Small Ship? Big Ship? Biggest Ship? What suits you

[fishtaco]

I was looking at the Allure of the seas on Youtube and I dont think I like it?

 

The Voyager was great but Allure looks way too big with a very un cruise like look,feel.

 

The next biggest ship I have sailed to VOS was Carnival Splendor, sister ship to The Concordia and I think I preferred Splendors size and layout which was more traditional cruise ship.

 

Are the biggest ships really the better ships to cruise on?

 

Den

[Sutho]

I have been suffering the same issue about ships. I always thought I loved the bigger ships better. That was until I tried the Azura. A Grand class with one extra deck slapped on top with no extra passenger space. Celebrity Solstice was much bigger, carried less passengers than Azura but Celebrity Solstice being 2,800 passengers is still a lot of people to get off the ship in port and it can get lengthy queues to board and disembark.

 

However about ten years ago I used to say "Passenger space ratio" meant nothing. Now I think it is everything.

 

Celebrity Solstice - 122,000tons - 2,800 passengers - 43.5 Space ratio

Aurora - 76,000tons - 1,975 passengers - 40.7

Voyager of the Seas - 137,280tons - 3,114 passengers - 44.0

Carnival Spirit - 85,920tons - 2,680 passengers - 32.0

Carnival Freedom - 110,239tons - 2,974 passengers - 37.0

Oasis of the Seas - 225,282tons - 5,400 passengers - 41.7

Royal Princess - 141,000tons - 3,600 passengers - 39.1

Radiance of the Seas - 90,090tons 2,112 passengers - 42.6

Sun Princess - 77,000tons, 1,950 passengers - 39.7

Diamond/Sapphire Princess - 115,875tons - 2,674 passengers - 43.3

Crown/Emerald/Ruby Princess - 113,000tons - 3,080 passengers - 36.6

 

Having seen the difference from Azura which is in the Crown category above a space ratio of 36.6 is a great difference from the 40.7 offered on Aurora. The Celebrity Solstice was also much better on space.

 

For me any cruise I go on will have to have a space ratio of 39 and above.

[thied]

any ship is a good ship, no mater what size it, but does size realy mater mmmm ladies and gents?

[6andy6]

I like big.

 

I like options.

 

I like the resort feel of a ship.

 

Most of you saying you like smaller 60,000 t ships (or thereabouts) understand that it wasn't too long ago they were classed as larger. And far less options.

 

I'm glad of the larger ships.....I often found the smaller ones more 'dull'.

 

I don't think the larger ones have any 'less' connection with the sea......anymore than I dont regret we now fly in 747's and A380's instead of 10 passenger canvas piston engine planes. The 'romance of the sea' is for Moby Dick or Robert Louis Stevenson novels for me.

 

Like Sutho, I was on Solstice. But I never felt crowded except on 2 occasions.....getting off in Dunedin with that silly long queue/line up and in the theatre leaving. The top decks (Sunset bar, Lawn etc) never felt crowded nor did many of the public rooms.

 

Even the tenders were easy.

[ceejay3377]

I've been on a few different ships/lines now, and I think I have nutted out my preferences, but it is not as simple as size. I like a wraparound promenade, a generous cabin (are you listening, 'pokey' Princess?), and the 'intimacy' of less than 1500 passengers. I am a country girl and I love walking around our town and knowing most of the people I see, so I also love the concept of getting to know many of my fellow passengers, especially on longer voyages. While I was all "wow" on Celebrity, I found the sheer volume of passengers a little impersonal and overwhelming at times. I must agree with Sutho, there is a LOT of space on the Solstice.

 

I love visiting the big smoke, but I don't enjoy shopping centres and the marketing of some larger ships seems to have that feel. VOS sounds like fun, but I don't have kids, so I'm not convinced it is my cup of tea. I'm not sure what the draw card would be for me on that ship.

 

Isn't it great that we have so much choice? :)

[bazzaw]

I have been suffering the same issue about ships. I always thought I loved the bigger ships better. That was until I tried the Azura. A Grand class with one extra deck slapped on top with no extra passenger space. Celebrity Solstice was much bigger, carried less passengers than Azura but Celebrity Solstice being 2,800 passengers is still a lot of people to get off the ship in port and it can get lengthy queues to board and disembark.

 

However about ten years ago I used to say "Passenger space ratio" meant nothing. Now I think it is everything.

 

Celebrity Solstice - 122,000tons - 2,800 passengers - 43.5 Space ratio

Aurora - 76,000tons - 1,975 passengers - 40.7

Voyager of the Seas - 137,280tons - 3,114 passengers - 44.0

Carnival Spirit - 85,920tons - 2,680 passengers - 32.0

Carnival Freedom - 110,239tons - 2,974 passengers - 37.0

Oasis of the Seas - 225,282tons - 5,400 passengers - 41.7

Royal Princess - 141,000tons - 3,600 passengers - 39.1

Radiance of the Seas - 90,090tons 2,112 passengers - 42.6

Sun Princess - 77,000tons, 1,950 passengers - 39.7

Diamond/Sapphire Princess - 115,875tons - 2,674 passengers - 43.3

Crown/Emerald/Ruby Princess - 113,000tons - 3,080 passengers - 36.6

 

Having seen the difference from Azura which is in the Crown category above a space ratio of 36.6 is a great difference from the 40.7 offered on Aurora. The Celebrity Solstice was also much better on space.

 

For me any cruise I go on will have to have a space ratio of 39 and above.

 

Sutho

 

I keep on telling you that you would like QM2 -- PLENTY of space on her. And a Tux would suit you too!! :)

 

Barry

[Sutho]

Yes Queen Mary 2. A ship that carries 2,620 passengers. Still one of the largest in the world and larger than Voyager of the Seas which carries 3,114 passengers.

 

Incidentally Oasis and Allure of the Seas are the same ship design. It is only like 30cm difference in length. I have heard people constantly say in person and on threads they want to go on Allure because it is the largest in the world. Well not much difference than Oasis really.

 

With space ratia that puts QM2 at 150,000tons at 57.2 space ratio of gross tons per passenger.

 

Royal Caribbean seems to put more effort into generous amounts of space for passengers than the Carnival ships by looking at the figures. In reality I could probably safely say I would book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas and their respective classes. Going on passenger capaicity, space ratio and size I would be less likely to book on the Carnival ships.

 

Some day I will sail on QM2, there is many ships I want to sail on. I was seriously considering the new Royal Princess or the version that P&O gets of it but am having second thoughts now due to the release of figures about its size and crowding and lack of facilities. For instance the new Royal Princess has less pools than the other Princess ships in the fleet.

[mr walker]

When DW & I arrived at the dock for our 1st ever cruise in 2011, our first thoughts were "wow, how big is Rhapsody?"

 

After 3 cruises on Rhapsody, we 'graduated' to Radiance. When we got to the port "Wow, how BIG is Radiance?"

 

When Voyager came to Sydney for the 1st time last year, we went to the port just to see her. WOW, how big is VOYAGER?

 

We will be on Voyager for the 1st time in Oct, to experience her first hand. We still love our little Rhapsody, and really enjoyed Radiance & we are looking forward to Voyager - not sure if big is better :)

[Mothballs]

I actually liked the Voyager more than the Radiance. Perhaps it depends on where and when you are cruising. I was on the Voyager for a 9 night cruise with only 2 ports but ended up missing a port so consequently had a lot of sea days. I went to New Zealand on the Radiance and it is a nice ship for scenic cruises especially with the enclosed solarium.

One thing I don't like about the Voyager is that there is a heated whirlpool in the fitness centre and if you are on the treadmills and other fitness machines the heat can be quite oppressive.

Regards Elaine.

[Aussie Lee]

Rhapsody is my favourite ship & i think it always will be . I have also cruised on Radiance & Voyager, & would have to say I prefer Voyager although it is much larger. Radiance jut didn't have the right 'vibes' for me & I also found it more difficult to get my bearings.

[wildweston]

I personally like the size of Rhapsody and Radiance over Voyager. I think Voyager had that shopping mall feel to it, for me anyway. I also like the centrum on the smaller ships.

[megsie]

Been on Radiance twice this season, Syd - Perth and Syd - N'cle - Brisbane. Except for the surroundings, you would not believe it was the same ship. Two different passenger demographics. On the second cruise we found some changes, no drinks station on rear deck, room service breakfast poor - always wrong and served an hour early. Otherwise we enjoyed both but different cruises. Same as on Voyager, one nighter and Tassie cruise - very different, one with party crowd and the other with 900 children. But did really enjoy both. Just off Solstice - different again but thoroughly enjoyable. Can't chose one over the other as all were different cruise experiences. Also add in a Syd - Mel on Dawn Princess last December. I guess we like them all, although yet to find the "perfect" cruise if it should exist.

[fanoforion]

Hi, I have enjoyed every cruise on the Pacific Princess...small, did not get lost, got to know many who worked onboard, same meeting many passengers.

then again, I have loved each cruise on the Sapphire Princess...big, great atmosphere, dining etc...

so whatever ship I may go on...that is my favourite...next one is Pacific Dawn....again. my favourite P&O ship.

 

kind regards, Lorraine:):)

[fishtaco]

Yes Queen Mary 2. A ship that carries 2,620 passengers. Still one of the largest in the world and larger than Voyager of the Seas which carries 3,114 passengers.

 

Incidentally Oasis and Allure of the Seas are the same ship design. It is only like 30cm difference in length. I have heard people constantly say in person and on threads they want to go on Allure because it is the largest in the world. Well not much difference than Oasis really.

 

With space ratia that puts QM2 at 150,000tons at 57.2 space ratio of gross tons per passenger.

 

Royal Caribbean seems to put more effort into generous amounts of space for passengers than the Carnival ships by looking at the figures. In reality I could probably safely say I would book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas and their respective classes. Going on passenger capaicity, space ratio and size I would be less likely to book on the Carnival ships.

 

Some day I will sail on QM2, there is many ships I want to sail on. I was seriously considering the new Royal Princess or the version that P&O gets of it but am having second thoughts now due to the release of figures about its size and crowding and lack of facilities. For instance the new Royal Princess has less pools than the other Princess ships in the fleet.

 

Carnival Splendor has good sized Cabins,even the smallest cabin has a double lounge and coffee table:)

 

Den

[fishtaco]

Looking at my pics in Singapore RCI Legend looks quite small against the Voyager but after we got off voyager we could only see Legend because the cruise centre building obscured Voyager, I remember saying to Tracey " Legend looks huge!" :)

 

Den

[circuitrider]

I don't really care about the size. I care about the price, and the amenities. So I'm willing to pay a bit more for a larger ship such as the Freedom (nice large Promenade, plenty of restaurants, places to walk around, ice rink, mini golf, rock climbing, character breakfasts, etc.). I also like the smaller ships (Celebrity Zenith was a favorite, this was before kids though).

 

The absolute most important thing is that it's a ship, it's on the ocean, and we're going to some really awesome ports to have even more experiences of a lifetime.

[fishtaco]

On Voyager I did not use:

 

The rock climbing wall

The Ice skating rink

The Mini Golf course

The Golf Driving thingy

The In line Skate track

The full sized Basketball court

The Grand Promenade except as a walk deck to get from A - B with ease!

Johnny Rockets 50,s Burger joint.

The Chapel in the sky.

 

All the above are what makes the Voyager so Big:)

 

Den

[cruise collector]

When DW & I arrived at the dock for our 1st ever cruise in 2011, our first thoughts were "wow, how big is Rhapsody?"

 

After 3 cruises on Rhapsody, we 'graduated' to Radiance. When we got to the port "Wow, how BIG is Radiance?"

 

When Voyager came to Sydney for the 1st time last year, we went to the port just to see her. WOW, how big is VOYAGER?

 

We will be on Voyager for the 1st time in Oct, to experience her first hand. We still love our little Rhapsody, and really enjoyed Radiance & we are looking forward to Voyager - not sure if big is better :)

 

having been on navigator of the seas and rapsody of the seas our preferance is rapsody more personal but we are looking forward to radiance.Looking back to pacific dawn no comparison.

[gaechann]

having been on navigator of the seas and rapsody of the seas our preferance is rapsody more personal but we are looking forward to radiance.Looking back to pacific dawn no comparison.

 

I've only sailed with RCI on Legend OTS, Voyager, Rhapsody and shortly Radiance.

 

Next year a girlfriend and I are booked on P&O's Pacific Pearl. In regards to size would it be bigger or smaller than Rhapsody?

 

Anything about P.Pearl that you'd like to share?

 

Thanks - Gae

[Aus Traveller]

I've only sailed with RCI on Legend OTS, Voyager, Rhapsody and shortly Radiance.

 

Next year a girlfriend and I are booked on P&O's Pacific Pearl. In regards to size would it be bigger or smaller than Rhapsody?

 

Anything about P.Pearl that you'd like to share?

 

Thanks - Gae

If you like a quiet bar (or space to sit and enjoy) check out the bar on deck 6 mid ships (atrium). I think the area is called "Mix" and because there aren't any activities such as trivia or health lectures held there, not many people go there. Of course, the dome is another great place.:)

[The_Big_M]

I've only sailed with RCI on Legend OTS, Voyager, Rhapsody and shortly Radiance.

 

Next year a girlfriend and I are booked on P&O's Pacific Pearl. In regards to size would it be bigger or smaller than Rhapsody?

 

Pacific Pearl is a little bit (about 10%) smaller than Rhapsody, so it's not a great difference. It doesn't have quite as many facilities, but the main ones are there and are fairly similar in size e.g. theatre, dining room, buffet, casino, bars and so on. Both ships are quite a comfortable size so you can get across them easily. One thing I don't like is the gym is down in the dungeon on Pearl!

 

As it's your first cruise on P&O, if you're interested in the specialty restaurant (Salt Grill), book early to make sure you can get a booking.

[Mikey22]

We liked the Voyager but it is too big for our liking, nice wow factor once but would only go on her again if I got a bargain.

Not really interested in the Royal Promenade, I want a Ship with areas and Bars that look out at the Sea.

We did NZ in December and 11 of the 14 days were pretty cold and the only area that really looked out that was warm was the Viking Crown lounge and that was quickly dominated by older passengers that did not move much.

 

We also did not use much of the novelty stuff on VOS Den, Kids had one quick go at Putt Putt, one climb of the wall, one go at Skating (it was hardly ever open)

 

We thought perhaps around the islands but just two Ports is not what we want either.

 

We are on the Radiance this year and it is supposed to have plenty of glass areas looking out as well as 5 Islands in 10 days and I think it may be what we will like.

[Wyuna1]

On Voyager I did not use:

 

The rock climbing wall

The Ice skating rink

The Mini Golf course

The Golf Driving thingy

The In line Skate track

The full sized Basketball court

The Grand Promenade except as a walk deck to get from A - B with ease!

Johnny Rockets 50,s Burger joint.

The Chapel in the sky.

 

All the above are what makes the Voyager so Big:)

 

Den

 

Do we need all these so called attractions and facilities on a cruise ship?. I for one say no I would rather the costs associated with activities be redirected to providing a greater level of service. A return to the luxuries and pampering of cruising in the 1970's and 80's on what are now considered "Small Ships" SS Canberra from memory was only 46000 tons but all class.

[gaechann]

Pacific Pearl is a little bit (about 10%) smaller than Rhapsody, so it's not a great difference. It doesn't have quite as many facilities, but the main ones are there and are fairly similar in size e.g. theatre, dining room, buffet, casino, bars and so on. Both ships are quite a comfortable size so you can get across them easily. One thing I don't like is the gym is down in the dungeon on Pearl!

 

As it's your first cruise on P&O, if you're interested in the specialty restaurant (Salt Grill), book early to make sure you can get a booking.

 

Thanks for your reply!

 

I'll certainly book the Salt Grill restaurant early! As a single old-age Pensioner (gosh I've never written that before - just been eligible for 2 months!) I don't dine out at high-class restaurants at home - just too expensive!

 

I take full advantage of the prices on-board to experience some specialty dining! Have never been disappointed either!

 

Gae

[The Fox]

I personally like the size of Rhapsody and Radiance over Voyager. I think Voyager had that shopping mall feel to it, for me anyway. I also like the centrum on the smaller ships.

 

Have to agree with you there Chez....still room in november cruise on rhapsody

 

UNC xxxx