E. Caribbean on Freedom or Dawn?

[whival]

Hello all,

This is my first post on cruisemates, although I've been lurking for awhile.

Here's my question:

My husband and I are going to go on a East Caribbean cruise this December (we hope to book this week). We can't decide whether to go on the Freedom of the Seas with RCC or on the Norwegian Dawn. We have two young children (ages 5 and 3) and we hear these ships are both good for kids.

The ports of call for the Norwegian cruise are: Samana; Tortola; St. Thomas; Great Stirrup Cay

The ports of call for the RCC cruise are: San Juan; St. Thomas; St. Maarten

The last factor is that the Freedom of the Seas, RCC cruise will be approximately 900 - 1000 dollars more. While this is a consideration, we're definitely willing to spend the money if it means a better cruising experience.

Otherwise, the cruises leave on the same day, from the same port and are both 7 nights. This is my first cruise and I'm so confused!

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated,

Justine

P.S. I'm going to cross post this message on the RCC board and the Caribbean board. I hope someone will let me know if this is a no no.

[nmnita]

Either would be great for a famliy; freestyle does work well as you can eat when you want and where you want; great for the kids. I think I like the itinerary better on NCL, but again this simply depends on whether you like port intensive cruising or more time on the ship.

The cabin size will be very similar and so will the entertainment.

As for the kids program, yes, both have outstanding programs so that is a toss up.

I think your choice may have to be based on the ports and the cost.

NMNita

[FlyingPirate]

I think the Dawn would be a fabulous choice.

It's a beautiful ship, the freestyle dining will work out great with the kids and the kids crew facilities are amazing.

The extra ports and better price are also a draw, think of the extra $$ for activities and tee shirts!

The Freedom is just too large, IMO, and having been on an RC ship, NCL is just better all around.

I'd be afraid of losing my kids on something that big!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by FlyingPirate

I think the Dawn would be a fabulous choice.

It's a beautiful ship, the freestyle dining will work out great with the kids and the kids crew facilities are amazing.

The extra ports and better price are also a draw, think of the extra $$ for activities and tee shirts!

The Freedom is just too large, IMO, and having been on an RC ship, NCL is just better all around.

I'd be afraid of losing my kids on something that big!

Gosh, sometimes when my kids were little I used to wish I could lose them. Not really of course, but when they were teens, wow!!!!NMNita :o

[whival]

After doing a lot of reading on this board, I thought I'd finally decided on a RCC cruise and now I read these great reviews of NCL. Ugh, this is so hard - but of course there are worse choices.

Thanks for replying,

Justine