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[ 03-28-2006: Message edited by: Kara0 ]
If you want a more cultured experience the Queen Mary 2 is a good choice and has state of the art kiddie and teen facilities. She also has frequent Southampton departures.
Both ships are like floating towns
quote:Originally posted by Kara0:I'm planning to book myself, husband and our 2 kids on a 2 week cruise this summer on the Royal Caribbean ship Legend of the Seas, principally because it departs from Southampton (our youngest child dislikes flying!). However, upon reading about Voyager class ships, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth putting up with the flights... I'd like to make this a really special experience for us, and Voyager class sounds truly amazing! Has anyone been on Legend who could compare it to a Voyager cruise?[ 03-28-2006: Message edited by: Kara0 ]
I have cruised on both ‘Splendour’ (Legend’s’ sister) and ‘Explorer’ (one of five Voyager class ships). I actually enjoyed both.
I cruised ‘Explorer’ from Miami. The flight is a killer if you are in cattle-class. The cruises from Miami tend to be cheaper than from the UK, but the air-fare even’s things out a bit. I must say that it is a real pleasure cruising from a UK port return.
RCI are a ‘mass-market’ line and reasonable value – although hardly cheap here in the UK, anyway. You will not get the finest food or service, but it's pretty good. There product is particularly good for families. They are a bit like an upmarket ‘Butlins at sea’ (I did say upmarket) with a good kids club and facillities.
All of RCI's ships were ‘state of the art’ although ships like ‘Legend’ is 11 years old now, although she will have been refitted and be in good shape.
RCI are American, although the experience from Southampton will be a little more British in style. However us Brits are capable of enjoying both our own culture and the American one.
Legend is big, Voyager is enormous. However, bigger is not always better. I found the Voyager class to feel rather crowded (irrespective of what the facts and figures or brochure say). Both ships have much similar decor, cabins and facilities, although Voyager has a ‘street' inside and a skating rink. Legend does have shops, climbing wall, mini-golf and a theatre etc. Both ships will provide a 'fun' experience.
Line's like Cunard, as mentioned, provide a more tradition experience, with an onboard drama group university lectures, and the finest food - but you pay more for it. They do have a kids club, but RCI possibly do 'family fun' better.
I think the itinerary is important. Personally I find the Carib ports to generally be a bit dull, where as Europe has many fascinating cities.
As mentioned one voyager class will be in Europe and one sailing from Southampton next year.
'Legend' is not a bad choice. Remember, as you have not cruised before either ship would provide a unique experience. To add to you confusion, I really like RCI's ‘Radiance’ class, possibly better than both?
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[ 03-28-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
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