Best cruise from NY/NJ (choices given)

Question

Specifically I want to pick one leaving from NY/NJ in Summer 2009. The choices include:

NCL:

Norwegian Dawn (7-day Bermuda)

Carnival:

Carnival Miracle (8-day Caribbean)

Princess:

Caribbean Princess (9-day Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean:

Explorer of the Seas (9-day Caribbean/ 5-day Bermuda)

For 4 people, all the Caribbean cruises are around the same price and the Bermuda ones are cheaper (NCL Dawn is the cheapest of the choices) but it really comes down to which line has a good balance of prices (even onboard), entertainment with places to relax, and dining.

To see the specific itineraries, you can look at this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR5_FHKfdVo

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share it

Answer 1

I would definitely go with the Explorer of the Seas 9 day to the Caribbean. I did that cruise in March-April of this year and it was my favorite cruise out of all I've been on.

The Explorer if a beautiful ship, and when you go on it will have been in Dry Dock just a little while before.

The islands that the cruise goes to are so beautiful and definitely worth going to & getting off the ship at.

The ship has so much to do and very kind& helpful workers. The food & restaurants are amazing, the service fantastic, and I could go on and on about it.

The Explorer cruises are not very expensive, and if you think that they are, you get what you pay for. Exceptional service and the time of your life.

The shows at night after dinner are fantastic, just like broadway except on a moving ship, and the entertainment and amount of things to do during the day are endless.

If you have any more questions feel free to send me a message!

Hope this helps & have fun!!! (:

Answer 2

Personal opinion:  I'd go with Princess, then Carnival [although the Miracle is a VERY gaudy ship].  Wouldn't go with either NCL or RCL.

You can go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Reviews" and read pro comments and also "Member Reviews" to get very good info on these ships.

Answer 3

I would go with Norwegian or Royal Caribbean. Between those two I'm not sure what goes on with Royal Caribbean and extra charges, but on NCL for four people we spent another 2000 on stuff that was not just the base price of the room. That whole total included the extra fuel charge (that would be charged on any line), shore excursions, and other things that could not be avoided without charges. But then again our family bought a lot of stuff so that would depend on how much excess your family buys.

Answer 4

For me Princess is the best of all of these cruise lines. I have cruised with Princess 8 times and #9 is coming up soon. Carnival is cheaper, but the food is not as good as Princess. Ncl has had some problems and therefore I do not recommend them. My second choice would be Royal Caribbean. I have never cruised with them, but have heard only great things about them.

Answer 5

I suggest that you go to a site that has all those cruise lines you want to compare and you can see the different ships entertainment and look at the cabins etc.

Answer 6

I'm not familiar with the other lines you mentioned but i just got back from the caribbean princess nine day cruise from new york.    I had no real complaints with anything.    I would cruise with them again if i had the opportunity.  The shows were very good, although crowded.    Since it is such a large ship and has so many passengers, sometimes the public areas were crowded -- the pools-lounges-theater- but i'm sure that is found on any ship from any line.     THis ship has lots of balcony cabins and i found that really nice. As for prices onboard the ship, i found the drink prices reasonable.  

I believe it is going into dry dock this winter so should be all set when you plan to travel.

Answer 7

Of all the cruises you listed we would recommend Princess first.  Reason supper good service good food and great shows., number 2 would be NCL. Reasons.  Free style dinning and you don't have to dress up., Number 3 Carnival. Reason.  Price only. Number 4 RCCL.  Can't think of a good reason for them yet.

You should consult with a qualified Cruise Travel Agent before making a choice.  They do not charge and have great info.

Check this site out for pricing and phone number.

www.myvacationcenter.com

Answer 8

Carnival Miracle

I went last year and i'm going again in 10 days. My parents liked it,as well as me and my brother.