many areas of the ship. I didn't even know all of this when I booked- but I am very pleased at what I hear about the ships.

 

I am excited for you to get on Serenade in October! That will be here before we know it. If you think of it, please let us know how you liked it!!

 

Enjoy, and thank you for replying! :D

[Tony O]

My favorite is anyone that I am sailing on!

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[bouhunter]

The bigger ships have all that junky stuff in the middle - all the shops and pubs, the parades, all that stuff. To me, it's just something I have to figure out what I have to do to get around all that bulk to get to the things at the front of the ship.

 

Huh? Really????

 

We love both the larger ships with Royal Promenade and the Radiance class (done Brilliance and Jewel, Serenade is coming up:)).