Best ship for Western Itinerary for young couple?

[snorkelman]

My wife and I just turned 30 and we are going on our 14th cruise in June 2003. We have never sailed Royal Caribbean, so we really want to give it a try (We enjoyed the Fun ships of Carnival and thought that some of the other cruise lines such as Celebrity were too slow for our tatses.

We are interested in a 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary departing from some port in Florida (because we live in South Florida), preferably a Saturday sailing.

I quickly looked and I think that the Navigator of the Seas departs from Miami on Saturdays and calls at the ports in Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. That seems like a lot of ports for a 7-day cruise, and that is just what we like. This ship seems to be only 1 month old.

I also think that the Explorer of the Seas departs from Miami on Saturdays to Labadee, Hispaniola, Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Georgetown (Grand Cayman),and Cozumel. That seems like 5 ports in 7 days. Is that right? I see that this is only a 2 ½ year old ship.



Which of these ships is better, and why?

The last ship on which we sailed was the Carnival Pride (we sailed on it 6 months after she was built), and we liked the ship.

Any tips?

When is the best time to buy tickets?

dmiklas@prodigy.net

 

[Nanatravel]

Best to read current reviews from other experienced cruisers. We are old enought to be your parents: but love cruising and trying new ships and ports. Check out the Navigator review on the Cruise Review forums. That itinerary only stops at 4 ports; Labadee is a part of Haiti but they may be referring to it as Hispanola to detract fromt he present political uprising conditions in Haiti. This is basically a Beach Party day and a great way to relax and enjoy your vacation. If you have never experienced the other Western Caribbean ports, you are in for a nice treat. Sting Ray City, Dunn's River Falls, Tulum or Chankannab Park @ Cozumel, etc. I would go for the Navigator or Voyager as they are both in the new Explorer class of huge RCI ships.
Bon Voyage

 

[travelbug]

Navigator left for its first sailing yesterday so there won't be any reviews yet.
From what I have read about it so far it has 2 extra restaraunts , and more space
in some of the public areas than the Explorer or Voyager. I think any of the voyager
class ships would be great.

We have just booked the Navigator for next november, so will be looking out for all
those reviews. Found lots of info pictures etc by going to links on this site.

 

[Tiptoeonthewaves]

We are thinking of booking the new Mariner of the Seas Nov. 30 for the western caribbean. It sails on it's maiden voyage the week before to the eastern itinerary. Travels to Cozumel, Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman. Looks good.