No interest in mega ships. Am I alone?

[Aquahound]

Re crowding, space to passenger ratio is the measure of a ship's crowding. The lower the number, the more crowded.

 

Of the cruise lines newest ships.....At full capacity, Vista is at 33.9. Koningsdam is at 38.1. Norwegian Escape is at 39.2. Regal Princess is at 39.2. Harmony of the Seas is at 40.7. Celebrity Reflection is at 41.4.

 

How accurate these numbers are, I don't know for sure. I just Google searched each ship and that's what came up. I saw another one for Vista that said 34.1. Either way, Vista has the lowest ratio of every new ship, by quite a bit, and therefore is most likely the most crowded.

 

The high ratio number for Harmony does not surprise me because Oasis was one of the least crowded ships I've sailed.

Edited June 10, 2016 by Aquahound

[jimbo5544]

Re crowding, space to passenger ratio is the measure of a ship's crowding. The lower the number, the more crowded.

 

Of the cruise lines newest ships.....At full capacity, Vista is at 33.9. Koningsdam is at 38.1. Norwegian Escape is at 39.2. Regal Princess is at 39.2. Harmony of the Seas is at 40.7. Celebrity Reflection is at 41.4.

 

How accurate these numbers are, I don't know for sure. I just Google searched each ship and that's what came up. I saw another one for Vista that said 34.1. Either way, Vista has the lowest ratio of every new ship, by quite a bit, and therefore is most likely the most crowded.

 

The high ratio number for Harmony does not surprise me because it was one of the least crowded ships I've sailed.

You have sailed on Harmony?

[Aquahound]

You have sailed on Harmony?

 

No, sorry, I just edited my post to what I meant to say.

[jimbo5544]

No, sorry, I just edited my post to what I meant to say.

 

Got it.

[FLSteve11]

It seems it would be but I have experienced different. Freedom of the Seas is 154,000 GRT and +/- 4500 passengers at max capacity. Carnival Magic is 128,000 GRT and 4675 guests at max capacity. Ive been on both ship when they are full and I can truthfully say that Magic did not feel as crowded to me as Freedom did and also had more elevators. Thats important to me because of the wheelchair. Although I have heard the Oasis class is much better at crowd control.

 

See, I found the opposite when sailing the Liberty of the Seas and the Carnival Breeze (sister ships to Freedom & Magic). We sailed both during school break times, so they were both full. The Breeze clearly felt more crowded, and I waited on a lot more lines. Particularly the lounges, the lido/buffet area, and of course around the tiny pool area they have.

 

I will say, I generally didn't use elevators, so I cannot comment on those. Also I wonder if how crowded it feels depends on what you're doing, and what areas of the ship you're generally around.

[FLSteve11]

I've read this thread with great interest.

 

To all the big ship detractors that say they just want to "only" relax, you can do that on the large ships and the "traffic" control is pretty good on the large ships and you rarely feel like you're with the huge # of people who are on board with you.

 

That's the advantage of the larger ships, they have all the choices (chillax or ZOMG!) available to you. You can get as much or as little from the shipboard experience as you'd like.

 

I have thought that too. What stops anyone from pulling out a lounger and relaxing on a big ship? I do that plenty of times. Besides having multi-level pool areas, most have tons of balcony cabins that I can kick back on.

[Greselda2251]

Here is another vote for building more Spirit Class ships!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[john91498]

I guess I'm one of the few who love the latest and greatest. I'm looking forward to sailing on the Harmony and the other mega-ships coming out in the next few years. To me, it's a new experience with each new ship. Rather than the same older ship over and over again...

[FLSteve11]

I guess I'm one of the few who love the latest and greatest. I'm looking forward to sailing on the Harmony and the other mega-ships coming out in the next few years. To me, it's a new experience with each new ship. Rather than the same older ship over and over again...

 

No, there are tons of people who love that more (myself included). Just most people are not going to bother going into a thread like this and just be "Not Me".

[alabamaprincess]

I have no desire to cruise on the biggest ships. I like Fantasy class. We will be on our first Spirit class in August. I would rather not embark and disembark with lots more people. I wish they would build some more smaller class or ships. The only disadvantage of some of the Fantasy class ships is that many of them don't have the additional "balcony rooms" they added to a couple of the ships (Fascination and Sensation).

I loved our aft extended balcony we had on the Fascination.

[dave_k58]

I love the Magic class ships, but really have no interest in the huge Oasis or NCL ships. To me they seem more like a Six Flags and a shopping mall.

[terri-eddie]

The mega ships look so top-heavy to me, as if they would tip sideways with a good strong wind! I'm sure they wouldn't, but I'd still have that thought in my mind on a stormy day.

 

And those big ships with the banks of cabins on each side, and the atrium thingy in the middle, to allow for more balcony/window cabins on the interior? They just look like they'd be very dark and gloomy in there. Not appealing at all.

[DenaInWyo]

I don't have much experience, but my favorite cruise of my 3 has been on the Legend. I very much preferred its size over both the Liberty and the Splendor, though my Liberty cruise was great too. None of these ships could be remotely considered mega ships though.

 

I don't have much desire to sail something like the Oasis or other huge ships because, to me, it feels like it would remove some of that awesome feeling of being at sea. This could be completely off base, but I would still choose a Carnival Spirit class over on of the mega ships. I'd love to have a day to walk around one though, and if I had a lot more money and could cruise more often without so much riding on my enjoyment of my infrequent vacations, I would probably try it.

 

I very much enjoyed the social media package on my last cruise. It was great for tracking down my sister when we were in different parts of the ship (FB messenger) and for downtime entertainment when I was taking a break in my room due to too much sun. It was also good for keeping in touch with roll call members while sailing, and if I'd been paying attention at the time, would have gotten me to the casino in time for the free cruise my name was drawn for (I'm still bitter). I spent plenty of time socializing with real people :)

Edited June 11, 2016 by DenaInWyo

[MMLEsq]

..., and if I'd been paying attention at the time, would have gotten me to the casino in time for the free cruise my name was drawn for (I'm still bitter). ...

 

Ouch! So sorry.

[Je Souhaite]

I guess you have never been to Disney over a Holiday or the summer

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Are you actually comparing cruising to a theme park? Keep on topic please. This is a cruise board. The reference, lost, was a Disney SHIP.

[texast518]

I truly understand the appeal of the larger ships for some.

For myself, a cruise is more about the ambiance of the sailing, not the attractions offered.

These mega ships are fascinating to me, but aren't what I sail for.

Am I alone with this thought?:o

 

No! 75 YO and counting, 38th cruise in 7 years, 38 Sept, 39 Oct, 40 Nov. Good LORD willing. Tom

[jonbgd]

The mega ships look so top-heavy to me, as if they would tip sideways with a good strong wind! I'm sure they wouldn't, but I'd still have that thought in my mind on a stormy day.

 

 

Sailed on the Allure from BCN to FLL

Went thru a really big storm and we didnt tip over:rolleyes:

 

Saying that

the water did splash out of the pools and they were closed for a few days

[FLSteve11]

Sailed on the Allure from BCN to FLL

Went thru a really big storm and we didnt tip over:rolleyes:

 

 

That's because, even though they're taller, the mega-ships are also wider (which most people forget about). So most are less likely to roll then the smaller ships.

[jonbgd]

That's because, even though they're taller, the mega-ships are also wider (which most people forget about). So most are less likely to roll then the smaller ships.

 

True. We were rolling pretty good thou

My worst experience (outside of my USN days) was on the Fascination or Fantasy, coming back from Nassau. We were rocking and rolling so bad, a ketchup bottle on our table, broke the window next to us:eek:

[jimbo5544]

Are you actually comparing cruising to a theme park? Keep on topic please. This is a cruise board. The reference, lost, was a Disney SHIP.

 

 

Actually I made its fit was to a Disney theme park. The reference point was the amount of planning required was similar.

[poobears]

It's funny how people think it's rude when someone is sitting and looking at a phone but find it perfectly acceptable to sit and read a book. It's the same thing, you are both face down and checked out of your surroundings. You just don't see the difference because you are face down in your book (not directed at anyone here, I just see the comment made a lot, put down your phone and pick up a book). I don't go on a cruise to make friends though so I don't care if your face up or face down. If I hit it off with another family that's great but if not no biggie. I go to enjoy some relaxation and tend to just keep to myself. I don't really worry about what anyone else is doing. As long as what they are doing isn't infringing on my enjoyment or hurting someone else.

 

I personally am not attached to my phone, never have been, never will be. I take it with me for when I'm out and about for safety reasons when I'm at home and that's about it. I rarely text or call anyone, if people dont' call or text me it sits silently LOL I do use it for work research when needed if I'm out and away from home or directions. On a cruise I use it for a camera if I don't have my little canon with me.

 

Next trip I will buy the media package so I can send a message a day back home to DH since he won't be coming with us. I'll also get the HUB app to text the girls on the ship for check ins. That way they can have their freedom with a bit of a safety net. They will not have the media package on their phones because I do not want them spending their vacation on snapchat or texting friends back home.

 

As far as mega ships, I haven't been on one. I've been on smaller ships like Holiday and up to Fantasy class. Going on Dream this year, that will be the biggest so far. I'm not big on shopping or all the extras, although I would love to do the sky ride, that looks awesome! I'm also not into crowds but I wouldnt' mind trying the huge ships just to see what they are like. Even with the small ships I don't use the majority of what's offered. I'm pretty simple I just need a cozy corner, something to read now and then and the ocean, oh and some good food.

[Sabalon]

Very good point about the book vs phone. I keep mine with me even on board for three reasons even though I have no service

1) as a watch

2) as a music player

3) as a camera, because you just never know when!

[Thorncroft]

Very good point about the book vs phone. I keep mine with me even on board for three reasons even though I have no service

1) as a watch

2) as a music player

3) as a camera, because you just never know when!

 

My phone is my book. I've got several reader apps including Kindle. I have hundreds of books loaded on my phone. Calling is probably the least used function of my phone. Personally, I hate talking on the phone. It's just a mini computer that also happens to be able to make calls. :)

[Je Souhaite]

Actually I made its fit was to a Disney theme park. The reference point was the amount of planning required was similar.

 

Huh? Want to try that again?

 

And what does this have to do with the service level on a Disney ship? Which Disney ship have you sailed?

[jimbo5544]

Huh? Want to try that again?

 

 

 

And what does this have to do with the service level on a Disney ship? Which Disney ship have you sailed?

 

 

It has nothing to do with service on a Disney ship. See post 83

Edited June 11, 2016 by jimbo5544