Decison Princ. Star or Carnival Miracle

[swimmersonboard]

I am really struggling to make a decision for my husband and My anniversary cruise in March. We decided last minute to cruise instead of flying to Mexico. We've cruised Royal Carribean and Carnival before but never Princess. Princess seems to have lower fares though. The recent reviews for The Star don't seem to be as good as The Miracle and I just can't decide. WE HAVE TO SOON THOUGH! We are both in the 39 age range. We love to do excursions. Both have Western Carribean Itineries although Miracle has Belize where we would like to Cave Tube. Star has Jamaica where we like to see The Falls though?? HELP!!!

[penny3333]

My vote would be for Princess. We've only cruised on NCL, RCL, HAL, Costa, Carnival, and Princess. To me, Princess does it best. The service is extraordinary, the cleanliness of the ships is immaculate, and the food is great. We just returned from the Costa Magica and had a wonderful cruise, beautiful ship, good food, great activities, but Princess is better. I would choose Costa over Carnival, but this is my opinion only. Best wishes and have a marvelous cruise, whatever ship you choose!

[swimmersonboard]

Thanks for the reply, we are still up in the air about it but I've always heard that Princess was one step above Carnival and then when I read the reviews I wasn't so sure.

[f-mattox]

I will second penny3333's vote for Princess.
I have not been on the other lines (I always chuckle when Penny says she's ONLY been on. . . . )so I can't make a comparison; but I can tell you that in over 30 years of cruising with Princess I have NEVER been on a trip I didn't thoroughly enjoy.
The Grand Class ships are wonderful in every respect.
And Princess' shore excoursions are very well organized and always just as represented in the brochures.
But whichever you choose, have a wonderful trip and Happy Anniversary.

[f-mattox]

Sorry, I guess I was composing my first reply while you were respondind to penny3333;
it's hard for me to imagine someone giving Princess a bad review, but if you could be specific about what is causing you pause, I would love the opportunity to respond to it.

[Dave]

I like RCI, Carnival, AND Princess. You've done RCI and Carnival. Why not try Princess this time, especially since they have the best fares for your time slot?

Not to diminish RCI and Carnival, but our Princess cruises have always seemed to be just a little bit more elegant and reserved than those with RCI and Carnival. Probably a good atmosphere for an anniversary cruise.

[f-mattox]

Dave,
I think this is the first time I've seen you mention that you were on Princess. Not trying to be nosy but I'd love to know what ships, years, etc..
I find it amusing that Carnival is doing a pretty good job of shedding it's "party cruise" reputation; while Princess has lost some of it's "elegant and reserved" aura.

[Dave]

Only two Princess cruises - Sun P in 1997, Grand P in 2001.

[swimmersonboard]

I really appreciate the replies!! The reviews I read that were negative were about service and food. There has definitely been partying on the last couple of Carnival Cruises but the food and service were Wonderful! The price is definitely a plus though!

[swimmersonboard]

I think we have decided on Princess Star. I am excited but a little nervous! Thanks for all the help.