Desparate for HELP right away!!

[carncruiser1964]

Hi all! It's been a while since I've been on the boards but really need some help. Hubby and I just got off the Sunshine and we both got a Bounce Back offer from the casino.

Hubby has already put in for his vacation for the 3rd week of August and we are looking at two completely different cruises.

The 1st one is a 7 day Western itinerary on the Magic - We have been to all of the ports but never have been on the Magic.

The 2nd one is an 8 day Southern itinerary on the Conquest - Aruba, Curacao, Dominican Republic (3 places we have never been to) and Grand Turk. We have been on the Conquest before.

So there are a couple of things that we keep thinking of with each one of these. Sailing in August, we normally do the Western itinerary and have never had any problems with hurricanes, storms, etc. Living in Florida, we find that the Eastern side is where most of the storms come in from, making it a bit more risky to sail this itinerary during August.

We have never been on the Magic but it is 7 days vs 8 days.

We would love to visit the 3 ports we have never been to but just so unsure.

We have to decide in the next week so any and all feedback/pictures/links to reviews on either ship sailing the same itinerary/or experiences on sailing the Eastern during August would be GREATLY appreciated!!

BTW, not much to report on the Sunshine, other than what most people have written. She sure looked inviting but once on her, we were not very impressed. Still a great cruise, regardless.

[MistyRo76]

We just did the same 8 day itinerary on the Breeze last fall (Oct. not Aug though). We had great weather...I don't think we ever saw a raindrop. Like you, we had not done any of the ports other than Grand Turk (which we love). We really enjoyed the ports on this itinerary. Curacao is beautiful - we did an island tour and got to see alot of really cool things. Aruba has amazing beaches. We didn't do a ton in DR - but would love to go back and see more. I had never done an 8 day before and it seemed much longer to us, even though it's only one day more than we are used to. I also didn't love having the four ports back to back to back to back in the middle of the voyage. I understand this can't be helped...but I enjoy having our ports broken up a bit if possible. And four in a row can be a bit. We were ready for that sea day after all those ports! lol

 

Only you can decide what is best for you...but I definitely everyone should experience these southern islands at some point! They are awesome! :D

 

Misty

[poz222]

Not sure what immediate help you need? Are you asking if anyone knows if there will be a hurricane in the eastern Caribbean in August this year? Don't think anyone can tell you that. I have been eastern in August/September and been just fine, and I have been re-routed to other itineraries because of storms... If you book with the idea to just go with the flow, you'll be fine either way. The ship will avoid the storms (which is a benefit of a cruise versus land vacation)...

[manmachine]

Southern. Conquest isn't Magic but it is nice. You will love the ports.

[loubetti]

I live in south Florida. Do you want to know about the ships or the hurricanes? You made it sound like some real emergency!

 

Personally, and having been on ships in sea conditions that were equal to hurricane conditions, I don't live in fear of them, and neither does the captain of the ship. He diverts as he needs to.

 

Also, be more worried about Sept and Oct than Aug.

 

Frankly, I'd take the southern route for ports you would like to see.

 

Last big hurricane to hit was Wilma in 2005, and while we "may" be due for another one, I don't plan cruises based on when I "think" a hurricane might hit somewhere.

 

Take the southern cruise.

 

Also, this comes from an experienced aviator, with just as much knowledge as a ship's captain when it comes to this stuff.

[brewwhat]

FYI Curacao and Aruba are considered below the "hurricane belt". They may get clipped occasionally but rarely get hit head on.

[Folsom]

We just did that same voyage on the Conquest.

 

Aruba and especially Curacao were worth it. La Romana is (let me be nice) a wasted port, but they have to stop there as launce to the Southern Caribbean.

 

I will say the port times are odd. Grand Turk from 7:00 to 1:00, meant that the Margaritaville party just starts when it is time to go. The Curacao was from 3:00 to 11:00 or something like that. So you either had to eat in town or head back to the ship and back out. Just some thoughts.

 

Overall it was a good trip and we love the Conquest Class ships

-F-

Edited April 28, 2016 by Folsom

[angiem0217]

We had a bounce back offer from our spring break cruise. We booked the Magic leaving August 27. This will be our first time on the magic. We sailed the dream spring break and are looking forward to sailing on the magic. I guess it comes down to if you want to sail a newer ship or go to places you have never been. Either way you will have fun!

 

 

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[cb at sea]

Rarely do storms go into the S. Caribbean....that's what I'd do!

[Scurvy Seadog]

I've done both ships and both itineraries. I prefer the Magic over the Conquest, but the Southern itinerary is better. I'd take the Southern itinerary.

[angiem0217]

The itinerary for the next week on Magic goes to amber cove, grand Turk, st Thomas and San Juan. Can you wait another week and book that one? That way you get the ship and the ports. That is the cruise we are booked on.

 

 

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[cruizinisthebest]

Don't see how this is a desperate call for help. But anyway I would do the Southern route. No real worry of hurricanes. Plus it's 8 days with 3 new ports, which I think is an absolute perfect itinerary pace. And Curacao is beautiful.

[jamesr3939]

Curacao is probably my most favorite port. We rented a car, which we picked up at the foot of the pier and drove around the island. We then came back and walked over the floating bridge to downtown, found a great sidewalk cafe, drank some Amstel and walked back to the ship.

 

Magic is a great ship, but I agree with the majority go for the southern. Besides it's an extra day so what's the debate.

[carncruiser1964]

Thank you all for your input. It has helped. As for those that commented on my thread title, we have one week to decide and a good title will get attention. I'd say I succeeded. Great idea for trying to put it off one week and do the eastern on the Magic however, hubby is a UPS driver and once vacation is picked, it's set. Usually no changes allowed. As far as hurricanes, I just wanted to hear your thoughts and experiences, nothing more. Thanks again.

[winddawn]

Hands down...Conquest with that itinerary. Have a great cruise!