What's the best cruise line?

Question

Hi!

My husband and I were married a little over a year ago, and we never got to take a honeymoon :(
So - we're finally going to do it and we've decided on a cruise! :)

For all you cruising aficionados out there, what's the best cruise line and why?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Cruises are a great way to experience a destination without being stuck there for your whole vacation. You may find you love one port, but don't really enjoy the next. But, no worries, you will only be there a few hours. The best part is for the ones you really enjoy you can always make a return visit. I think it makes for a really special honeymoon as well, even if it comes a little late. What better place to spend time with your loved ones, it's romantic, there is nothing but you and your husband on a beautiful cruise with ocean just passing by. I think cruises make an ideal honeymoon, for so many reasons.

If you have done quite a bit of traveling I would suggest doing something a little out of the ordinary, the Caribbean cruises, etc are all quite common. I would suggest something that goes to the Mediterranean, or through the Panama Canal, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, etc. These are all wonderful cruises to take, but they tend to run a little more than cruises that go to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, etc. but are well worth the extra money. These are also destinations that are a little more special, perfect for a special ocassion. But really, just about any destination you choose will be awesome.

As for lines, there are many out there. The two biggest things to consider are your age and how much you want to spend. Carnival is the lowest cost cruise, but being lower in cost means that it is also more appealing to younger travelers. You will see more college aged kids, young families, young couples, etc. then you will see on other lines. Because of the younger age range you will notice that partying, drinking, gambling, etc. are also more popular. The biggest thing to remember though that just because Carnival is the least expensive initially, once you factor in the things that Carnival doesn't include, it can end up being more than some of the other, nicer, lines. Carnival tends to be an Ala carte cruise meaning the very basics are included in your price and most everything else is extra. Personally, Carnival is my least favorite line, not quite as clean as the others, not quite the service, food, etc. but some people really like it, so it very much depends on the traveler. In my experience, Carnival has really declined in the past 10 years or so with their service and many other areas.

Royal Caribbean is a little more expensive and the average age will be closer to 30s or 40s (also remember the average age depends a lot of the cruise in general, for example older couples tend to travel to Alaska than do young couples and families) Here you are getting a slightly nicer line, with still many onboard activities, good ports, etc. This is still not one of my favorite lines, but I feel the extra money is worth it over Carnival. But, the food (on most of the ships, especially the ones without the signature restaurants) doesn't compare to some of the nicer lines, service could use some improvement, not quite as clean as some of the lines, etc.

Princess is a really wonderful line as well. This line is a little more popular with a slightly older crowd, I believe the average age tends to be 40s, 50s and 60s and up. The food is always great, the atmosphere is elegant, service is almost unbeatable. A few other lines I would put at this category, or possibly a little higher would be something like Cunard or Celebrity, both great lines, but a little more expensive. Just remember, that when you get into some of the more expensive/elegent lines, you are also looking at a slightly older onboard age, which means that the ship may not be as "party" oriented as some of the lines that appeal more to families and younger travelers. Be sure to look at some of the past activities that the ship has offered to see if it will be of interest to you. A lot of people go on Princess and don't like it because it is a quite, more laid back ship, if you want to really have fun, go dancing, party all night, etc. this may not be the best line. For example, you will find that on a lot of Princess cruises, the majority of passengers are in bed by 11 at night, so that means the ship is quite and you can have the whole ship, virtually, to yourself. Some people like to have the quite time to relax and enjoy the ship, others would prefer to be out and about.

Believe it or not, Disney is also a wonderful line. Even though most people think they are more for families and children, it is still a great line. You don't pay quite as much as some of the more expensive lines, but you still get really great service and some of the perks of the other lines. Disney is great because they have a kids friendly atmosphere, i.e. no smoking, gambling, etc. if you aren't into that type of thing. I remember going on my first Disney cruise after having been on some of the other lines for families, it just blows them away. The only problem is going on Disney as your first cruise, it can really spoil you for future cruises. Disney just goes over the top for everything they do, the shows are amazing, food is great, service is unbeatable, etc. After you have gone on Disney, if you go to some of the other lines, it can be dissapointing. You will be paying more, but the money is well spent, in my opinion.

So age is something to really consider. However, if you enjoy a more energetic atmosphere, go with the younger crowds, or vice versa, you like a more laid back relaxing atmosphere, go with the lines like Princess.

Also, keep in mind that the itinerary has a lot to do with which line. For example, Princess offers some of the best cruises to Alaska, while NCl offers some of the best for Hawaii.

Cruising really is a great vacation, one of the most relaxing you will ever have. So my suggestion, if you are just looking to get a taste of cruising, go with the lower cost cruises, just to see if you like it. Shorter cruises are less expensive, but the longer the cruise, the more the average per day cost is, so that is also something to keep in mind. Finally, if you are flexible, check with your travel agent for specials. Many companies will offer agents exclusive deals for last minute trips, and/or group rates for really great rates.

Also, remember, this is just a very basic beginning for the best lines. There are so many lines and cruise options, it is really hard to go into all the details in a semi-short answer. The lines I listed are just the more common cruises that are more for the every day traveler than someone wanting something different or unique from ordinary cruising.

Hopefully this answers your question and doesn't just all run together and make no sense. If you have any questions or I need to clarify something, please e-mail me, I'm glad to help!

I've also included a link to Cruise Critic, this is one of the most informative sites for each cruise line.

Answer 2

I think that you would love Celebrity. I love it as if you go on some of their smallers ships you get more individualized attention from the crew and know one I know has ever had any problems wiht them and people say alot of bad things about NCL. I'd say about 75% of the time. Carnival is more younger and trendier. Their is lots of partying drinking and gambling and not the best place for a honeymoon probably. It is the cheapest though. If I were you I would consider a Hawaiian cruise, on NCL as they go to all the islands, or Bermuda on NCL, same as above. Mexican Rivera is nice and so it something European as that is very romantic. I would recommend Celebrity or Royal Caribbean though as they are owned by the same company. Congrads and Bon Voyage.

Answer 3

NCL. Why? Two words: Freestyle Cruising. I have the personality type where I like to be around people I know and I also like going by my own schedule. Most cruise lines tell you where to sit at dinner, when to eat dinner, how to dress on the ship, when to board and disembark, etc. Freestyle Cruising really makes you feel like you're at a six star resort. You can eat when you want, where you want, and with whom you want. You do have to follow a dress code, however, but it's a broad dress code. You also get to choose when to get off at ports and when to return to the ship. And on the last morning, you can get off of your vacation at anytime. It really makes your vacation go a lot smoother. For example, say you had a shore excursion booked at 5:00 that was going to last for two hours, but the ship you were on had you scheduled to eat at 6:00. You would either miss dinner, or miss your excursion. NCL lets you eat whenever so you don't have to miss either one. I think that NCL is the best for a honeymoon because you two would probably like to be alone. You can go and eat a nice dinner by yourself without a big group of people you don't know, some of which could be rude and impolite. Plus, free room service! They also upgrade you to a honeymoon suite and give you a honeymoon gift basket. You won't be disappointed, trust me.

Answer 4

I believe certain cruise lines work for different people. Personally, I match the person with the cruise. For example, Celebrity cruiseline is for someone who enjoys adult communications, great food and drinks, adult entertainment versus Royal Caribbean which is more all around cruise for all age groups and family oriented. If you would like to discuss this and get the lowest price, just send me an email to [e-mail]. I will be more than happy to help

Answer 5

princess cruises. for honeymooners like you, they will make your stay an unforgettable one. have fun!

Answer 6

try this website http://www.ytbtravel.com/davidmartey
they have some really good prices
carnival cruises