Nikon P900 vs 1100 for Alaskan Cruise

I’m headed on a 3 week Alaskan cruise. Probably only time I’ll do this trip. I was looking at just buying binoculars but stumbled across these cameras. I don’t know much about cameras besides using my iPhone to take occasional photos.

Now my question is I can get a 900 refurbished for around $400. I can buy a 1100 new for around $1,000. For someone who doesn’t know cameras and will probably only use it for this trip, does it make sense to get the 1100 or will the 900 be fine?

Goal is just have decent photos and memories from the trip. Figured most animals will be 500 yards away or more.