Princess or RCCL for Caribbean?

[daisee]

A few of us couples want to do a Caribbean Cruise next December. RCCL is a little pricier (balconies for all), wondered what anyones preference if you have sailed both. Went on Royal Caribbean 20 years ago and our first Princess is coming up this Nov. to Mexico. We did Carnival last year, good but not fabulous.

 

Also-any difference between princess cays and Labadee?

[vmom]

Done both RCCL and Princess and enjoyed them both. Really don't think you can go wrong with either. Alot will depend on which particular ships you choose on each. There is differences between ships on the same line.

 

We found the service and food on RCCL and Princess to be simialar (very good) but preferred the evening entertainment a bit more on Princess.

 

Since you will be traveling when school is out, you probably won't have to worry about alot of young kids. I think RCCL tends to attract more kids during school holidays than Princess, but that should be a non issue in December as long as it is not a holiday sailing.

 

It has been a while since we were on Labadee. Our scheduled stop there last year when we were on the NOS was canceled due to political unrest on Haiti. Labadee is on the island of Haiti where as Princess Cays is on a island which is part of the Bahamas. Princess Cays was very nice and we really enjoyed our day there.

[SPI_Rick]

As Vmom said, you should be fine on either cruise line. Of course, the most important thing is to find a cruise line that you like that has the itinerary that you like. But, one small consideration, if you are planning future cruises, is to pick one cruise line that you like and stay with it for most cruises. That way you can take advantage of some of the perks that they give to repeat customers. For example, on Princess, you start receiving some benefits after your 5th cruise and receive even more after 15 cruises.

 

 

See the following link for general information on various cruise lines and their past passenger programs:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=73

[phaelon56]

Go to this link

 

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/connfram.HTM

 

and then click on JFK to Newark airport options. The Airporter Shuttle service is $24. They say to allow up to 90 minutes and I think that's realistic. On a bad day it could take longer but typically that trip can be made in 45 - 60 minutes when traffic is not heavy.

[geoherb]

If by next December you mean 2006, wait until you're on your Princess cruise to book. You'll be able to take advantage of the onboard booking credits.

 

We prefer Princess.

[michmike]

what are your ages? any particular reason Holland America isn't in the running??

[wrp96]

But, one small consideration, if you are planning future cruises, is to pick one cruise line that you like and stay with it for most cruises. That way you can take advantage of some of the perks that they give to repeat customers. For example, on Princess, you start receiving some benefits after your 5th cruise and receive even more after 15 cruises.

 

 

See the following link for general information on various cruise lines and their past passenger programs:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=73

 

RCI starts giving benefits after your first cruise. I would make the decision based on itinerary, choose the one you want to do more.

[caviargal]

I find the daytime and fitness activities on RCI to be superior as well as the nightlife.

 

I personally found Princess to be a bit stuffy and never went back after my first cruise. Now that CCL owns them, I doubt that I would.

 

JMHO.