Large vs. smaller ships

jacketwatch · September 21, 2005

Hi guys. We recently cruised Alaska on the Sapphire Princess and had a ball. Next yr. we are considering the Tahitian Princess for a cruise of FP. As this is a much smaller boat my wife is concerned about how it rides compared o the bigger ships. Will it be rougher, rockier, etc? Thank you, Larry :grin: :cheesy:

DaCruzNut · September 22, 2005

You've opened up a real "can of worms...."

Ship size DOES matter... :grin: :grin: :grin:

Both large, and small, ships have their advantages, and disadvantages.

A large ship offers a large array of diversity in entertainment, dining, etc; More room means more choice. On the adverse side, they;re cold and impersonal and, because they cater to so many people, the food is usually 'catering-style.' Many activities, including the buffet, have long lines.

Small ships have less variety to offer, but you get more personal service. And, you can prepare 800 dinners with care, as opposed to 3,000.

It's all a matter of personal taste.

As far as stability, all ships have stabilizers and gyros and offer a decent ride.

Mebert · September 22, 2005

Hi jacketwatch,

When you say small ship today it is a relative term. I've sailed on an even smaller ship than the Tahitian Princess and felt that the ship was very stable.

Believe it or not I thought that the small ship seemed huge.

Your ship is 30,277 gross tons. The ship I sailed on was 21,909.

Although I've never sailed the Tahitian Princess I'm sure it's a much more modern ship than the one I was on. Like Jeff said, most ships have stabilizers today and usually one has smooth sailing.

You'll probably get to know most of the passengers. :grin: :grin: :grin:

jacketwatch · September 22, 2005

Thank you. It seems as if it would be a smooth ride as long as the seas don't become stormy somy question has been answered.As I have read repeatedly anout the hi $$$$$ of staying in Tahiti then seeing via a cruise seems the best choice to me. Cheers and bon voyage, Larry :cool: :cool:

schatje · September 22, 2005

We have been on both and I don't think it is the stability but the mobility. All the ships come equipped with stabalizers and they work as long as there are not large waves. A smaller ship is going to be tossed around easier then a larger one. As far as mobility you don't have to walk as far on a smaller ship and you get a chance to socialize more with less people on board. Good luck with your choice.

JohnG · September 22, 2005

Tahitian Princess is still a Princess cruise ship, with everything Princess has to offer, including a small casino, a theatre and night club, restaurants, pool, spa, pizzeria, etc. My clients who have sailed her loved it. They let you stay aboard, and even eat, until your flight time on the last day.

Mebert · September 23, 2005

Hi jacketwatch,

You are absolutely right. I forgot to mention that the ship is your hotel and your restaurant if you so choose. You don't have to spend an extra penny on those amenities while you enjoy the onshore activities.

jacketwatch · September 24, 2005

I'll have to look into the itinerary more. I assume you mean some stops are 24 hrs. or longer so you mean its a hotel in that respect I assume. I would luv to see FP (have been to Fiji) but the cost of food and hotels there is really $$$$. This seems like a good way to see it. :cool: