Hi - we are going to be first time cruisers. My DH and I are both in our 50's - our son and daughter in law are in their 30's and our youngest son is 24. We can't decide which cruise to take - we are looking at the Pride (Mexican Riveria), The Legend (W. Carrib) or the Liberty. I would appreciate any input any of you would have, especially about the excursions.

We just got off the Legend and had a marvelous time.

LEGEND

Belize - Cave-tubing is the thing to do.
Cozumel - has it all...beaches, swimming with dolphins...shopping.
Roatan - was beautiful ..a good snorkeling spot.
Grand Cayman - this is where you swim with the sting rays.

PRIDE

We did this trip in March 03.
PV - ziplining
Mazatlan - riding horses on the beach with Randi
Cabo - beach day
Personally, I prefer the Caribbean...but I am glad we did it once just to say we have been there.

Never sailed on the Liberty....but I have sailed on a sister ship (Conquest). I little to big for my taste...but it depends on the person.


The Spirit class is my favorite class of ship, which the LEGEND is one!


One word of warning, you will get addicted!!

Happy Cruising!!

Hi tomah, Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

Personally, I would lean toward the Legend. It was my last cruise and we had a wonderful time. Like LHP, the Spirit class ships are my favorites. Unless I knew the date for the Liberty I couldn't say about the shore excursions.

Please also check out the Port Chat section of the forum, there is a wealth of information there.

Welcome aboard,

Dwayne

Hi tomah, welcome to Cruise-Chat. You can't go wrong with any of your choices. It depends on what you enjoy doing. Snorkeling is great in Cozumel, Belize, Grand Cayman, and Roatan. Haven't done the Mexican Riviera, but have heard it's great for shopping and history. Not sure what the Liberty's itinerary is. You need to decide what your desires are. Sea Days, Activities, Ports, etc. Weigh the pros and cons of each, the price of the cruise and the ease/expense of getting to the embarkation port. Then pick a ship from that. You will then have 2 options left for your next cruise. I know once you've been on one, you'll be booking another Find a good travel agent that specializes in cruises and they will be able to help you narrow it down. Best wishes for a fantastic experience!

I was exactly in your position 7 years ago. I did a lot of research on web sites like this one. Especially the chats regarding ports of call. First, make a list of what everyone likes to do. Shop, snorkel,golf,beach stuff,hiking, biking, etc.... Also find out about sleeping habits. Do some like to sleep late, early risers etc.. Then, decide on which ports give you the best chance of finding what you like to do. You also need to look at how long each port visit is so that you can decide if there is enough time to get your activity in. Also, check out private tour companies and not just the ship excursions. Usually, you can get off the ship, find your tour, and be off quickly before the large crowds of ship sponsored excursions even get organized.
I've been on the Liberty (great ship !) also have been on two other Carnival ships.

I have been to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St Martin, St Thomas, Bahamas if you stop in any of these ports, I can help you find the best places to go and good tour companies.

Sodey