Southern Caribbean

[w8ing2cruz]

We were on Carnival's Destiny out of San Juan a couple of years ago and absolutely loved the islands. We are trying to decide on Crown Princess or RC Serenade of the Seas. Both cruises hit the same ports - Princess' sea day is the first day and RC is the last day. Any comments/opinions are welcome.

[wrp96]

I did the Serenade this past March and it was absolutely wonderful.

 

The Serenade does some amazing things that other ships doing the Southern Caribbean itineraries don't do. When you are leaving St. Lucia, the Serenade's Captain sails you to the Pitons and then does a 360 degree turn so that everybody can see. Same thing with Montserrat on the last sea day.

[wrp96]

Sorry double posts.

[MissKMM]

w8ing2cruz

 

Can you fill me in on this cruise. I was considering doing the S.Carib on the Destiny, but weary from what others have said.

 

Would you recommend this?? I would be travelling with my 15 yr old and another family (including a 15yr old and 9 yr old).

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

[w8ing2cruz]

We had an absolutely fantastic time. No complaints - but we're not the complaining type. We did not notice the overpopulation of locals, however our cruise was pretty darn quiet. We were on a deaf cruise and we're not deaf. We loved the ship - had side by side balconies on deck 8 but were not able to open door between due to where our two cabins were. Our most favorite tour was the Silvermoon catamaran in Barbados. This is far and away our best excursion on any cruises we have taken. We didn't bring our teens on this cruise but I'm sure your 15 and 9 year olds will have a blast!! Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'd be happy to answer them.

[Aquahound]

Might I suggest the Adventure of the Seas out of PR? I loved it. But, for you two picks, I am partial to RCI and never had a bad experience with them, so I'd recommend the Serenade.

[MissKMM]

We had an absolutely fantastic time. No complaints - but we're not the complaining type. We did not notice the overpopulation of locals, however our cruise was pretty darn quiet. We were on a deaf cruise and we're not deaf. We loved the ship - had side by side balconies on deck 8 but were not able to open door between due to where our two cabins were. Our most favorite tour was the Silvermoon catamaran in Barbados. This is far and away our best excursion on any cruises we have taken. We didn't bring our teens on this cruise but I'm sure your 15 and 9 year olds will have a blast!! Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'd be happy to answer them.

 

Thanks for the info.....I'll pass this along to the other family I'm planning on travelling with.

[ArizonaTracie]

I always prefer the sea day to be at the end of the cruise...a nice day to relax after all the island hopping earlier in the week...not quite as tired when you get off the ship that way.

[parody]

I always prefer the sea day to be at the end of the cruise

 

I very much agree, but for a somewhat different reason. If you are a person who likes lounging in the sun and the sea day is early in the cruise, one is tempted to stay out too long, get a sunburn (especially during winter months) and mess up the rest of the cruise. (Alternatively, to avoid too much sun, one doesn't stay out long enough and thus does not take full advantage of the sea day.) If one gets a sunburn on the last day of the cruise (which is less likely after getting conditioned to that part of the world), one can at least get over it at home!

[newmexicoNita]

I too think I would prefer the sea day at the end; it is a chance to unwind, yes, spend time in the sun and prepar for that horrible day of disembarkation. Now, the other thought; being partial to dining flexibility Princess may be my choice as I like the Personal Choice dining. If you haven't tried it you should. Everyone needs to give it a try to see what works best for them. NMnita

[w8ing2cruz]

Thank you all for your advice. I think our group is leaning towards RC. Even though the price is higher, I really want that sea day at the end. Thanks again.