Victory v. Navigator

[hopebh]

I am currently holding reservations for a 5 day cruise on RCCL Navigator of the Seas (12/17) and a 7 day cruise on Carnival Victory (12/09) and I can’t decide which one to cancel. We (my mother, husband, 15 year old son and me) go on an annual cruise every December.

Which would you choose?

[sailingawaysoon]

I don't know anything about the Carnival ship, but I was on the Navigator last year and it was an awesome ship! There was so much to do...ice skating, roller blading, casino, several pools, a huge promenade for shopping and shows. My prior cruise experience had been on smaller ships....we just fell in love w/the Navigator. One of my favorite ships! Good luck deciding...regardless of what you choose, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time!

[Chan_T]

What is the itinerary for each? Are any of you interested in the activities (rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course, ice-skating rink, etc.) only offered on the Navigator of the Seas?

[hdawson]

The Navigator is an amazing vessel.

[hopebh]

What is the itinerary for each? Are any of you interested in the activities (rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course, ice-skating rink, etc.) only offered on the Navigator of the Seas?

 

The Navigator is going to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize

The Victory is going to San Juan, Puerto Rico ; St. Thomas, USVI ; St. Maarten, NA

 

We really aren't that interested in the different activites of ther that the fact that my son learned to roller blade so that he could do it on the ship.

I'm a little torn about the different alternative restaurants on the Navigator. On one hand Victory does not have the different options but on the other hand we don't cruise for the food and we are fortunate enough to have a Jonny Rockets and Chops less than two miles from our house.

I guess my question is would you rather go on a 5 day cruise on a really "nice" ship or 7 days on a "not so nice" ship?

[TennisLover]

First of all - I'd go with a 7 day cruise over a 5 day cruise anytime.

 

I've been on both Victory and Navigator. The Victory (same itin as yours) was my first cruise and I was hooked.

 

I liked the Carnival entertainment (and food) better. I couldn't get a reservation in Portofino on Navigator when we wanted it (and we tried to make the reservation when we got on board). I like the fact that when you walk through the promenade on Victory, you can see the water. The Navigator has a beautiful promenade but it is like a mall (depends on what you like).

 

You will have a good time on both. While my personal preference remains with Carnival, I would, hands down, opt for the longer cruise.

[sjohnson529]

I would take the Eastern route, only because I love that itinerary. One questions, what makes Victory "not so nice?"

[loops]

My family is booked on the 12/09 Victory Cruise.

 

I was ready to book a 4-5 nighter but my husband said it wasn't long enough and said book a 7 nighter....and I said sure honey.

 

Did you know Victory is going in drydock Oct. 21-Nov. 3?

[yogimax]

Been on Victory as well as Voyager Class ships.

 

The Victory is a fine ship, but cannot compare with a Voyager Class ship. To call the Royal Promenade "a mall" is a poor description to say the least. The parades are great, the Promenade cafe a gem! In addition, you have the wonderful ice skating shows. Want to see a live triple jump performed on a moving ship? You will.

 

If both cruises were the same number of days, it would be an easy decision for Navigator.

 

The two extra days do come into play, however, and if you do choose Victory, you will not be disappointed!

[eastexascruiser]

I, too, would take a 7 day over 5 day anytime, if given the option. 5 days can be so rushed. I sailed RC once, on Rhapsody - an older ship, and loved it. However, I haven't been able to convince myself that RC is so much better than Carnival that it is worth paying the extra $$ for. I know that RC has a lot of onboard extras (rock-climbing walls, skating, etc), but we aren't really into all that. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but not worth 100's of dollars more per person.

 

I guess you need to decide what is most important to you - the itinerary, onboard activities, etc & see which ship comes out on top! Either way, enjoy your cruise!

[hopebh]

I would take the Eastern route, only because I love that itinerary. One questions, what makes Victory "not so nice?"

 

There appears to be a lot more things to do on the Nav compared to the Victory, especially for my 15 year old son. It appears that most people think of the Navigator as a "nicer" ship.

[hopebh]

My family is booked on the 12/09 Victory Cruise.

 

I was ready to book a 4-5 nighter but my husband said it wasn't long enough and said book a 7 nighter....and I said sure honey.

 

Did you know Victory is going in drydock Oct. 21-Nov. 3?

 

Yes I did. That was actually a deciding factor in me actually booking this ship. My hubby doesn't care one way or the other.

Is there a roll call set up yet?

[Ms. Fun Bunch]

I would take a 7 day cruise over a 5 day cruise anytime, no matter what ship.

[loops]

Yes, there is a roll call for the Victory 12/09 cruise.

 

Good luck with your decision.

[dixiediva761]

We sailed on Voyager of the Seas and I agree with Tennislover that it seems like a mall and not a ship, my husband did not like it at all. We prefer the smaller ships actually but they seem to be heading in the other direction with the newer ships. RCCL offers a nice product, as does Carnival and their service etc is good and the one thing I think they have over Carnival is the room service menu at dinner, they offer 3 or 4 things from the dining room menu each night which for us was great as we didn't want to do the dress up thing that cruise and did not eat in the dining room. We are currently booked on the Victory in May of 08 and are looking forward to it. It really is all about what appeals to each individual but hands down 7 days wins over 5 for me ;) . Whatever you decide enjoy!

[hopebh]

Thanks for all of your help. I think that we are going to cancel the RCCL reservation.

[grammyandpoppy]

This Navigator is special. I would not pass up a cruise on her for the Victory. In my humble opinion, there is no comparison. We love the Spirit class ships and I could see possibly passing up the Navigator, but never for the Victory.