Cruise Line for 30 somethings?

Question

I am looking at taking my first cruise with my wife and was wondering if there is a cruise line out there that is more focused on the 20/30/40 range customers, rather then the retired crowd? We are looking at going to Alaska. We are both early 30s

Answer 1

You may not realize it, but you've got a lot going on in your question!

Since this is your first cruise, it should be special - special enough to make you want to cruise again. The ship should be upscale; the food should be great; and the service should be top-shelf.

Since this you are both in your early 30s, you're going to want activities you'll enjoy; a cruise with other couples in your age group; and a vacation that provides the best value for you - that doesn't mean the cheapest - there's a big difference there.

Since you've never cruised before, here's some basic information; A "standard" Alaska cruise is 7-nights, either Northbound from Vancouver, or Southbound from Seward (Ancorage area). All call at the same four ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka in some combination.

Other cruise lines do round-trips from Vancouver or Seattle but only sail up the "inside passage" and hit one or two of the ports, without visiting the glaciers on the Northern end of the cruise.

As far as which cruise line to choose, here's how I would rank them, having been on them all, #1) By far and away - Celebrity; #2) a tie between Holland America and Princess; #3) Royal Caribbean; #4) NCL; #5) Carnival.

An Alaska cruise is something you'll do only once in your lifetime, so you should seriously consider adding a 3-night land tour to your cruise. Go up to Denali Park, see Mt. McKinley, see all the wildlife, ride on the glass dome rail car . . . . then relax on your cruise. In other words, take a Southbound cruise.

I hope this information was helpful to you. One more piece of advice - don't try to do it yourself - go see a good travel agent.

Answer 2

I have been on four cruises, two with Royal Caribbean, which is my favorite, Princess, and Carnival. My husband and I are now 31 and 35. We both like Royal Caribbean best. I know the crowd varies also by the kind of cruise and which port. We have been on two cruises out of Galveston, and both were lots of Texans of varied ages. The cruises we have taken from Miami have been mainly people from up North. I thought Princess had the oldest crowd though. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I've been on a few cruises... I've been on Carnival. Had a blast. LOTS of fun. But that's NOT what you're looking for. 1.) I'd recommend Holland America, Celebrity, or Princess. 2.) I'd recommend a stateroom with an outside view... but not necessarily a balcony stateroom or a suite. FWIW, you'll only be in your room to sleep, shower, & ... well, ... you know. (Romance... and chicka-chicka-wow-wow....) The rest of the time, you'll be at the pool areas, the casino, the shops, the restaurants, or off the ship. Personally, I'd not invest in a balcony stateroom. 3.) MOSTLY, the shore excursions are a waste of your money. Generally, you can simply find a taxi right outside the gates & go where you want... esp. if its only to shop, eat, & visit a beach. If you're wanting to do the "swim with the dolphins" thing, which is VERY popular, you might want to get your tickets & reservation in advance. 4.) If you (and your husband) are shoppers... the "best" islands / ports to visit are Charlotte Amilie on St Thomas USVI, Phillipsburg St Martin, and Nassau Bahamas. Duty-free / tax-free shopping that'll leave you amazed & your credit cards maxed-out. Excellent if your husband wants to buy you something special... or a watch for himself. You'll NEVER see diamond jewelry prices like this at home. Enjoy. 5. If you want "relaxing" and scenic beaches, go to St Martin. WHY? All the beaches on the island are topless... and a few designated spots are nude. That means the beaches are less crowded, less noise, almost no kids (a few with families!), but there will be food & drink service near-by. Especially at Orient Beach. Enjoy.

Answer 4

Check out Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival or Royal Caribbean. They are great with a younger crowd. Princess is also a good option.

Answer 5

If you really want a great Alaskan vacation, fly to anchorage, rent a motor home and travel around especially the denali highway. My wife and I did it for 2 weeks this last june and it was great.

Answer 6

Carnival, NCL, Royal Carribian, princess and celebrity are good ones. Johan

Answer 7

there is a reason they call Carnival the "THE FUN SHIPS"..there always my first choice ..