Help with comparing Carnival vs. ????

[fuddrules]

Currently looking at a cruise for Dec/New Years Eve of 2014 - Western Itn.

Desired Cruise

6/7/8 – days

Warm itinerary but the cruise can NOT have a starting point south of Tampa/Port Canaveral

Can NOT start before December 27th and should cover NYE

I’m currently looking at the Pride NYE cruise based out of Tampa

Current cost booking Early Saver - 2 rooms – 5 people both rooms interior with Obstructed view – French doors

Cost total for 5 in 2-rooms - $ 4563 (ouch)

So, what other cruise lines offer anything comparable (or close to) to this? I’m not very familiar with other cruise lines (or their booking website operations) but I hear many good things about some so I would certainly consider other options. Any help would be appreciated.

[rockbock]

If you aren't happy with Carnival pricing for that time period, you will be even less satisfied with every other cruise line. You pay a substantial premium to cruise over New Year's Eve.

[RhondaC]

I would suggest finding a good travel agent (one with personal service, not an online booking engine) to have them do comparisons for you. If you have a good cruise specialist, they will have personal experience cruising the different lines and ships and can give you good facts and even share their opinions. :)

[cruisescouter]

I just realized this was from 2012.... so disregard.

[fuddrules]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I do want to say it's not that we want to book another cruise outside of Carnival, however, if something is out there that we missed, I'd like to know about it.

 

We enjoy carnival but.....we don't know about other lines and a number of people discuss "deals" with other lines. I haven't seen many (but haven't looked too hard either) so if they're out there it would be nice to know.

[cruisescouter]

Sorry I mixed up your join date with the date this was posted. Err... Hump day!

 

Anyways... Have you looked into the Carnival Legend? The price for those dates are at least half for 2 balcony rooms for 5 people. I think something is off with that price and look for promotions. There are a bunch right now.

 

Good luck!

[Kenito]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I do want to say it's not that we want to book another cruise outside of Carnival, however, if something is out there that we missed, I'd like to know about it.

 

We enjoy carnival but.....we don't know about other lines and a number of people discuss "deals" with other lines. I haven't seen many (but haven't looked too hard either) so if they're out there it would be nice to know.

 

You can get a lot of good information and opinions here, but it is information gained from other people's experience... and based upon their perspectives, background, and lifestyle. Personally, I would rarely pay the premium to go on a holiday cruise... but that's my perspective! ;)

 

Only you can understand what kind of experience you want and your personal perspective.

 

So keep asking, but nothing will replace you doing your own research.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Sorry I mixed up your join date with the date this was posted. Err... Hump day!

 

Anyways... Have you looked into the Carnival Legend? The price for those dates are at least half for 2 balcony rooms for 5 people. I think something is off with that price and look for promotions. There are a bunch right now.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Won't the legend be in Australia December/New Years eve 2014?

 

Bill

[cruisescouter]

Won't the legend be in Australia December/New Years eve 2014?

 

Bill

 

Yeah I am batting a thousand today. I was thinking 2013. I should just call it quits before I go back a decade.

 

Still, you should be able to get it under 3K and then just wait for sales and have the TA or cruise line lower your rate.