Need help deciding on our next cruise...

[MamaParrotHead]

Debating between Glory Western and Splendor Eastern. Travelling with kids 3.5, 5.5 and 9. Also with my grandma, 80 and people ranging from ages 28-60.

 

I'm thinking there wouldn't be much for us to do with the kids in SJ, and honestly don't know much about La Romana or Freeport, even after browsing on the POC boards.

 

Also wondering if I should be leary about Roatan with the kids. ??? Although we LOVE Coz and want to take the kids snorkeling in Belize (although wouldn't mind snorkeling Trunk or Cinnamon Bay in St. John's).

 

Nassau and Freeport I could take or leave, but Freeport seems to be a bit more of a pain in the butt as far as getting anywhere and options for things to do/see, and the dolphin encounter offered in Nassau seems to be a better deal than the one in Freeport (the Freeport one states you only interact with the dolphins for 5 minutes?!).

 

We've been to St. Thomas, Nassau and Coz, but really enjoyed St. Thomas and Coz, wouldn't mind going back to either. Nassau...ehhh...won't be a deal breaker. We've done both Eastern and Western and really don't have a preference to the route.

 

We can get a better deal with the military rate on Splendor, still a deal but less off on the Glory cruise.

 

As for our priorities...I did prefer the Valor over the Triumph. But I don't know if it was because it was newer when we sailed her, the port times were longer or because I may prefer the Conquest class of ship.

 

Can anyone help me? :p :D

 

Itineraries:

Glory

Coz 10-6

Belize 8-5

Roatan 8-3

Freeport 10-6

 

Splendor

SJ 5 p.m.-midnight

St. Thomas 7-5

La Romana D.R. 10-5

Nassau 12-6

[gazingm42]

We been on both of all of these ports. I would choose the Western.

The kids 8 & 10 had a great time in Roatan. While it was warm they had a great time with the monkeys and touring Roatan.

 

But Belize is hands down for snorkeling. We had the best snorkeling in Belize

and Costa Maya (But its closed for now).

[MamaParrotHead]

I forgot to add that price would be almost the same.

[MamaParrotHead]

pretty please? :D

[BeyondKen]

Cruise the Glory on 12/01/2007, and the Splendor on 12/06/2008.

[Go-Bucks!]

Here's my feelings about these ports:

 

Roatan: can we say "PARADISE"?! I've been to many islands, including Hawaii, and this one was such a primitive one (less commercial) and had the most wonderful clean, white beaches with clear green bathwater temperature water. I was so upset to have to leave. More people are finding out about it and I hear it's getting more populated, but still nice. The town of Coxen Hole was cute and we met many friendly native people. Most all spoke English. Definitely want to return!!

 

Belize: I don't snorkle, but we met friends who lived there and got to just hang out with them for the day running errands and eating a delicious homemade Belizean lunch. **Warning** - only go with an organized tour group because there's lots of crime in Belize City. Do not walk past the port. Our friends lived in a slum (they're missionaries) and everywhere we went there were armed guards guarding the places of business. Personally, I don't intend to ever go back.

 

Cozumel: I liked the Chankanabb Park, but that's about it. I'm not a shopper and most of the stores had junk.

 

Freeport: Hated it. Went right back on the ship for the day.

 

Nassau: OK. We took the horse/carriage ride which was OK. Hated the straw market - overpriced junk and the ladies wouldn't even haggle. Went out to a casino, but I don't gamble. Don't intend to go back.

 

Haven't been to the other ports.

 

Hope this helps.

[caribbean dreams]

Roatan is a beautiful port with friendly people, Nothing to worry about.

[Lovely Cruise]

You certainly have a wide range of ages! I think I would do the W. Itinerary if ports are important. I must agree - Roatan is BEAUTIFUL! The beach area was very safe. Our twenty year old kids (we were two couples with our 3 boys and their g.f's) took it upon themselves to...take a boat ride with one of the locals. They were gone for a LONG time...(I was nervous and jerky). My husband asked one of the American gift shop owners if the boat in question was safe...It was all good! The young adults ended up having one of the best times in their lives!

 

Is Gramma into beaches?

[yogimax]

Go Eastern! You will not be disappointed!

[MamaParrotHead]

You certainly have a wide range of ages! I think I would do the W. Itinerary if ports are important. I must agree - Roatan is BEAUTIFUL! The beach area was very safe. Our twenty year old kids (we were two couples with our 3 boys and their g.f's) took it upon themselves to...take a boat ride with one of the locals. They were gone for a LONG time...(I was nervous and jerky). My husband asked one of the American gift shop owners if the boat in question was safe...It was all good! The young adults ended up having one of the best times in their lives!

 

Is Gramma into beaches?

 

Actually, she's afraid of water and doesn't own a bathing suit, LOL. BUT what Gramma is into more than ANYTHING are the grandkids and greatgrandkids, and enjoys walking along the beach (in her cotton capris and short sleeved shirt) :) .

[Drew B]

Have you considered Valor or Legend for Western instead? It doesn't sound like you are excited about Freeport, but those ships do Grand Cayman instead.

[MamaParrotHead]

But to me, GC wasn't all that impressive either. Everything was uber-pricey. And we've all ready sailed on the Valor, and part of the fun for me is sailing different ships. :) I'll check those out though, thanks!

[MamaParrotHead]

It's virtually a tie! Come on, guys...I appreciate everyone who's posted and voted...but I need some sort of a deal breaker (or TIE breaker) here. :D

[faeriechick]

I have to admit, I like the idea of a new ship, myself. I'd go with the Splendor. :)

[shargurl]

I chose the Splendor because it's a newer ship!:D

[funone2]

Debating between Glory Western and Splendor Eastern. Travelling with kids 3.5, 5.5 and 9. Also with my grandma, 80 and people ranging from ages 28-60.

 

I'm thinking there wouldn't be much for us to do with the kids in SJ, and honestly don't know much about La Romana or Freeport, even after browsing on the POC boards.

 

Also wondering if I should be leary about Roatan with the kids. ??? Although we LOVE Coz and want to take the kids snorkeling in Belize (although wouldn't mind snorkeling Trunk or Cinnamon Bay in St. John's).

 

Nassau and Freeport I could take or leave, but Freeport seems to be a bit more of a pain in the butt as far as getting anywhere and options for things to do/see, and the dolphin encounter offered in Nassau seems to be a better deal than the one in Freeport (the Freeport one states you only interact with the dolphins for 5 minutes?!).

 

We've been to St. Thomas, Nassau and Coz, but really enjoyed St. Thomas and Coz, wouldn't mind going back to either. Nassau...ehhh...won't be a deal breaker. We've done both Eastern and Western and really don't have a preference to the route.

 

We can get a better deal with the military rate on Splendor, still a deal but less off on the Glory cruise.

 

As for our priorities...I did prefer the Valor over the Triumph. But I don't know if it was because it was newer when we sailed her, the port times were longer or because I may prefer the Conquest class of ship.

 

Can anyone help me? :p :D

 

Itineraries:

Glory

Coz 10-6

Belize 8-5

Roatan 8-3

Freeport 10-6

 

Splendor

SJ 5 p.m.-midnight

St. Thomas 7-5

La Romana D.R. 10-5

Nassau 12-6

 

I have the best suggestion for you! There is a Parrothead cruise scheduled for March 8 on the Triumph going to:

 

Half Moon Cay -- 9:00 - 4:00

St Thomas -- 8:00 - 6:00

San Juan -- 7:00 - 3:30

Grand Turk -- 11:00 - 5:30

 

The Atlanta Parrothead's are booked on this cruise with almost 500 people going. This is no more space booking with the Parrotheads but you can still book directly through Carnival. You may not be able to participate in some of the Parrotheads specific activities but there will be plenty of them on the ship to spill the fun around!

 

Should be lots of FUN! :p :p

[larronry]

Well I can only tell you that We've decided to check out the new ship and I'll be booking on the Splendor tomorrow.