Anyone else prefer mid sized or smaller ships to the larger ones.

[island lady]

We like to mix it up. Did Oasis in January, Rhapsody just before that, and Serenade last month.

 

Going on little MJ in May, but that one is really too small for us. (Not a lot of venues).

 

Still love all four Radiance sisters the best. Not too big...not too small...just right! :D

[srlafleur]

While I'm sure I'd enjoy a cruise on a mega-ship, because, well, it's still a cruise and a vacation, I much prefer to feel as if I'm on a ship on the water rather than in the Mall of America or Las Vegas.

[MiniChunks]

My first cruise was a 12 night Med on Brilliance, and the ship remains my favorite. We've been on Liberty, Adventure and are going on Freedom in a month, but still try to find cruises on Radiance ships. I'd like to try Oasis Class someday, but I don't have a burning desire. Its been brought up a few times, but a new Radiance like class of ship would be great.

[Robinhill]

All I see is RCI rushing to build larger and larger ships. Anyone else prefer the smaller or mid sized ships to the bigger ones. I think once they hit Freedom class it was large enough.. To me it just means less ports they can sail too and more crowded. You have to make reservations for the shows. Longer board and unload times. Harder to find your way around. I realise there can be more things to do. honestly I do not go on a cruise to shop on the ship. To me it feels like the larger ships are adding more cabins making things more crowded like the pools. it feels more personal on a smaller ship. I mean it is all just opinion.

 

I will take any cruise I get, I love cruising either way I just prefer the smaller or mid sized ships to bigger ones.

 

 

 

 

Shred5- i totally agree with you! I don't need all of the bells and whistles either. I much prefer the smaller ships and in fact, i cruise on the Grandeur of the Seas out of Baltimore frequently(that is where i live). It is so easy. I would like some better shows and more activities like jewelry making classes, etc on board but the spa is fine, the casino is great and i love the size of it.

[reallyitsmema]

We prefer the larger ships but will do Radiance class if we really want to do a particular itinerary, Did Sovereign of the Seas years ago and would not sail Majesty unless it was free. Only class we haven't sailed is Vision class and would likely only book it for a specific itinerary we couldn't get on another class.

 

We prefer the open feeling of the Oasis class. We enjoy the wide variety of entertainment and dining. We are open to new things though and will be trying NCL for the first time later this year. We are also waiting to book Alaska for 2018 and haven't decided if we will try Princess or will go with Radiance. Waiting impatiently for the itineraries to be released next week.

[vickiw0318]

The designation of "smaller" in this thread has made me smile this morning. I still remember looking at the Monarch of the Seas for the first time and thinking it was HUGE.

 

I like all sizes of ships. Last year, I rediscovered the Vision Class ships and they hold a special place in my heart with their wonderful corner aft balconies. I remembered why I loved sailing on the Rhapsody out of Galveston so much. These ships are so easy to navigate.

 

I am looking forward to introducing a wonderful 10 year old girl to the Allure this summer and to my 16 days on a Radiance class ship this April. I still love Freedom class ships too and have had wonderful trips on the Voyager class ones too - especially on the Adventure out of San Juan.

 

I guess you can say my favorite class is the one I am on.

[tlaffin]

Definitely prefer mid sized ships! Haven't been on an Oasis or similar class because the thought of a ship that big doesn't appeal to me personally. However, we prefer port-intensive itineraries, so maybe that is why!

 

 

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[shred5]

Shred5- i totally agree with you! I don't need all of the bells and whistles either. I much prefer the smaller ships and in fact, i cruise on the Grandeur of the Seas out of Baltimore frequently(that is where i live). It is so easy. I would like some better shows and more activities like jewelry making classes, etc on board but the spa is fine, the casino is great and i love the size of it.

 

Completely agree. The one of the main reason we picked the Independence was actually to see Grease.

We love shows mostly.

[printingchick]

OP - I could not agree more. I actually found Freedom to be a bit on the large side for me and have never tried any class larger. I prefer Radiance (love eating breakfast OUTSIDE at the Windjammer) and Voyager class ships.

[Yenom]

OP - I could not agree more. I actually found Freedom to be a bit on the large side for me and have never tried any class larger. I prefer Radiance (love eating breakfast OUTSIDE at the Windjammer) and Voyager class ships.

 

 

Quantum Class has outdoor seating at the Windjammer at the aft of the ship.

 

 

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[Ladysilver]

We are older now and prefer the smaller, less crowded ships. Can't take all the walking on the big ships anymore. Looking forward to the Vision coming to Galveston in November! We already have two cruises booked on her. :hearteyes:

[bUU]

The larger ships we've been on you have a lot more of a variety of options then the smaller ships that we've been on. The small river boat offered one activity at a time. Either you enjoyed it or you avoided it. By comparison on the largest cruise ship we've been on there were things that went on that we missed because we were doing something else.

 

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[forkcreek]

The larger and newer ships in the RCCL fleet have almost become amusement parks on the water. It is clear that the company business plan is to attract more familes who altho sail infrequently, spend significantly more onboard than the "frequent floaters." As such we prefer the older and smaller ships.

[rp23g7]

We tried Allure on year, but its way to big in my opinion. I have never felt crowded on a cruise till that one. Freedom was a great ship, I liked Regal Princess too, although it feels like a ship that they put out a poll on and made a ship in that mold, I still like the Princess Grand class.

 

It just seems that RCI is making the ship the destination rather than the ports.

[zebra36]

Me!

[Beachammo]

We love doing all the activities (Game shows, trivia, demos, etc) and dancing. We find Oasis class does not offer venues large enough to accommodate everyone who wants to participate.

 

So many passengers not enough space. Especially Schooner, On-Air, and Dazzels.

 

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[gagirl7143]

YES YeS

 

 

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[crusinthrough]

I avoid the smaller ships at all cost. Went on the Enchantment recently and was not impressed.. never again

 

Love the Oasis class for the suites, entertainment venues and new technology.

 

 

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[grapau27]

When we were on Harmony last year we thought we couldn't do a smaller ship again but as no oasis class in Europe this year we have been on Vision and booked for Independence and Freedom

 

love sailing with RCCL

[Arubamoose]

We really love the Radiance class ships. That being said - we have had a GREAT time on the Oasis, Allure and Anthem. So much to do!!

 

It just a different mindset.

 

And I am not a fan of Freedom class. Not having an indoor solarium is a deal breaker. It is an overcrowded Explorer class.

 

 

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[north29]

Smaller ship for us!!!!!! We have tried the Oasis and she is spectacular and are booked on her again, just because it is now in Port Canaveral, but nothing bigger than the Freedom class for us, preferably

[nanfromatlanta]

Radiance class is my favorite, followed by the Voyager class. I am not fond of the large behemoths... too many people, too crowded, too loud, too noisy, etc.

[Florida_cruisers]

If I had to pick between the Radiance class and the Freedom class, I'd pick the Radiance ships anyday. I like seeing the ocean through all of the glass and the openness it creates. The Freedom class feel claustrophobic to me with the promenade in the middle. Feels like a mall to me and not a ship. But I am curious about the Oasis class so I booked the Symphony just to try it, since the ports I booked are also interesting to me.

[davekathy]

Radiance class is my favorite, followed by the Voyager class. I am not fond of the large behemoths... too many people, too crowded, too loud, too noisy, etc.

 

...and limited Ports in the Caribbean.

[grand isle joe]

Radiance class is my favorite, followed by the Voyager class. I am not fond of the large behemoths... too many people, too crowded, too loud, too noisy, etc.

 

 

...........I agree 100%...............Having sailed smaller ships as well as river boats I prefer the personal service and interactions.