First Time Cruiser...Bigger Ship The Better?

[TK27]

Me and my wife are taking our FIRST cruise this summer,trying to decide if we should drive further to get on a newer and bigger boat.We have been told that the Holiday and Jubilee are old boats with bad service and bad food.We live in Pensacola,Fl.

 

New Orleans= Carnival Holiday 1985 726ft

Jacksonville= Carnival Jubilee 1986 733ft

Tampa= Carnival Sensation 1993 855ft

Orlando= Carnival Fantasy 1990 855ft

 

tk27@bellsouth.net

[tomc]

My opinion:

 

(1) Bigger boats do not equal better boats. They are bigger, that's all.

 

(2) For your first cruise, allow me to put a gun to your head and march you to a good Travel Agent (herafter called a TA). Chat with your TA and find out what you are looking for, what sort of atmosphere, etc. Here's why:

 

(3) Cruise lines are different. That will affect your enjoyment a lot. I wouldn't take a cruise on [Nameless A] cruise line if you paid me. It's just not the right line for me. But I wouldn't recommend that you take [Nameless B], my favorite line, because I know it's not a good one for you. One person's perfect line may be another person's cruise from hell (CFH -- to be avoided at all costs).

 

(4) Ask around here and tell people about yourself. Then go to the specific boards for those lines (or that particular line) and ask some more.

 

(5) Then kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy.

 

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[mii]

I have sailed on big ships and small ships and this is just my opinion I like the size that holds around 1950 passengers. Right in the middle. But if you like lots and lots of different activities than go for the bigger ships. Like the poster just said talk to your T>A> and she can show you the different cruise lines phamphlets.

 

 

Marilyn

[Andee]

We prefer the smaller ships--we aren't interested in climbing walls or skating rinks or in travelling with 3000 people.

[kimba_99]

Carnival's Jubilee will soon go into dry dock to be refitted and will then come to Australia and sail out of my home port of Sydney as P&O's Pacific Sun from Oct 04. It, like some other older ships, has few balconies and less amenities than the newer, bigger ships. You will need to check which ones have what you want, plenty of reviews here to help with that!

 

Like the other posters have said, go to a TA (one that knows about cruising) and ask questions and get brochures, then take them home and work out what it is you really want from the cruise. Any questions you have there are many hundreds of ppl here that are willing and quite happy to help you but do your research... it really does enhance your cruising experience. Good luck.

 

Cheers,

Kim

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/kimba_99

[CaptData]

I like newer ship due to disablity. Those built before 98 have more problems to deal with if you use a chair or walker. As above a TA can help. You did not state your age. Also the longer voyages usually have less children. Shorter voyages can be fun. Where would you like to go. If you live in FL you can catch a bus to any port in Fl so you do not need to drive far.

 

Hopfully a Hawiian Cruise

 

 Until we sail away on the ocean blue

 

 

 

Navigator of the Seas Western Crib 08/03

Dawn Princess - Eastern Carb

Dawn Princess Panamal Canal

 

[tomc]

TK27 -- is your screen name a reference to a product that RCA used to make?

 

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[TheParrotHeads]

TK27:

 

Bigger ships do not simply mean you are going to have a better time. In a sense they are often better to help provide a reference point for what you are looking for in a future cruise. Because of their size they tend to offer some more modern features and a wide variety of options in almost all categories. The variety is important for a first time cruiser. On board activities and services are provided to accomodate an array of passengers likes and tastes. There will be more dining choices, entertainment, bars/lounges, and of course a greater diversity in passengers. All of these things will help you better your criteria for selecting a future cruise. Some things may and may not be an importance to you when cruising and the large ships simply help you to decipher what it is you really want in a ship. It is true, each cruise line is not created equal. Some are very different, while others are relatively similar. It is no different then choosing a hotel. Every major hotel coporation has numerous levels of hotels priced to target a specific type of traveler--the same for cruises. Each cruiseline is associated with a specific type of cruiser. I'll be honest (and most likely get flamed for not being more thorough with this analysis) but here's a brief idea as to where each cruise line would rank in comparison with it's hotel sibling (IHO):

 

Carnival = Holiday Inn

 

Norwegian = Wyndham

 

Royal Caribbean = Marriott

 

Princess = Hilton

 

Celebrity = Hyatt/Ritz Carlton

 

Holland America Line = Ritz Carlton

 

Crystal/Radisson/Silver Seas = The Regency/Four Seasons

 

A lot of the newer ships tend to be larger simply because they need to be in order to meet the growing demand of cruisers. However there are still smaller ships to be found.

 

Hope this helps with your choices and provides you with a better understanding of where you think you fit and with whom Anyone feel free to correct me if I am way off base here. I don't claim to be an expert with four cruises, but have been lurking around here enough to make such a generalization. Which ever line you choose, there will be many similarities and keep in mind any cruise is a great cruise. Go with an open mind and positive outlook and you'll have a great time

 

The PH'S (Lauren & Andrew)

 

<img src=http://www.caribbeansoul.com/images/animation.gif>

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500> 'Till the AOS

 

2001 NCL SKY-Western Caribbean

2001 NCL Sun-Exotic W. Caribbean

2004 RCCL Navigator of the Seas-Western Caribbean

[JanetMarie]

To the post above mine - I like your name - the Parrotheads!

 

To the original poster...we are seasoned cruisers as I call it - late 40s and cruise at least 2x a year. We have seen quite a change in the ships over the years since we first sailed over 20 years ago. The larger ones have stabilizers which enable the passenger to feel virtually nothing - at least in my opinion. We like the larger ships for the entertainment venues at night, too.

 

OUR NEXT ONWARD JOURNEY!

 

[tomc]

Cunard = Buckingham Palace

 

Disney = Disney

 

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[TheParrotHeads]

Thanks TOMC for making those additions, I forgot about those two other lines.

 

The PH'S (Lauren & Andrew)

 

<img src=http://www.caribbeansoul.com/images/animation.gif>

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500> 'Till the AOS

 

2001 NCL SKY-Western Caribbean

2001 NCL Sun-Exotic W. Caribbean

2004 RCCL Navigator of the Seas-Western Caribbean

[smudge's mom]

We prefer the mega ships - the newer the better. Seems as they make new ships, the add amenities and make the rooms larger and better laid out. Plus, we just like "new."

 

The amazing thing - just because there are 2200 or more pax on a ship doesn't mean you are crowded. The newer ships have many different common areas and the crowds disperse throughout the ship. I just never feel "surrounded."

 

Other's like the intimacy of a smaller ship - getting to know more of your fellow pax because you run into them all the time. That can be a nice plus, but it's one we don't personally need on our cruise.

 

Although I truly love NCL's Freestyle/Princess's Personal Choice - dining when, where and with whom you choose; for your first cruise, you might want to try scheduled seating - where you dine at the same table with the same staff at the same time.

[madelinerose]

Hi...we haven't even cruised yet, but I can't imagine being at sea and not having a private balcony where you can ease into the day in your robe with a cup of coffee. I don't think the smaller, older ships have balconies. The Miracle will be 8 months old when we cruise. That was a big plus for me because everything will seem new.

 

I also prefer a larger ship with the stabilizers, especially since we'll be cruising during hurricane season. I've never gotten seasick, but I've been told that things can be very different on a mega ship that rocks with no land in sight, so the less rocking the better.

 

I'm with JanetMarie and smudge's mom...the entertainment and the uncrowded feeling will be another plus.

 

We ALWAYS travel off-season to avoid crowds, so, for us, the mega ships are the way to go.

 

Good luck....Karen

 

Carnival Miracle 10/24/04

[sportsterjohn]

For me the itinerary is the most important factor in my cruise selection. Whether you are on a 1986 ship or a 2004 ship, you will find a lot of diverse people, good entertainment, food and service and a very fun atmosphere. While it is true that newer ships have rock climbing walls, skating rinks etc, I am much more interested in what ports I am going to and how long do I get to stay there. If you are in PC, you can also look at the ships sailing out of New Orleans.

 

NCL Sea 3/03

RCCL Sovereign 10/03

NCL Dream 3/7/2004

[cruizzzzin]

For me I would think that the bigger ships will be more modern and have more activities. But if you just want to sit around the pool, I dont think it should make a difference. Happy sailing

[April-in-NC]

For me the itinerary is the most important factor in my cruise selection ... While it is true that newer ships have rock climbing walls, skating rinks etc, I am much more interested in what ports I am going to and how long do I get to stay there.

 

I agree! I first look decide what area I want to go, then I look at specific itineraries, then the price for different lines and finally air fare to the port. While I want to be on a nice ship, I can do without some of the newer ammenities in order to get to destinations I'm interested in. :D

[paul929207]

We all have our own preferences. Ours is for the smaller ships. We mostly sail on the 3 small Princess ships that each hld about 700 passengers. We like the ease of walking around the ship. The fact that you run ito people again. The encounters with the staff. Finally, we love the itineraries.

[printingchick]

NEWER ships are better and they just happen to be larger.

 

I enjoyed all my cruises on Carnival, but have to admit that the condition of some of the smaller (older) ships was sometimes pretty bad. Torn up carpeting on the mini-golf course, burnt orange decor in the cabins, sewer smell in the lower decks. I would opt for either a newer ship or one that was recently overhauled. I understand the Fantasy class ships were recently gutted and redone and are very nice now.

 

If it is an older Carnival ship and it has not recently had a MAJOR dry-dock, steer clear.

 

On that note, my first cruise on Royal Caribbean was on an older ship and it seemed brand new. RCL cruises tend to be a little more expensive, but their fleet seems to be better maintained.

 

My last cruise on Royal was on Freedom of the Seas (biggest until their new Oasis launches) and I found it really too big for my taste. I prefer the ships that were the biggest and best ten years ago, when 3,000-3,500 passengers seemed enormous!

[Lottacruises]

I have yet to meet a ship I didn't like

[Aquahound]

I have yet to meet a ship I didn't like

 

Don't flame....I'm genuinely curious. What led you to this 14 year old thread?

[sloopsailor]

Don't flame....I'm genuinely curious. What led you to this 14 year old thread?

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I completely missed that important detail and almost posted a reply to the OP. :eek:

 

I really wish Cruise Critic management would put some easy to see indicator that gives an idea of the age of a thread. I can't seem to teach myself to check the original date - my fault - but a different color background, different font, different anything that would instantly inform us a thread is old and hasn't been opened in years would be most helpful. I have suggested this to management, but they don't seem to think it is worth considering. :(