Help picking a cruise!

[ncklhaus]

It's been a while since I've visited these boards. I've missed so much. Life got in the way since our last cruise on the Breakaway in December 2017. 

When we cruised for our 15 year wedding anniversary, my husband wasn't feeling well and missed out on so much. Since we've been home, things haven't gotten better. His medical problems are "a mystery" as the hematology/oncology Dr told us last week. He had and has been cured of diabetes. He's anemic but no tests reveal why. He's gone through 2 years of iron infusions and it's not helping long term. Fatty liver turned early cirrhosis. But the kicker is early onset Dementia. To be accurate it's Frontal Temporal Dementia, early onset as he is only 54 years old. It's a horrible disease.

As you may have seen in past reviews, we have a daughter, Melissa, who is now almost 13 years old. This is so hard on her. She is suffering from this but will rarely let you know it.😢

I just recently got a reminder email from NCL that I have 2 $250 cruise rewards that will expire in 1 year. Once I logged in to my account, I saw that I also had a $450 casino cruise reward that will expire on 3/1/20. There's almost no way that my husband will be able to cruise with us, but we do have a close friend that would stay with him if we go. Plus by the time we are planning to go at the end of August or the beginning of September, he may need long term care or worse. I just can't believe this is really happening. We need a break and this would help.

The question I have for all of you is which cruise would you choose and why? 

We've sailed the Breakaway 4 times already. 3 times in the Haven, once in a Mini Suite with large balcony. We did the Jewel once (comparable to the Pearl)in a balcony. For this cruise, we are looking at an inside stateroom.  They will all cost approximately the same, around $2500 inclusive of trip insurance and prepaid gratuities for 2 of us, before my rewards. However, the Bermuda trip is only 4 nights and is not eligible to use a cruise reward.

Here are my choices all from NY:

#1: Norwegian Encore - 4 nights to Bermuda 

#2: Norwegian Breakaway - 7 nights to Canada and New England

#3: Norwegian Pearl - 7 nights to Florida and Bahamas

 

Please do not judge me for planning a vacation while my husband is not well. That's the last thing I need.

 

I thank you in advance.

[mugtech]

#2, #3 Worth doing once.  I prefer Jewel class ships, would do the Pearl.

[ncklhaus]

6 minutes ago, mugtech said:

#2, #3 Worth doing once.  I prefer Jewel class ships, would do the Pearl.

Thank you. #3 is the one I'm leaning toward. I've done that itinerary before but I'd really like to try a smaller ship. 

Edited January 12, 2020 by ncklhaus

[BirdTravels]

If you just want a quick vacation, I would pick #1. We have been eyeing that specific cruise for a while. We were on the Encore in November and she’s a beautiful ship. The 4-day is a couple of relaxing sea days and a beach day in Bermuda.  
 

I think your 13 year old would prefer one of the bigger ships. 
 

Edited January 12, 2020 by BirdTravels

[ncklhaus]

8 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

If you just want a quick vacation, I would pick #1. We have been eyeing that specific cruise for a while. We were on the Encore in November and she’s a beautiful ship. The 4-day is a couple of relaxing sea days and a beach day in Bermuda.  
 

I think your 13 year old would prefer one of the bigger ships. 
 

Actually, she said she's had enough of the Breakaway. We've sailed on it 4 times already. 7 days, 14 days, 13 days, then 7 days.

 She said the Pearl looks nice. she was on the Jewel when she was 4 or 5 but doesn't really remember it. 

I'd love to try the Encore but I can't see spending that much for 4 nights.

 

[brookie848]

JoAnn...I was wondering where you had been. I always enjoy reading your reviews. So sorry to hear about your husband. You and your daughter would definitely need a break and some time together.

 

After only doing big ships, we took two trips on the Dawn. We appreciated the different shows every night and the fact they were short and we didn't need reservations. While I'd love to do a New England cruise, I would prefer to do that on a smaller ship since I believe at least a few ports are tenders. Go somewhere warm and relax on the beach for a few days!

[Cruzinnana47]

First off, so sorry for what you all are going through with your husband's diagnoses. Don't feel guilty for planning a trip for you & your daughter.  You need to take off some time for yourselves.

 

I agree with brookie848--my vote would be the Pearl on the FL/Bahamas itinerary.  

 

Wishing all goes well and you enjoy your cruise.

[ncklhaus]

4 minutes ago, brookie848 said:

JoAnn...I was wondering where you had been. I always enjoy reading your reviews. So sorry to hear about your husband. You and your daughter would definitely need a break and some time together.

 

After only doing big ships, we took two trips on the Dawn. We appreciated the different shows every night and the fact they were short and we didn't need reservations. While I'd love to do a New England cruise, I would prefer to do that on a smaller ship since I believe at least a few ports are tenders. Go somewhere warm and relax on the beach for a few days!

I really think that's what we are going to do. I had already out a deposit on the 4 day Bermuda cruise when I realized that we could do a longer cruise for the same price (or less).

Thank you so much for remembering me. I appreciate it.

My daughter and I were lucky enough to be able to spend a week last month in Disney and Universal Studios. I actually won the trip. It really made me realize how much his illness is taking a toll on Melissa. Mike was well enough to stay home alone with our friend popping in here and there to check on him.

[ncklhaus]

1 minute ago, Cruzinnana47 said:

First off, so sorry for what you all are going through with your husband's diagnoses. Don't feel guilty for planning a trip for you & your daughter.  You need to take off some time for yourselves.

 

I agree with brookie848--my vote would be the Pearl on the FL/Bahamas itinerary.  

 

Wishing all goes well and you enjoy your cruise.

Thank you! 💗

I appreciate it and I agree with you as well. I think I'm just going to go for the Pearl cruise.

[AKR2011]

JoAnn, I was wondering why I haven't seen a review from you in awhile. I remember when your husband was in the room so much on that last cruise and then he lost all of that weight so quickly. I am so sorry to hear what your family is going through. It does sound like you and Melissa need a break together. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers ❤

 

Now for your options...4 nights does not seem long enough. By the time you get around taking your mind off of your husband, you'll be ported back in NY again. Also, although the Encore looks beautiful, there us a lot less public space and more that you have to pay for - like the laser tag and go karts. While I'm sure they're fun, I would also guess that getting everyone a chance in just 4 days is impossible. 

 

Next up, the Breakaway. Well, you know the ship, so it would be like coming home. I've always wanted to do Canada and New England, but being from NY myself, I gravitate towards the Caribbean just because I want the warmer weather. Canada just seems cold, but I'm probably exaggerating. I would look at the tours and see what is offered that Melissa would be interested in. I've noticed lots of older people takes these types of cruises.

 

And The Pearl...To be honest, that would very my choice. I love the Jewel class. Not super huge, a nice pool deck, and a good variety of entertainment that you don't have to sign up for months in advance. Also, my inside on The Escape was the smallest of all of my insides. The jewel class insides were much roomier. Then there's the whole warm Caribbean factor that I mentioned before.

 

No matter what you choose, I wish you a wonderful trip and a good respite for you and Melissa. You do need this trip, and I wish you only the best. Thank you for coming back to CC and filling us in on your husband. As I said, I am thinking of you all.

Edited January 12, 2020 by AKR2011

[ncklhaus]

5 minutes ago, AKR2011 said:

JoAnn, I was wondering why I haven't seen a review from you in awhile. I remember when your husband was in the room so much on that last cruise and then he lost all of that weight so quickly. I am so sorry to hear what your family is going through. It does sound like you and Melissa need a break together. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers ❤

 

Now for your options...4 nights does not seem long enough. By the time you get around taking your mind off of your husband, you'll be ported back in NY again. Also, although the Encore looks beautiful, there us a lot less public space and more that you have to pay for - like the laser tag angle go karts. While I'm they're fun, I would also guess that getting everyone a chance in just 4 days is impossible. 

 

Next up, the Breakaway. Well, you know the ship, so it would be like coming home. I've always wanted to do Canada and New England, but being from NY myself, I gravitate towards the Caribbean just because I want the warmer weather. Canada just seems cold, but I'm probably exaggerating. I would look at the tours and see what is offered h at Melissa would be interested in. I've noticed lots of older people takes these types of cruises.

 

And The Pearl...To be honest, that would very my choice. I love the Jewel class. Not super huge, a nice pool deck, and a good variety of entertainment that you don't have to sign up for months in advance. Also, my inside on The Escape was the smallest of all if my insides. The jewel class insides were much roomier. Then there's the whole warm Caribbean factor that I mentioned before.

 

No matter what you choose, I wish you a wonderful trip and a good respite for you and Melissa. You do need this trip, and I wish you only the best. Thank you for coming back to CC and filling us in on your husband. As I said, I am thinking of you all.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I tend to agree. Melissa also agrees and thinks we should Canada and New England on the Breakaway and then hop on the Encore to Bermuda.😁 If only we could afford that! Lol

[herdingdogmom]

Sounds like you have decided, but we are another vote for the Pearl.  We have been on all the Jewel class ships (Pearl and Jade multiple times) and really like them.  There is plenty to do on board for a 13 year old and I'm sure she would prefer the beach ports to the New England ports.

 

Since the Pearl cruise is a week before Labor Day weekend, hopefully you can get a low/no cost upgrade to an oceanview or better via price drops or the bid program.

[Nola26]

Sorry for your family challenges, that disease is difficult on all involved. 

 

My suggestion is to sail from Florida and have a full Caribbean cruise for similar budget including the cost of flights. $2500 is a sizable enough budget for cruising in an inside cabin. Check the Lattitudes offers, all of your perks shoul be applicable on those. 

 

Of the 3 options you've listed I vote for the Pearl. I was on her for Christmas in 2018.

 

 

[ncklhaus]

16 hours ago, Nola26 said:

Sorry for your family challenges, that disease is difficult on all involved. 

 

My suggestion is to sail from Florida and have a full Caribbean cruise for similar budget including the cost of flights. $2500 is a sizable enough budget for cruising in an inside cabin. Check the Lattitudes offers, all of your perks shoul be applicable on those. 

 

Of the 3 options you've listed I vote for the Pearl. I was on her for Christmas in 2018.

 

 

Thank you. I'm going to pick the Pearl. 😁