Best ship for a first timer on RCI?

[newcruiser30]

My husband and I are planning a Western Caribbean cruise on RCI this spring. This will be our first cruise ever and we are trying to decide which ship is the best for our first trip. What are your opinions? We are adventerous people who enjoy lots to do and see as well as lot of variety. DH really wants to take the Grandeur of the Seas ship because he found the trip at an awesome price, but I am reluctant because it's an old, small ship with several poor reviews. What do you think of this ship specifically and what are your opinions on the best ship for a first-timer?

 

Thank you for your advice!!

[silentbob007]

The Grandeur is a smaller, older ship without the bells and whisltes. However, I have really enjoyed sailing on her even without the skating rink, basketball court, etc. I guess it depends what you mean by adventurous ... there's still a rockwall onboard, and she will still take you to the same places where you can do excursions. I guess it really comes down to how you want to spend your on-ship time.

[tiba99]

I have been cruising since 2004 and I had a wonderful time on the Freedom of the sea's.

[PirateGal]

Our first cruise ever was the Mariner of the Seas and we were instantly hooked! I'd recommend a newer and bigger ship because you really get that wow effect when you pull up at the port. We chose the Mariner at the time because of the itinerary (Western Caribbean). Since the Mariner, we've also been on the Carnival Liberty, also a nice ship but we were glad the Mariner was our first!

[cruzanguy1]

Our first cruise ever was the Mariner of the Seas and we were instantly hooked! I'd recommend a newer and bigger ship because you really get that wow effect when you pull up at the port. We chose the Mariner at the time because of the itinerary (Western Caribbean). Since the Mariner, we've also been on the Carnival Liberty, also a nice ship but we were glad the Mariner was our first!

 

 

I agree!! go with the Mariner!!! it was second cruise and is still one of my favorite ships!! has everything that you need!!!! :)

[TravelerThom]

I agree!! go with the Mariner!!! it was second cruise and is still one of my favorite ships!! has everything that you need!!!! :)

Unfortunately OP asked about Caribbean cruises and Mariner has done its LAST Caribbean cruise [at least for some years] and is currently going "Around the [Cape] Horn" to California. It is too big for the current Panama Canal and will not be back this way for a long time.

[jtwisconsin]

Navigator is currently doing the Western Caribbean cruises as well. I know it will be more expensive, but I think for a first cruise it would be a better choice.

 

JMHO. :cool:

[MuncieCruisers]

My first cruise was on Explorer in 2002. It was a newer ship with all the bells and whistles. I have to say, it has been my comparison ship for Celebrity, Carnival, and other RCI ships.

 

I would go on a newer ship if you like the latest greatest. It is kind of like Vegas. You can stay at a newer hotel with all the amenities and extras or you can go with a classic like the Flamingo, etc... that is decent, but sometimes you can tell it has been around awhile. I love thge Flamingo, but some of the other places were pretty nice also.

 

If you have any inkling that someone could get sea sick, the newer ships are better. My mom has a disease that leads to dizziness and nausea. She did great on a newer Celebrity ship in 2003.

[SomeBeach]

Whatever ship you choose will be the best ship for a first cruise! :D

 

When I first started cruising, all the ships were small, without all the amenities the larger ships offer now. It was a wonderful experience and one that has kept me cruising since the 70's. For me, it's not about the ship itself, it's about the people I meet, the ports I visit, and just the plain fact I am out on the seas. Any day on a ship is better than a day on land.

 

 

[CruisersfromMD]

I have been on several Voyager class ships and on the Liberty of the Seas. The only bad thing about going on one of the "bigger" ships is what is what you will always expect and want. Not that it is a bad thing, but you really get spoiled on the newer ships.

 

I know the Liberty of the Seas does a Western route which looks good.

 

Most likely you will find cheaper or less expensive prices on the smaller and older ships.

 

I guess it depends on what amenities you want while on the ship.

 

Good luck.

 

 

My husband and I are planning a Western Caribbean cruise on RCI this spring. This will be our first cruise ever and we are trying to decide which ship is the best for our first trip. What are your opinions? We are adventerous people who enjoy lots to do and see as well as lot of variety. DH really wants to take the Grandeur of the Seas ship because he found the trip at an awesome price, but I am reluctant because it's an old, small ship with several poor reviews. What do you think of this ship specifically and what are your opinions on the best ship for a first-timer?

 

Thank you for your advice!!

[berman947]

I would vote for the Enchantment of the Seas!

[I'm on holiday]

Are you within driving distance to any major port? Are you able to sail during "nonpeak" times? If you are able to answer yes to these questions, then you are in good shape to get a great deal, and perhaps avoid paying airfare. Having said that, I would recommend either a Voyager or Freedom class ship. Newer, larger, and more bells and whistles!

[cb at sea]

Since you'll have nothing to compare it to, you'll be impressed no matter WHICH ship you choose! The 1st cruise is always special!

[broberts]

Price is usually a good barometer of the popularity of any given cruise. Not always, but usually. If you've found a very good price on a particular cruise, especially compared with similar routes on the same line, then it is reasonable to conclude that the cruise is not selling as well as others. This doesn't by any means indicate that you should avoid the cruise, it just means that fewer people are attracted to the itinerary and/or ship and/or time frame. It may be that the ship has some issues. Member reviews can help decide that. It may simply be that the itinerary is less attractive - given the current economic conditions even reasonably good routes may be suffering from a lack of interest.

 

My advice would be to pick a cruise that is at a comfortable price point and which has an appealing itinerary. When all is said and done, while some ships, lines, itineraries will suit you better than others, for a first cruise the differences should not be that significant.

[xpcdoojk]

Whatever ship you choose will be the best ship for a first cruise! :D

 

When I first started cruising, all the ships were small, without all the amenities the larger ships offer now. It was a wonderful experience and one that has kept me cruising since the 70's. For me, it's not about the ship itself, it's about the people I meet, the ports I visit, and just the plain fact I am out on the seas. Any day on a ship is better than a day on land.

 

 

 

I agree, I think that the nice thing about not taking the latest and greatest ship for a first cruise is that you save a bit of money, and have a great experience, and then the next time you have something to look forward to on the next sailing. A lot of people prefer the smaller ships, and remember it wasn't that long ago when a ship like the Grandeur would be the largest cruiseship afloat.

 

jc

[CGTNORMANDIE]

My husband and I are planning a Western Caribbean cruise on RCI this spring. This will be our first cruise ever and we are trying to decide which ship is the best for our first trip. What are your opinions? We are adventerous people who enjoy lots to do and see as well as lot of variety. DH really wants to take the Grandeur of the Seas ship because he found the trip at an awesome price, but I am reluctant because it's an old, small ship with several poor reviews. What do you think of this ship specifically and what are your opinions on the best ship for a first-timer?

 

Thank you for your advice!!

 

Are you traveling with kids???...I did not think so but it is important to ask because that makes things different and would yield a different answer to your question. If you want a good Western itinerary...for 7 days...with a high activity level I would say that your choices are fairly limited at this point...for the best prices and the best ships. I would probably say...THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAS and THE LIBERTY OF THE SEAS...have some good prices in March. You will want to avoid Spring Break by all means.

[newcruiser30]

Thank you for all of your advice!! It has been really helpful so far. Little more info: We have no children, just DH and I (in our early 30's), we were hoping to go in April, but have since realized spring break is then, so we now are looking at March instead; as you all suggested. I am leaning more toward a trip aboard the Navigator or one of the other 'middle of the line' ships. Seems like we might be able to get several bells and whistles but not the 'all out' of the Independance. We live in Michigan, so we'll have to fly in to port, unfortunately.

Our idea of 'adventurous' is the zip line, cave tubing, rock wall climbing, swiming with stingrays/dolphins.

[My2Kitties]

I loved every ship I was on...the Sovereign hooked us...then Enchantment was 2nd & 3rd...today I would have to say the Radiance class is my favorite and my DH says Voyager class is his...

I am actually go back on the 4-night in Feb...the first cruise we took...only as a girls cruise with my DD...I know Majrsty is the smallest but I am going to see if I still have the same love for the small ship after going on the others...

 

which ever you choose will be fun...

[austinlw]

My first cruise was on a western Caribbean 7 day Enchantment (pre-extension) cruise out of Ft Lauderdale in May 2000. My wife had been on 1 short Carnival cruise to the Bahamas previously and she had so much fun, I decided I was ready for a cruise. I had always been a plan it yourself, camping, semi-roughing it type of traveler and had no interest in being pampered on some fancy-schmancy ship.

 

When I stepped on that ship I was STUNNED. It was gorgeous. A waiter was there to hand me a delicious drink. Leaving the port with the calypso band playing by the pool, the cruise director told us we could relax and let our hair down because "you'll never, ever see these people again."

 

I was still slightly frazzled from the travel, the boarding process, and the delay in getting our luggage as we went to dinner. The waiter and assistant waiter were right there to pour water, serve us bread, and hand us menus full of tempting food. As the waiter laid the napkin across my lap, I remember thinking and saying, "You know, I can get used to this..."

 

And I did. We have since been on 3 more cruises (1 Grand Princess, 1 RC Rhapsody, and 1 Carnival Conquest - all out of Galveston because it's so convenient and inexpensive for us) and will be on RC Voyager out of Galveston week after next. Needless to say I love it and already have future cruises planned in my head..

 

The point is, it doesn't matter so much what your first RC ship is. You'll love your first cruise. We still compare every cruise to that fantastic RC Enchantment cruise. So far the closest overall, was RC Rhapsody 2 years ago, even though there were a few things we liked better about Grand Princess (production shows, casino, stateroom). We just really love the fun and friendly service on RC and we're really looking forward to our upcoming trip on Voyager.

 

By the way, Grandeur was originally a twin of Enchantment (pre-extension), and if they have maintained and improved it over the years, which they generally do, I'm sure it will be well worth the money - particularly if you got a good price. I say, if you have a good deal, do it!:)

[TravelerThom]

Price is usually a good barometer of the popularity of any given cruise. Not always, but usually. If you've found a very good price on a particular cruise, especially compared with similar routes on the same line, then it is reasonable to conclude that the cruise is not selling as well as others. This doesn't by any means indicate that you should avoid the cruise, it just means that fewer people are attracted to the itinerary and/or ship and/or time frame. It may be that the ship has some issues. Member reviews can help decide that. It may simply be that the itinerary is less attractive - given the current economic conditions even reasonably good routes may be suffering from a lack of interest.

 

My advice would be to pick a cruise that is at a comfortable price point and which has an appealing itinerary. When all is said and done, while some ships, lines, itineraries will suit you better than others, for a first cruise the differences should not be that significant.

As far as cruising goes OP is in luck NOT being tied to school holidays [OP said they had no children]. Pricing and demographics are heavily influenced by school holidays. Personally I prefer cheaper prices with a few kids, as opposed to the often significantly higher prices and a thousand (yes, 1000) kids that can be on a large ship during school breaks - kids are nice, kids are fun, but IMO a thousand can be pretty overwhelming. Also note that short weekend cruises can be pretty party intensive, so decide if that is what you want (a party full of drunks can be great fun if you are one of them, if you are not one of them it is just loud and messy). The last major influence on demographics is length of cruise; once you get over a week the number of kids plummets and the average age goes up, but there can be some great bargains in longer cruises [last January we had a choice of a 7 night cruise in Hawaii starting at $1000pp, or a 10 night cruise starting at $800pp, or an 11 night cruise starting at $650pp - we grabbed the 11 nighter which obviously was in low demand, and not surprisingly that cruise is no longer offered]. There are no perfect cruises or ships out there, but almost all of them are great unless you choose to make it otherwise. Enjoy!

[cmich068]

Grandeur of the Seas is a beautiful ship. As a first-time cruiser, I have no doubts you will enjoy it.

 

However, if you really want the WOW factor, a voyager or freedom class ship will do it for you.... I specifically recommend Navigator or Mariner.... the older Voyager's don't have as many amenities and Freedom class may seem overwhelming.

[Shoreline23]

You may also want to consider a larger ship such as a Voyager class (like the Navigator) or a Freedom class ship as you will feel less movement. Consider a cabin in the center of the ship and at a lower level for the least movement.

 

For excitement and overall enjoyment with the "wow" factor I would recomment the larger class ship - If necessary, you may want to put off your first cruise for a few months until you can afford the larger ship. You won't be disappointed.

 

Enjoy.

[jacksmom09]

We loved Mariner! But we will be on Freedom in April and are really excited! :D I have done lots of research and Freedom looks great!:)

[chickaroonie]

Grandeur was our first cruise last yr....We enjoyed it & are taking our DD for her first cruise Jan 19....on Grandeur. We are probably not as adventurous as OP... if you've never been on a cruise ship...I think it's hard to recognize an "old" ship if maintenance is properly done.:rolleyes:

[phill369]

I vote for any of the Voyager class ships! I've been on the Navigator, Explorer & Adventure and love them all! I'd like to try the bigger Freedom or Liberty, but only in the off-season as my parents said the Freedom was kids-crazy last spring break, and it was a little too much for them.