Princess or RCCL for Southern Caribbean

[cruising oceangal]

We are planning a family cruise in Jan. 10 and can't decide which ship, AOS or the Caribbean Princess for the Southern Caribbean. We are all adults and most have not cruised before. Both itineraries look good but was wondering how the ships compare.

 

As I'm new to CC, would appreciate help from past cruisers.

 

Thanks!:)

[lynninsc]

We just returned from the AOS and thought it was GREAT! I would think it would be a wonderful ship for first time cruisers. Which route are you considering? We did the Aruba route and are planning to book the Barbados one for October because we really want to sail this ship again before she leaves for Europe. I cannot compare the two ships because I have not sailed the other one, but I would highly recommend AOS. If you have any questions I will be happy to try and answer them. I will tell you that the service, ship, ports and food were all great, and we met some really nice, interesting people on the ship.

[cruising oceangal]

We just returned from the AOS and thought it was GREAT! I would think it would be a wonderful ship for first time cruisers. Which route are you considering? We did the Aruba route and are planning to book the Barbados one for October because we really want to sail this ship again before she leaves for Europe. I cannot compare the two ships because I have not sailed the other one, but I would highly recommend AOS. If you have any questions I will be happy to try and answer them. I will tell you that the service, ship, ports and food were all great, and we met some really nice, interesting people on the ship.

 

The route would be the Barbados one as we are looking at the 1/3/2010 cruise. We like the anytime dining with Princess but RCCL is doing the same thing I am told.

 

I posted the same question on RCCL board and so far more people are leaning towards Princess, lol! Decisions, decisions!

[cynbar]

It's strange you haven't gotten more responses, this is usually a hot button issue around here! We have not sailed AOS but have sailed RCI, and they are overall similar to Princess with a few differences. It really all depends on what is important to you and your family. If your party would enjoy the more active pursuits on RCI like the rock climbing wall or the skating rink, that might tip the balance. RCI deals more in the WOW factor with bigger spaces like the Promenade and the multi-deck MDR. Princess specializes in smaller, more subdued but elegant spaces with the goal of avoiding the crowded, big ship feel. I prefer the food on Princess, but of course that is very subjective. Movies under the Stars is a big plus for Princess. Overall, though, you really can't go wrong with either. Sometimes price and itinerary become the deciding factors.

[TBR]

We are planning a family cruise in Jan. 10 and can't decide which ship, AOS or the Caribbean Princess for the Southern Caribbean. We are all adults and most have not cruised before. Both itineraries look good but was wondering how the ships compare.

 

As I'm new to CC, would appreciate help from past cruisers.

 

Thanks!:)

 

I prefer the 10 day cruise out of Ft Lauderdale on Princess. Better flights usually to FLL then SJU.

[Tatka]

It's strange you haven't gotten more responses, this is usually a hot button issue around here! We have not sailed AOS but have sailed RCI, and they are overall similar to Princess with a few differences. It really all depends on what is important to you and your family. If your party would enjoy the more active pursuits on RCI like the rock climbing wall or the skating rink, that might tip the balance. RCI deals more in the WOW factor with bigger spaces like the Promenade and the multi-deck MDR. Princess specializes in smaller, more subdued but elegant spaces with the goal of avoiding the crowded, big ship feel. I prefer the food on Princess, but of course that is very subjective. Movies under the Stars is a big plus for Princess. Overall, though, you really can't go wrong with either. Sometimes price and itinerary become the deciding factors.

 

I so agree with you!

 

What I noticed.. WOW factor doesn't last as long as a convenience of having more intimate areas... Although you won't be able to tell this based on my signature. :D

[stanford's girl]

Buffet on Princess in open 24/7 but on RCCL it is only open certain times.

[regnig]

I'd also wager a bet that there will be more children on RCCL. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with kids I'd just rather not cruise with lots of them.

[roysue]

Recently our group wanted to do Southern Caribbean but we were trying to cut down on costs. We compared a 7 day southern out of San Juan, to a 10 day southern out of Fort Lauderdale. Taking into consideration the air travel costs and the cost of the hotel for the night before sailing, the 10 day out of Fort Lauderdale was cheaper. 10 days on board is always better than 7!

[DonnaK]

Buffet on Princess in open 24/7 but on RCCL it is only open certain times.

 

Yes, but the Cafe in the Promenade IS open 24 hours, so you still can get pizza, sandwiches, cookies, and other light snacks.

[Tak8]

I have been on Royal and Princess. Like them both. Princess has freshwater pools. I didn't think it would matter that much, but having been on Princess I really like it. I don't know if the Royal extras like rock climbing wall and ice skating rink interest your group. Southern is my favorite route, so you're off to a great start. I like leaving from San Juan. Yes, the air tends to be more, but you get more of a Caribbean feel quicker.

If price and islands are close, I prefer Princess.

[Ephraim]

I prefer the itineraries out of SJU because you are so close to so many wonderful ports.

 

The CB is a wonderful ship and you will find lots of entertainment and plenty to do.

 

Between the two itineraries it's a pretty each choice for me...

 

I'd be on the CB in an instant. Antigua, St-Lucia and Tortola do it for me. Nothing is as beautiful as the view of the Pitons when coming and leaving St-Lucia. Antigua and Tortola have beautiful beaches as well.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

If the ports are the same and you have never sailed on a Voyager Class ship you may want to do that at least once. We like the Promenade and the ice show is spectacular! I have not been on the AOS, but have been on Voyager Class ships twice before and loved it both times.

 

Now that I have said that, I will be cruising on the CB in a few weeks. We chose that based on the itinerary. However, we will be doing the Aruba itinerary. I think that Princess beats RCI there. We are excited to be seeing four completely new ports for us this time around!

 

Both cruise lines are an excellent choice. You will have fun no matter which one you chose.:)

[cruising oceangal]

It seems like Princess is a better fit for adults but then again the Wow factor may appeal to the young adults in our group. The ages range from 30 to 80.

 

I'm sure which ever one we pick we will have a great cruise. We did choose the Southern Caribbean for the (hopefully) warmer weather.

 

Thanks everyone for your input! So glad I found CC!

[NH Cruisers]

Everthing being equal and I could pick the ship, it would be "Adventure of the Seas". The WOW factor will be with you for the entire cruise. As stated earlier AOS has no 24 hour buffett. Caribbean Princess does, and its really nice. AOS does have the Cafe Promenade (24 hours) and its is in a convenient location. Full menu room service on Royal, especially nice at breakfast. Princess does not have full menu room service. MUTS is nice in the caribbean on Princess. Both ships are awsome. If you are in port with them both, the AOS is overwhelmingly huge. Also from past cruises on a Voyager class ship and Caribbean Princess, the AOS should have less sea movement. As for children running around, it all depends on when school vacations are. I saw a lot of kids on Carribean Princess during a April vacation cruise. Alot on the Voyager class ship too, but you didn't notice them as much. Consider Princess has coin op laundery, Royal doesn't. Caribbean Princess just out of a drydock rehab, should be freshend up. Better photography on Princess. You have a lot to compare and choose. I don't think you could go wrong either choice. Have fun choosing.

 

Jon,

[Bibi]

You will get different answers based on personal preferences of course. To put in my 2 cents, I have done both and Royal Caribbean wins...hands down. Especially if you like a nice bed. Caribbean Princess beds are rock hard and I had a sore back every morning when I got up. RCI gets my vote for sure. Happy cruising.:)

[sharpie13]

For me I would go with the numbers

 

CB built 2004, capacity 3120

AOS built 2001, capacity 3835

 

CS is newer the ship, fewer people, lower fair...IMHO that makes a good argument for Princess

[PescadoAmarillo]

For me I would go with the numbers

 

CB built 2004, capacity 3120

AOS built 2001, capacity 3835

 

CS is newer the ship, fewer people, lower fair...IMHO that makes a good argument for Princess

These numbers are not correct. You are comparing the 2 passenger per cabin occupancy of the CB to the full 3 and 4 berth capacity of the AOS. The two capacities are nearly identical when you compare apples to apples, and yet the AOS is a siginificantly larger ship, and frankly feels larger.

 

For a recent comparison of two ships in the same classes as the CB and the AOS, you can read my thread at:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=944921&highlight=

 

If you're talking about the cruises that start in San Juan, I'd say go with the AOS. RC made a real effort on our San Juan Southern Caribbean cruise to sail down the west coast of St. Lucia after we left Castries for the day, do a 360 degree turn in the bay where the Pitons are, and stay there for sunset. It was very special. As much as I like Princess, I've been to St. Lucia 4 times on Princess cruises and we have never done that. If you don't see the Pitons during your excursion, you won't be seeing them from the ship, unless it happens to be going that same way to get to the next port.

[jpg1747]

The choice would depend on which is more important to you - the ports or the ship. Do the exact dates matter? The price? List the items in order of your priorities and compare them that way.

 

On my last Southern Caribbean cruise, I chose a higher priced cruise because I like the itinerary better. This year, I chose the lower priced cruise for the same reason. For the cruiselines I consider, the ship's experience is about equal, so for me the deciding factors are ports and price.

 

But since you asked for an opinion, I prefer Princess over RCCL.

[AliceS]

I was just on AOS and it was very nice. I will tell you what I like better about RCL first. The bed was very comfortable, the shower door, the coffee was fantastic, Seattle's Best, the Promanade is lovely and the ice show was great. They also know how to host a Cruise Critic Meeting.

 

I prefer everything else about Princess. I like the warmer, fresh water pools and hot tubs. I like Anytime Dining, choices of entertainment every night, Movies Under The Stars, my Elite benefits, cashless slots in the casino, being able to bring on a bottle of wine, Caribe Cafe'.

 

I guess that's about it.

[smilz]

Been on CB and AOS. Agree with all previous comments. CB runs 2 different itineraries. CB visits 5 islands. AOS 4. AOS public spaces are nicer and roomier. CB pools are much better. AOS is larger but easier to navigate. CB can be confusing...sometimes "you can't get there from here!" Both have repeat customer incentives. You can't go wrong with either ship. Sugest you check the fine points of itineraries. Docked or tendered, length of time in ports, specific islands. Also,check the shore excursions on their web sites. It will give you an idea what the islands are like. If your dates can be flexible, check your airfares. They can vary by several hundred dollars. Good luck and happy sailing!!!:)

[cruising oceangal]

After many phone calls and long conversations, we chose the Caribbean Princess for our group cruise.

 

It was a tough decision and hope we made the right choice! We really liked the ports and the sea day at the end of the cruise.

 

Thank you all for your input!