How to choose a cruise line?

Question

First time going on a cruise, want to have time to stop at Carribean destinations, and also have a fun time with young people.

Answer 1

The things which determine your cruise are as follows.

1. Departure port. Where is it easiest for you to get to start the cruise? There are Caribbean cruises routinely from ports in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas in the US (with most leaving from Texas or Florida)

2. Where do you want to go? itineraries are different for the different cruise lines and departure ports. If you want eastern Caribbean then Florida, Western Caribbean Texas, Florida or smaller ports.

3. How long a cruise are you interested in? They are generally 4-7 days to the Caribbean, but there are a few longer cruises.

4. How much do you want to pay?

You have already stated your desire for fun with young people. All cruise lines are fun, Carnival has the youngest crowds and has been selected as the cruise line with the best onboard entertainment by the Travel Channel. Every cruise line has it's own good and not so good areas but all are nice overall. Other good choices would be Princess, RCCL and NCL as well as Holland America. Carnival would probably be your best rate however.

Try this site for Caribbean cruises:

www.greatratestravelservice.com

Nikki above has made some demeaning comments about Carnival, and she is welcome to her opinion, however she has also noted more people fall off Carnival cruises. This is not a very specific statement when you consider that Carnival owns several cruise lines including Carnival, Princess, P&O and Cunard and has more passengers sailing world wide than any other cruise company. The numbers are therefore not a one on one comparrison. Their avaerage of passengers missing or overboard is not statistically significant when compared on a percapita basis.

Answer 2

I would second the recommendation for Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Carnival is known as the "fun ship" or, more to the point, party ship (i.e. lots of drinking and late nights.) But my middle-aged aunt and uncle like Carnival -- go figure.

Royal Caribbean is more family-orientated. But if you are not so wild as to want to party all the time, I think it would be a good choice. I have been on RC and Celebrity (which is a little more upscale) and loved them both. No matter which one you choose, have fun and be safe!

Oh, most cruise lines offer either Western or Eastern Caribbean destinations. Either one is worthwhile. Do some research online at the cruise lines' websites.

Answer 3

I would look at it by the age of the passangers. Carnival is usually 20 somethings and young parents with kids. Usually they have the more party ship atmosphere, and have alot of activities durring the day and night. The luxuary feel isn't really there though. RCCL is middle of the line, 30-50 year old usually but can go younger, they have lots of day time activities, and night life is good. The ships are a bit higher class then most of the Carnival ships. The service is a bit better too. Princess tends to go after the 40-60 year old croud. WAY more service oriented. Their rooms are very nice, and the ships are a bit more upper class. The evening entertainment ranges from big band and comedians to Las Vegas style entertainment. The day time activities are non stop they cater to families as well. Celebrity is pretty close to princess they tend to be for the people looking for more luxuary and service. Their dinning is pretty good, but sometimes feels a bit stuffy. NCL caters to people who are more casual. They do not have set dinning time, or dress code. Some people like that, but others do not. Their activites are good, and keep you busy. Now you have the other lines, like P&O, seaborn, cunard, Crystal, Oceania, Regent, Sea Dream, Silver Sea, Azamara. These are the smaller ships, and more expensive, they are considered the luxuary line.

Answer 4

No one can really answer that but you. It is your vacation, and while some like one cruise line, others may not. You should look at as many different lines as possible, and see which one appeals the most to you. Here is a link to an article for you to consider when picking the perfect ship:

http://www.cruisingco.com/learnaboutcruising/perfectship.php

Answer 5

If you are looking for an active cruise with a younger group of passengers than I would recommend Carnival, Norwegian or Royal Caribbean.

Answer 6

you need to look at your options, what ports you might like
cruisecritic.com
cruiseclues.com
have info on carribean ports.
then you can choose a cruise line.
i would suggest carnival or royal carribean (a third choice is ncl )for you if you like the party atmosphere. good luck

Answer 7

Carnival would be your best cruise line. It's a 'fun' ship with lots of younger crowds and the alcohol flowing everywhere. The 7-days are the best, but be sure you pace yourself. There's tons to do, but don't wear yourself out. Remember to relax by the pool or on the beach.

Check out their website and they'll show all the activities and what to expect out of their excursions and the stops.

Have fun!

Answer 8

Well you just have to go look on cruise line websites. I go on 2 cruises every year with young people and i would recommend Royal Caribbean, Princess, or Carnival. Carnival is cheaper and less fun but its good for kids.

HERE ARE THE LINKS FOR THE CRUISE LINES I RECOMMENDED:

WWW.RCCL.COM
WWW.PRINCESS.COM
WWW.CARNIVALCRUISELINE.COM

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Answer 10

If you're young and like to party then Carnival is for you. Otherwise, Royal Caribbean is a good choice.