Pooch Posted July 21, 2021 Report Share Posted July 21, 2021 For our 8 days getting us to Diamond cruise? Both are on Explorer out of Miami in Oct 2022 probably in a JS but hoping to upgrade! #1: Labadee, Dominican Republic, Curaçao (2pm-11pm??) and Aruba #2: ABC islands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted July 21, 2021 Report Share Posted July 21, 2021 ABC often have late departures due to the proximity of a neighboring ABC destination. What's unique about this is the ability to get off the ship and enjoy a sunset from a beach. If you think about it, most cruises will have you back on board for sunset. Having said that, consider the port times for both itineraries. Is a sunset sailboat cruise or sunset beach experience something you would enjoy? Do both itinerary offer this opportunity? The DR is a somewhat new destination for Royal. So that may be an opportunity to try a new destination or one less frequented. JLMoran, Pooch and USCG Teacher 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted July 21, 2021 Report Share Posted July 21, 2021 I generally lean towards itineraries where there is a new port(s) that I have not been to before. So for me, #1 catches my attention. But #2 is a tried-and-true great itinerary. USCG Teacher 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted July 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2021 We have not been to any of them so it would be all new to us! We like a nice relaxing beach (with drinks!) and like to putter around shops & restaurants. I actually like Costa Maya where I can browse to my heart’s content. We are not snorklers/divers. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen Posted July 22, 2021 Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 Wasn't a fan of Dominican Republic when we were there but that was a number of years ago. Loved our ABC cruise on Navigator. Remains one of my favorites, and Bonaire was a favorite of the 3, so #2 for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted July 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 You guys are making this hard! Opinions are split 50/50. I was thinking #1 for the extra port and everyone else thinks #2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted July 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 Option 2 would put 2 sea days before & after the ABC’s. I actually kind of like that idea. Will there be enough to keep us occupied on Explorer? Is there an adults only solarium? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted July 22, 2021 Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 Explorer is a great ship with plenty to do. You won't get bored. It has a solarium, but it is an outdoor pool. Pooch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK2793 Posted July 22, 2021 Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 ABC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted July 22, 2021 Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 I vote for option #1. You get two of the three ABC islands (only missing Bonaire), the new port stop in DR, and a nice relaxing day in Labadee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen Posted July 22, 2021 Report Share Posted July 22, 2021 2 hours ago, Pooch said: Option 2 would put 2 sea days before & after the ABC’s. I actually kind of like that idea. Will there be enough to keep us occupied on Explorer? Is there an adults only solarium? We very much enjoyed those sea days on Navigator, and if I'm not mistaken it is similar. In fact, when we went, ours was a 9 day cruise and included Labadee. Due to weather we skipped Labadee and arrived in Curacao the night before the morning we were due to arrive. Enjoyed this as it allowed you to venture out and see the night life, which was easy there because there is a great development right by the port. It looks like you can't loose with either. Have a great trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted July 23, 2021 Report Share Posted July 23, 2021 On 7/21/2021 at 7:49 AM, Pooch said: For our 8 days getting us to Diamond cruise? Both are on Explorer out of Miami in Oct 2022 probably in a JS but hoping to upgrade! #1: Labadee, Dominican Republic, Curaçao (2pm-11pm??) and Aruba #2: ABC islands Choice # 1 seems like you get a better mix of ports + an RC private island and there is still overlap with 2/3rds of Choice # 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted July 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2021 Last night, while Red Sox were in rain delay, we watched an episode of Dream Cruises with a very similar itinerary. DR did not look good even on a show that really only shows good stuff. Daughter & hubby both said “don’t want to go there!!” So option #2 it is! Thanks for all the feedback. JLMoran 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted July 23, 2021 Report Share Posted July 23, 2021 Option # 1 seems like you get more value out of the itinerary. The ABC’s are nice but IMHO Bonaire is the least attractive of the 3. Option # 1 gives you Labadee to enjoy, 2 out of 3 ABC’s and a stop in the DR which is actually a great stop, I wouldn’t necessarily judge it based on the show as it’s a decent port. Aruba and Curaçao are obviously the highlights though. Seems like you have made a decision already though. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted July 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2021 Thank you. I really haven’t a clue but since this is all new to us, I’m just gonna go with the flow (not really my style but). I think we’d be happy with either choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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