Neep help deciding between two different Med cruises on NCL & RCCL

[marmoreus]

(Cross-posted on Ask a Cruise question forum)

 

Hi all,

 

I am getting ready to book my second cruise ever and need some input on choosing between two.

 

Background: It will be myself and my husband (we're 38 & 39) plus our four children ages 14, 12, 9 and 6. We've never been to Europe and thought a Med cruise as a family would be fun and educational. We homeschool so can be flexible on what time of year we travel.

 

Here are the 2 cruises I've narrowed it down to and I just don't feel like I have enough experience myself to choose (never sailed on NCL, never been anywhere in Europe). I will say that my husband and I hope to do more traveling to Europe in the future so I'm not too worried about just choosing which itinerary I'd prefer (even though I'm not even sure I know the answer to that!)

 

1) Norwegian Jade 7 day Greek Isles, Sep 19-26: Venice, sea, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Katakolon, sea, Venice

 

We'd be in a 2 bedroom family suite with balcony and have $200 of OBC.

 

2) Allure of the Seas 7 nt Western Med, Sep 20-27 : Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Rome, Naples, sea, Barcelona

 

We'd be in a Family Oceanview Stateroom and have $100 of OBC (this would cost $500 more than the suite on the NCL)

 

A few more things: From my research I know Med cruises are port intensive and not to choose based on the ship. I've seen where people say don't do a big ship for Med cruises (which the Allure is) but we are also trying to work this cruise around a conference my husband has in London that starts the week of November 27th so these 2 cruises are really the only ones that work (of cruise lines I want to sail on). There was one other cruise that went from Barcelona to London which logistically would be great for my husband but it's on the Norwegian Epic and from what I've learned about the casino smoke permeating the middle of the ship and dining areas, I decided to rule that one out.

 

Maybe it's an obvious choice but I'm kind of having a hard time. Any outside input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

[hawkshoe]

JMO, I have not sailed on NCL (have a cruise booked for later this year) so I can't comment on the ships. I am more looking at the itinerary and the fact that you are bringing your 4 kids. I would go with the Allure of the Seas 7 nt Western Med, Sep 20-27 : Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Rome, Naples, sea, Barcelona. I just think these ports would be of more interest to kids (although I have not personally been to any of them). I know my son did Rome and Naples as part of a European tour when he was 18. He loved both of them.

[insidecabin]

NCL have you priced in the Suite choice sale, beverage, dining packages, $300OBC in a suite

 

Flights t oBCN from the UK tend to be easier/cheaper than Venice but if you are getting this trip combined with a business trip that may not be an issue.

 

2 bed suite is ok for 6, no idea on the allure family OV.

Edited February 2, 2015 by insidecabin

[notsodesperatehousewife]

I can't speak to the ships, but I have kids that age, and have a couple of thoughts that might be helpful.

 

These days that age group seems really enthusiastic about Greek mythology from the Rick Riordan books, etc. So if your kids like that sort of thing, you might consider that.

 

If it were me (ship and price being equal), I'd go for the second itinerary because you'd hit three different countries and the variety could be interesting.

 

From my research on European cruises (some day we'll go!) I do know that the larger ships often have to dock at greater distance from city centers or sometimes have to tender and if the weather is bad, that could mean a lost day in port. I would check carefully about those arrangements. Kids can get impatient with too much time spent coming and going.

 

Either way, have a fantastic time!

[bluesea777]

Well, well, most of the replies said Allure, but here is my input ...

 

We went on the Jade's Greek Isles out of Venice last October and loved it.

 

Our 4 days in Venice (supposed to be 5 but Hurricane Fay hit Bermuda on day of departure!) pre-cruise was magical - we loved loved Venice. We got a water bus passes and had fun going around on various water buses. We walked thru the streets and dined in fabulous out of the way restaurants. The sailaway on the Jade was the best one we have seen - it was our 12th cruise on NCL.

 

When you have 4 kids, it's best to pick a med size ship so to enjoy the ports as a family and easy to keep track of the kids while on ship. Especially in Europe where you have not been to.

 

Santorini - you can hire a minivan for the 6 of you and tour the island.

Maykonos - easy walking port - free shuttle from ship to town and you walk to the Windmills and on way back you walk thru mazes of streets. Stop at any restaurant you fancy for great greek lunch.

Katakolon - a visit to Olympia is a must.

 

When you are in a NCL suite you have both breakfast and lunch in Cagney's for free as suite perks.

 

If you are on Allure the kids might go wild because of too many options to do on the ship. We personally would not go on the Allure for that reason. Some kids will refuse to leave ship at ports of call because of too much fun things to do on the ship.

 

Last Oct we redeemed our AA miles and flew on AA to Milan and took a train (2 hr 35 mins) to Venice - nice way as we slept on train to recover from lost sleep on way over.

Edited February 3, 2015 by bluesea777

[Sauer-kraut]

My personal opinion:

 

I'd do the Greek Islands only because the other itinerary you can easily do as a land vacation. Easily fly into BCN and go from there and visit the other places either via rental car or train. ALSO if you do the Barcelona itinerary you'll be hit with the extra Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases so you might want to take that into consideration.

[luvtheships]

The allure has better ports for a first timer to Europe with kids your ages

 

I have 4 kids and have taken them 2 x to the med and it is the most educational trip you can do

 

But seriously show them Rome Florence Pompeii and Barcelona!!!!

 

The eastern route can wait

 

Also do add pre and post days and do some research on a longer cruise that will add the eastern route

 

May I also add that IMHO get the cheapest cabins possible. This is a port intensive med cruise so spend your money on land not at sea. Lol

 

You won't regret it

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[marmoreus]

Thanks so much everyone! This is very helpful and the kind of input I was hoping for, although there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus so I've still got some deciding to do!

[mrobstad]

Allure much better ship and cruising out of Barcelona is easy. But, the Jade itinerary, though not a priority, includes Venice, which is my favorite port of all times, and I'm dying to cruise the Greek isles. And honestly, if it's only your second cruise, I'd go for the Jade because once you do a newer ship, it's tough to go back to the older ships IMHO. On a side note, there's not been a lot of complaining anymore about the smoke....I've been on the Epic 2-3 times, and never noticed it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[AF-1]

(Cross-posted on Ask a Cruise question forum)

 

Hi all,

 

I am getting ready to book my second cruise ever and need some input on choosing between two.

 

Background: It will be myself and my husband (we're 38 & 39) plus our four children ages 14, 12, 9 and 6. We've never been to Europe and thought a Med cruise as a family would be fun and educational. We homeschool so can be flexible on what time of year we travel.

 

Here are the 2 cruises I've narrowed it down to and I just don't feel like I have enough experience myself to choose (never sailed on NCL, never been anywhere in Europe). I will say that my husband and I hope to do more traveling to Europe in the future so I'm not too worried about just choosing which itinerary I'd prefer (even though I'm not even sure I know the answer to that!)

 

1) Norwegian Jade 7 day Greek Isles, Sep 19-26: Venice, sea, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Katakolon, sea, Venice

 

We'd be in a 2 bedroom family suite with balcony and have $200 of OBC.

 

2) Allure of the Seas 7 nt Western Med, Sep 20-27 : Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Rome, Naples, sea, Barcelona

 

We'd be in a Family Oceanview Stateroom and have $100 of OBC (this would cost $500 more than the suite on the NCL)

 

A few more things: From my research I know Med cruises are port intensive and not to choose based on the ship. I've seen where people say don't do a big ship for Med cruises (which the Allure is) but we are also trying to work this cruise around a conference my husband has in London that starts the week of November 27th so these 2 cruises are really the only ones that work (of cruise lines I want to sail on). There was one other cruise that went from Barcelona to London which logistically would be great for my husband but it's on the Norwegian Epic and from what I've learned about the casino smoke permeating the middle of the ship and dining areas, I decided to rule that one out.

 

Maybe it's an obvious choice but I'm kind of having a hard time. Any outside input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

 

Let me chime in and see if I can help. First lets talk about Allure of the Seas and its itinerary.

I took my 5 grandkids on Allure; basically while onboard you will never see the kids. There is so much for them to do and the activities are excellent. The oldest boys hung out on the flowrider the entire week; trying to hone their surfing skills; middle age kids were on scavenger hunts all over the ship; plus karaoke all the time. Barcelona : has some very interesting history and some great cathedrals. Rome speaks for itself. You could use two days; but with 12 hrs in port you can still see a lot. Naples; you can go to Pompeii and see the ruins or go the way of the Almafi coast. Majorca is pretty and has some nice sights. Marseille is just ok; Now for the next ship Jade. I will be on Jade for two weeks in a penthouse suite. I have been to all the ports before. Let me list them and what you can do.

Venice: spend one complete day there. Getting to hotel or ship by a water taxi is awesome. Walking in St Marks square and into the Basilica. Stop by Rialto Bridge; where there are some great shopping.

Corfu; Achilleon Palace and The Greek Monestary on the opposite side of the island. The monks in the Monestary press their own grapes and olives; they make wine and olive oil. Pretty neat stuff.

Santorini: this is a caldron. When the volcano erupted; instead of rising up in the air everything exploded down into the sea. The water and island are picture perfect. Some of the best pictures have been taken here.

Mykonos. Greek Mythology started here. Well the island is named for Mykon, who was Apollos grandson.

Olympus or Katakolon. Mt Olympus; this is where all the Gods hung out Zeus, Apollo, the olympics.

Hope this helps. All I know is: I have traveled on Royal Caribbean extensively. Been all around the world. They treat customers well. I have not been on NCL; so this will be my first time. I chose them because you don't have to dress up for dinner; you don't have to make standing reservations for meals; and they are on record as having the best perks for suite guests. So that is my take on your question.

[insidecabin]

Allure will have come out of dry dock if Oasis is anything to go by they may still be working on things.

 

Does the family cabin come with 2 bathrooms like the NCL one.

 

ncl have a sale on

 

http://www.ncl.com/promo/wave15

 

kids go free and beverage packages for the 2 adults soda for the 4 kids, ultimate dining so all specialities included and $200 OBC

2bed 6pax $7229

 

 

if you don't get those on RCI they will cost.

How much is the FB on Allure with 6? for 4 it is $6900 with 3-4 over $1k each so if 5-6 same you are looking a t over $9k.

 

For that you could be in the Haven 2bed on NCL($8289 $300OBC)

Edited February 3, 2015 by insidecabin

[cruis247g]

What a wonderful choice! We've taken several European cruises with our children and had a fabulous time on each one. I'm sure that your family will too!!

 

For a first European cruise, I would lean toward the Allure because of it's itinerary (love Rome and Naples on a first Euro cruise) and visiting several countries, which is very educational. On the other hand, Venice and the Greek Isles are lovely and I love NCL's 2 bedroom suites. It's true that you won't be in the cabin that much, but a larger cabin can help with better sleep, which may help keep everyone happy and at full energy for touring:).

 

Now to muddy the waters a bit - I would reconsider the Epic. The itinerary is very strong for a first European cruise. You could sail from Rome and thus spend additional time there, which I think you would appreciate. Also, the cost of a cabin could allow for larger accommodations than on the Allure. I do understand your concerns, but as suggested by an earlier poster, you might wish to revisit this option.

 

No matter what you choose, I'm sure you will have a marvelous time!

[kandpsmom]

I have done both the eastern and western med ports with my kids. They enjoyed both of them equally. We did Greece this past December and they loved it. They are all into Greek myths right now. I think that whichever ever one you choose will be a great experience for all of you.

 

We sailed RCCI on the our western cruise and NCL on our eastern. We loved NCL and are very happy we chose them this time around. Med cruises are very port intensive, so IMHO the ship itself is not as important though.

 

We had a mini suite on RCCI and the 2 bedroom suite on NCL. We all loved the suite and would pick it again in a heartbeat.

 

Like a previous poster suggested, did you look into the Epic doing the western med if you are leaning towards that itinerary.

[insidecabin]

Is post hubbys converence an option.

 

Just noticed you said that was Nov? did you really mean sept?

[Cruiserbarbie]

No new thoughts from those above really but just thought I'd add my 2cents.

 

Have been to all the ports by one means or another and just off Jade from Adriatic/Med cruise in Nov.

 

I think you received lots of great advice. I go for Allure. Posters are correct about the Greek isles and although would be the same (islands) it is far west on your map option so could you see yourself going in that direction in the future. And yes, the ports on the NCL are varied and fabulous, you can do it on a land tour.

 

What do the kids say?

[insidecabin]

Neither of those itineraries are practical as land tours.

[marmoreus]

I so appreciate all this feedback. It's given me a lot to think about.

 

Yes, insidecabin, that was a goof on my hubby's conference. Starts week of September 27th. Cruising after that is an option but I really didn't find anything the first week of October. As for your other question about pricing, we would be in an FO on Allure for around $7700 and the 2 br suite on NCL would be about $500 less. So on Allure it's one big partitioned room with 1 bathroom vs a 2 br suite with 2 bathrooms. If Jade had the same itinerary as Allure, I think I'd choose Jade, no question. But with all the variables, I'm torn!

 

The Epic sailing that works with our dates is an Iberian peninsula cruise (Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, London). I liked it mainly because it drops us off in London just in time for the conference. Otherwise, the itinerary doesn't excite me too much. At least not for a first time trip to Europe.

 

I'm starting to think that trying to tie this trip in with the conference might not work. His airfare would be paid for (or at least the value of a round trip ticket to London) but it might be easier and give us more options to just plan the family cruise around the best itinerary & ship combo. I think I'll discuss this with my husband and if it turns out that we don't try to combine things, I'll still take all this great info into account as I look for other sailings.

 

Thank you thank you everyone!

[insidecabin]

Don't forget the Jade comes with drinks packages and dining package.

 

Unless you only drink water price those(or PAYG) up on RCI.

 

The dining package eliminates any issue over MDR food.

 

Flights and a London stay are the killer probably better to try and do a much longer trip over here in Europe if you can stretch the time a transatlantic back can be not much more than the flight.

 

(one way into EU are ok prices)

 

For the RCI cruise check out choice air.

[bluesea777]

Remember, Rome is an hour or so away from port ...

 

Allure has 6000 odd people - fun to get off ports to get to places to sightsee :rolleyes: ...

 

We went to Med on Jade twice - perfect size ship for serious sightseeing in ports. :) ...

 

Talk to your husband and family ...

[sunandsnow]

Not knowing the interests of your family of the two choices I would choose Allure.

 

We have been on two med cruises (both on RCCL - the cruise line we prefer). We are leaving on the Jade in 3 weeks. We have been on NCL one other time with our four boys over 10 years ago. We were not impressed so have not been on another NCL cruise. We liked the price and itinerary of the Jade so we are trying NCL again. Our children had a fun time on NCL. It was their first cruise. We have also sailed on Liberty of the Seas with our children which had a lot of activities for them. Our children have never done the kids clubs so can't comment on them.

 

We have been to Venice, Corfu, Santorini and will be going to Olympia (not really a lot there from what I've done in my research for that port) in a couple of weeks. Love Venice and Santorini.

 

We have also been to Barcelona, Mallorca, Florence, Rome and Naples.

I know my family would enjoy the ports and the Allure ship the most.

Lots to see in Barcelona. Spend at least a couple of days there. Metro is easy and inexpensive. Mallorca has a big cathedral and castle. Florence and Rome are further away so transportation can be pricier. Local train into Rome is easy if you want to DIY. Haven't docked at Le Spezia - not sure of transport into Florence but have always wanted to explore the Cinque Terre. Can combine Pompeii and the Amalfi coast in Naples. Lots of art/history/culture on both trips but if I thought this might be the only time in Europe as a family I would choose Allure (so many more ship activities for your family on sea days too).

 

We have never sailed in a suite. When traveling with our children we have booked adjoining staterooms giving us two rooms/two bathrooms.

 

If you book the Jade sailing you may want to consider renting a car/taking the train to Rome for a few days and then flying home from Rome. We have done that before too.

 

Happy planning! What ports would be on you and your husband's bucket list?

[jazzmanfive]

Hi

Having sailed with my kids all over the world since they were born (now in their twenties so a fair while ago) in my opinion the royal caribbeans child programme was always the favorite.

As for the itinerary there is no contest, Rome is the best city on earth and is a must see, history and splendour around every corner plus so walkable, you will never tire of visiting this city.

Barcelona is also great for older children, it has a young vibe and has a wide variety of attractions.

For a first time visit to western Europe i would try to include the two above cities as they are major players in the 'history and culture' interest not to mention other fine cities such as Athens,Istanbul and Lisbon. Of course virtually anywhere in Europe is exciting to visit because of its long and varied history and once you get a taste you will return.

I hope you get the chance to come to Europe with your children, I know my kids got enormous educational benefit from experiencing many places with me it widened there horizons plus whetted the appetite to travel further.

 

Jazz:)

[Mouse's Shadow]

It sounds like you have 2 great choices. I've done a Med. cruise and loved it. I've also been on Allure and loved her. I love the Allure itinerary, but honestly, I think I would choose NCL. Venice would be spectacular to visit for a few days, before or after your cruise. I think you will find that spending a few days at your port of embarkation, might be your favorite part of your trip, simply because you get more of a chance to experience the local culture.

 

A Med. itinerary is very port intensive. We are the kind of travelers, that we strive to see everything we can possibly see, while we're there. We would spend 8-9 hours a day exploring each port of call. By evening, we returned to the ship, cleaned up for dinner, maybe took in a show, then off to bed, because the next day would be just as exciting and long.

 

Allure is a destination in herself. I'm afraid I would feel as if I were paying for many amenities, for which, I wouldn't have time to take advantage.

 

You can't go wrong with either choice. Have a great trip, your whole family will love it.