We were looking at some upcoming cruise possibilites for next year and have discovered that both Holland America and Princess have cut back on their choices for their 10-day itineraries. Princess is sending BOTH of their new ships on the exact same route, without variation, for the entire year. Holland America is sending the Volendam on a route that goes to the same exact ports as practically every other ship in the Carribean: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Veracruz and...Roatan (aargh!). In other words Mexico, more Mexico and another Latin American port where there is virtually nothing to see.

There seem to be fewer and fewer options for the more interesting Eastern Caribbean islands, particularly on a ten-day cruise, which is what we want. It's either Celebrity or nothing. What's up with this?

Somehow you missed Princess 10 day Dawn Princess which we just took in November, and Coral Princess which we'll be doing this November. Dawn included St.Thomas, Dominica, BArbados, Isla Marguarita, and Curacao. Dominica has natural beauty with the vegetation, and Barbados and Curacao have been favorites for a long time. We enjoy the Southern/Western Caribbean more than the typical Eastern ports. The new, gorgeous Coral, will sail from Fort Lauderdale, and go into 1 lock of the Panama Canal, and turn around in Gatun Lake. If you haven't done that. it's a site to behold. Also stops in Cartegna, Limon, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, & Cozumel. There's days to enjoy the magnificent ship.

You're absolutely right in saying that the Dawn Princess has a terrific itinerary. Unfortunately, it won't be sailing that route next year. The Sun Princess is doing something like it, however, so there IS another choice after all. Thanks for the heads up!

As for the Panama Canal, that's what I was meant--the Coral and the Island Princess are doing the exact same route all year with no variation, which seems odd. Wouldn't there be more repeat business if the two ships went on different routes? I guess what I should also have clarified is that Mexico and other Latin American ports are not all that appealing to us because we live on the border of Mexico. I like the culture, but we're hoping to try something that's a lot different from what we experience on a daily basis.