I really need your help and expertise If you don't mind! My friends and I are planning a cruise in January 2008. We have two options and need to make a choice within a few days due to limited availability of cabins aboard one of the ships.

Both cruises leave within one day of each other, both are ten nights.

First cruise:
Ship: Sun Princess
Date: 9th Jan 2008
Length: 10 Nights
Price each for four people: $2023 in a balcony cabin on Baja Deck
Departs: Sydney
Destination: South Pacific

Second cruise:
Ship: Pacific Dawn
Date: 8th Jan 2008
Length: 10 Nights
Price each for four people: $1736 in an outside cabin on Dolphin Deck
Departs: Sydney
Destination: South Pacific

The cruises are really similar, the main difference that we're worried about is the sorts of people that are going to be on board and the sort of cruising experience we'll have. We went on Pacific Sun in Jan/Feb this year and although it was great, the ship was a bit of a let down and we were excited about getting onto something bigger and newer. Sun Princess seemed to look really awesome on the virtual tours and we can get a balcony cabin on a high deck for only a couple of hundred each extra as opposed to a bottom deck on Pacific Dawn.

My question is basically this: for four to eight 20 year olds who want to have some fun, which ship would you recommend?

We would like to party, and were wondering if the disco on Sun Princess operates in the same way as on the 'fun ships' and if it is still a fun environment. My idea was that since the ship is newer, there would be... hopefully more to do... and more to enjoy. We really don't know!! We're going to discuss it this evening since I've booked two cabins aboard Sun Princess with no obligation, ie, they're held for seven days and after that I can lose them. P&O consultant told me there are only four balcony cabins left aboard Sun Princess for that particular sailing so we have to make a decision quick smart.

Thanks everyone for your help!! Trying to move my excitement to the side and think logically but it is difficult =P Maybe you could all give me some insight.

Thanks again!

I think you would get better value for money. Sun Princess is still part of the Princess fleet and outdoor fast food eating venues are free on all Princess ships. My parents are going on the New Zeaand cruise on this ship and the fast food outlets are free. Pacific Dawn/Sun/Star you have to pay for extra's.

As for nightlife it should be good. I refer to Sapphire Princess we had a great time at night and security were quick to kick the under 18's out of the Disco. I think that particular cruise you will get a young crowd but I seriously doubt that this market will attract the eight trash we see on tv in the inquest.

I think you will be better entertained and looked after on a ship that has the Princess name and a world wide reputation to uphold.

Mind you I would go on Pacific Dawn as well, but if I had to choose between the two it would be the Sun Princess.

Also don't book with the cruise lines, a specialist TA should give you at least 5% off any brochure discounts.

I can't tell you which cruise to do!

[ 06-30-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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Originally posted by Sutho:
I think it is travel agents in the UK that get cheaper than the lines.

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I assume OZ works in the same way as the rest of the planet, so shop around.

Here in the UK, the brochure price always has 10% commission built in for the TA. Some TA's will only take 5% and give 5% back to the customer, to sell more cruises and make more commission. So yes, they can sell cheaper than the cruise line.

I was quoted the same price from a travel agencey and P&O in this case, but I do know for a fact that on my last cruise, P&O charged me more than what I could have got from the travel agent. Trust me, I'm tight, I always shop around lol. I will probably check with one more travel agent before I go ahead and pay the deposit if this is the cruise we choose. I'll let you know which one it is =D

I once did that and paid $813 for a six night voyage on Oriana from Sydney to Auckland in a cabin to myself on A deck. They sold it to me only a month before it sailed but I requested it six months before.

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Originally posted by mec1:
the Sun Class ships are poorly designed

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While the sun class ships might have generally small cabins, the layout of the public areas is excellent.

Spacious and breathtaking four storey atrium with two quiet bars and a bistro
Beautiful split level pool deck with 2 pools and 2 hot tubs
24 hour dining in the deck buffet
2 inside public decks with a good size disco
Well laid out and attractive showlounge at the stern, with good bar service.
An excellent theatre.
Sensational views from the deck bar overlooking the stern, with a semi covered pool and 3 hot tubs.

Poorly designed.... Sun Class.... I disagree, of 19 cruises I have been on "Sun" class ships 4 times and have 2 future bookings on the same class of ship.

Maybe mec1 is just trying to keep partying 20 year old's off !!!!!!!

[ 07-03-2006: Message edited by: andyc ]

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Originally posted by mec1:
But there we are - give me the Millennium sisters, the Oriana, QE2, Sea Dream, Silver Whisper, Aurora, Thomson Destiny - any of them - over a Sun Princess class any time (and that includes Oceana)

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I'm with you Mike. The "Sun Class" class sisters never appealed to me, which is probably why I have never sailed them. I have extensively visited SUN PRINCESS so I am very aware of the design.

I did sail on CORAL PRINCESS which is somewhat of a Sun Class on steroids, and quite enjoyed the ship. Go figure. Even so, give me the decor of a Celebrity ship any day.

Whilst I agree that ships like Aurora and Oriana would be far superior to the Sun class.

This Tazza wants to do a cruise in and out of Sydney. There are only two ships available to him. Pacific Dawn and Sun Princess.

he has previously been on Pacific Sun (Jubilee - a Carnival Holiday class) Obviously the Sun Princess would be far superior to this Pacific Sun so it will be a welcome change for him.

I gave my opinion that he would find Sun Princess better than Pacific Dawn (Regal Princess) and for that kind of cruise I would choose the Sun Princess.

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Originally posted by Sutho:
I think the the comparisons of the ships should be limited to what is available here.

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he has previously been on Pacific Sun ...Obviously the Sun Princess would be far superior to this.

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I think this is another good point... and valid for most aussie cruisers. Just about any international visiting cruise ship is superior to what is offered here by P&O Aus. Once you experience one of these ships its hard to go back!

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Originally posted by Patsy:
Every cruise I'm doing next year I've gone direct because I didn't really save anything with a travel agent.

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Originally posted by phil_a:

Ive mentioned it before, but it is because of the above reason that I think RCI would do well sending a ship downunder. Their modern fleet is full of 'wow factors' which will blow the socks off the aussie cruising public.

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I have seen one of their brochures today and the ships are impressive. The only disappointment of flying over to the US to do one of their cruises is that they are way to short after such a flight. If I have to fly longer than a day I want to relax for 14 nights or more.

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Originally posted by Patsy:
Imagine the furore there would be if direct cost far more than someone else. LOL!

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For years booking 'direct' (ly) with the cruise line HAS cost more than using many Travel Agents. I still think it does in many cases.