what are some really good cruise lines?

Answer 1

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 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”.

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.

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 on ship. They 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 Micky, 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. All of these cruise lines may also 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.

Another important factor to consider is, cruises 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 cruisers 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+ crowd 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.

My recommendation, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity or NCL.

Answer 2

It really depends what you are looking for.

Carnival: The fun ships, a lot of partying, drinking, etc. A much younger crowd onboard. Not always the best service, food, cleanliness, etc. The least expensive line.

Royal Caribbean: A little more expensive than Carnival, in most cases. But the overall cruise is much nicer, food, service, cleanliness, etc. all is a great improvement. I like Royal Caribbeans ships better and also the cruises they offer.

Disney: Some think it is high priced, but I think it is well worth the difference. Great food, fantastic service, very clean, wonderful kids programs, etc.

Princess: A nice line, good prices, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive. Great Alaskan cruises, really great staff, good food, etc.

Celebrity: Wonderful line, a little more expensive, geared more for adults than famlies, good food, service, etc.

Cunard: One of my favorite lines, offer great cruises, fantastic ships. Again, better for adults than kids, but still popular for some families.


This is just the beginning, there are a lot of great lines. It really depends on what you are looking for in the cruise, for example family oriented, budget, etc. Also, where you want to go can make a big difference, for example, Princess has really great Alaskan cruises. Finally, as the other answer said, it is also important to look for a newer ship. Freedom of the Seas, for example, from Royal Caribbean is new and a lot nicer, bigger and has a lot more onboard than some of their older ships. But, their ships like Rhapsody are still in good shape and kept up, and are still liked better by some because they are smaller and more manageable.

As the other answer said, a travel agent may be a very useful tool for you. That is how I do my bookings and I find it to be the easiest way to go.

I've included a link to a really great site, you can get a lot of info on the different lines, ships, etc.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

That's an easy one! Just go to a Travel Agency. They don't charge any fees to book a cruise. Oh! It's not only the cruise line, it's also the ship. Look for a new modern ship! And how about the itenerary, it's gotta go where you want it to and when you want it to. I could name lines such as Celebrity, Royal Carribean, Carnival, etc; but you know all that. First cruise? You will probably love it.

Answer 4

Top cruise lines (in the luxury category) are:
Silversea
Regent Seven Sea
Crystal
Seabourn
SeaDream
Windstar

Answer 5

princess is an awesome cruise line

go to princess.com and check it out