First Time Cruise with a Group - Help me pick

[DCruisinlife]

Apologies in advance for the wordiness...

A group of friends (35-40 age range; no kids) are planning a Caribbean cruise. We're looking at a few options for May on Royal Caribbean. I realize the ultimate choice here is highly subjective, but if there are considerations I'm not thinking of or additional insight to share it would be helpful...

 

• Orlando - St. Maarten - St. Thomas - CocoCay; 7 nights; Wonder of the Seas

• Pro: very good ship (as far as my research tells me); 7 nights sounds about right

• Con: Orlando a bit less accessible but certainly not a dealbreaker; slightly less preferable ports (from my impression)

 

• NYC - Bermuda - St. Maarten - San Juan - Labadee; 9 nights; Liberty of the Seas

• Pro: NYC port more accessible for most of the group; includes all the top ports based on general consensus research and frankly, those that I perceive I'd be most interested in
• Con: older; less-impressive ship (?); nine-night cruise (?)

Group: mix of beachy and non-beach people, but overall definitely like exploring and a variety of things to do on vacation; most not uber-partiers, but still like to live it up occasionally and still know how to have fun...good drinks/good food; some adventure seekers.

I see the decision as newer/better ship with average ports vs. older (less good?) ship with a bit better and more ports overall. Some days I find that I value the ports more and if you had asked me before I did a deep dive into cruise life, that definitely would've been my priority. As I've researched, I find myself drawn in by the Oasis class. This being most of our first cruises, I wonder if we should go with the itinerary that gives us the best impression of the cruise itself. Or as newbies would we even notice the wear and tear on Liberty or whatever it's lacking in amenities? and/or is Wonder more than we bargained for (e.g. kids running around; long lines)?

Then there is the duration consideration--is nine nights just too long for a group of friends on most of their first cruises regardless; my perception before planning was that seven nights was the sweet spot. But folks here may tell me I'll love those two extra days at sea.

Or are we crazy as late 30-somethings with no kids even looking at Royal Caribbean; should we pass and go with Virgin Voyages? Or if there is another itinerary I should look out for, let me know.

I'd like to think I've narrowed it down to all good options (even the VV possibility) which is what makes this difficult, but certainly appreciate any

[Another_Critic]

One potential game changer is the cabin category(ies) you plan to book.  

[Jasukkie]

As I was reading your post I thought Virgin Voyages and then you wondered if that's what you should book. I'm D+ on Royal with many very happy cruise experiences and I would choose VV with your group. The food and drink quality is much better, the party is there if you want it, or easy to avoid if you don't. It's just really nice to be in a space where no one is in parent mode. 

[DCruisinlife]

22 minutes ago, Jasukkie said:

As I was reading your post I thought Virgin Voyages and then you wondered if that's what you should book. I'm D+ on Royal with many very happy cruise experiences and I would choose VV with your group. The food and drink quality is much better, the party is there if you want it, or easy to avoid if you don't. It's just really nice to be in a space where no one is in parent mode. 

 

Appreciate the response, Jasukkie. Definitely keeping my eyes on VV as well; looks like we pay a bit of a premium to do so in May, but may be worth it. Good to know that we have good options given your Royal status though. Will keep your recommendation in mind!

[DCruisinlife]

42 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

One potential game changer is the cabin category(ies) you plan to book.  

Definitely springing for ocean view balcony in my case; perhaps some others in the group would not. Curious as to how that changes your advice? Thanks.

[Another_Critic]

16 minutes ago, DCruisinlife said:

Definitely springing for ocean view balcony in my case; perhaps some others in the group would not. Curious as to how that changes your advice? Thanks.

If you were booking a full suite (grand suite or above), the included suite benefits are much better on Oasis class (Wonder) than Freedom class (Liberty).

 

[RG306]

We often sail with a group of friends and family.  We have done so on Oasis class, Voyager class, Freedom class and in February will be doing the Odyssey (Quantum ultra class).  Oasis class tends to keep everyone happiest because of the variety in activities, dining, and most importantly calibre of entertainment.  There's a WOW factor every time you board. Having sailed the Wonder, we enjoyed it. We were in a junior suite and took advantage of coastal kitchen so for the first time we did not utilize any speciality dining.  I also like the first itinerary just fine; both St Maarten & St Thomas (St John) are nice ports to walk around, shop, eat, drink.  They offer excursions beyond the beach. CocoCay - you can always opt to take advantage of the beaches or activities or enjoy a less crowded ship but it definitely offers more than Labadie.  

 

We're also in our mid-late 30s and Virgin is on our list to try.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices.  There's nothing like your first cruise. Enjoy!

[DCruisinlife]

9 minutes ago, RG306 said:

We often sail with a group of friends and family.  We have done so on Oasis class, Voyager class, Freedom class and in February will be doing the Odyssey (Quantum ultra class).  Oasis class tends to keep everyone happiest because of the variety in activities, dining, and most importantly calibre of entertainment.  There's a WOW factor every time you board. Having sailed the Wonder, we enjoyed it. We were in a junior suite and took advantage of coastal kitchen so for the first time we did not utilize any speciality dining.  I also like the first itinerary just fine; both St Maarten & St Thomas (St John) are nice ports to walk around, shop, eat, drink.  They offer excursions beyond the beach. CocoCay - you can always opt to take advantage of the beaches or activities or enjoy a less crowded ship but it definitely offers more than Labadie.  

 

We're also in our mid-late 30s and Virgin is on our list to try.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices.  There's nothing like your first cruise. Enjoy!

Thanks, RG; that's helpful to hear...sounds like I've narrowed it down to some good choices, as I hoped. Appreciate your perspective. Since you've done several different classes of Royal, is the WOW factor of Oasis ever diminished by the long lines/kids everywhere concern that I had or is it not that big a deal? Did your Voyager/Freedom experience ever feel like it fell short due to lack of amenities, wear/tear, etc? (now that you've been on newer ships that may color your perception, I realize)

[RG306]

Just now, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks, RG; that's helpful to hear...sounds like I've narrowed it down to some good choices, as I hoped. Appreciate your perspective. Since you've done several different classes of Royal, is the WOW factor of Oasis ever diminished by the long lines/kids everywhere concern that I had or is it not that big a deal? Did your Voyager/Freedom experience ever feel like it fell short due to lack of amenities, wear/tear, etc? (now that you've been on newer ships that may color your perception, I realize)

I find that the Oasis class does a good job at crowd and line mitigation. the neighbourhood concept and different activities happening at the same time helps. You only really notice it when shows are getting out that sort of thing.  I don't find kids to be too bad either but we tend to sail February-April and not usually over a holiday week.  We actually found our worst sailing for kids and crowds to be onboard Celebrity during March Break.  I loved the itinerary for that sailing and the group was less impressed and missed the bells and whistles offered by Royal.  I truly don't mind an older ship (my husband and I will be on the Jewel right after Odyssey) but I think it's about setting expectations and ensuring the group has all the information they need to take advantage of what's available to them.  i.e. reservations to shows (Oasis & Anthem class) and MDR, showing up early, don't over schedule but decide on must dos.  A little wear/tear and out of date furniture won't make or break your trip.  Freedom class has enough amenities to keep most people perfectly happy 🙂

[Jasukkie]

5 hours ago, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks, RG; that's helpful to hear...sounds like I've narrowed it down to some good choices, as I hoped. Appreciate your perspective. Since you've done several different classes of Royal, is the WOW factor of Oasis ever diminished by the long lines/kids everywhere concern that I had or is it not that big a deal? Did your Voyager/Freedom experience ever feel like it fell short due to lack of amenities, wear/tear, etc? (now that you've been on newer ships that may color your perception, I realize)

Oasis has some things that are pluses but if it were me and you were giving me a free cruise to pick it would be the Liberty one. There are plenty of bells and whistles and considering your group includes first time cruisers it will still seem pretty WOW.

 

My main complaint with Oasis class is that it's less sea focused. There is no promenade deck which is my favorite place to find peace and quiet and the sea. There is a partially enclosed running track so you can still use that but there are only a few chairs in the aft. The Windjammer is too small and frequently has lines to get in which you never see on other ships. There are other places to eat though which is nice. 

 

You may want to research more on CocoCay vs Labadee. I like both but they are different and some people have strong opinions. Bermuda and San Juan are both strong pluses for Liberty. Just a ton to choose from in either place and safe to explore on your own. Plus being able to leave from Bayonne takes away a lot of stress for your group. If you are coming from the same area, hire a van to transport you, the parking is ridiculous.

[irishgal432]

If you are doing freedom class make sure you check out the 2 bedroom GS options.  We had a group of 8 that had both Aft on deck 6 and opened up the partition and had a huge space.

[nelblu]

As you evaluate the different cruise lines, ships, itineraries, etc. remember that the ships themselves are a destination unto themselves.  IMO, the onboard activities are very important.  For instance, on the Oasis classes, (my favorite) I truly enjoy the Aqua and the Ice-Skating show, in addition to other entertainment venues and activities.

[DCruisinlife]

Thanks @Jasukkie for elaborating. Very helpful post; most advice I've gotten here and elsewhere seems to be a lean towards Liberty. Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

[firefly333]

3 minutes ago, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks @Jasukkie for elaborating. Very helpful post; most advice I've gotten here and elsewhere seems to be a lean towards Liberty. Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

Many on here cruise a lot. I doubt if many would ever say 9 days is too long. We would be looking at the before and after, can I make it a b2b. 

 

Leaving friday for a 14 day cruise. 

 

Even though I personally prefer newer ships, I'd take liberty 9 day since you say more people can easily get to that departure port. Being able to drive to port would be a huge factor for me.

[nelblu]

7 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Being able to drive to port would be a huge factor for me

I have the same feeling as it takes me 25 minutes from terminal to my house.  However, the itineraries from Bayonne have become quite stale.  I saw a sail out of Galveston on Harmony and with the price being right, even with the cost of the airfare. chose it.  My sail was in early December.  I had such a good experience that I booked a similar cruise for December, '24.  The only downside to my experience was seated at a table for 10 and only 4 single males for the entire week.  The only clue is that each was Prime or higher Casino rank.

 

I usually sail solo, and this was the first time that I wasn't seated with couples or mixed genders.  Last February on Anthem I was seated with 5 ladies.😜

[Another_Critic]

34 minutes ago, DCruisinlife said:

 Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

9 nights might be too short.  😄  IMO, 7 nights is too short.

 

2021: 7 (Oasis), 7 (Anthem), 9 (Anthem)

2022: 8 (Enchantment), 11 (Anthem), 14 (Voyager)

2023: 11 (Anthem), 9 (Liberty), 15 (Anthem)

2024: 14 (Oasis), 14 (Odyssey) 

[SbbquilterUT]

Consider - longer cruise should mean fewer kids if that matters (it does for us so we steer away from giant amusement park ships).  May is lovely in the caribbean - sailing from NYC you will have cooler day starting and perhaps ending.  Bermuda is one of my favorite ports in the Atlantic sailings and a great place to explore on your own.  

[Jasukkie]

48 minutes ago, DCruisinlife said:

Thanks @Jasukkie for elaborating. Very helpful post; most advice I've gotten here and elsewhere seems to be a lean towards Liberty. Any thoughts on nine nights being too long or just fine?

Agreed, you are asking the wrong people lol. I would have done the world cruise if I were retired. That said, I do know people who are ready to leave by day seven. I wouldn't think two days is a deal breaker though. 

[DCruisinlife]

4 hours ago, SbbquilterUT said:

Consider - longer cruise should mean fewer kids if that matters (it does for us so we steer away from giant amusement park ships).  May is lovely in the caribbean - sailing from NYC you will have cooler day starting and perhaps ending.  Bermuda is one of my favorite ports in the Atlantic sailings and a great place to explore on your own.  

That makes sense re: fewer kids on longer journeys; I had heard that. Plus early May, many of them won't be out of school yet. Appreciate it.

[DCruisinlife]

@Another_Critic point taken on duration. Since you've done several different classes, your thoughts on Liberty vs. the newer ships then? Your point about suites notwithstanding.

[Jasukkie]

How about Symphony out of Bayonne this May? Seven night sailings, and a quick check shows balconies for MUCH less than the 9 nights on Liberty. Gives you the big ship experience and no flying down to FL. The ports might be an issue but if you haven't been a frequent cruiser then maybe they won't seem as boring. 

[DCruisinlife]

@Jasukkie Thanks, yes, I saw that one and it is in the running. I was trying to limit my post here the best I could 🙂 That said, it is probably running last given that one of the ports is Port Canaveral, which seems like a bit of a waste to me though I'm sure I'd enjoy KSC. Thanks for the thought though.

[Another_Critic]

1 hour ago, DCruisinlife said:

@Another_Critic point taken on duration. Since you've done several different classes, your thoughts on Liberty vs. the newer ships then? Your point about suites notwithstanding.

 

I like the smaller ships (Vision and Radiance class), since I like to relax on a cruise.  But, Voyager and Freedom class are probably my top choice.  Quantum class is nice, but after 9 times it's getting too routine.  I've only been on Oasis class (Oasis) once, and that was in the early restart when it was only 55-60% full.

 

That doesn't really answer your question, but ship preference is a personal decision.

[fla33023]

I wouldn't choose Liberty as there's not a Playmakers, Izumi or poolside eats like El Loco Fresh or Fish & Ships. But as new cruisers, you wouldn't miss those things! 7 days is the bare minimum. I prefer 9 or 10 as you need days to do all the things and then days to do nothing. I also like the Freestyle machines because of all the Vitamin Water flavors and Freedom doesn't have any. If you want to knock first-time cruisers socks off, I would choose Wonder! I'd also look into VV. A friend of mine recently went and had an amazing time. She's in the 50+ crowd. She loved that there weren't any kids on the ship. She felt it made a big difference. Whichever your group decides, I hope you have an amazing time!

[DCruisinlife]

25 minutes ago, fla33023 said:

I wouldn't choose Liberty as there's not a Playmakers, Izumi or poolside eats like El Loco Fresh or Fish & Ships. But as new cruisers, you wouldn't miss those things! 7 days is the bare minimum. I prefer 9 or 10 as you need days to do all the things and then days to do nothing. I also like the Freestyle machines because of all the Vitamin Water flavors and Freedom doesn't have any. If you want to knock first-time cruisers socks off, I would choose Wonder! I'd also look into VV. A friend of mine recently went and had an amazing time. She's in the 50+ crowd. She loved that there weren't any kids on the ship. She felt it made a big difference. Whichever your group decides, I hope you have an amazing time!

I appreciate the plug for Wonder. It was leaning heavily the other way. It gives me more to think about. I trust we'll have a great time no matter which we end up choosing!