If not Disney then what cruise line?

[Bev J]

Lets see, EOS sailes on Saturday-Saturday and alternates eastern/western caribbean. VOS leaves on Sundays and according to the brochure it only does the western caribbean. Pick the week you want and determine if you want east or west. The ships are really the same. We were parked next to EOS 2 years ago when we sailed on The Century on the other side was the Disney Magic. What nice video we got of all the ships!
We used mytravelco.com to book our cruises. I found the RCCL site easy to use. Another ship that is the sister of the two above is Navigator of the seas just started sailing end of last year, the prices are about 50-100 more than the other two but you do have a very nice new ship with enlarged kids areas.
Go to the RCCL site or stop by any travel agent and pick up a brochure.
If you want to see some pics and the daily compass (activities) look at this site http://community.webshots.com/user/cheerios104

 

[mac_tlc]

Bev J is correct, The Voyager is the "oldest" ( if you consider 4 old). Very similiar to the Explorer which is only about 2 1/2. The Navigator which is on its 13th voyage as we type is essentially the same, although they have made some changes. For instance, the kids area is slightly larger and so is the Challenger's Arcade, but the real increase is in the teen area, which on the Navigator is 12-17 years old. They have removed the kiddie pool (due to lack of use) which on the Voyager/Explorer/Adventure is in the rear of deck 12. Note that on some promotional info, you will see a water slide. That slide was part of the kiddie pool area and does not exist on the Navigator. They now have reserved the entire rear portion of deck 12 as a 12-17 area... no adults, no youngsters. There are two adjacent teen areas, the "Living room" which is a larger version of Common Grounds (my DD always complained that CG was way too small) and "Fuel" which is the teen dance/disco area.

Also some changes to the Royal Promenade. The Voyager has "Spinners" which is a roulette/casino type area, the Explorer has a Sports bar in that place while the Navigator has a wine tasting facility.

The Navigator also added "Chops Grille" an "additional charge" steak restaurant, in addition to "Portofino" the "additional charge" Italian restaurant. Both are $20 pp which includes gratituity. Only holds 64 guests each, so they fill quickly.


The Mariner which is due out this Fall will be essentially identical to the Navigator.

mac_tlc

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

Another question for you experts. How would you compare the RCCL "Voyager class" of ships (Voyager, Explorer and Navigator) to the Celebrity Century. They have almost identical ports except RCCL goes to their private island and the Century visits Key West.

Any comments would be great!

Also it sound as if the 3 RCCL ships are almost identical. They leave within a day of each other for the time frame I am looking at and have the same western ports I like. Which one is best or does price decide since they are so similar? We won't be taking our children IF we can go

 

[mac_tlc]

buzz & woody's mom,

I have not been on the Century, but that class of ships is about 1/2 the gross weight of the Voyager class ships. About 1/2 the capacity also. The Century was built in 1995 and has no balconies other than the 61 suites. The food on the Celebrity line is supposed to be better, but I have heard that you really need to go with the "Millenium" class ships to get a noticable difference. The food on the Voyager class ships was great, and extremely available (which I know is important) especially with the 24hr Cafe Promenade. I have been to Key West a number of times, and to Labadee twice (RCCL private oasis). If you like the beach, choose Labadee. It is similiar to Castaway Cay, but no quite as expansive.

The Royal Promenade really puts the Voyager class ships in a unique group. There are almost-daily parades and activities along the Promenade, its a great people-watching place, and the interior rooms that overlook the Royal Promenade are very neat. We have had them, theyare about 160 sq.ft, only come in double occupancy, but are very different. It was very enjoyable to have a "window" with an inside room...

I would go with any price difference among the three (soon to be four) Voyager class ships. If you wait until November, the Mariner of the Seas will be out. It will do Eastern/Western from Port Canaveral (you can gaze at the Wonder as you board, it will depart on Sundays). But, it appears that when the Mariner does its Eastern Caribean itinerary, it will not call on Labadee, I think its too far west for them to get all the way back to Port Canaveral.

Any more Q's, fire away !!!!

mac_tlc

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

Thanks Mac-TLC you have been great answering all of my questions. I think it will come down to which of the 3 RCCL is the least expensive. I really want a oceanview we always get a oceanview but not balcony. I love the ports and think the island would be relaxing. So far the Celebrity is about $500 less but sounds like a lot less of a ship but who knows we just want something quiet to do as a couple.

The situation in Iraq will be the deciding factor if we can go as my DH is active duty.

Do you know anything about the RCCL Enchantment of the Seas?

 

[Bev J]

We have been on the century and did have a good time, but felt that it was more for an older group (we are mid 40's) The highlight of that trip was the $4000 hubby won in the casino. Service was very good but we have had just as good on DCL or RCCL. Food was good in the morning buffet, poor for lunch in the dining room, good in the buffet, very good in the dining room in the evening, but a bit too fancy for our tastes.
Not much in the activities. We probably would not return to the Century.
We have also been on the Grandeur of the Seas, similar to the Enchantment. and had a great cruise It went to both of RCCLs private islands Coco Cay and Labadee. We love them both but think Labadee is the best, not really a private island but a secured private area on Hati, full of tropical delight.
You will probably get even a better price on Enchantment than on a Voyager class ship. We have friends going on the Rapsody of the Seas out of Galveston TX for $499 inside, 199 for 3,4 pass.don't know what the outside prices are.
If you want plenty of activities go with the VOS or EOS.
We would love to do the Nav. but want the western route and it is going east the week we go (halloween week), but if the price was right I might change my mind since we will have a 16 year old with us that would appreciae the added teen area.

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

Thanks Bev J that is great information. We are in our early 30's so the RCCL sound better. We will be on the Magic for Halloween but will look into the RCCL more!

Thanks!
Tiff