Turtle05

Ruby and Emerald are sister ship and identical.

 

I would pick the Coral, less passengers.

Does the Coral have as much to do as the others? I've never been bothered by the number of passengers, but it's also never caused me to have to wait a really long time for something, so I might sing a different tune if that ever happens on a cruise.

Hello. I am in the early stages of planning an Alaskan cruise. I've primarily sailed Royal, though I've been on one NCL cruise. I've sailed the Majesty, which I believe is Royal's oldest ship, and the Allure, which at the time was the newest, and a couple I'm between. I have heard Princess does Alaska best, so I am mostly leaning towards Princess, with one NCL and one Carnival itinerary still in the running.

I do understand that Alaskan cruises are about Alaska and not the ship, but I still want to have quite a bit to do on board. With just ship in mind, Ruby is largest, followed by Emerald, Star, and Coral. A lot of people seem to really love the Coral. Since we haven't nailed down whether or not we will be doing a land tour or not, the itineraries still in the running are both round trip and N/S bound. If we do decide to do a land tour, that leaves just the Coral and Star. Can I get opinions of the on board atmosphere and activities for these ships? Thanks. 😊

I agree, going on a big new ship as a first cruise is a kind of mistake. My first cruise was the Allure three years ago, and I can't accept anything lower than that now.

Well unfortunately he will have to because we are planning an Alaskan cruise for next year, and all the ships there are significantly smaller.

Ugh, so sorry I thought Brilliance was a Voyager class ship. Since I now see that it is Radiance class, I would personally choose the Indy. However, I've never been on a Radiance class ship. I know people that love them, but for me, I like all the added amenities of a larger ship. 😀

Oh, and nitpicking after the fact about how the OP should have handled certain things, like the rude porter and the dirty room, is irrelevant. It's already done, and you weren't there to advise at the time. Regardless of what a porter makes, his behavior was unprofessional and inappropriate. Let's really not get into how $40k is a low amount to handle bags, while a new police officer averages $30k where I live.

I think the soap has valid points, and I think people should be a little more empathetic versus saying "get over it." Particularly, the OP stated he saved a lot for this trip. While he doesn't indicate what "a lot" is, I think most people can agree that amount varies depending on how much a person makes and spends typically. Without knowing what he and his wife do for a living (and I would never ever ask, not my business), I will go with the assumption that whether they were staying in a Royal suite or an inside cabin, this was a lot of money to them, and they probably used a good chunk of vacation time, and they did experience a series of unfortunate events that I would agree might make me say "never again." I'm loyal to Royal, and I've never had a bad cruise, but I have had experiences in my life that make me say "never again."

For me, I've always had jobs where my max time off at any given time is one week, so if I spent all my vacation money and used as much as I could at once and got little joy out of it, I would be very upset, too. Everyone has different things that bother them. Some people have more than others, but I don't feel like this is the case here.

Yes I'm sorry to disappoint, but I too had an amazing time on the Allure a couple years ago. I made the mistake of taking DH on it for his first cruise, so he may be sad that future cruises, unless they are on even newer ships, are not the same. He loved the flow rider (I loved the fact that there are two, typically one devoted to boogie boarding and one to stand up surfing), and we both actually loved the size and many different areas of the ship. It has the official promenade like most RCI ships, but it also has the carnival-like boardwalk area and the quiet and quaint Central Park. The shows were fantastic as well.

As far as cruise complaints in general, if I see a lot of recent low ratings on a particular ship, then I probably won't go on it, but typically ships get ok to great reviews with the few complainers out there. I feel like some people can have a terrible time anywhere, some can have a great time anywhere, and then there is everything in between. I have seen reviews that make me say "yeah, if my cruise went that way, I'd probably have a bad time, too." Things that I think have the potential to ruin my vacation: lost luggage, illness (particularly if it occurs on board, like Noro virus), and of course any series of unfortunate events. Sometimes many small things just add up and make for an overall negative experience.

I haven't been on these particular ships, but I've been on similar ships, Voyager and Liberty. They are both great. I think it would depend on what you guys want to do. The additional amenities aboard the Indy (i.e. the flow rider) may pull kids away from other areas, such as the hot tubs. I would say don't worry about the kids. I say that, but I worry about the kids every time I cruise because I am in my thirties with not kids, so while I don't want to travel on ships that typically have an "older" age range, I also don't want a lot of kids around. I've never had a problem with the kids on board, but it could probably happen on any ship. Actually, the coolest group of adults I ever met on a cruise was on the Liberty. I had an amazing group of table mates that I actually kept in contact with afterwards.

So with all that being said, I would pick the ship with amenities and/or staterooms that appeal the most to you. If I could have a bigger room for the same price on one ship over another or the same room for a lower price, I would choose that. Both ships are nice and big, and I don't think you will get bored on a 5 day cruise on either one.

 

I am a planner. My family affectionately calls me their personal cruise director. Needless to say, I booked all of our dinner and show reservations as soon as I could do it online.

OMG yes this was my favorite thing about going on the Allure. Like RCI was thinking of people like us when they came up with that...

Yes, please cancel. Lots of cancellations should drive down the prices for the rest of us. :D

I was just thinking the same thing!

[On my last RCI cruise (Allure, about two years ago), we were able to book all shows, spa appointments, and specialty dining ahead of time online. That's a big deal to me because it eases my anxieties when I worry about getting to do everything I want to do when I want to do it. It was a little more crucial for that particular cruise given the size of the ship though. ]

 

Interesting. To us, having to book everything way in advance, without knowing what we might be getting, was a minus for us.

 

That said, the Broadway style show ("Cats") that we saw on our last RCI cruise was amazing and of high quality. Keep in mind, we are from a city that is used to high quality theatre, and our trip on the Oasis had amazing entertainment. Everyone should try the Oasis class at least once!!

 

Still.... overall.... our favorite is still Princess.

I get that, and on a ship with less going on I might go that way, but I wanted to see all the shows so I actually had a little schedule I made before booking online to make sure I could get everything when I wanted it. I would love to see Cats on the Oasis! They were showing Hairspray when I booked, which was why I chose the Allure because Chicago appealed to me more.

Sail on all. All good. Princess is my preferred. What would make Princess tops:

 

1)Better entertainment, actual Broadway shows vs. staid cookie cutter dance reviews. (See NCL, RCI). This IMHO is Princess biggest weakness-entertainment

 

2) More and better specialty dining vs the same Sabatinis and Crown on every ship. More selection and variety. (RCI, NCL)

 

3) Ability to make online reservations ahead of sailing for Sanctuary, Specialty, Anytime Dining, excursions, Spa services(NCL)

 

4) I would pay $x for the length of the cruise for a reserved lounge chair, be it poolside or Promenade( HAL Veranda rooms)

On my last RCI cruise (Allure, about two years ago), we were able to book all shows, spa appointments, and specialty dining ahead of time online. That's a big deal to me because it eases my anxieties when I worry about getting to do everything I want to do when I want to do it. It was a little more crucial for that particular cruise given the size of the ship though.

Anyways, my .02 on this thread: I haven't done Carnival or Princess so far, and it's unlikely I'll ever do Carnival unless it's some sort of group thing and that's the consensus. I am strongly considering Princess for Alaska primarily because I've heard such good things about their Alaskan cruises but also because they cruise Glacier Bay. In general I think Princess is going to be too slow going for DH and I, who are very active, but I feel like Alaskan cruises across the board have less going on while on board. Even RCI and Carnival have their older ships sailing Alaska. While I haven't been on many cruises (5 total, 4 RCI 1 NCL), I've been on a variety of ships (Majesty, Voyager, Liberty, Allure, and NCL Sun). I've never had an issue with food on any of those, but the Majesty was a snooze as far as activities on board, and the Sun didn't have much going on either. With all that being said, I am looking hardest at Princess's biggest ships in Alaska (Ruby, Emerald, Star, in that order). I think each person has to determine what is most important. Carnival is least expensive, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. That's certainly not a dig on anyone who chooses Carnival because a "budget" cruise is still better than none at all, and if additional space is important to you, obviously it would probably be worth it to spring for a bigger room on Carnival than an inside room on another line. Obviously if you want a lot to do on board, Carnival and RCI are probably the best, and NCL has stepped it up on their newer ships. If you just want to chill but have better service and more luxury feel, Princess is probably the one to choose.

It also depends on where you are going and how long the cruise is when making these choices. If you have a lot of sea days, a ship with more amenities and activities might be more important. If you are a self-proclaimed foodie, you may want to check out the dining options, both complimentary and specialty. If you are more into nighttime entertainment, keep that in mind as well. When I sailed the Allure, honestly a driving factor in choosing that over similar ships was the fact that they had a shortened version of Chicago on board. I love Broadway, and I've seen a handful of shows both on Broadway and the traveling Broadway group at our local performing arts center.

To the OP if you're still reading, also consider NCL if you are considering the three you mentioned. I swear by RCI, my sister loves Carnival, some former coworkers loved them all but said Princess was their favorite, and another friend of mine only does NCL.

Hey I'm going to jump on this thread a little....in my 2017 cruise search, I have come across one itinerary that is early and mid-May only, round trip from Vancouver, on the Emerald Princess that does Glacier Bay but seems to have swapped the usual Skagway stop for Sitka. If we do go in May, this itinerary really appeals to me, particularly if we do not have the time and/or money for a land tour. I've been to Skagway, and quite honestly a part of me can't fathom the 13 hours that every ship seems to be staying there. Please no one crucify me for saying so, but I did enjoy White Pass when I went, but I'm not sure I want to do it again. I also found the town itself to be small and overly touristy. At least Juneau and Ketchikan are not so tiny. Also, DH specializes in Russian (best way I know how to phrase that), and I think he would enjoy the historical side of Sitka. Also, a couple people mentioned Sitka as their favorite port, and it's noted as an extremely scenic port. Am I being selfish if I opt for the Sitka swap as the only member of my four person group who has been to Skagway? Like I said, while I did enjoy my trip there, I'm the least excited about revisiting that port. And I'm no cruise scheduling expert but I just don't get why Skagway gets the most hours, while Ketchikan gets the least.

Hi truckmaker,

 

I was very interested in your review because after many Princess cruises, we have decided to see what Allure of the Seas (sister of Oasis) is like this April. We love Princess but needed to compare with another line. We also like the minis and have booked a JS on the Allure.

 

Thank you and I appreciate your comparison.

I've only ever sailed RC and NCL (I'm stalking the Princess board while I ponder my 2017 Alaskan cruise), and I loved the Allure! DH and I had so much fun on that ship! I saw the diving show, the cirque-like show in the theater, and Chicago. All amazing. Oh, I'm sure you already know you can book all that online beforehand... I recommend doing that. Well, I really wouldn't know what it was like for folks that didn't because my neurotic brain was like "yay I can book early online =)" ok sorry for the slight hijack. I hope you enjoy the Allure!

I have been to Alaska three times... and going again sept 4th this year.

 

First time we went in Sept, second time again was sept and last time was May.

 

Yes the weather was awesome in May (end) and the second time in sept was a rainy time for sure... but the other time in sept was awesome. Praying this coming cruise will also be geat.

 

You have to remember that weather changes and if you are prepared it should not be a huge factor to enjoy the beauty of Alaska.

 

Also, in May we could not get as close to the glaciers at all.... the mountains were pretty with all the snow. Shopping did not have the great deals Sept has.

 

September has the best shopping due to close out sales.... never had trouble finding what we were looking for.... and did i mention the deals...LOL

 

Anytime is a good time for Alaska.... Enjoy each moment and make memories no matter the weather...

 

I also sailed all three and the one to come .. Vancouver return. such beauty with land in sight most of the way.... and calm sailing as well.

 

As far as ships... first was princess, second was Royal (never never again), third was Celebrity and this year we are back to Celebrity... love the no smoking on this ship, food, service and overall quality.

Shopping is not at all a priority for us. DH and I might get a little magnet or Christmas tree ornament, but we generally do not collect things. My parents might get a shirt or two, but they also are not big souvenir folks. What was your issue with Royal? I have basically ruled them out for this trip since they don't go to Glacier Bay, but they are my go to for the Caribbean. I am leaning heavily towards Princess because as of now, only Princess and NCL are in the running. DH and I do not appreciate smoking, and my mom absolutely hates it, so HAL is out based on other recommendations regarding the smoking. I went on NCL last time, but price was the driving force, and I felt like I spent more on specialty dining than I usually do on a cruise because I feel like NCL pushes people that way.

You can run into bugs end of May, into June. :) Depends on the weather.

I'll just keep that nugget to myself 😊

Thanks so much! I was already partial to May due to my successful previous visit, but you guys helped solidify that! I so badly hope we have the time and money to do a land tour. I am mildly obsessed with seeing Alaska's interior, particularly Denali, and I think my parents would really enjoy it. My mom is especially concerned with bugs (she told me at least three times that her boss told her the flies are bad in August), so that makes another vote for May.

The view from the ship alone is stunning. In the Caribbean, you basically see nothing but ocean until you are right on top of a port. In Alaska, there is gorgeous scenery the entire time. It does seem odd at first to cruise somewhere that is "cold," but I don't think I've ever seen anyone that ever said going to Alaska was a mistake. They may complain about a particular cruise line or ship, but no one complains about the destination! It's a beautiful breath of fresh air that you really can't get anywhere else.

My husband and I are tentatively planning a cruise with my 60-year-old parents for 2017. We are unsure of when we can go right now, but if I have my choice, I'd like to go during one of the shoulder months so we can do more with our budget. I cruised Alaska once before in May, and I found it to be a great time to go. I had sunny days in both Ketchikan and Juneau. The rain I did experience in Skagway was really just a misting. Anyways, I am just wondering if anyone has advice or a preference between the two. I see that May is supposed to be drier, but September is better for possibly seeing the northern lights. Which one is best for seeing wildlife? I did a whale tour when I went in Juneau, and we did spy a pod of orcas and one humpback, but that was all. I also spied orcas once from the ship. My mom is basically threatening a mutiny if she doesn't see whales ☺️ We are not sure yet if we are going to have the time and/or money to do a land tour as well, which is yet another reason to go in one of the shoulder months! Also, feel free to offer advice on tours that have good wildlife viewing. We may or may not do our tours all together. My parents are not overly active, but they aren't overweight or in poor health either. They would love to hike. My husband and I are fairly active, and we would like to hike, kayak, and possibly some other active tours.