Princess Sapphire vs. NCL Star for kids

[kajtdd]

Hello all -

My parents have invited my wife, my 3 yo daughter and myself on a cruise for the Mexican Rivera. They were looking between the Princess Sapphire and the NCL Star.

I am trying to figure out which of these two would be best for a 3.5 yr old. This will be my family's first cruise (my parents have been on cruises in the past).

Any advice on which one would be better or any description on the differences would be helpful.

Thanks.

kajtdd

[queenL]

Tough call!

 

I've sailed both lines and prefer NCL to Princess. However, I don't typically recommend NCL to first time cruisers (particularly their older ships). NCL, IMO has a less stable product. There are people who love their cruise on NCL and people who hate it. I think Princess doesn't seem to yield as dramatic of a reaction. I also have a 3yr old. I love the anytime dining on NCL. It is nice to be able to eat when you want, that flexibility is great with small children. NCL also has a children's buffet area and child sized chairs etc in the buffet area. A great touch. I was able to eat with other families who would not scowl if your child shrieks. I think NCL has the better kids program and better entertainment too. I would caution you to read the reviews for both ships, particularly the Star. I remember awhile ago, reading about one of NCL's older ships that kept having power outages/propeller issues. The cruisers were stranded for awhile on the water with no air conditioning. They were sleeping on the deck and in cabins with the doors open because it was so hot. I'm not a snooty cruiser, but that could ruin a trip. It may have been the Star but I'm not certain. So, definitely do your research and check that out before hand.

 

Princess on the other hand was a little dull to me. It was a nice cruise but lacking in activities. I do think the food was better though. I think on average the Sapphire gets better and more consistent reviews.

 

I think if it were me I'd choose the Carnival Splendor out of Long Beach. It runs the same itinerary. That may not be what you were hoping to hear though. :) Good luck with your decision.

 

 

I just noticed that this is your first post. I'm adding the links in case you don't know where to find this information

 

Reviews for Star

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=198

 

NCL boards

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

Reviews for the Sapphire

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=300

 

Princess boards

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=197