Me and finace will be going on our 1st cruise this May. I have looked at so many different crusies that my head is spinning. We are in our middle 30's. We have determined that we want to go to the Bahamas. Which ship is the best for us? We want to party, and have a great time when we get off of the boat. Also is the Private Island that they offer worth it? Please help me!

Jason,
You will get a lot of different opinions on cruising. As I have said in other threads, "who is the best" is very subjective and relevant to what you experience. I remember sitting at Miami airport after coming off the CCL Victory. I had a group of 30 people who enjoyed the cruise and all had a wonderful time. But yet, this lady at the airport was complaining to a stranger about how horrible the same cruise was, nothing pleased her. I think for your age bracket Carnival or Royal Caribbean would both be good choices. The private islands can be relaxing and fun. They usually have a big BBQ and activities to do.

Jason,

If you want the private island, then you need to look more at Royal Caribbean because they offer more options for this - going to Coco Cay which they own. Carnival does have some cruises that stop at Half Moon Cay, but not as many as Royal Caribbean.

Private islands aside - both Carnival and RCCL will offer a similar experience on the short cruise market. We enjoy both lines.

I second what Dave said. We have sailed Carnival and Royal Carribean's short and longer cruises. I really do like the private island and if you enjoy the beach you will really enjoy too I would think. The Carnival ships Really DO party and RC do to but I think the atmosphere is a little more refined.