suggestions from your experience. thanks!

[caroline2007]

I plan to do the 4-5 days cruise. Bahama or Caribbean (not west Caribbean, I've been there before).

Doesn't matter where to deport. If you have been one recent years, would you please recommend some ship? please provide the ship name as well. thanks!

[teknoge3k]

Honestly, I will not book a cruise that goes to the Bahamas. Half Moon Cay is amazing but Nassau & Freeport are a waste of money for me. Some other people like those stops but they're definitely not for us. If I pay a lot of money to go on a cruise I want to go somewhere nice and enjoy it. The Caribbean I enjoy however.

[Clarea]

I plan to do the 4-5 days cruise. Bahama or Caribbean (not west Caribbean, I've been there before).

Doesn't matter where to deport. If you have been one recent years, would you please recommend some ship? please provide the ship name as well. thanks!

Royal Caribbean ships Majesty out of Port Canaveral and Enchantment out of Miami.

[caroline2007]

Honestly, I will not book a cruise that goes to the Bahamas. Half Moon Cay is amazing but Nassau & Freeport are a waste of money for me. Some other people like those stops but they're definitely not for us. If I pay a lot of money to go on a cruise I want to go somewhere nice and enjoy it. The Caribbean I enjoy however.

 

yeah, I did some research, people all think Half Moon Cay/Co co cay are nice and good, and Nassau is the worst. The reason I include Bahama is I've never been there. So more like bucket list thing.

I agree, I've been to west Caribbean. It truly a beautiful and cheap place to go.

I have no idea about east Caribbean, is it same as West Caribbean? Don't want to climb up and down and walk too much due to I have kids and seniors.

thanks!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Most of the major cruiselines go to the Caribbean. Suggest you look at the different ships/cruiselines to see what might be a good fit for you and your family. A travel agent should be able to get you started. Think about what you want in a cruise - food, entertainment, activities for kids, bars, pools, casino, etc. If at all possible I would consider a 7-day cruise. Shorter cruises often tend to be more of a party/booze cruise. Check out the ports of call you will visit. You may find an eastern or western with different ports.

[mom says]

I much prefer the ports in the Eastern cruises. The problem is with your short cruise length. The best itineraries will be at least 7 days.

 

I wouldn't recommend any of the 3-4 day mass market cruises. Except for Disney, they tend towards rowdy party cruises. Not something I want my kids to be surrounded by. The 5 day ones are marginally better.

 

Cruise Critic has a cruise finder. Maybe it will help with your options. https://www.cruisecritic.com/smart-deals/?port=122&depcity=342&sort=length

[caroline2007]

I much prefer the ports in the Eastern cruises. The problem is with your short cruise length. The best itineraries will be at least 7 days.

 

I wouldn't recommend any of the 3-4 day mass market cruises. Except for Disney, they tend towards rowdy party cruises. Not something I want my kids to be surrounded by. The 5 day ones are marginally better.

 

Cruise Critic has a cruise finder. Maybe it will help with your options. https://www.cruisecritic.com/smart-deals/?port=122&depcity=342&sort=length

 

it's family decision that we would like 4-5 days cruise instead of 7 or longer. :)

I used the search engine from cruisecritic, but I'm still not sure which one is better.

I just hope anyone who took this kinds of cruise can give me some suggestions which can help me to make up my mind.

thanks!

[Essiesmom]

I've done the five day cruise from Jacksonville many times. Current ship is Carnival Elation, recently refurbished. 4/5 night from Port Canaveral on Carnival Sunshine or Carnival Liberty. From Ft. Lauderdale, 5 night eastern on Carnival Conquest. Just suggestions. EM

[Keith1010]

After reading this thread I recommend getting a TA to help you with this.

 

Yes, that is because there are lots of options out there for you.

 

We cannot recommend a TA per the cruise critic rules.

 

I would ask friends for recommendations of a TA who cruise.

 

Keith

[MCC retired]

OP requests Caribbean but not Western Caribbean , on a 4/5 day cruise.

You really can't cruise the Eastern or Southern Caribbean in only 4/5 days but you can the Western Caribbean.

As far as Bahamas , aside from the wonderful private island stops , Nassau & Freeport are

Eh! but may be okay for first time cruisers.

Suggest reconsider a 7 day cruise as the older ships ,without the newer features , are on the shorter cruises .

[cb at sea]

If you do choose stops in the Bahamas, get a guidebook and find out ALL there is to do in each place....that will help you maximize your time there!