First Caribbean Cruise, which islands/itinerary?
 

I have cruised solo but I've never cruised in the Caribbean. I have never visited any Caribbean islands that cruise ships frequently travel to. I would like to know which of these two cruises you'd recommend. The Carnival option is about $350 less than RCI. I have no interest in the cruise ship or the primary differences between the two ships. I am more interested in the ports and which itinerery is best.

The first cruise is on the Carnival Victory, from San Juan. Here's the itinerary:-

Day 1, San Juan, dept 10 pm.
Day 2, St Thomas 7 am - 5 pm
Day 3, Dominica 10 am - 6 pm
Day 4, Barbados 8 am - 5 pm
Day 5, St Lucia 8 am - 5 pm
Day 6, St Kitts 8 am - 6 pm
Day 7, St Maarten, 7 am - 5pm
Day 8, San Juan, 7 am

The other choice is on RCI, on Seranade of the Seas. The cruise is 7 nights, 8 days long and the has one sea day. Here's the itinerary:-

Day 1, San Juan, dept 8.30 pm
Day 2, at sea
Day 3, Barbados, 8am - 5pm
Day 4, St Lucia, 8 am - 5 pm
Day 5 Antiguia (St Johns), 8 am - 5pm
Day 6, St Maarten 8 am - 5 pm
Day 7, ST Croix, 7.30 am - 5 pm
Day 8, San Juan.

Which islands combinations are better in the above itineraries?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thank you.

What type of activities are you interested in on the islands? If we don't know what you like to do it's difficult to make recommendations. I have been to every island on both itineraries except Dominica, so might be able to help you if you give me more info. Who are you going with? I personally like at least one day at sea, an all port itinerary can be exhausting but perhaps that is what appeals to you.

If your not interested in the ship then option one is $350 cheaper and goes to one more island .. a no brainer really!

You choice is really option between
1.Dominica, St.kitts, St.thomas
OR
2.Antigua, St. Croix

as the other islands are the same and as eileen said.. without a list of your interests we can't advise beyond cruise 1 obviously being better value.

oops typos! should read ...You're not interested..

Your choice...

Thanks for the feedback. I am interested in cultural, natural (ie, waterfalls, scenic sights) and historic sights. I would also participate in adventure activities. I am not a beach person.

Take the RCCL cruise on Serenade on the Seas. My family just got off that ship last week and we loved it. I'm not a baech person either, but there are so many beautiful beaches and activities You'll forget your'e actually on or near a beach! RCCL *Look for Yudi or Constantin (waiters) on the ship. They are fantastic. We are HUGE Royal Caribbean believers as they treat you like a king and queen. The food is fantastic, the service outstanding, photos of families are taken and they are excellent. You cant' go wrong with RCCL.

A day at sea is a good idea, expecially if you've never cruised before. You get the feel of the ship and the experience at sea. The cruise director is great (Dennis) and they keep you entertained while at sea. We were told this before our first cruise and it's very good advice. If you have any questions abou the islands, I have notes from a friend who has gone there.

Good luck and if possible, fly into Puerto Rico a day early to enjoy San Juan. Walk Old san Juan, fort Morro and the surroundings. Take taxis to make it wasy. You can cehck into RCCL around noon and enjoy the ship.