Trouble deciding which cruise-Allure,Valor, or Epic?

[sunbird21]

Hi all,

I have done two solo cruises on the Epic( one in Caribbean,one in Mediterranean). I have done solo vacations in Europe/Australia before,so I'm not new to solo vacationing. I am a 35 y/o female,single,but pretty easy going.

 

I'm debating on which cruise to do in October....I've always wanted to try the Allure/Oasis, but have never done so due to the fact that RCI never seems to want to have specials for solos. That being said, the price of a boardwalk balcony cabin for myself would be $1990 when all is said and done...pricy, I know, but one of these days if I want to try this ship I will just have to bite the bullet. (BTW an inside on this ship,same week,is $1920... Hence I figure for only $70 I'd do the balcony). I'm not too crazy about the itinerary(western Caribbean,been to Cozumel and Jamaica before) but this one would be about the ship.

 

However, Carnival Valor has a southern Caribbean cruise that week,which I have always wanted to do(st kitts,st Lucia,,Barbados, and st Thomas, st Maarten). I could definitely get a cheap inside for about $1000, or even a balcony for $1400....still cheaper than Allure. I would love the ports and I have done 5 Carnival cruises(not solo) so I can build my frequent cruiser status a bit....but all of the reviews seem to show that the Valor doesn't have much more to do on there than the other Carnival ships I've done in the past(Fantasy class ships). These were fine, but being by myself, I'd like a little variety other than pool,drink,casino.

 

Finally, there's the Epic, which would be a repeat cruise for me,but I did love the Mediterranean last year and there's always more to see. I have done the Epic twice though.... Cost wise the cruise would be $1000, $800 for airfare...still cheaper than the Allure LOL.

btw airfare to either Ft Kauderdale or San Juan for the other two cruises are equal, about $300

 

So I'm wondering what peoples opinions are? Also want to know from a solo perspective on Carnival or RCI...I know what I'm getting into with the Epic...I had a great time in the Med but in the Caribbean as a solo I felt like I was a bit out of place,even with the studio lounge....ppl didn't seem to flock together on that cruise as much. Thus, I don't know if I would stand out even more on Allure or Valor.....

 

Any feedback appreciated! I didn't post in the respective cruise line threads,bc I'm sure each line will vote for their own ship naturally.

 

Stacey

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Brockwest]

Please read my review on the Valor. (just put in my name and you will find it.)

I found the Valor to be one of the most spectacular cruisies I have ever taken.

There is a specialty dining room, Scarlett's that is an absolute steal of a bargain.....private table, private service, private bar and 5-star cuisine. The food and china was so beautiful, we took pictures of it. It would be perfect as a place you wish to dine alone and not have to stare/hear tons of families. It is not a place to meet others.

 

Your listed ports of call will be superb.

You said "solo" which I take to mean fine going alone, not looking for companionship, as opposed to "single."

 

I would not think of Valor as a place for a single to find singles. One the other hand, I did not hang out at the pool bar with those that may have been.

 

The finest (but expensive ships) I have found for those seeking companionship are Crystal. They literally hire educated, refined men as dancing/dining escorts for the single ladies. (No hanky-panky expected/required.)

 

The worst ship I found for singles was RC Navigator...I was absolutely the only single on board....and to my great embarrassment, they had the gentleman escorts escort me, even though I'm male.

 

For finding companionship, it depends on what you like. If you like the hairy-leg contest, drink-all-you-can pool bars, then the boards can direct you to those ships.

 

One of the finest times I had solo was cross-Atlantic...nestled under a blanket on a deckchair with hot tea, reading a book.

 

The Valor has a magnificent entrance lobby, with plush leather sofa's for nice drinks.

[TARRA]

Hi all,

I have done two solo cruises on the Epic( one in Caribbean,one in Mediterranean). I have done solo vacations in Europe/Australia before,so I'm not new to solo vacationing. I am a 35 y/o female,single,but pretty easy going.

 

I'm debating on which cruise to do in October....I've always wanted to try the Allure/Oasis, but have never done so due to the fact that RCI never seems to want to have specials for solos. That being said, the price of a boardwalk balcony cabin for myself would be $1990 when all is said and done...pricy, I know, but one of these days if I want to try this ship I will just have to bite the bullet. (BTW an inside on this ship,same week,is $1920... Hence I figure for only $70 I'd do the balcony). I'm not too crazy about the itinerary(western Caribbean,been to Cozumel and Jamaica before) but this one would be about the ship.

 

However, Carnival Valor has a southern Caribbean cruise that week,which I have always wanted to do(st kitts,st Lucia,,Barbados, and st Thomas, st Maarten). I could definitely get a cheap inside for about $1000, or even a balcony for $1400....still cheaper than Allure. I would love the ports and I have done 5 Carnival cruises(not solo) so I can build my frequent cruiser status a bit....but all of the reviews seem to show that the Valor doesn't have much more to do on there than the other Carnival ships I've done in the past(Fantasy class ships). These were fine, but being by myself, I'd like a little variety other than pool,drink,casino.

 

Finally, there's the Epic, which would be a repeat cruise for me,but I did love the Mediterranean last year and there's always more to see. I have done the Epic twice though.... Cost wise the cruise would be $1000, $800 for airfare...still cheaper than the Allure LOL.

btw airfare to either Ft Kauderdale or San Juan for the other two cruises are equal, about $300

 

So I'm wondering what peoples opinions are? Also want to know from a solo perspective on Carnival or RCI...I know what I'm getting into with the Epic...I had a great time in the Med but in the Caribbean as a solo I felt like I was a bit out of place,even with the studio lounge....ppl didn't seem to flock together on that cruise as much. Thus, I don't know if I would stand out even more on Allure or Valor.....

 

Any feedback appreciated! I didn't post in the respective cruise line threads,bc I'm sure each line will vote for their own ship naturally.

 

Stacey

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I did the Carnival Valor Solo in Sept. 2012 and had a fantastic time! Met many wonderful people and am planning another solo trip in the spring of 2015!

[trixietx]

Of the three, I have only been on Allure. I don't think you will be disappointed with Allure! Love it, booking it again in October!;)