Bill

Please I know these questions get asked all the time. Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Grand Princess or RCCL Explorer of the Sea in the first week in May? Good or bad time of the year? In our 30's and prefer very clean and nice, good food, etc. Size of rooms if in an outside balcony mid-ship mid-deck, bigger or smaller on either? Any reason to get a different room on the ship? Where to stay in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami? Sailed on the Ocean Princess on a repositioning from Vancouver B.C. to San Francisco in October of 2001, no complaints besides getting sick.

Theresa

Hi,<BR><BR>Have sailed both Grand and Explorer. I like both ships equally for different reasons. Both ships are very clean and offer excellent service - I wouldn't worry about that.<BR><BR>Princess is a little classier then RCCL, but RCCL offers a little bit more "adventure".<BR><BR>Princess has pools open for 24 hours a day, 24 buffet, fresh water pools, etc. . <BR><BR>RCCL has rock climbing, roller blading, ice skating, etc. . .<BR><BR>I thought the food was better on Grand but I didn't go hungry on Explorer.<BR><BR>I thought entertainment was better on Explorer but I wasn't bored on Grand.<BR><BR>If I were you - I would try RCCL because you have already tried Princess.<BR><BR>You can't go wrong with either one.<BR><BR>-----------<BR><BR>As far as hotels - in FLL, I used priceline and got Embassy Suites for $70/night. They offer free transportation to the pier and from the hotel. If you look at www.biddingfortravel you can see what hotels priceline uses for what zone. I was always afraid to use it before I looked at this site.<BR><BR>In Miami - I stay at Miami Inter-Continental at Bayside on Choppin. It can be pricey but I have always found good deals.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Theresa

The website is:<BR><BR>www.biddingfortravel.com<BR><BR>Sorry - put the wrong address down.

Sandy

I, too, think you should try the Voyager/Explorer or even the Adventure (nice itinerary). I've been on the Voyager, Explorer and the Grand Princess - here's my quick comparison:<BR> <BR>I think the Voyager/Explorer win in terms of beauty,cleanliness, "wowness" -- but the Grand has its good points too. We had a great time in the Grand's disco a few nights... whereas the disco on the Voyager/Explorer didn't seem to get going until 1am!!; Casinos on Voyager/Explorer are prettier, cleaner, looser slots; but we loved the freshwater pools on the Grand; the Grand's Cruise Director, Graham Seymour, is an absolute riot... and I can't (nor could I ever) tell you who the CDs were on the Voyager/Explorer. I'd say food/service, etc. were the same on all of the ships.<BR><BR>If you do try the RCCL ship, you won't be disappointed. The Voyager class ships are really, really beautiful (I was a little bit disappointed by the Grand, in comparison). <BR><BR>Last I heard, the Voyager/Explorer leave from Miami; while the Grand leaves from FLL. I agree with Theresa that you should use Priceline (after reading www.biddingfortravel.com) to find an extremely reasonable pre or post stay in either location. That's what we did, and we stayed at the Wyndham (Miami downtown) for $45 a night; and at the Embassy Suites (FLL) for $55 a night. You just can't beat it!

Paul Therault

I agree with Theresa and Sandy who detialed their cruise experience so nicely.<BR><BR>I have sailed the Princess Grand and Golden. Also the RCCL Voyager and Explorer.<BR><BR>I think the two Princess ships are the most beautiful in the world. The lighting, the design, the real trees and flowers, the muted colors, etc. My wife does not like me to use the word "classy" so I will use elegant.<BR><BR>I was so enthralled by the Voyager I immediately booked the Explorer. They also are beautiful ships but more eclectic and exciting. They are really worth the extra money paid. Different and great cruise experience. But if you do not want raz-a-ma-taz sail Princess.<BR><BR>Or try them all .....<BR><BR>Paul