aliciawag Posted August 10, 2017 #1 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Hi there I'm having a major dilemma in picking an itinerary for our March 2018 cruise and have come in search of expert advice . We have cruised the Mediterranean the past 2 years on the NCL Epic and have decided to try the Caribbean next spring. We're thinking of the Western Caribbean however can't decide between Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas or NCL's Epic (3rd time I know). Both trips cost roughly the same. On one hand we really would love to try a RCCL Mega-ship and would love seeing new shows etc. however I'm unsure about the itinerary. RCCL travels from Port Canaveral to Labadee (Private island in Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica), and Cozumel (Mexico). NCL on the other hand has an extra port day, travelling from Port Canaveral to Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Great Stirrup Cay (Private Island in the Bahamas), Georgetown (Grand Cayman) and Cozumel (Mexico). Does anyone have any advice regarding the itineraries? How is Falmouth vs Ocho Rios? Will we be missing much in Georgetown?? I'm posting this in both the NCL and RCCL subforums but if it could be better located just let me know! Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CP3o Posted August 10, 2017 #2 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Does epic tender two ports? That would be enough for me to strike that one, besides Oasis class is great if never tried it Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CP3o Posted August 10, 2017 #3 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Can find good excursions from both ports in Jamaica, and recommend doing group excursions there. Never docked in ocho rios but heard it's a shorter drive to Dunn river falls. Rccl excursion from Falmouth to falls and grotto caves went well for us but there might be better options than walking up it if not somewhat athletic (even then there is a risk of injury). Glad did it once but wouldn't do again. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorben-Hendrik Posted August 10, 2017 #4 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Ocho Rios is much much better than Falmouth and Grand Cayman is THE best! Stingray city is rated one of the best excursion on the planet! Not to be missed.....take a private tour! We dislike O-class you either love it or hate it....we hate it:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mizLORInj Posted August 10, 2017 #5 Share Posted August 10, 2017 We tried Allure (Oasis' sister) earlier this year and we loved it. That is the itinerary we did too. If you've been on Epic already, I'd try something new with Allure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aleciajoyful1 Posted August 10, 2017 #6 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I am loyal to Royal, but in this case, I would go NCL. First of all I like the extra port day, especially considering it is Grand Cayman! I also prefer Ocho Rios to Falmouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted August 10, 2017 #7 Share Posted August 10, 2017 If you have done the EPIC twice, why do you want to go again? Try something new..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete98 Posted August 10, 2017 #8 Share Posted August 10, 2017 We much prefer Royal to NCL. NCL itinerary is better. However, but why not try something new! You might love it! Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tee & Chilli Posted August 10, 2017 #9 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Epic for the ports. Oasis for the ship. Enjoy whichever you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ Lomas Posted August 11, 2017 #10 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Friends of ours have been on both of those ships several times and love them both. We have been on Oasis before and love it with our family. After two times on the Epic, I would recommend you try the Oasis, especially if it is the same price. I am not a big fan of the ports in Jamaica, especially Falmouth. Labadee is a nice beach day though. For the Oasis, the ship is the destination. I am not sure exactly what you are looking for in a cruise, but if you like the big ships, like the Epic, you will likely love the Oasis. give something else a try. We usually cruise RCCL but will be going back for a cruise on NCL this December. It is nice to see what else is out there for a change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliciawag Posted August 13, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Many thanks everyone for all your help!! We're thinking we'll give the oasis a go despite our obsession with the epic! Great tips from everybody-thanks! Sent from my ONE E1003 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baileybrad Posted August 13, 2017 #12 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Many thanks everyone for all your help!! We're thinking we'll give the oasis a go despite our obsession with the epic! Great tips from everybody-thanks! Sent from my ONE E1003 using Forums mobile app Hope your trip is great. As others have said the Norwegian stops are better. The Oasis would be a new experience. We have done the Freedom of the Seas 3 times and would not hesitate to do it again if the stops were to our liking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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