Norwegian Spirit vs. Carnival Fantasy?

[Miko]

hi, we are planning to go on a cruise in Aug 2006, i have selected 2 cruise lines: norwegian and carnival and need advice which one to choose.

 

Norwegian spirit sails on Aug 27 2006 from New York for 6 days to Bahamas and Florida, going to Port carnival, FL; Nassau, Bahamas; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Good thing is that it still has balcony cabins available and has good reviews overall, dont know its' negative sides.

 

Carnival Fantasy sails on Aug 24 2006 from Orlando, FL for 4 days to Bahamas, visiting Half Moon Cay and Nassau. I've heard that Carnival cruise lines are called fun ships with excellent entertainment and a lot to do onboard, however this ship is smaller comparing to other carnival ships and older according to the reviews of others.

 

We are first time cruisers and will be bringing our 6 months old son with us. Can anyone help to choose between these two? We are not much interested in night shows and entertainment but would love to see daytime shows, conserts, live music and hit the casino. Is it better to book excursions through the cruise line ahead of time or buy them onshore or from somewhere else?

thanks!

[Mark]

You always go with a new ship over an old ship especially when the old ship belongs to Carnival. With this choice, there is no doubt in my mind I would go on the NCL Spirit...by the way, I am not anti Carnival...I just returned from the Carnival Legend and had a great time!:cool:

[ratherBcruizin']

I have been on both but the Fantasy was quite a while ago so probably not relevant to today. However we loved the Spirit. It's a beautiful ship. Since you'll be traveling with your young child I would most definitely go with the Spirit since you can get a balcony. It's great to have someplace to hang out while your child sleeps. That alone would make the decision for me. Also on NCL you'll have more options for dinner since they have freestyle dining. Plus it's 6 days compared to four!

[Miko]

thanks for your responses. I actually liked Spirit more but was doubting which one works for us, will book Spirit now.

[Cruiser from MN]

You always go with a new ship over an old ship especially when the old ship belongs to Carnival. With this choice, there is no doubt in my mind I would go on the NCL Spirit...by the way, I am not anti Carnival...I just returned from the Carnival Legend and had a great time!:cool:

 

I agree with Mark...

[cvrap]

I'm not sure about Norwegian, but if you're wanting babysitting, you might need to check that. I picked Carnival over Royal Caribbean because Carnival had group sitting. RC, you paid for someone to come to your cabin (individual) and I just didn't feel comfortable with that.

[Twaincruisers]

We did a 9-night on the Norwegian Spirit and really enjoyed the ship. Food and service are always hit and miss, however, on NCL...wish it was part of almost any other cruiseline!