Rare LMaxwell Posted July 17, 2023 #1 Share Posted July 17, 2023 Looking at two different quick getaways 4 Day Monday-Friday on Liberty of the Seas: Sea Day, CocoCay, Nassau out of Fort Lauderdale 4 Day Wednesday - Sunday on Independence of the Seas: Sea Day, Labadee, Sea Day out of Miami Since both are Freedom class ships they should have similar, if not identical, amenities and onboard attractions. (Any actual differences?) Prices are nearly identical. With Independence I only need 3 days off of work versus 4 or 5 (but it really doesn't matter if I block the whole week off anyways). With Liberty I sail from Fort Lauderdale which is slightly closer to home (but won't make a significant difference in grand scheme of things; driving not flying) Usually treat Nassau like a Sea day; so I guess it comes down to....CocoCay or Labadee? Been to both several times. I recall food being much better at CocoCay; is that still the case post-covid? What's the condition of these ships like these days? Getting beat up on short cruises or still looking pretty good? Overcrowded or manageable? Looking to go on an "off" week out of season to just chill out for a few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTO-Girl Posted July 17, 2023 #2 Share Posted July 17, 2023 COCO CAY!!!!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHawk1 Posted July 17, 2023 #3 Share Posted July 17, 2023 Can't comment on Liberty vs Independence, as it was quite a few years ago I was on Indy and never been on Liberty. But in a battle between Labadee and Coco Cay, it's Coco by a mile. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OCSC Mike Posted July 17, 2023 #4 Share Posted July 17, 2023 6 minutes ago, LMaxwell said: I recall food being much better at CocoCay; is that still the case post-covid? Much better is a severe understatement. CocoCay by a landslide. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpayroll Posted July 17, 2023 #5 Share Posted July 17, 2023 We would pick Coco Cay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
time4u2go Posted July 18, 2023 #6 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Definitely Labadee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted July 18, 2023 #7 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Flip a coin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcpagejr Posted July 18, 2023 #8 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I love Sea Days.... So I would lean Labidee.... Also Labidee if you want a chill Beach day....If you want more options and $$ isn't a issue Coco Cay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted July 18, 2023 Author #9 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I do love Sea Days; but Nassau is basically a Sea Day for us; so less crowds. Surprised to learn Liberty is not "Amplified" but for a short getaway cruise it may not matter except for no food eateries near pool deck; both ships have slides, flowrider, other similar attractions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeyVictoria Posted July 18, 2023 #10 Share Posted July 18, 2023 There are fewer cruises to Labadee than Coco Cay, so I would take advantage of the Labadee option. But the Monday - Friday cruises have a more relaxed vibe than sailing over a weekend. This is a tough one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwich Cruiser Posted July 18, 2023 #11 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Liberty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted July 18, 2023 #12 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Definately Coco Cay. Our last stop a labedee had so many flies it was horrible. Went back on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LobsterStalker Posted July 18, 2023 #13 Share Posted July 18, 2023 14 hours ago, LMaxwell said: Looking at two different quick getaways 4 Day Monday-Friday on Liberty of the Seas: Sea Day, CocoCay, Nassau out of Fort Lauderdale 4 Day Wednesday - Sunday on Independence of the Seas: Sea Day, Labadee, Sea Day out of Miami Since both are Freedom class ships they should have similar, if not identical, amenities and onboard attractions. (Any actual differences?) Prices are nearly identical. With Independence I only need 3 days off of work versus 4 or 5 (but it really doesn't matter if I block the whole week off anyways). With Liberty I sail from Fort Lauderdale which is slightly closer to home (but won't make a significant difference in grand scheme of things; driving not flying) Usually treat Nassau like a Sea day; so I guess it comes down to....CocoCay or Labadee? Been to both several times. I recall food being much better at CocoCay; is that still the case post-covid? What's the condition of these ships like these days? Getting beat up on short cruises or still looking pretty good? Overcrowded or manageable? Looking to go on an "off" week out of season to just chill out for a few days. I'm surprised nobody stated the obvious right answer >> Both !!! Just kidding . I was going to say Labadee because Nassau is one of my least favorite ports , but then you state you treat it like a sea day ,(I do too) Sooo ,I guess the question for you might be do You really prefer an actual sea day or the half empty ship vibe where there will be less going on and a much quieter day ...? I think My vote will go to Labadee for the reason as someone else stated , that Coco cruises are way more common nowadays . Labadee was my first ever cruise stop 16 years ago ,(sentimental favorite) , and Coco has become one of our favorite stops as well . Love the private islands , Obviously won't go wrong with either pick ! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fla gang Posted July 18, 2023 #14 Share Posted July 18, 2023 the Cove at Labadee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisegirl1976 Posted July 18, 2023 #15 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Perfect Day at Coco Cay! all the way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marchand28 Posted July 18, 2023 #16 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I like both but enjoy the sea days and like the more laid back feel of Labadee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jean87510 Posted July 18, 2023 #17 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Liberty. I like the week day vibe better than long weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum2Mercury Posted July 18, 2023 #18 Share Posted July 18, 2023 The ships are very alike: - They both have water slides, though they're not the same water slides -- you should check them out online for yourself. - They both have good shows, but they're different shows -- again, you should check this for yourself before you choose. - They both have Playmakers, which my husband loves. - You should check both to see what rooms are available on each. - You should check to see how many ships will be at Coco Cay vs. Labadee -- while I much prefer CC, I might go for a single-ship Labadee over a crowded CC. Pros and cons for Liberty: - If I were driving, I'd rather go out of Fort Lauderdale. It's a little closer and night-before hotel prices are more reasonable. - Coco Cay over Labadee for sure! Nicer amenities, plenty to do without spending money. - I have no love for Nassau, but you say you'd treat it as a sea day, so the two ships are equal in that way. - Liberty has Sabor (Mexican food) for a cost -- someone back me up on that? - You'd disembark on Friday and still have the weekend to relax before heading back to work. Pros and cons for Independence: - Port of Miami is crazy, but parking is easy. - Indy has Fish and Ships for no cost. - You'd disembark on Sunday and have to go to work on Monday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted July 18, 2023 #19 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I do not like CoCo Cay but LOVE Labadee. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCC retired Posted July 18, 2023 #20 Share Posted July 18, 2023 Nassau is a wasted port stop . Rather have the Sea day and Labadee . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpcwags Posted July 18, 2023 #21 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I like both but Labadee is by far my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OCSC Mike Posted July 18, 2023 #22 Share Posted July 18, 2023 3 minutes ago, MCC retired said: Nassau is a wasted port stop You say wasted, I say it gets people off the ship so many of us can treat it like a sea day with less crowds. To each his own. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted July 18, 2023 #23 Share Posted July 18, 2023 I like ladabee but that is mainly because of suite beach , sister ships I think Indy has grease as play which I like over Liberty and Saturday night fever . If one was cheaper I might just pick that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted July 18, 2023 #24 Share Posted July 18, 2023 12 minutes ago, MCC retired said: Nassau is a wasted port stop . Rather have the Sea day and Labadee . Agree , but ships pools will not be crowded grat day to stay on the ship . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCC retired Posted July 18, 2023 #25 Share Posted July 18, 2023 (edited) 12 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: You say wasted, I say it gets people off the ship so many of us can treat it like a sea day with less crowds. To each his own. That is a good point , but onboard activities are subdued while in port. vs a Sea day. Edited July 18, 2023 by MCC retired Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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