Independence vs Caribbean Princess

Leigh · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 01:42 PM

Ok , I need a little help.... trying to decide between the Independence of the Seas or Caribbean Princess. Like the choice of Ports on the Princess are going to be much hotter ....but IOS looks like it is the ship and not the ports you want to see....Help please. Also they have offered me a handicap on the Riviera deck, anyone stayed in one of these?
Leigh

Leigh · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 01:42 PM

Ok , I need a little help.... trying to decide between the Independence of the Seas or Caribbean Princess. Like the choice of Ports on the Princess are going to be much hotter ....but IOS looks like it is the ship and not the ports you want to see....Help please. Also they have offered me a handicap on the Riviera deck, anyone stayed in one of these?
Leigh

Cruise Fanatic · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 02:00 PM

Your going to have to ask yourself what is more important to you and what kind of cruise experience do you want. What provides more sizzle for your cruise vacation? Seeing and experiencing different ports, or seeing a huge ship with unique amenities, that you may or may not try? Compare the cost, compare the ports and time in the ports, compare the time at sea and consider what you would do and how would spend that time.

penny3333 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 05:48 AM

Princess and Royal are two different companies with two different appeals. Princess has ammenities for children, but does not market that aspect. Royal markets the "glitz" of the ship. The rock wall, the skating, florider, etc. Princess is a little more elegant. All the considerations Cruise Fanatic mentions are important for you to consider. The Caribbean Princess is huge and beautiful. I sailed on her in May. I have not sailed on the Independence, but she is huge and beautiful as well. Let us know what you decide. Either way, you can't go wrong

Cruise Fairy · #5 (**permalink**) 09-27-2008, 05:58 AM

The one feature I liked best about Caribbean Princess was the MUTS - movies under the stars. It was fun to sit there at night sailing along under the stars, watching a film.
There is really no comparison though when it comes to the Freedom Class ships- they have the main Promenade which is quite an activity center, the H2O zone for kids, the ice skating rink, Flowrider, such a lot of extra features plus the sheer beauty of the ship.

tncruiseman · #6 (**permalink**) 09-27-2008, 09:22 AM

I've stayed in a RCCL Handicapped suite and liked it a lot. It is typically several feet wider than the normal balcony cabin. Your choice really depends on the price difference. If both are close to the same in price, I would go with Independence. You will enjoy either ship.

Leigh · #7 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 10:08 AM

Decisions, decisions....they both seem to offer quite a lot don't they?and one day I hope to cruise both of them. My only problem is co-ordinating flights, seeing that I live in Canada it is not always that easy as I try to use my airmiles so flights can be limited. We ended up booking The Carnival Destiny out of Miami and were able to get a 9A cat.(wrap around balcony) I am excited to see the Turks, I am even more excited that I am actually BOOKED on a cruise. At this point it doesn't matter which ship I'm on.... I'm goin!!!!

Thanks for all you input, really do appreciate. Helps for the next one too.
Leigh

penny3333 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 10:46 AM

Congratulations! Glad to see you were able to book. You sure don't have long to wait!

Leigh · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 07:57 PM

Thanks Penny, and same to you on your New Years Cruise...what a celebration that will be.
Leigh

spoheat · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008, 02:27 PM

I wish I were cruising that soon! Time to start packing--congratulations.

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