Non Disney Cruise for Honeymooners-which would you choose?

[cruisnfamily]

My daughter is getting married and needs a cruise that leaves on a specific date. Because of that, we have narrowed it down to 4 possible 7 day western Caribbean cruises. They are 2 24 year olds. My daughter has cruised Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Her future husband has never cruised.

Which one should they pick and why?

Anybody know which one is the newest or nicest ship of those listed?

Please vote in my poll above!

AAnd Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My daughter is getting married and needs a cruise that leaves on a specific date. Because of that, we have narrowed it down to 4 possible 7 day western Caribbean cruises. They are 2 24 year olds. My daughter has cruised Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Her future husband has never cruised.

Which one should they pick and why?

Anybody know which one is the newest or nicest ship of those listed?

Well, if the itineraries are the same (that's high on my priority list), I'd opt for Celebrity. Mostly because I've not done a Celebrity cruise yet.

I wouldn't do Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Possibly HAL, we've done 3 HAL cruises. But the age range on those cruises is a bit older. Not saying there aren't younger people onboard, but the ones we've been on were mostly older people (including us).

 

[BigredNole]

My recommendation is to look at the cruise lines, then look at the ships on the itinerary you like then find the ship you like. That is how I would attack he decision

 

[cruisnfamily]

Well, if the itineraries are the same (that's high on my priority list), I'd opt for Celebrity. Mostly because I've not done a Celebrity cruise yet.

I wouldn't do Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Possibly HAL, we've done 3 HAL cruises. But the age range on those cruises is a bit older. Not saying there aren't younger people onboard, but the ones we've been on were mostly older people (including us).

Thanks so much!

I guess I should have titled this "which one should THEY choose" LOL. I would probably try Celebrity too myself just for something different but what I want for them is the best fit possible for 24 year olds on their honeymoon.

And while the itineraries are not identical, these 4 were chosen because they have very similar itineraries and also include a stop at a private island. So assume the itineraries are the same. Just trying to get a fit based on cruise line and cruise ship.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks so much!

I guess I should have titled this "which one should THEY choose" LOL. I would probably try Celebrity too myself just for something different but what I want for them is the best fit possible for 24 year olds on their honeymoon.

And while the itineraries are not identical, these 4 were chosen because they have very similar itineraries and also include a stop at a private island. So assume the itineraries are the same. Just trying to get a fit based on cruise line and cruise ship.

Well, not knowing THESE 24 year olds, I might suggest either Carnival or Royal Caribbean. They tend toward the younger crowd and have more activities onboard for them. Don't know if the honeymoon couple want to be out and about while on the cruise, or keep to themselves.

 

[phinz]

I know a *lot* of DCL regulars who cruise Celebrity X when not cruising DCL.

That said, at 24 years old I would have been all about Allure of the Seas. Just so much to do and it's so big you shouldn't ever get bored.

 

[Steelers0854]

As a general rule I would avoid HAL at that age. My wife and I started cursing at that age and we are old souls, we fit nicely in with Princess which tends to draw an older crowd. It's our understanding that HAL is even more heavily skewed to an older demographic. Maybe for them they would appreciate that, but without knowing them it's hard to recommend it.

Carnival is much more of a party type atmosphere. Generally draws your college demographic.

I would think that Royal Caribbean or Celebrity would be a great place for your new son in law to experience his first cruise.

 

[princess22]

We love Princess... Is that an option? We did Princess for our honeymoon also and it is our go to line

 

[princess22]

So, I just saw the choices at the top, and out of those I would go with the Allure My husband and I loved Carnival Dream also. Carnival is okay for 7 day cruises, it's the shorter ones that get all the "party goers"

 

[cmph]

DH and I sailed HA when we were exactly 24 (a big extended family group) and felt very, very young... Definitely more so than Princess. It was my first on HA, having done Royal, Princess and Carnival already, but his first cruise ever. It was NOT a good first cruise for him. The food seemed bland, activities boring for our age group, etc. We are 38 now and I have just finally talked him into a cruise again... Now we have kids and he's all about Disney so he's excited about Castaway Cay and giving DCL a try. But HA, never again. So I would tell them to avoid HA unless your daughter wants a 14 year lack of cruises like me! I'm not a Carnival fan either, despite sailing when I was their target age group, but that's a matter of personality.

 

[FigmentSpark]

You said your daughter has been on 3 different cruise lines (2 + DCL?) Which did she like better? I'd go with that one, because it's the one she'd likely want to share with her new husband.

That said, maybe go with whichever has more included or more opportunity to buy advanced packages, so they won't have to worry about spending on things as much while they are there. I'd also look for the one that has the most to offer in their lifestyle. So are they spa people or party people or sporty or foodies? Which ship will appeal from that aspect?

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

The week long Carnival cruises do not attract the college crowd and the Dream is very similar to the Vista which I just spent 8 amazing days on, http://www.disboards.com/threads/thoughts-on-the-new-carnival-vista.3521334/
The only reason I didn't vote for the Dream and voted for Allure of the Seas is because they're on their honeymoon and Allure seams like it would be a more romantic ship.

I think either of those 2 ships would be great for them and would avoid Celebrity and HAL for 24 year olds, especially HAL.

 

[phinz]

DH and I sailed HA when we were exactly 24 (a big extended family group) and felt very, very young... Definitely more so than Princess.

That's funny. I'm 47 and my wife is 51. We felt like spring chickens on our Princess cruise compared to the average passenger. It was like they rolled up the sidewalks at 9 pm and everybody went to bed while I tried to find something to get me in trouble.

 

[bumbershoot]

My MIL was born in 1938 and felt young on her HAL cruise a couple years ago.

Friends of mine are still in their 20s and they *loved* their Princess cruise last year. They went with extended family younger and older and older than that, and everyone had a good time.

I personally would go on Royal. Mainly because our honeymoon was on Radiance of the Seas.

If they are non-smokers AND like to gamble, Celebrity has a casino and there is NO smoking allowed in it at all. That combo is why we'll be trying Celebrity soon. DH likes to gamble and likes to be able to come back to the stateroom without throwing out his clothing along the way. I am very very sensitive to smoke, even secondhand smoke on skin. (= thirdhand by the time I inhale it)

 

[Hundredacre]

I would pick least expensive. If they are on a honeymoon, there is an extent to which the ship doesn't matter.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Thanks for all the replies.

We are leaning towards Carnival or Royal Caribbean I think

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I picked Carnival Dream - and the cabins I recommend are:

On a Budget: Porthole (classified as an interior cabin but has 2 portholes and is 220 sq feet - had one of these and it was excellent);
Mid price: Cove Balcony (close to the water, and a little more private - just pick one either forward or aft of the galley);
Splurge: Spa Balcony (comes with spa privileges for the week - like the rainforest pass on DCL - plus they have use of the thalassotherapy pool and upgraded spa toiletries)

They may also want to spend a night or two in New Orleans pre or post cruise.

 

[RedSox68]

I listed HAL -- we've done two cruises on them (Alaska and New England/Canada) and loved them all around. My friend just came back from sailing in Norway on the Nieuw Amsterdam and raved about it. I wouldn't do Carnival or Royal Caribbean as I don't think they'd be romantic or quiet. Have not done a Celebrity, but it is considered one of the best and classiest lines to sail on for service, food, etc. from the reviews.

Of course, it all comes down to the ports they want to see and what they want to spend. Good luck and congratulations!

 

[teacher31]

Is there a reason dcl is out for your honeymoon? Just curious as my daughter and her husband chose the Fantasy for their honeymoon trip. Just delayed until he returns from Iraq.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is there a reason dcl is out for your honeymoon? Just curious as my daughter and her husband chose the Fantasy for their honeymoon trip. Just delayed until he returns from Iraq.

I'm figuring that since OP said "My daughter is getting married and needs a cruise that leaves on a specific date." there isn't a DCL cruise that leaves that date.