Which cruise would you rather go on?

Question

Ship Name: Independence Of The Seas

Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ports of Call: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Labadee, Haiti; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

21 hour drive

8 days

$1499 for balcony

Ship Name: Explorer Of The Seas

Departure Port: Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey

Ports of Call: Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Casa De Campo, Dominican Rep; Labadee, Haiti; Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey

13 hour drive

9 days

$1349 for balcony

I booked the first one already but now I am not sure. Both come with savings certificates. This is for our honeymoon. I think my fiance would enjoy the smaller boat but its his first cruise and 9 days for a first time might be too much. The Independence is brand new though and I have already been on the sister ship Freedom but he has not experienced how huge it is. so which one do you like best?

Answer 1

Of those two, I'd choose the first.  The ports on the second one aren't that great.  

I also wouldn't drive, especially given the price of gas these days.  Do you really want to drive for 13 or 21 hours after a nice, relaxing cruise?  [BTW - the 9/11 site is not that much to see now - it's basically a construction site, although the "memorial" at St. Paul's church near there is very moving.  Just seems like a lot of trouble just to visit Ground Zero.]  And leaving from NJ in March you'll have a couple of days of cold, possibly rough seas before you get to nice weather [so you'll have to pack warmer clothes].

Fly down the day before, since you'll be flying in March from a delay-prone area, so you can start out your cruise in a relaxed mood.  Personally, I'd give up the balcony to be able to fly in the day before, but then I've never cruised with a balcony [would rather spend $ on other things on the cruise].

Have a nice cruise, whichever one you decide on.

Answer 2

first choice sounds best to me!

Answer 3

It depends on where you live. If you live in NYC, then its perfect, no airfare, if you live closer to Florida, then great, no airfare.

personally, I like the Western Carribean better there is much more to do there. I have done the Eastern Carribean and although the beaches are very pretty, thats about all that is there is beaches.

Answer 4

I think you made the best choice.

Answer 5

first one sounds best

Answer 6

Both ships and itineraries look good. Both are going to be large ships with many amenities. I've not sailed on the Independence, but took 2 cruises on the Explorer. Very nice ship.

You didn't say when you are going. One thing to consider is if you are taking the Explorer and its during this spring/early summer, the weather may not be "tropical" like the first couple of days sailing out of New Jersey. May be an issue of you plan on outside deck activities such as swimming or sunbathing. Enjoy whichever you choose!

Answer 7

We sailed on Freedom of the Seas last year and that's a sister ship to Independence.

It is absolutely breathtaking.

You're going to love its newness and beautiful features. While it is one of RC's biggest ships, you barely realize just how many people are on there.

Take time to enjoy the shows as they are some of the best on sea today.

There is seriously so much to do on this ship, you'll never be board.

You must...must...must...must...MUST...go to something they call the Quest. It is an absolute riot. Plus if it's your honeymoon, you'll get other perks along the way. Also, the Love and Marriage game show is a hoot...and you'll definitely get a kick out of it since you'll be honeymooning.

I know you mentioned you sailed on Freedom before...you should sign up for their Crown & Anchor loyalty program if you haven't already for great discounts while on ship. :)