Which is better?

[gj953]

I'm trying to decide between RCCL Serenade of the Seas leaving San Juan, Puerto Rico;Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Johns, Antigua;Castries, St. Lucia;Bridgetown, Barbados; San Juan, Puerto Rico on 11/11

vs

on 11/12 Adventure of the Seas San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten;Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas;San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

I haven't read up much on Aruba or Curacao yet... I did like the 11/11 itinerary, since I've heard a lot about St. Lucia.

 

Anyone have comments on the differences between the two routes, or would give me any background info on the differences between the two? Or any background info on Aruba/Curacao - reading in the ports of call now on them.

 

-GJ

[barbarah33]

Aruba is one of my favorite Caribbean islands to go to for a week's vacation. It's very flat and hot - with a lovely breeze that constantly blows. In the past 20 years it has become rather 'Americanized' with chain restaurants, etc but still, I enjoy it. They do have a small oil refinery on the other side of island from where a cruise ship docks but other than that literally their only business is tourism! They welcome tourists and the locals really do go out of their way to make you happy. Anyone growing up in Aruba is taught to speak FOUR languages though English is the most common and official.

 

They are a Dutch island so you will see the Dutch cheeses, china, etc. Those little pastel houses that you see in postcards, etc are in the center of town and yes, they really do exist. They do have gambling so if casinos are your thing you'll find them not only in the hotels but in the downtown area as well - and I find them to be nicer than those you see in say St. Martin. Really it's all about relaxing and enjoying the sun. I have taken a cruise there and it's a nice way to get a sneak peak at the island to see if you would like to go back again for a longer vacation. :cool:

 

(Yes, I have also been to St. Lucia both on a cruise ship and for a week long vacation as well. The two islands are quite different and I enjoyed both but Aruba is my favorite.)

[caviargal]

I do not like Aruba. I feel it is very Americanized and I would prefer Miami Beach as it is prettier. Who wants a bunch of high rises and American chains in the Caribbean?

 

Curacao is charming and I do enjoy it there.

 

St. Lucia is an island I visit for land based vacations and I love it there so that is my personal preference.

 

Re the two ships, I have done that route and much prefer Serenade. The ship is a beauty, it is not as crowded as AOS and it seems to attract fewer kids.

[wrp96]

I'll add that the Serenade route is amazing, because the Captain will sail you to the Pitons after you've left Castries, St. Lucia and then will do a 360 degree turn so that everyone can see. Plus on the last sea day back, they will tell you about all the islands you are passing.

[Sheffie]

I completely agree w/ Wrona and Caviargal about the Serenade. I love the ship and the itinerary. Also, since you return to port on a Saturday, you have Sunday to unwind back at home before you have to return to work. (eek!)

[Ocean Boy]

I struggled with the same question last year and finally decided on Serenade and the Barbados route. It was a great cruise. The islands a great and Serenade is a beautiful ship. I had no regrets about choosing that cruise. I do like to have two sea days but at least the sea day was the last day and it is a chance to relax before the cruise ends. I also prefer Saturday-Saturday sailings.

 

That being said, today I booked Adventure and her Aruba route for this coming March. I am looking forward to being back on a Voyager class ship and first time visits for us to both Aruba and Curacao. I'm sure you will enjoy which ever ship and route you choose. And which ever one you don't choose could always be your next cruise!

[SimplyAddicted]

I will be on the Serenade the week of 11/11. I have been to St. Thomas, St. Marteen, and Barbados already, but it is almost impossible to not hit places that I have already been to on a Caribbean itinerary. I loved all of those places and I wanted to pick an extremely high rated ship to make my experience that much better. I am looking forward to St. Lucia and Antigua. I am glad that I made the right choice!

 

If you do end up booking the Serenade on 11/11, let me know. We can pump each other up about our trip!!

[Nliedel]

My take: I do not cruise for the ports. The ports are wonderful, but they can be a miss on occasion. If you're married to a particular port you can take a land vacation there.

 

You have two very different ships in this case. Look at their amenities and read reviews and decide that way.

[golfer1966]

We loved the Serenade cruise you mention. We loved it so much, we rebooked the same cruise for March in 07. The other post was correct about the captain doing a 360 at the Pitons and talking about other islands, but they also go by Monserrat. An abandoned volcanic island. Just scientists there now. Pretty cool....

I'd still like to do the Aruba cruise too though...I hear its nice, but my DW wanted to go to Barbados and we were glad we did. The other ports were great too, but we liked it there the best.

[RDeagazio]

Serenade gets my vote as well. I like the ship design much better with all the glass, and the itinerary is much more to my liking.