Western chosen, but which ship? NCL or Carnival?

[mtsnd1900]

I am posting this same message on Carnival and NCL boards to get the full spectrum of opinions.

 

My wife and I are looking at cruises the fall, 2014 with stops in Costa Maya and Roatan. I have found a few cruises and wanted some insight. We have never sailed NCL, but have sailed Carnival, Royal, Princess, Premier, etc. We are price conscious and will shop around for a good deal / perks. Not in a hurry to book, open to various weeks over a three month span (Sept, Oct, Nov 2014) based on price.

 

Here is what we would like from the ship:

1. Spa – we like to purchase a “spa package” which allows unlimited access for a week to things like the thealosal pools, saunas, steam rooms, mineral baths, stone beds, etc. We did it most recently on the CCL Dream and loved it! This could be a deal breaker if not available.

2. Fun bars – Karaoke is good, dueling pianos is best! Sports, Irish pubs with live music, Margarittaville, etc. We hate cigarette smoke, especially when enjoying a drink. Again, wife loves the high energy piano bars, not the black tie guy sitting there as background noise. Comedy clubs are also a frequent stop.

3. Descent entertainment – not looking for Allure of the Seas or NCL Epic quality, but I do not want a ship talent show and baton twirler. Production shows are okay.

4. Fun on board – waterslides are okay, but not necessary; unique, simple fun things are more than enough.

5. Price Conscious – we like to cruise, so are on a budget. I factor in everything from transfers, airlines, local hotel fees, even the tips (14 days with kids is a lot more than 7 days without!) sailings when doing a price comparison.

6. Alcohol purchase options (liked buying bottles from Carnival Bon Voyage; all inclusive packages w/ 4 islands is not worth it in my opinion, we will be on shore too much to enjoy ).

 

Sailings we have found:

· NCL Sun, about $750 balcony, October / November from Tampa (inexpensive flight, free hotel night before)

· NCL Dawn, $750 or $950 for balcony, early / late November, from New Orleans

· CCL Conquest, $700 balcony, Sept, from Miami

· CCL Dream, $750 balcony, just did this sailing in 2012, Sept, from Canaveral

· RCI Navigator, $???, typical fashion, Royals web page shows the ports and options on some pages, and then on others show different ports for the same dates - Currently, not reliable.

 

So, I have read online reviews of these ships, but how are they? I do not expect them to compete with many of our recent sailings (Most recent have been aboard the Allure of the Seas, Carnival Dream, Freedom of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas) but want to know we are getting something worthwhile.

 

The big port we are looking to hit is Costa Maya to do Maya Chan (love it there). The Dream, though possibly the best ship of the bunch, is in port from 7-2. The Sun is there 8-5. The other ships are there from 8-4. Does the 3 hours matter - Last time we went via The Dream, we felt like we had to leave to soon! In Roatan, we have a private guide take us around for the day.

 

 

The Dawn, we would have reason to spend a night in New Orleans, though it would be far and away the most expensive, especially with flights. For the cumulative price, we could do a lot on the other ships.

 

Is the NCL Sun any good? Spa packages? Things to do? It would be less expensive than the Dream, but at what cost? Does it have an old feeling?

 

 

 

On the Dream, we loved the Spa and the Cove Balcony, liked the dining room, and the pasta bar. Never went to the casino, took in some shows, and relaxed. The pool deck was way too crowded for us most days. How does The Conquest compare?

 

 

Thank you all for your input!

[SissasMomE]

I am posting this same message on Carnival and NCL boards to get the full spectrum of opinions.

 

My wife and I are looking at cruises the fall, 2014 with stops in Costa Maya and Roatan. I have found a few cruises and wanted some insight. We have never sailed NCL, but have sailed Carnival, Royal, Princess, Premier, etc. We are price conscious and will shop around for a good deal / perks. Not in a hurry to book, open to various weeks over a three month span (Sept, Oct, Nov 2014) based on price.

 

Here is what we would like from the ship:

1. Spa – we like to purchase a “spa package” which allows unlimited access for a week to things like the thealosal pools, saunas, steam rooms, mineral baths, stone beds, etc. We did it most recently on the CCL Dream and loved it! This could be a deal breaker if not available.

2. Fun bars – Karaoke is good, dueling pianos is best! Sports, Irish pubs with live music, Margarittaville, etc. We hate cigarette smoke, especially when enjoying a drink. Again, wife loves the high energy piano bars, not the black tie guy sitting there as background noise. Comedy clubs are also a frequent stop.

3. Descent entertainment – not looking for Allure of the Seas or NCL Epic quality, but I do not want a ship talent show and baton twirler. Production shows are okay.

4. Fun on board – waterslides are okay, but not necessary; unique, simple fun things are more than enough.

5. Price Conscious – we like to cruise, so are on a budget. I factor in everything from transfers, airlines, local hotel fees, even the tips (14 days with kids is a lot more than 7 days without!) sailings when doing a price comparison.

6. Alcohol purchase options (liked buying bottles from Carnival Bon Voyage; all inclusive packages w/ 4 islands is not worth it in my opinion, we will be on shore too much to enjoy ).

 

Sailings we have found:

· NCL Sun, about $750 balcony, October / November from Tampa (inexpensive flight, free hotel night before)

· NCL Dawn, $750 or $950 for balcony, early / late November, from New Orleans

· CCL Conquest, $700 balcony, Sept, from Miami

· CCL Dream, $750 balcony, just did this sailing in 2012, Sept, from Canaveral

· RCI Navigator, $???, typical fashion, Royals web page shows the ports and options on some pages, and then on others show different ports for the same dates - Currently, not reliable.

 

So, I have read online reviews of these ships, but how are they? I do not expect them to compete with many of our recent sailings (Most recent have been aboard the Allure of the Seas, Carnival Dream, Freedom of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas) but want to know we are getting something worthwhile.

 

The big port we are looking to hit is Costa Maya to do Maya Chan (love it there). The Dream, though possibly the best ship of the bunch, is in port from 7-2. The Sun is there 8-5. The other ships are there from 8-4. Does the 3 hours matter - Last time we went via The Dream, we felt like we had to leave to soon! In Roatan, we have a private guide take us around for the day.

 

 

The Dawn, we would have reason to spend a night in New Orleans, though it would be far and away the most expensive, especially with flights. For the cumulative price, we could do a lot on the other ships.

 

Is the NCL Sun any good? Spa packages? Things to do? It would be less expensive than the Dream, but at what cost? Does it have an old feeling?

 

 

 

On the Dream, we loved the Spa and the Cove Balcony, liked the dining room, and the pasta bar. Never went to the casino, took in some shows, and relaxed. The pool deck was way too crowded for us most days. How does The Conquest compare?

 

 

Thank you all for your input!

 

You couldn't pay me to set foot on a Carnival ship again (although the Breeze looks really nice)!

 

Is the Navigator out? I'd pick her first, but if she's out I understand the Sun and Dawn are both good ships, but smaller than what you seem to be used to. The spa that you are looking for is available on Epic, Breakaway, and Getaway.

[SissasMomE]

Also, I want to do that same itinerary - SOON. It's looks awesome!

[mtsnd1900]

You couldn't pay me to set foot on a Carnival ship again (although the Breeze looks really nice)!

 

Is the Navigator out? I'd pick her first, but if she's out I understand the Sun and Dawn are both good ships, but smaller than what you seem to be used to. The spa that you are looking for is available on Epic, Breakaway, and Getaway.

 

 

The Navigator is not "out" per say, but I look on one web page, and they say that they are going to some islands, go to a different page, though the same sail dates, say other islands, and this is all within the ROYAL web page! They are infamous for not having a good page, but this was ridiculous. I am keeping them on the short list, but no information just yet. I do have some credits with them, and would put us up on the points list too.

 

Dawn does not have a spa option? Read here on CC that it has one for $119/wk pp (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=265&pgtype=Activities#fitness )

 

I actually liked the Dream, but had no anticipation of liking it when I went, but the Spa was perfect.

[kcool]

Try ncl

[SissasMomE]

The Navigator is not "out" per say, but I look on one web page, and they say that they are going to some islands, go to a different page, though the same sail dates, say other islands, and this is all within the ROYAL web page! They are infamous for not having a good page, but this was ridiculous. I am keeping them on the short list, but no information just yet. I do have some credits with them, and would put us up on the points list too.

 

Dawn does not have a spa option? Read here on CC that it has one for $119/wk pp (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=265&pgtype=Activities#fitness )

 

I actually liked the Dream, but had no anticipation of liking it when I went, but the Spa was perfect.

 

They do, but it's small. If you're used to the bigger ships, I think you may be disappointed. Is the Dream a sister ship to the Breeze?

[Mysticks1]

There is a website that might help you - cruisedeckplans.com To get all of the pictures and information there is a fee but it is a small one for a year's access. On it you can look at deck plans with photos taken by members linked directly onto the areas location on the deck plans. This could be very helpful to you in seeing exactly what you would be getting in the spas, etc. I even found great photos of our exact cabin there. The site also lets you drag the deckplans on top of each other to see exactly what is over and above your cabin, etc.

[SissasMomE]

There is a website that might help you - cruisedeckplans.com To get all of the pictures and information there is a fee but it is a small one for a year's access. On it you can look at deck plans with photos taken by members linked directly onto the areas location on the deck plans. This could be very helpful to you in seeing exactly what you would be getting in the spas, etc. I even found great photos of our exact cabin there. The site also lets you drag the deckplans on top of each other to see exactly what is over and above your cabin, etc.

 

I've been on that site a few times, and always "cancelled" out before paying. I think I may join it now.

[vols_159]

DEAR OP,

 

Please take my advice.. If you ever listen to someone on here please listen to me... If you stop in Costa MAya Book a private excursion to Maya Chan resort.. Find there website and book it! you wont be disapointed!!!!!

[punkincc]

The Sun has no spa package. There is free access to steam room/sauna, but no thallasso therapy pools, etc. I can't remember if the Dawn does.

[FitchburgWIFamily]

Never sailed Carnival, so I can't give you a first hand account.

 

I can tell you what I observed when we were in the Western Carribean in March.

 

Every port we were in, we were in port with Carnival.

 

Every port we were in, Carnvival seemed to disembark just a little bit before NCL. We were just starting to disembark while Carnival was finishing up.

 

Carnival keeps their ship clocks to the time zone of their departure port. NCL changes theirs as they cruise so you are on local time when you are ashore.

 

As a result, when NCL passengers had to depart at 5pm local time....the Carnival passengers who started in Florida (eastern time zone with daylight savings time) had to leave three hours before we did...even though they were departing "at 5pm" too.

 

Carnival seemed to make everyone race and rush to get back on board, but didn't seem to set sail that much before the NCL ships.

 

So, if any of the cruise destinations are important to you, you might want to do the math to figure out what the time difference will be on Carnival between your departing time zone and local time.

 

Enjoy!

[jdvmd]

Been on the Sun twice for a total of 23 nights. We love her because of the great service and wonderful, friendly crew. She is well maintained but definitely smaller and not "out there" like the Carnival ships.

 

Have to point out something - the time frame you are looking at, while cheap, is the rainy season for the Western itinerary.

 

Because of this, Costa Maya is bypassed quick frequently due to waves etc. You need to be of the mind set that this could happen.

 

Been to Maya Chan and while we enjoyed our time there, would not go again. Personally, if that is important to you, I would pick a ship that is in Costa Maya a lot longer.

 

You would need to be back onboard no later than 1:30. Factor in a minimum of 30 minutes for the drive back; another 15 to get through the port itself and walk back to the ship. That means leaving at the VERY LATEST by 12:45. I cannot imagine getting off the ship so early and beginning to drink and/eat Mexican food that soon to be cost effective.

 

Good luck with your decision. It looks like you have really researched this out thoroughly.

[chill6x6]

Is the spa option a deal breaker? I don't know a thing about spa-anything so I honestly can't even answer your question at all about that. BUT.....

 

I am a western Caribbean specialist! ;) No not really but I have done this itinerary three times on Carnival and twice with NCL and can say WITHOUT A DOUBT that NCL does it BEST! I think you would enjoy sailing out of NO as well and might even want to get there a day early and eat at some of the great restaurants and do the French Quarter.

 

ALSO, the itinerary NCL does for Western Caribbean is a four port itinerary and it is GREAT!

 

Entertainment with NCL is at LEAST as good as Princess if not better and is in a completely different league than Carnival.

 

I honestly would have to say the Star western caribbean cruise I JUST took was the best cruise experience I've had to date.

[Oldgoat61]

I am posting this same message on Carnival and NCL boards to get the full spectrum of opinions.

 

My wife and I are looking at cruises the fall, 2014 with stops in Costa Maya and Roatan. I have found a few cruises and wanted some insight. We have never sailed NCL, but have sailed Carnival, Royal, Princess, Premier, etc. We are price conscious and will shop around for a good deal / perks. Not in a hurry to book, open to various weeks over a three month span (Sept, Oct, Nov 2014) based on price.

 

Here is what we would like from the ship:

1. Spa – we like to purchase a “spa package” which allows unlimited access for a week to things like the thealosal pools, saunas, steam rooms, mineral baths, stone beds, etc. We did it most recently on the CCL Dream and loved it! This could be a deal breaker if not available.

2. Fun bars – Karaoke is good, dueling pianos is best! Sports, Irish pubs with live music, Margarittaville, etc. We hate cigarette smoke, especially when enjoying a drink. Again, wife loves the high energy piano bars, not the black tie guy sitting there as background noise. Comedy clubs are also a frequent stop.

3. Descent entertainment – not looking for Allure of the Seas or NCL Epic quality, but I do not want a ship talent show and baton twirler. Production shows are okay.

4. Fun on board – waterslides are okay, but not necessary; unique, simple fun things are more than enough.

5. Price Conscious – we like to cruise, so are on a budget. I factor in everything from transfers, airlines, local hotel fees, even the tips (14 days with kids is a lot more than 7 days without!) sailings when doing a price comparison.

6. Alcohol purchase options (liked buying bottles from Carnival Bon Voyage; all inclusive packages w/ 4 islands is not worth it in my opinion, we will be on shore too much to enjoy ).

 

Sailings we have found:

· NCL Sun, about $750 balcony, October / November from Tampa (inexpensive flight, free hotel night before)

· NCL Dawn, $750 or $950 for balcony, early / late November, from New Orleans

· CCL Conquest, $700 balcony, Sept, from Miami

· CCL Dream, $750 balcony, just did this sailing in 2012, Sept, from Canaveral

· RCI Navigator, $???, typical fashion, Royals web page shows the ports and options on some pages, and then on others show different ports for the same dates - Currently, not reliable.

 

So, I have read online reviews of these ships, but how are they? I do not expect them to compete with many of our recent sailings (Most recent have been aboard the Allure of the Seas, Carnival Dream, Freedom of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas) but want to know we are getting something worthwhile.

 

The big port we are looking to hit is Costa Maya to do Maya Chan (love it there). The Dream, though possibly the best ship of the bunch, is in port from 7-2. The Sun is there 8-5. The other ships are there from 8-4. Does the 3 hours matter - Last time we went via The Dream, we felt like we had to leave to soon! In Roatan, we have a private guide take us around for the day.

 

 

The Dawn, we would have reason to spend a night in New Orleans, though it would be far and away the most expensive, especially with flights. For the cumulative price, we could do a lot on the other ships.

 

Is the NCL Sun any good? Spa packages? Things to do? It would be less expensive than the Dream, but at what cost? Does it have an old feeling?

 

 

 

On the Dream, we loved the Spa and the Cove Balcony, liked the dining room, and the pasta bar. Never went to the casino, took in some shows, and relaxed. The pool deck was way too crowded for us most days. How does The Conquest compare?

 

 

Thank you all for your input!

We were on the Dawn last month, and had a great time. The only CCL ship I have been on was the Legend, but that was in 2010 before all of their troubles. We had a great cruise.

The Sun and the Dawn are much smaller ships than the Dream or the Conquest, if size is important. No water slides on the Dawn, and I would bet the Sun doesn't either.

The Dawn has a spa, but we have never used it, so can't answer. I don't think it has the type you are looking for though.

Entertainment was great on the Dawn, and I think you will find that throughout the cruise line.

They have a comedy troupe (improv) called Second City out of Chicago, which was excellent.

Don't know if they do karaoke, it's not my thing.

They do have drink packages.

Hope this helps!:D

[gcsmith]

DEAR OP,

 

Please take my advice.. If you ever listen to someone on here please listen to me... If you stop in Costa MAya Book a private excursion to Maya Chan resort.. Find there website and book it! you wont be disapointed!!!!!

 

Vols, I'm going to say you didn't read what the OP posted. They specifically are looking for Costa Maya for Maya Chan and have been there before . . .

[mizLORInj]

I would go on any of them.

[skittl1321]

I think this is win win. I just wouldn't do the Dream because you've done it before. We've loved all our Carnival cruises and are looking forward to our NCL one.

[ladytravlr2]

New Orleans is a great port to sail from. Lots of fun the night before, and easy port terminal to manuver around in. I have been to Costa Maya and the others two times and going again to the same ports next October on NCL Jewel. The Spirit and The Star were the other NCL ships I took before.

 

Roatan is a favorite, lovely beaches on the west side. Costa Maya can be what you make it, I hear good things about Maya Chan, but we never have been there. Went instead to beaches some distance away from the dock. Belize we went to small island Goff's Cay, that was nice. Cozumel, we have gone to Mr. Sanchos.

 

New Orleans is a great trip from Illinois, we take the Amtrak...straight shot down!

 

NCL has great staff, crew....friendly and happy, at least to guests.

 

I have been on Carnival and Royal C. before too....and although I did like RCL, and also liked Carnival....I think I prefer NCL for now. I like the anytime dining.

 

Enjoy planning and going on your trip.

[mtsnd1900]

DEAR OP,

 

Please take my advice.. If you ever listen to someone on here please listen to me... If you stop in Costa MAya Book a private excursion to Maya Chan resort.. Find there website and book it! you wont be disapointed!!!!!

 

 

LOL.. To funny.. this is the entire reason we are selecting this itinerary - Maya Chan is our favorite spot! Our last trip there, via the Carnival Dream, the ship pulled out early so our day there was short...

 

Roatan is the close second - I have a trusted tour guide who picks us up at the ship and will drive us around the island for the day, taking us to non-tourist / less tourist areas, great scuba diving guides, etc.

[mtsnd1900]

They do, but it's small. If you're used to the bigger ships, I think you may be disappointed. Is the Dream a sister ship to the Breeze?

Yes... The Dream Class... The Breeze is the second, and has more features. right now, the Breeze does not show up after April 2014, so uncertain where it is going. I am starting the rumor that it will head to NY to compete w/ NCL and RCIs best ships!

[mtsnd1900]

There is a website that might help you - cruisedeckplans.com To get all of the pictures and information there is a fee but it is a small one for a year's access. On it you can look at deck plans with photos taken by members linked directly onto the areas location on the deck plans. This could be very helpful to you in seeing exactly what you would be getting in the spas, etc. I even found great photos of our exact cabin there. The site also lets you drag the deckplans on top of each other to see exactly what is over and above your cabin, etc.

 

Thank you - I have used that site many times over the years and always refer to it when booking. Searching around for pics.

[mtsnd1900]

 

So, if any of the cruise destinations are important to you, you might want to do the math to figure out what the time difference will be on Carnival between your departing time zone and local time.

 

Enjoy!

 

Thank you... We like our time on Costa Maya and Roatan, so time is important. But, if the extra couple of hours results in a ship that we are not impressed with, we would choose the better ship, even with shorter time... Hence the nice spa on the Dream, with the crappy hours on CM, are on the short list. Thank you!

[mtsnd1900]

Have to point out something - the time frame you are looking at, while cheap, is the rainy season for the Western itinerary.

 

Because of this, Costa Maya is bypassed quick frequently due to waves etc. You need to be of the mind set that this could happen.

 

I cannot imagine getting off the ship so early and beginning to drink and/eat Mexican food that soon to be cost effective.

 

Good luck with your decision. It looks like you have really researched this out thoroughly.

 

Thank you.. I do a LOT of research when planning some cruises, and others I just book and get on, knowing the ship is the destination (ie. Freedom, Allure, Dream w/ 20 friends).

 

We have done many in the fall, avoided hurricanes and been fortunate... one or two rain days over the years, but not bad...

[spencercoop]

Yes... The Dream Class... The Breeze is the second, and has more features. right now, the Breeze does not show up after April 2014, so uncertain where it is going. I am starting the rumor that it will head to NY to compete w/ NCL and RCIs best ships!

 

Not to nitpick but the Breeze is the third in the Dream Class. The only reason why I am bringing it up is because Carnival improved the Dream Class a lot from the Dream to the Magic and even more to the Breeze. The Breeze has even more than the Magic has and the Breeze has an added bonus of the new more laid back decor.

[Laszlo]

My wife and I are doing the Dawn in November. A big reason were are doing her from Tampa and not the Jewel? from New Orleans is the price of airfare. Flying to Tampa is more than 50% cheaper compared to flying to NO.