Princess or Royal in Europe???

[Emaldy24]

Hello...I am in need of assistance. I am planning a family cruise to Europe June of 09. I am in between Royal Brilliance of the Seas June 15th or Princess Ruby Princess June 21. The intineraries are very similar. Since I have never cruised before I am bewildered. Don't want to make a mistake...Ages of travelers 8, 17, 18, 33, 34, 36, 80. Please HELP!

[6rugrats]

Why don't you consider the $1000 price difference, and then look and see what the difference in air fare will be for the different dates? You really should be researching the air right now.

[Fredr]

Hello...I am in need of assistance. I am planning a family cruise to Europe June of 09. I am in between Royal Brilliance of the Seas June 15th or Princess Ruby Princess June 21. The intineraries are very similar. Since I have never cruised before I am bewildered. Don't want to make a mistake...Ages of travelers 8, 17, 18, 33, 34, 36, 80. Please HELP!

 

Hello,

 

You have selected two excellent ships. And you cannot possibly make a mistake choosing between these two ships. Both Princess and RCCL are very good cruise lines for all of the ages in your party. I noted that the prices are fairly close, but the Brilliance has more sea days.

 

Do not hesitate to ask questions.

 

And the previous poster is correct in that you have to begin your search for airfares as well as the cruise itself. And remember, you need to arrive in Europe at least one and preferably two days before sailing.

 

Also, make sure that everyone in your group understands that a cruise vacation really is an adventure in itself and that all must be cooperative and non critical of you in any way. In particular get the 8 year old involved with maps, a layout of the ship, your cabins, and so on.

 

Hope that this helps,

 

Fred

[cruisemom42]

Either ship will be fine. To tell the truth, the ship (as long as it's one of the mainstream lines) matters less on a European cruise than the ports of call.

 

I can tell you from past experience that there are usually quite a few multi-generation families on Princess cruises, which I enjoy and your family might also. RCCL may be a bit more attractive to the younger members of your group.

[Emaldy24]

Thank for all the great suggestions and advise. You don't know how much I need it and how much it helps... In regards to the airfare I have since I knew it was going to be high I was check it weekly and the difference at the moment is minimum about 100.00 not enough to base my decision on. We have decided to go ahead and come in a day or two early to whichever port we are leaving from that has been decided to recover from jet lag and enjoy the port. We will be purchasing a book on Italy and other areas to go over with my daughter, she is the 8 year old to get her involved and excited.

 

Thank you again all of you for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated.