~Christie~

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice! It has been up and down trying to plan this anniversary trip - lol! We have looked into a all-inclusive land vacay vs a cruise. We decided we would stick to cruise b/c we know what to expect. Then just as we were getting ready to book the Dream, this offer for Princess came up and I have always wanted to sail on Princess too! So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

Ok, well Hubby and I thought we were going to go on CCL Dream for sure then we found out we are able to get a good deal on the Caribbean Princess which would be about the same in cost as the cruise we were planning on the Dream out of NOLA.

So, now we are torn! We love Carnival, but would also love to sail Princess as well. We are wanting a nice, romantic, and relaxed cruise for our anniversary. Can anyone please tell me what the differences are between the two? Any advice?

thanks!

Congrats! Go for a Caribe deck balcony! They are much bigger than the average balcony and they are half covered. That keeps the cabin a little cooler, gives you a little shade or cover from rain. We love the aft section where it's quiet... not many people walking by.... also cheaper (BD). Keep track of the fare adjustments and sales. If price goes down, your price can be lowered up until the time of final payment. While you're on, buy future cruise credits so that you'll be able to cruise the next time for only $100 deposit and you'll get some on board credit for your next voyage. :)

thanks!!!!!! still taking notes so keep it coming - lol!

Thanks to you all! I am so excited! I really cannot wait until we cruise, have not booked yet, waiting on my travel agent to get back in touch with me and let me the price of it all so we can put our deposit down!!!!!

We are thinking of doing a balcony (had one on CCL and loved it), but also want to cut cost if we can, so what do you all think about ocean views? Or should we just go for the balcony?

thanks!

can you bring a 12 pack of water or soda (per person) on board with you like you can on Carnival?

thanks!

thanks! I am just trying to map out what "extras" we need to be prepared to pay for while on the cruise.

Is there a charge for The Sanctuary?

thanks! I think that we are going to go with Princess if the price is right for our budget. I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks!

I am taking notes so please keep it coming!

The more I look and research Princess the more I fall in love with this cruise instead of Carnival.

Hello all,

My husband and I are planning a cruise for our anniversary next year going either in March or April. We have sailed on Carnival twice and up until today we were planning our third one with Carnival, until I came across Princess Cruises going out of Houston.

So, any advice for us? I am really torn between the two b/c I "know" what to expect on a CCL cruise, but not on PCL.

Sorry if this has been asked already, but is FTTF available on all cruises?

When we sailed he Magic in October, the ropes course was closed the whole trip due to winds. So, while it IS cool.. dont let it have any bearing on your decision... we never got to try it

that is good to know! thanks!

The Magic was our second cruise..

We had sailed the Splendor last year.

 

We loved it...

Every port was awesome

Cozumel

Montego Bay

Grand Cayman

 

We have incredible dining staff... and a mediocre steward.

The Pasta place is incredible ( and free at lunch FYI )

 

Fried Conch at the Red Frog Pub was great... as were the giant fishbowl drinks!

 

Looking forward to trying the Dream next !!! :)

that is cool! I am so confused.... We (I) lol, had decided on the Dream in April, but then the chance for a 7 day on the Magic came open for us and hubby really likes the Magic ports (same as yours was) rather than the Dream ports (Cozumel, Maghonay Bay, & Costa maya). Plus, we have been twice out of NOLA and would love to go out of Galveston. So I am thinking we are going on the Magic...But I would love either.

I am also curious as we just got off the Magic and have the Dream booked for 10/2014!

how was it?

You can look them both up here, It may help

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_class_cruise_ship:o

thanks!

yes - I am asking about Carnival Magic & Carnival Dream - sorry for any confusion.... lol

Can someone tell me what the Magic has that the Dream does not and vice versa? Is there a link out there that will compare the two?

Thanks in advance!

for some reason photobucket is blocked on my pc. I will try a different pc later and see if it works - lol!

I was able to get to see them on a different computer! They are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us!

Now I am wanting to do the Southern for sure if we don't choose an All-inclusive in St. Lucia or St. Maarten....

I will try to attach now. It's in Photobucket. I have the pictures from this cruise separated into separate folders. I had so many that this was the best way to get them organized. I'll attach the link to my photobucket "library". The different albums are separated by each day. Please let me know if this works. If not, I also have a Shutterfly album that I shared with family members and I can attach that link if this doesn't work.

 

http://s934.photobucket.com/user/H_B_G/library/?sort=6&page=1

for some reason photobucket is blocked on my pc. I will try a different pc later and see if it works - lol!

do you have an external link that you could share, I can't get the pictures to load on my computer for some reason.... thanks!

Thanks for the info! I will double check with Erin and see what they can do. Hopefully, we can get it worked out. If not right now, then hopefully we can at least book later and still meet up with the group just so I meet all of ya'll! lol

the perks are that others are organizing activites and excursions and you can join. It is so nice to meet your cruising friends BEFORE you sail

Pinch those pennies and join the cruisers :D

the only rule is that you have a lot of fun

lol ok! I got an email back, but it confused me b/c the rates were different and she told me in email that the deposit was due in full? I am going to try and call today to see what is going on. Hopefully we can get this straight! lol. I also recieved a cheaper deal through Priceline.com, so I am going to try and figure what is truly the BEST deal with amenities and perks ya know. GRRRR. I won't be satified until I am on that SHIP! LOL!

Na,,,you can spend a lot of time...a little time.....or no time with the group...no rules...just fun!!!! :)

I was just wondering, I love meeting new people! I emailed Erin so see what we are looking at for us and to see if we will be able to swing it or not. Hopefully, I will know soon!