Celebrity / HAL or all inclusive
 

Goodness.. such choices ! We are a family of 3 (with a 16 yr old son). We cruised the Western Caribbean last year on HAL Zuiderdam and absolutely loved it. Now, planning a late summer vacation and am completely torn by:
1. Eastern Caribbean on Celebrity Century (conceirge class stateroom)
2. Western Caribbean on Celebrity Century
(conceirge class stateroom)
3. Eastern Caribbean on HAL Zuiderdam
(verandah stateroom)
4. All inclusive (Beaches Grande Sport in Jamaica)
Our son loved the cruise last year and met some great kids that he still speaks with. He didn't really participate in the 'kids' activities, just hung around the pool with his new friends. We truly enjoyed HAL's service and are wondering if Celebrity is similar. Interested in trying something new, but very happy with what we had ! And what about August ? weather ? eek.. hurricanes ?? any input would be appreciated !

I can see why you are in a dilemma-good choices.

Have never been to an all inclusive-but the thought of a week in Jamica makes me shudder.

My friend has a time share and we would go for a week to some great places and would do it again .

However once we started cruising, that was our favorite. Any of your choices are great (the Oosterdam is great, too).

August is hot! probably frequent rain but not long lasting. Hurricaines can pop up anytime them but the ships divert away. Have fun-tell us what you choose.

If you drink significant amounts of alcohol all inclusives are a bargain. If not you are over paying. Whenever my husband and I cruise our biggest expense is the booze.

I am considering the Western Caribbean itinerary on Zuiderdam in May. Would you consider recommendations re: off ship activities, room selection, etc.

Western Caribbean Zuiderdam - we had a B catagory verandah room... perfectly spacious enough for our family of 3. For shore excursions, we did the ruins of Tulum and that was our fav. It was fantastic. in Key West we just wandered on our own but did go to Hemingway's house. very cool.. in Grand Cayman we did the Island Tour and Stingray City. It was too crowded for my taste, but it was a good time. And in Half Moon Cay, I soaked up the sun and my husband and son enjoyed a snorkel trip. I recommend eating lunch at least once in the dining room ...yum ! And greet your room steward with a smile and introduce yourself. Our room steward, Ruslan, was fantastic and was alway sooo great to us... I wish I could have packed him in my suitcase to bring home !