What is the best cruise ship to go on???

Question

Want to go on a cruise, which one is the best???

Answer 1

Best Cruise Lines

If you have the money to spend for the very top and best cruise lines try Crystal, Radisson, Cunard, Windstar, and Silver Sea. These cruise lines are a cut above the others because they run smaller ships (about 500 to 700 passengers) and have a higher staff to passenger ratio so you get top of the line service. They also have the best quality foods. They also have more amenities included in the much higher price, like all veranda/balcony cabins, tubs and shower bathroom, larger cabins, daily wine and/or champaign with meals, etc. These ships generally go to a port or two on a seven day cruise which may be
different from the normal. Prices for a 7 day cruise on these top of the line ships may start at $2500 to $3000 (vs about $1200 on the next tier of ships.). These ships tend to have a more sophisticated and older crowd and more formal dining. They don’t pressure you to buy with art auctions and spa deals. You are more likely to see a celebrity or someone famous on one of these cruises because they are what you may call “exclusive”.

Less Expensive

Most cruises are done by the next tier of cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Consider also Cunard Cruise Line and the Queen Mary II. The ship is fantastic and the prices are comparable with RC, NCL and Princess. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are big but things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. When you dock there may be
one or two other ships there for the day and some days there may not be any where you go.

The first rule in getting less expensive cruises is book early. The second rule is go with the same cruise line multiple times because they do offer repeat customer discounts of $50 to $100 per person in a cabin. The third rule is shop around for specials. Some lines will offer specials on a date that does not usually sell out, like Christmas or Thanksgiving week. So don't lock yourself in to one particular week of the year; be flexible.

If you have not cruised before and don't know the ropes it may be beneficial for you to use an agent; the agent does not charge a fee but is paid by the cruise line. But, also, do some home work on cruise line, itineraries, and ships. Use the cruise line web sites to look at what's being offered. Try to have in mind some of what you want to do when you talk to an agent. If you feel comfortable doing it, you can do your own booking online, the price is the same and you can do everything you need right on the web sites. The sites usually have cruises listed for this year and next. I booked my last two cruises completely online, including making payments and booking port tours.

The format and service on all of these is about the same. I have found that the food on Celebrity, Princess and RC is a cut above what I have been told is served on Disney and Carnival. Disney has good ships but is primarily for kids, and families with kids. It does have adults only areas on ship, but the kids are still there. The will have lots of kids’ activities on the ships, but they will still be all over the hallways, elevators and dining facilities. There will be lots of kids running around and looking for Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Goofie, etc all over the ship.

Carnival is the fun ship, but their accommodations are not the best. Carnival is the party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party. If that’s what you are looking for then Carnival is the one for you.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the "40 and over age group"; a more reserved crowd. But these cruise lines do have younger people on board. All of these cruise lines may have some kids but not many. However, on these lines there are activities just for kids of different ages and staff persons assigned to supervise them most of the day. The last cruise we took on Celebrity had only about 7 or 8 kids all total, out of nearly 2,000 passengers.

Another important factor to consider is, ships going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or South America. People who go to the Caribbean are looking for fun things like beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, and a lot of other activities related to water and beaches. On the other hand, people who go to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, etc., are looking for cultural and historic activities. These tend to be the older people (40+). That does not mean these cruises are dull, it just means that the passengers are more mature and reserved. You will find the 40+ people in the bars and disco and having as good a time as the youngsters, but you may not hear them across the room or deck.

Ship Cabin Categories

Sometimes people get confused by the categories on ship that agents or the web sites refer to. Categories are simply a listing of the different types of cabins on the ship by size, location and amenities. Categories are the price structure. What you need to know and understand is that the category designations DO NOT mean the same thing on all cruise lines. For example, a Cat "C" on a Carnival ship is NOT the same as a Cat "C" on a Norwegian or Royal Caribbean ship. AND, a category "C" is not necessarily the same across all of the ships in a cruise line. However, there is one exception to this. Some times cruise lines build TWO OR MORE IDENTICAL ships. So all of the cabins on both ships are the same and thus the categories for these two are the same. For example, a Cat "D"on the RC's Jewel of the Seas is identical with a Cat “D” on their Brilliance of the Seas because the ships are identical. Same with the NCL's Dream and its Wind ships. If/when you go to a cruise line web site you will see the various cabins listed by type, i.e., SUITE, VERANDA/BALCONY, OUTSIDE, and INSIDE. the category, and generally the square footage of each cabin type. The category will generally be listed next to the cabin type.

The most expensive cabins (generally "Cat A and B") are the penthouses and owners' suites, which are like apartments and what you saw on the old TV program "The Love Boat". Next are the jr and full suites (maybe "Cat C"). The next are the VERANDA or BALCONY cabins (you have your own private patio). The next lowest priced are OUTSIDE cabins (they have either a window or porthole). The cheapest cabins offered are always the inside cabins; those without a window or porthole. The inside, outside and balcony cabins are generally the same size on each ship, but may vary by ship and cruise line. I always recommend the balcony or Veranda cabins because most ships these days tend to have many of them at a reasonable price (i.e., $1200 to
$1500 for a 7-day.) and, frankly, you will enjoy your cruise more with a veranda/balcony cabin.

YOUR CABIN

First of all the terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom. The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Suites and penthouses can be between 350 and 1300 square feet. Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger. Its been my experience that Princess and Royal Caribbean have the best ship and cabin decor (also some of the best food.)

What’s a Cruise Like

They are one of THE best vacations you can take. Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its your pass to get on and off ship in each port. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). Infants and small children may be required to wear an ID bracelet (like in the hospital) in lieu of carry a card.

Each day you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tout of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place on ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games and the games are provided. There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave. On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .

I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do. Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Finally, decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you.

WILL YOU GET SEA SICK

Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking. The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving. When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it, sometimes changing the order of port stops. Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane. If you do get sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines. If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet.

OTHER TIPS

The shorter cruises are 4 or 5 days, and the normal ones are either 7 or 14 days. If you are not sure whether you will like cruising, go on a short one first. To save some money, consider driving to the port; Miami, Ft Lauderdale, N.O., Houston, LA, NJ. Most ports have plentiful and safe parking (I have driven many times to Miami and Ft Lauderdale) at both places that costs about $12 a day. Driving can save money over the cruise line "add-in" for airfare. We generally drive most of the way on one day from NC and stop about an hour or two from the port for the night. Then continue the short trip the next day to the port.

Most ships start boarding between noon and 1:00 PM. If you are a cruise club member you generally get to go on first, or early. If the cruise is for a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that. Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken. Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing. Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. The one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THEY WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.

Hidden Costs

The hidden costs on a cruise are your tab after the cruise for drinks (alcoholic and sodas),tours, and gratuities. Many ships now add the recommended gratuity to your onboard tab. The gratuity is about $10 to $12 a day per person. You can give more if you want. Tours can add hundreds to your final bill, depending upon how many stop the ship makes and what you want to do. Study the tours carefully; some places you may want to just go on your own.

Answer 2

There are a lot of variables here. Each person is going to have their favorite ship and/or line. It really depends on your budget, likes, dislikes, where you are wanting to go, what you are looking for, etc.

Budget really is an issue. A good mid-range cruise price is Royal Caribbean. They offer a really nice cruise for a great price. They are slightly more expensive than Carnival, usually, but the price difference is well worth it. Disney, believe it or not, is also great, even for adults only. If you aren't real big into the party scene, this may be the best for you. Even if you don't have kids, you will have a blast the cruise is great. They have a level of quality that you normally don't see in this price range, so it is a great line. Carnival is the least expensive. You will find the average age is pretty young, mostly college aged kids and young families. It's less expensive, so more people can afford it. There is a lot of partying, drinking, etc. So, if you are looking to really let lose and have fun, this would be good, otherwise, I would try to avoid it.

If it is your first time you may want to do something like where you don't have to go for 7 nights. Just to see how you like the experience. It's best to take a short 3 or 4 day cruise to see if you like it, rather than a 7 day just to find out it is something you don't really enjoy or have a problem with sea sickness. But this isn't always the case, my first cruise was 7 nights and the majority to follow have been longer.

I think that your choics of Royal Caribbean and Disny are two great lines to start with. Disney will spoil you once you have been on the ship. Royal Caribbean is also great for starting out. The benefit to Royal Caribbean is that they have more choices for ships and ports, if this is a concern of yours. Both lines are going to have more kids onboard. But, if you want to avoid young kids on the cruise, you will want to go to another line like Princess or Celebrity where the crowd tends to be a little older, but the cruise is also more expensive.

If price doesn't matter, I would say either Oceania or Crystal. Both are fabulous cruises and they are wonderful. Here would be my order of preferance:

1). Crystal
2). Oceania
3). Princess
4). Disney
5). Holland America
6). Royal Caribbean
7). Norweigan
8). Carnival

I think that is all of them.... Celebrity is also pretty good, I would throw that somewhere in the middle. Oceania and Crystal are great and the best if you are wanting a bigger cruise line and not if you wanting a more intimate, small cruise. Windjammer is one example of a small cruise line, but there are several out there that are really good. Of the cruise lines, Carnival is one of my least favorite, but for a lot of people, it is there favorite line. So it really just depends on you and your likes and dislikes.

Here is a good site for reviews and information: http://cruisecritic.com/

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

Talk to a travel agent that has alot of cruise experience. Each cruise line has a different "personality". What one person would enjoy, another would hate. Tell your agent what you are looking for (lively cruise, great sights, pampering service, no kids, alot of kids, etc.) and ask him/her to recommend something. For example, you would not want to take your children on Holland America. Nor would you want to go on Disney if you had no children and wanted to gamble.
Any place in the Caribbean will be warm and it is past the official hurricane season so you should have calm waters. Prices are least expensive between, but not including, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week. The rates go up for holiday sailings. If you go the week before Christmas, you should find reasonable prices and still get the added touch of a ship decorated for the holidays.

Answer 4

My favorite line is Royal Caribbean. My favorite cruise ship show far.... Mariner of the Seas.

Answer 5

Carnival....anything Carnival. Do the bigger ships though....although all their cruioses are great, your expectations will be filled plus some by the big ones...I like the Carnival Miracle and the Pride, but my sister said the Liberty is awesome. No matter which ship or cruiseline you pick.....JUST GO!!!!! It's an amazing way to travel. Have fun!

Answer 6

Royal Carribean Saviern of the Seas... or however you spell it, three day caribbean Cruise!!!

Answer 7

i dont know the best boat but Royal Caribbean and the Norweigan Cruise Line have the best sailing for modern people

Answer 8

Norwegian Star

Answer 9

Carnival fun ship

Answer 10

Royal Carribean for tame adults and children and Carnival for party adults.

Answer 11

Mid-Price

Century, Galaxy, Mercury*; Constellation, Infinity, Millennium, Summit* (Celebrity Cruises) -- standard inside are a generous 171 sq. feet and outside, 172 sq feet with mini-bar, lots of closet space, color TV, bath robes.

Disney Magic, Disney Wonder* (Disney Cruise Line) -- among the best cabins afloat, all have a bath and a half, color TV, sofa, mini bar; inside and outside are a generous 173 sq. feet.

Maasdam, Ryndam, Statendam, Veendam * Volendam and Zaandam*; Rotterdam VI, Amsterdam* (Holland America Line) -- among the most spacious at sea, 182 sq, ft, inside, 197 outside.

Dawn, Sea, Sun Princess*; Golden, Grand, Star Princess* (Princess Cruises) -- while inside cabins are a smallish 135-148 sq. ft., outside cabins are spacious at 178 sq. feet.

Mid-price/Luxury

Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises) -- Has large cabins with standard outside cabins measuring 202 sq. ft.

Paul Gauguin (Radisson Seven Seas) -- Cabins are all outside, standard measuring 200 sq. ft.

Seven Seas Navigator (Radisson Seven Seas) -- a generous 301 for all-outside standard cabins with large picture window and all the luxuries.

Seabourn Legend, Pride, Spirit* (Seabourn Cruise Line) -- These ships don't have balconies, although the cruise line is installing "French Windows". Standard stateroom is 277 sq. feet.

Silver Shadow/Silver Whisper* (Silversea Cruises) -- The minimum-category Vista cabins (no balcony) measure 287 sq. ft. and the standard balcony staterooms, Veranda, are 345 sq. ft., both large enough for a two-week cruise. My pick for the best cabin on the ship is the 701-sq. ft. Silver Suite, providing a large living room with dining area, a good-sized bedroom and large balcony. Or go for broke and book a 1,286-sq. ft. Grand Suite.

Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises) -- have beautifully decorated standard cabins measuring 180 sq. ft, all with ample closet space, TV/VCR, portholes, desk, minibar. Aboard Windsurf, "suites" are two connecting cabins, measuring 360 sq. ft. Luxury.

TOP BALCONY CABINS

Mid-Price Ships

Constellation, Infinity, Millennium, Summit* (Celebrity Cruises) -- At 184 sq. ft., these balcony cabins are comfy and beautifully decorated. "Concierge Class" staterooms are 191 square feet with a 41-square-foot veranda and offer a number of upgraded services including welcome aboard champagne, fresh flowers, fruit, afternoon canapes, a leather key holder, personalized stationery, oversized tote bag, upgraded mattresses and bedding.

Disney Magic /Disney Magic* (Disney Cruise Line) -- cabins with private verandas measure a whopping 253 sq. feet, among the largest in the cruise industry.

Maasdam, Ryndam, Statendam, Veendam*; Volendam/Zaandam*; Rotterdam/Amsterdam* (Holland America) -- 234 sq. feet plus a 50 sq.ft. veranda.

Dawn, Sea, Sun Princess*; Grand/Golden/Star Princess* (Princess Cruises) -- while inside cabins are a smallish 135-148 sq. ft., outside cabins are spacious at 178 sq. ft.

Luxury Ships

Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises) -- 286 Outside Deluxe Staterooms with verandah measure 269 sq. ft.

Paul Gauguin (Radisson Seven Seas) -- Veranda staterooms are 239 and 305 sq. ft.

Seven Seas Mariner / Seaven Seas Voyager (Radisson Seven Seas) -- All suite, all balcony vessels, measuring between 301 sq. ft and 2,002 sq. ft.

Silver Cloud/Silver Wind*; Silver Whisper/Silver Shadow* (Silversea Cruises) -- Most cabins have private balconies. Cabins measure from 295 sq. ft. to 1,286 sq.ft. with the most luxurious amenities afloat.