Anyone else disappointed with 2006 ports?

[cindy21494]

I know there are alot of people excited about doing CC twice, and that Costa Maya (we are doing this on our 10/9 cruise) was added , but I was really looking forward to different ports like they did this year. DH said that if there were any new ports in 2006, we would book it while on board our 10/9 cruise. I was hoping for Antiqua or St Lucia. The only way I can get DH to keep going on the Disney cruises is if they go somewhere different (he's not as big a fan of Disney as I am).

I guess there is alway RCCL (DH would like to try them), but I will really miss the Magic.

I'm happy for those that get to go to CC twice. I know alot of people have dreamed of doing this.

I guess I am going to have to rethink our 2006 vacation.

Cindy

 

[coleland]

Yeah, I am. I'd like to see some different Eastern ports because I just don't like Mexico at all, so the Western itinerary is not an option for us.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Yes, I am too. I've been to Cozumel too many times already. I loved St Lucia when we sailed there with Norweign. Oh, well.... We probably won't cruise again for awhile.... sigh...

 

[Surfergirl]

I was also hoping for some new Eastern ports. we have our 3rd Disney cruise coming up and it looks like we will be looking at other vacation ideas now.

 

[Aisling]

For the Eastern, someone mentioned that there was a possibility that DCL would be adding Puerto Rico. I called DCL, and the CM knew nothing. I then called my TA at Costco, and was told that yes, DCL was considering dropping St. Maarten and adding Puerto Rico. The TA said that DCL will try it probably starting right after the magic returns from the west coast, and it may become permanent. Very interesting. If anone heard/reads any more about this, please fill us in!

 

[coleland]

eh... Puerto Rico doesn't do anything for me - been there, done that. I'd like to see something further South.

 

[JerseyMom]

While I love Castaway Cay, once per cruise is enough for me. I like variety which is why I prefer the old itinerary.

 

[disneybride96]

I agree with Coleland...I would like to see something different on the Eastern. Trouble with 7 day cruises out of Fl though, most only make it as far south as Antigua. I would love to do a cruise out of PR, but the airfare is a killer!

 

[jrp]

Just remember you can aways dream . You never kniw what may happen with Eisber leaving /Disney does look in on this board and they do listen within reason to suggestions(must be the fairy dust ) No matter where you sail I know you will enjoy your cruise-especially on DCL It is good to hear the spirited discussion about the different ports though.
James

 

[scottygirl]

I have to agree with the OP. The ports are important to me and variety is the spice of life. I have been to all of the Eastern ports except St Lucia. We are doing the Western this November and its looking like we may not make Grand Cayman and will go to Costa Maya instead. I have been to Mexico enough and I am ready for something different. I don't think I will rebook onboard. Plus the prices for a family of 5 are outrageous. We paid $4800 for a cat 4. The same timeframe in 2006 is $6200!!!

 

[spotdog]

I loved Grand Cayman. I'm glad I got to visit Stingray City and the shipwreck snorkel way great, too. I thought Cozumel was OK, but kind of dirty, with aggressive people selling things. I know some families didn't like Key West but I thought the history was very interesting.

Costa Maya sounds interesting, but I'd rather keep Grand Cayman, rather than Cozumel. Castaway Cay rather than Key West would be alright, especially for the kids.

 

[invaderzim]

spotdog..... I agree with you about GC vs. Cozumel. Cozumel did nothing for me, but we loved GC. Costa Maya was also beautiful (we were given that port because they had to cancel Key West because of Frances).

We were all set to book our 5th DCL cruise for 2006 until I saw the double CC itineraries. While I LOVE CC, I'd much rather have another port than two visits there -- especially for the price you pay. We always said DCL or nothing -- but finally came to the realization that they were running out of itineraries for us. So we are booking Princess for an Alaskan cruise in 2006. Then maybe we'll go back to DCL in 2007!

 

[lwilliam]

....you could cruise to nowhere and I'd be happier than
visiting any port....I LOVE these ships. I must say going
to CC twice made us book right away, but I don't really care
if I don't get off the ship.

 

[LIFERBABE]

But so was the price LOL!

So I booked the 2 CC. Being in TX. we have pretty easy access to Cancun and Cozumel.

This will be our first cruise, but I would love to visit St. John and St. Lucia which I've heard are very beautiful.

We will go on the 7day in 2006 and then decide if cruising is really for us.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I'm not excited at all about Costa Maya (would have preferred St. John or St. Thomas), but chose our date because of the two stops at CC.

 

[ncmouselover]

Antigua was very disappointing. We went on the Jolly Roger Pirate cruise and that was great. The town itself was small and the people trying to sell stuff followed you around. We didn't enjoy it.

 

[js]

We booked the 11/06 Special Itinerary just for the ports. We love CC and both ports in Mexico. It will be my second time sailing with DCL.
We usually sail with RCCL and truly love the ships and the clubs for the kids. We also will be booking this week the
RCI Serenade which sounds like your husband would enjoy:
7 nights sailing out of PR:
St. Thomas
St. Maarten
St. Johns
St. Lucia
Barbados
At sea
and back to PR
We have done Eastern and Western many times and are family loves the beach so we thought it would be time for a Southern Itinerary.
IMO, RCI kids programs are superior to DCL but also think DCL is awesome too
Enjoy. Whatever you decide, DCL or RCI, you really won't be disappointed

 

[cindy21494]

js, how is the airfare to PR? I heard it is very expensive. Also, does RCCL pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the port, or do you have to get there on your own. This does sound like what my DH is looking for.

Thanks for the info.

Cindy

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I would love to see:-

St. Lucia
Barbados
Jamcia is lovely dunns river falls,

For a repeat cruise they will also need to review the shows as well, I hope by the two week PC cruise next year they have added to the usual three.

 

[AnnaS]

invaderzim -

I see you are in NJ. Where is the princess leaving from to go to Alaska? What port/city is it leaving from? Is this a 7 night cruise? What month are you sailing in 06. Price wise - please rate. Thanks. Sorry for all the questions.

We were also considering doing another DCL cruise in 2006 - BUT, we are going on our third DCL cruise next summer and my oldest two (sons) are not ready for another DCL cruise again. One is willing to try a different cruise line and one wants to go to Alaska.

So all is up in the air right now. TIA.