Caribbean Princess vs Zuiderdam

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We're planning a cruise for June, and want to go to the Caribbean. The Magic would be our first choice, but since it is in LA, it's not gonna work this time.

Can anyone recommend the Caribbean Princess or the Zuiderdam? The Caribbean Princess goes to Princess Cays, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. The Zuiderdam goes to Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Key West.

There are four of us, two in their 40's, one 18 and one 19. Which do you think would be better? We've only cruised once, on the 4 night Wonder.

Thanks!

 

[ga9497]

Haven't been on the Caribbean Princess yet but have been on the Zuiderdam. Even though the ship is very nice, their suites are wonderful and their private island is beautiful. I think an 18 and 19 year old would be bored. We were two families with kids in age range of 5 to 10 and two grandparents and we all found that there wasn't much to do at night.

The Caribbean Princess has that huge movie screen on the pool deck and they have pool movie nights. Their pools are also open 24 hours (most of them anyway)

I think I would opt for the Caribbean Princess even though I haven't bee on it but have been doing a lot of reading about it

 

[ga9497]

I would suggest reading the reviews over at cruisecritic.com and see what appeals to you more

 

[Miss Eeyore]

I've been on the Caribbean Princess's new twin sister, the Sapphire. I think all ages would be comfortable and entertained on Princess.

 

[mmouse37]

Zuiderdam...a Holland American ship would not be for you....although beautiful...your average age onboard is 50 plus....Holland America's market is mostly seniors so I think Princess would be better for you.

MJ

 

[KathyTX]

We've sailed on the Zuiderdam twice, and will be on the Caribbean Princess in 3 weeks (spring break trip!)

The Zuiderdam is a beautiful ship, and the clientele onboard is much younger than the typical Holland America crowd. It is true that most of HA's fleet is geared toward an older, more "classic cruise" loving crowd. But the newer ships (the Zuiderdam and her sisters) are much larger and geared more toward the same market that Princess and Royal Caribbean attract. We're 40ish, and found ourselves right at home, with lots of others our age onboard, and lots of families. We had great fun with our tablemates on both Zuiderdam cruises, and wound up spending time with them in addition to dinners.

I can't say what the 18 and 19 year olds would think about the activities, but we were never bored. There are lots of little bars and lounges scattered around the ship, with different kinds of music from jazz bands to pop-rock bands to sing along with the piano to sports bars to easy listening "lounge" music. And of course, there's the always present bingo and shopping! There's a casino, movies, magicians, stage shows... and the staterooms were quite nice. Half Moon Cay is gorgeous, almost as pretty as Castaway Cay. (You do have to tender in to it, though!)

We'll be sailing with two 11 year old boys on the Caribbean Princess, so we're hoping there are lots of activities to keep the younger set entertained onboard... we'll find out soon!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the replies!

WebmasterKathy, please post about your Caribbean Princess experience when you return!

As far as the differences, I see HAL as a plus since it is a little cheaper, and from what I heard, HAL has a better embarkation/debarkation than Princess-I've heard some horror stories about this!

One of the big things with Princess is the 21 age minimum for the casinos, where HAL is 18. But, I guess there is always give-and-take.

Would anyone say that the Mariner of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas would be worth spending more on than the Princess/HAL cruises? Would RCCL provide a much better environment?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, after debating, we decided just to postpone until May 2006 and go on the Magic. It was pretty much unanimous Guess it's time to start planning!