Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas: which itinerary?

Question

July 2008, my family of 4 (2 parents, one 17 yr old brother, and me- a 15 yr old girl) is going on a cruise to the South Caribbean.... i have a question though, we have an option of 2 trips: both starting/ending in San Juan, and although one has an additional stop, it's just a bit more expensive. Which itinerary sounds better? Is #1 with the extra stop worth the additional money, or should we go with #2?

And also, which one is better REGARDLESS of money?

THANKS GUYS! here's the two itineraries (the bullet points represent the days)

#1:

-San Juan, Puerto Rico (START)

-Cruising

-Bridgetown, Barbados

-Castries, St. Lucia

-St. John's, Antigua

-Philipsburg, St. Maarten

-Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

-San Juan, Puerto Rico (END)

#2:

-San Juan, Puerto Rico (START)

-Cruising

-Oranjestad, Aruba

-Willemstad, Curacao

-Cruising

-Philipsburg, St. Maarten

-Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

-San Juan, Puerto Rico (END)

Answer 1

I have been on both itineraries and the biggest difference is the at sea days offered by the second itinerary.  The islands that you visit are a little different and its really hard to say that one is better than the other, or not as good. It just depends upon which islands you would like to see most.

My personal preference is trip # 2 just because it has the restful "at sea" days and also because I like Aruba.

Answer 2

Have you ever been on a cruise?  If not, let me tell you that sea days are very relaxing.  As an added bonus, the Adventure of the Seas has a lot to offer.  Besides the two pools (a third is adults only and a fourth is for little kids), it has a full sized basket ball court, a miniature golf course, an inline skating track, a rock climbing wall, an ice rink, an arcade, a place for teens to hang out and a teen disco.  All are free except the arcade.

Going to five ports in a row, especially in the heat and humidity of the Southern Caribbean, can be quite exhausting.  You will welcome the sea day to relax and recover from the first two ports.  

So, my recommendation would be option # 2 with the extra day at sea.

Answer 3

I understand his point of having another day at sea.. they are nice but I did option #2 and didnt care for aruba. It was not what Ithought it was going to be.. I like the stops on the fisrt one a lot better. Also take the time to just have a beach day where you just go to the beach. That is nice and relaxing. bring lots of sunscreen. being tan is nice. being burnt is not fun.  I heard St. Lucia is beautiful too! Have fun! You will have a blast.