We discovered cruising way back in 2004 and we are always looking for inexpensive cruises. We are fortunate now to be able to go anytime, so last minute deals work out well for us. I've been monitoring prices for a few years now and in general, the best prices are when the cruise is first released. However, in saying that we have got some really good deals last minute. It is best to book early if you want a specific date, but if you are free to go when ever, keep an eye on the specials and last minute cruises. All cruise lines seem to have specials all the time, and while I am keeping track I see the prices go up and down regardless of the special.
We booked, or tried to book, a cruise where the special was $1 airfares, the only problem was they wanted to charge an extra $2000 onto the cruise fare, well that was never going to happen!!
So keep and eye on the fares and book when you feel the price is right.
Below is a comparison and what we think of the ships we have been on. They are our opinions of the particular cruises we have been on, our opinions only and scored out of 10.
Our Favourite Ships - so far. 2018
1. Celebrity Solstice - number of cruises 2
Our Favourite Ships - so far. 2018
1. Celebrity Solstice - number of cruises 2
Passengers 2850 Crew 1246 Built 2008
Length 1033ft Beam 121ft Speed 24 knots
2. Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas - cruises 2
Passengers 2501 Crew 859 Built 2001
Length 962ft Beam 105.6ft Speed 25knots
3. P&O Pacific Aria - number of cruises 2
Passengers 1520 Crew 558 Built 1994
Length 719ft Beam 98ft Speed 20knots
4. Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas - cruises 3
Passengers 3114 Crew 1185 Built 2000
Length 1020 Beam 157.5ft Speed 23knots
5. Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas - cruises 1
Passengers 3114 Crew 1181 Built 1999
Length 1020ft Beam 156ft Speed 23.7knots
6. P&O Pacific Dawn - number of cruises 4
Passengers 2020 Crew 660 Built 1991
Length 804ft Beam 181ft Speed 22knots
7. P&O Pacific Sun - number of cruises 1
Passengers 1486 Crew 670 Built 1985
Length 733ft Beam 92.6ft Speed 21.7knots
2018
P&O Pacific Aria Dec 2018 Cruise Director: Kabir Length 1033ft Beam 121ft Speed 24 knots
2. Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas - cruises 2
Passengers 2501 Crew 859 Built 2001
Length 962ft Beam 105.6ft Speed 25knots
3. P&O Pacific Aria - number of cruises 2
Passengers 1520 Crew 558 Built 1994
Length 719ft Beam 98ft Speed 20knots
4. Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas - cruises 3
Passengers 3114 Crew 1185 Built 2000
Length 1020 Beam 157.5ft Speed 23knots
5. Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas - cruises 1
Passengers 3114 Crew 1181 Built 1999
Length 1020ft Beam 156ft Speed 23.7knots
6. P&O Pacific Dawn - number of cruises 4
Passengers 2020 Crew 660 Built 1991
Length 804ft Beam 181ft Speed 22knots
7. P&O Pacific Sun - number of cruises 1
Passengers 1486 Crew 670 Built 1985
Length 733ft Beam 92.6ft Speed 21.7knots
Our Thoughts on Each Cruise
2018
Cabin 5018 Window - 2 people
Entertainment 9 Ship Spaces 8 Staff 10
What we liked
The cabin had a bath tub - loved it, although the plug got stuck. The staff were wonderful, food in the Italian and Main Restaurant were great. Liked the made to order sandwiches in The Pantry on port days. The Cruise Director Kabir, Jim and the entertainment team were perfect!
What we didn't like:
The Asian Restaurant food was not very good.
The theatre seating was extremely uncomfortable.
Only a few seats in the theatre that could see all the stage.
2015
Celebrity - Solstice
2009
P&O Australia -Pacific Sun
2009 Window Cabin 2 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 7 Entertainment 8 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7
What we liked
We liked the entertainment and the food in the main dining room.
What we didn't like
The staff were not very happy or friendly. The drinks were expensive.
2009 Window Cabin 2 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 7 Entertainment 8 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7 What we liked
We liked the entertainment and the food in the main dining room.
What we didn't like
The staff were not very happy or friendly. The drinks were expensive.
2018
Pacific Dawn
2018 Cabin 9218 Window 2 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 5 Entertainment 9 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7
2018 Cabin 9218 Window 2 people
2018
2018 Cabin 9101 Window 3 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 7 Entertainment 9 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7 Staff 8
2018
2018 Cabin 6138 Window 2 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 7 Entertainment 9 Value for money 8
Ship spaces 7 Staff 9
What we liked
We liked the large amount of inside seating; the entertainment crew were fantastic; liked the non slip floor on the pool deck, entertainment crew - great. Staff and food in main dining room much better - ate all meals here.
What we didn't like
The lack of seating in the pantry; all the extras to pay for; the food was not very good in the Pantry; small cafe; children in the adults area.
What we liked
We liked the large amount of inside seating; the entertainment crew were fantastic; liked the non slip floor on the pool deck, entertainment crew - great. Staff and food in main dining room much better - ate all meals here.
What we didn't like
The lack of seating in the pantry; all the extras to pay for; the food was not very good in the Pantry; small cafe; children in the adults area.
2016
Royal Caribbean - Explorer of the Seas
2016 Cabin 6658 Balcony 3 people
Cabin 8 Sleep 8 Food 6 Entertainment 7 Value for money 7 Ship spaces 6
2016 Cabin 6658 Balcony 3 people
2018
2018 Cabin 6135 Interior 3 people
Cabin 7 Sleep 8 Food 8 Entertainment 7 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7
What we liked
Being with my sister; Cabin balcony was good; Interior cabin a bit cramped, but good for the price - one only sleeps in the cabin!
What we didn't like
2016 - The lack of inside seating - pool seating area always too full; food wasn't that good; too many smoking areas; rude staff at reception.
2018 - Pool areas floor slippery
Cabin 7 Sleep 8 Food 8 Entertainment 7 Value for money 8 Ship spaces 7
What we liked
Being with my sister; Cabin balcony was good; Interior cabin a bit cramped, but good for the price - one only sleeps in the cabin!
What we didn't like
2016 - The lack of inside seating - pool seating area always too full; food wasn't that good; too many smoking areas; rude staff at reception.
2018 - Pool areas floor slippery
Voyager of the Seas
2017 Cabin 8378 Balcony 2 people
Cabin 9 Sleep 9 Food 8 Entertainment 8 Value for money 7 Ship spaces 7
What we liked
Being with my sister; having a kettle in the cabin; staff were great.
What we didn't like
Lack of inside seating, slippery floors in Waterfront and pool areas.
Radiance on the Seas
2017 Cabin 8378 Balcony 2 people
What we liked
Being with my sister; having a kettle in the cabin; staff were great.
What we didn't like
Lack of inside seating, slippery floors in Waterfront and pool areas.
Radiance on the Seas
2017
2017 Cabin 7126 Balcony 3 people
Cabin 9 Sleep 8 Food 8 Entertainment 8 Value for money 7 Ship spaces 10
Cabin 9 Sleep 8 Food 8 Entertainment 8 Value for money 7 Ship spaces 10
2018
2018 Cabin 9627 Interior (Country Music Cruise- chartered)
Cabin 7 Sleep 8 Food 8 Entertainment 10 Value for money 5 Ship spaces 7 Staff 6
What we liked
Being with my sister; all the lovely inside seating areas; deck 7 - Champagne Bar, Colony Club, Schooner Bar; drinks package; wonderful staff; healthy eating area in the adults pool area.
What we didn't like
Slippery pool deck. Staff not as friendly on Chartered cruise.
What we liked
Being with my sister; all the lovely inside seating areas; deck 7 - Champagne Bar, Colony Club, Schooner Bar; drinks package; wonderful staff; healthy eating area in the adults pool area.
What we didn't like
Slippery pool deck. Staff not as friendly on Chartered cruise.
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