Please help us decide ... (cross posted)

[Jamli]

I apologize up front about the length of this post. Also, I am cross posting it on all three cruise lines. I am plannning a summer Caribbean cruise for our family of four: DH and I are in our early fifties and have two kids 20 and 15. We have cruised many times in the past, mainly RCCL, Carnival, and Disney and our absolute favorite cruise was on NCL Escape Haven. Costs prohibit booking Haven this year so we are faced with a choice that we can’t seem to make. Our options are:

 

1. MSC Seaside in the Yacht Club -the price and perks are great but we would all be in one cabin (YC1). The private pool and restaurant are definitely the high point for this option. We have never sailed on MSC before and are a bit leery of the Seaside reviews, but haven’t read many on the YC.

 

 

2. Carnival Vista Havana Area - we would sail in two cabins, a Havana Aft Balcony and a Havana Inside. The aft cabin on hold and only one available is on 7th floor next to the aft wrap-around and is smaller than the others. It has no couch area.

This cruise is 8 days and goes to the Southern Caribbean which we love. We have been to the ports before but have never been on the Vista. Love the private pool area but a little bit afraid that so much of the entertainment centers around 18+ comedy shows that would exclude our 15 year old. I should add that as my daughter has gotten older she prefers to hang out with us or her brother, so I doubt she’ll go to the teen club.

Also, we have generally preferred the MDR on Carnival more than Royal, but haven’t sailed either line in a few years.

 

 

3. Harmony of the Seas - we would sail in two cabins, an ocean side balcony across from a boardwalk balcony. This is the least expensive option but they are all within $1000 with the Vista being the most expensive, but it is one day longer.

We have never sailed on an Oasis class ship before and the activities look amazing for our kids. The shows also look great. The down side is no private pool area or restaurant and our daughter is six months shy of being able to go to the solarium or adult pool, which are 16+. I am a little bit concerned if we would be able to find lounge chairs by a pool without setting a 6:00 am alarm.

 

 

Time constraints only allow us to take one vacation per year or two, so I want to try to make the best choice possible. I know it’s ridiculous but I am actually losing sleep over this.

 

 

So if you’ve made it this far thank you and I’ll briefly summarize - which would you pick: Seaside Yacht Club with 1 suite, Vista Havana southern Caribbean with a small aft balcony and an inside, or Harmony with two balconies?

[topnole]

Harmony. Newest and biggest ship at sea. I doubt your 15 year old will be kept from the solarium if they act mature and look their age or older. Never seen them card anyone. So many fun options for kids of all ages. I’m sure they will love it and you will too. Flowrider, slides, mini golf, zip line, etc. So many kid appropriate shows/entertainment. Oasis class ships are amazing to say the least. Do it before they are off with adult responsibilities and can’t join you.

 

I’ve been on Harmony and the other oasis class ships as well as many other ships. I would pick Harmony and it would be an easy pick. Use the $1000 savings for stuff on board or for the next Harmony cruise you book while on board.

 

Either way enjoy your trip.

[queenfrostine22]

Harmony. Tons of things to do. If your daughter acts her age, no one will even blink an eye in the solarium. Especially if she is with the rest of the family.

[BethV114]

If Harmony is pricing out as your least expensive option, saving about $1,000 and allowing you two separate cabins, that would be my first choice. I'm sure your kids will find plenty to do, and I doubt your daughter would have any trouble getting into the solarium. If you are willing to spend the extra money and really want a suite, then give Seaside a try. We sailed MSC Divina last year. Leading up to the cruise we ready many negative reviews. However, we found the MSC product to be an excellent one. The ship was beautiful and clean, our balcony cabin was a good size, and the food was delicious. My understanding is that YC now includes drinks, as well, so that may be something to consider when looking at the price differential.

[Jamli]

Thank you much for the replies. Between here and the posts on the other cruise line boards it has been unanimous for Harmony so far.

Please keep the replies coming!

[andrew2346]

harmony

[CP3o]

Also Harmony. Kids will get soda cards and trip to JRs for 4. It’s a great class to experience. Had you been there done that class and ports a few times, I might say Vista for change of pace and ports but takes the $1000 and book some cool excursions or dining/drink packages

 

 

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[CP3o]

Hopefully you’ve already booked it fully refundable to hold an OV and BW right across. Prices and cabins change quickly. Easier to cancel than get particular option back.

 

 

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[Jamli]

Yes, we booked with a refundable deposit and snagged a beach bungalow for Labadee.

People have mentioned the soda package and JRs deal for the boardwalk balconies here on CC but nowhere in my booking paperwork does it say it. I wonder if it is a perk that is occasionally offered or just automatically comes with the cabin. Either way is really fine, just curious.

[not-enough-cruising]

When are you going?

We have a large family group on the July 21 Harmony sailing, and my oldest daughter is getting married.

We LOVE this ship!!

We did arrangements similar to yours except we have the younger kids in Central Park balconies and not Boardwalk.

You will have a fabulous time.

 

 

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[Jamli]

Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. How fun! We are going in June.

 

I am so surprised that almost everyone on all three boards has said the Harmony. I really thought it would be closer, but it really does tell us something and that is that people do love the HOTS! Based on all of the comments, all four of us are strongly favoring the Harmony.

 

We haven’t completely decided so please keep the comments coming, and thank you all.

[Trixie21]

Harmony - haven't been in the other ships but I defy anyone not to enjoy harmony - we never had an issue finding a sun bed , food was good to excellent , so many activities and shows it was impossible to do everything in one week.

 

 

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