Least crowded/best service

[Indytraveler83]

Hey guys,

 

Long time no see! Life got busy! Anyways...

 

Looking to planning a 2019 cruise. I'm trying to plan a budget trip, due to an expensive looking honeymoon in 2018. I've been sailing Dream class lately, but sort of miss the cozy, less crowded Elation that we cruised on for our first. The passenger/staff ratio seemed much different, and there was always someone offering you a drink or service.

 

So, in your opinion, what ship would offer the least crowded and best service experience?

 

A ship that homeports in New Orleans, Miami, Port Canaveral or Baltimore would work best (cheapest airfare). Though a drive to Charleston would be manageable. I'm sort of hoping to stick with a smaller ship this time.

 

Destination and amenities are of no consequence, except it must have a Serenity area. Looking for something in the range of a 5-8 day cruise.

 

I'd be open to other cruise line suggestions as well. However, it must be similar in price to Carnival, and I'm not a fan of strict dress codes * **

 

*No, eating at the buffet every night is not an option to avoid a dress code. I paid for the dining room, so I'll eat there thank you.

 

** And no, I'm not that guy who strolls into the dining room slurping out of a leaky Big Gulp gas station cup while wearing flip flops, short shorts and no shirt to cover my abnormally hairy body. I'm just saying if I have to pack more than khakis and a polo shirt, it better be a paid business trip, because ties and suit jackets are not for vacation.

[VolzCruiser]

To better help you is the homeport city important to you. I know that seems vague but are you looking to spend some time in the city before or after?

[springs741]

How about the Miracle out of Tampa? I know you didn't list Tampa but you can find some very cheap flights on Southwest. I love the Spirt Class ships. They have the highest ratio of staff to guests and the highest rating for guest to public space as well. I have sailed her three time and would book her or her sisters without a second thought.

[Doctorsbaby]

Pride or Miracle would be my suggestion. I love the Spirit class ships, fabulous Serenity areas, very walkable and enjoyable layout.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[rakchevy]

I would try the ecstasy out of Charleston I sailed it in Feb. .was a great relaxed cruise

[Indytraveler83]

Hey all, to answer the questions above:

 

1) for this cruise I don’t intend to spend any time in the port city. Ease of access is my only concern.

 

2) Tampa is a tough option. A little too far to drive. We fly out of Detroit, and usually Spirit has dirt cheap flights to the ports I listed above.

[Doctorsbaby]

Pride goes out of Baltimore for most of the year [emoji3]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums