Has anyone been on a cruise of Royal Caribbean from New York to the Caribbean islands?? Any comments?

Question

Has anyone been on a cruise of Royal Caribbean from New York to the Caribbean islands?? Any comments?

Answer 1

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Royal Caribbean".  Also click on "Reviews" and read BOTH the pro and past passenger reviews.

Answer 2

Hi,

I've sailed RC from both Cape Liberty Port in New Jersey and Boston, MA to Bermuda. These 2 experiences were very different in that it really depends on the ship you are sailing as well as the time of year.

My first experience was amazing... I sailed mid June on the Explorer of the Seas from NJ. The trip was excellent and the ports were pretty good. Haiti was nice if you can get past all the vendors. The beach was decent however it is quite rocky. I have to say I really enjoyed the scenery in Haiti and the water was very clean. There is  market on the beach and the vendors will really try to persuade you to visit. I don't normal like to do this but on this trip I did buy a nice 2 piece painting set of jazz players! Dominican was nice.. you port on the East coast and there is plenty to do. Lots of wonderful excursions or you can head to a number of beached on your own. They also boast several champion golf courses and you can get a taxi to take you to one of the national parks.

When you get to St. Thomas I strongly recommend you take the open air bus to Meagan's Bay! Spectacular views on the way there and back and the water is crystal clear blue, and stunning. San Juan is fun. try a little shopping in or walking in old San Juan or head to the Casino for a little action.

My second trip was not so good. Same ship, albeit, in October... yes that's right... hurricane season. Left Boston and the weather was horrible, cold and raining. Spent the first 2 days at sea.. hiding indoors to escape the bitter cold. I felt as though we had wasted the first 2 days. While sailing bermuda our Captain(his first voyage on this ship) was more concerned about staying on coarse and on schedule, so he decided to brace the hurricane and ride through instead of around. Not a good experience at all. I spent the first 2 days freezing and hiding then the next 2 in the cabin sick from the huge waves. Even the stay were asking passengers to file complaints about the Captain. Turns out where they sleep in the lower cabins the waves were crashing so load they could not sleep and many of the crew were sick! I lost 4 of the 9 days on the cruise and I was NOT a happy camper.

I hope this helps you make your plans accordingly. Travel from the east coast when it's warm out and do not travel the caribbean during hurricane season late Sept/Oct/Nov.

I've actually cruised on 23 cruises personally. Feel free to contact me with any other questions related to destinations and what to do, best excursions and such

Happy Cruising...