Let’s Talk Cruise Lines
Choosing the right cruise line is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the overall enjoyment of your cruise experience. Here's a breakdown of some popular cruise lines to help you make an informed choice:
CARNIVAL
Size: Large
Cost: Low
Style: Party, couples, family
Known as the "Fun Ship"
Nothing fancy
Lots of kids programming
Mainly US ports
Sail 3- 8 nights
Huge draw for families and party crowd
Smaller cabins, not many suites other than on the newer ships
Main dining rooms, buffet, pool side restaurants, specialty restaurants
Water parks, ropes course
30 minute shows with small cast
Comedy clubs
Casino
Cooking classes
Wi-fi, drinks, excursions extra
CELEBRITY
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, family
Not a party crowd
Stylish & cutting edge
Higher end of the mass market cruise lines
Sails most anywhere in the world
80 countries a year
2-18 nights
No waterpark
Quiet relaxing pools and lounges
Many cabin choices including suites
Main dining, buffet, specialty dining
Man include drinks and Wi-Fi in package price
Broadway shows and comedians
Mooking shows
Masino
Spa
Kids club
DISNEY
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate, Expensive
Style: families
Family & kid oriented
High quality kid interaction with characters
5 large ships
Caribbean, European, Alaska, Hawaii, Austria, New Zeeland
Standard cabins & suites
Rotational dining, buffet
Specialty dining for adults only
Broadway shows, themed nights and first Disney showings
Game shows, karaoke, bingo
Spa
Waterslides
Adult only and kid/family pools
Kids club
Private island
HOLLAND AMERICA
Size: Moderate
Cost: Low, moderate
Style: Couples, singles
Worldwide, 98 counties
Cabins & suites
Solo accommodations
Mainly adults
Long history in cruising
Main dining, buffet, specialty restaurants
Pools
Spa
Casino
Not much nightlife
Smaller music show nightly
MSC
Size: Medium, Large
Cost: Low
Style: Families, Couples
Europe and Caribbean
Italian hospitality
European experience, many languages & guests
Modern fleet
Fun Pass entertainment
Waterslides, zipline, pools
Broadway shows
Casino
Kids sail free
Kids club
Yacht Club includes private pool, restaurant and lounge
Food can be hit or miss
Not for party crowd, or those wanting a flexible dinner schedule or those that want to sail with mostly Americans
NORWEGIAN
Size: Large
Cost: Low, moderate
Style: Families, couples, party, solo
Known as the Freestyle cruising
No formal nights, scheduled times dinner
No big dining rooms
Many restaurants, buffet
Las Vegas style ships
Broadway shows, cover bands
Exclusive high end suites, private pools
Extra charges for many things
18 ships
Caribbean, Alaska, Europe
Go carts, water slides
Casino
Kids programs
PRINCESS
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, family, multigenerational
The Love Boat
Known for Alaska
Pools, lounges, movies under the stars
Spa
Casino
Broadway shows, comedians, bands
No water parks
Kids club
No ship card, wearable medallions instead
100 countries
Club Class for top tier service
2-3 main dining rooms, buffets, poolside restaurants, specialty dining
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Size: Large
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, family, multigenerational, solo
Mega resort at sea
Broadway shows, ice and water shows, comedians
Sports & waterparks
Teens and kids club
Mini golf, rock climbing wall
Spa
Casino
Lots of pools
Adults only area
Comedy clubs and entertainment venues
All over the world
Lots of dining options, buffets, specialty dining
Many cabin choices including over the top suites
VIRGIN VOYAGES
Size: Medium
Cost: Moderate
Style: Couples, singles, party crowd
ADULT ONLY
More party scene
Diverse crowd
Energetic, social
Modern
Everybody welcome, except kids
Many food fares and restaurants. No main dining room
Casual dress
Hammocks on the balcony
Adult entertainment
No ship card, "the band"
Fares include Wi-Fi, gratuities
Simple, modern cabins and rock star suites
If the abundance of cruise options is leaving you feeling a bit uncertain or overwhelmed, I'm here to help. As a travel planner specializing in cruises, I'd be delighted to assist you in finding the perfect cruise tailored to your preferences and needs.
Consider scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation with me. During this time, we can discuss your travel plans, budget, preferred destinations, and any specific requirements you may have. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, my goal is to make the cruise planning process seamless and enjoyable for you.
Feel free to reach out when you're ready to embark on the journey of planning your dream cruise. I look forward to the opportunity to assist you in creating lasting memories on the high seas!