Cruzaholic41

My vote is Half Moon Cay, HALs private island. There are others in the Bahamas that are so clear, the water is almost invisible, but you’re not getting there on a cruise. Otherwise, Bonaire and Cozumel.

For heaven sake. Is Princess STILL advertising those cruises as Inside Passage?

Discovery Princess doesn’t sail the Canadian Inside Passage. Princess is kinda notorious for misleading in that regard.

Oh gosh, if you think eastern seaboard folk aren’t likely to greet and smile at strangers, stay far away from west coast cruises. Seattle freeze is a real thing out there.

Just gonna be blunt. Your criteria is a thing of the past. You’re not gonna find a 2 week cruise for $2500 on a line that hasn’t had noticeable cost cuts. Mainstream lines and other premium lines have all made cuts - even more than Cunard. I highly recommend Viking Ocean as an upgrade because they are new enough to not have cut quality like Oceania and Azamara but like the previous person said, not gonna happen at that price.

It’s hard to say which is best. It’s easy to say Princess, especially Royal Class, is the worst though. Otherwise, everyone seems to have lounges with really nice panoramic views. I like Celebrity Solstice Class Sky Lounge best for indoor views. The windows are twice as high as HALs Crows Nest. For an outdoors feel, RCIs Quantum Class forward facing Solarium is really nice.

Ordinarily, I’m in lockstep with your opinions and I can appreciate your view of cruising due to your career, but I think this comment is a little ignorant. This is becoming a huge problem on this board. Certain people just can’t accept that others enjoy different things on cruises.

Ah, yes. Coral and Island are 2 old time favorites. OP - Go with Sapphire for the reasons Aquahound mentioned. Caribbean is a very crowded ship.

I have sailed all 3 of these ships and Koningsdam would be my pick. Grand, and her whole ship class, is a ship I will never sail again as long as there are other choices. Grand is old and tired, and the cabins look and feel like visiting grandmas house. Zaandam is ok. She is nice for that small ship feel, but don’t expect much for evening entertainment. I loved Koningsdam. She is a beautiful ship. Whenever I consider HAL, the Pinnacle Class ships are the first I look at.

That’s a tough call because you two are so different. Someone mentioned Celebrity Edge and I agree whole heartedly. Edge Class ships are amazing and are some of my favorite ships. They’re a great mix of class and good entertainment. Princess has good activities and great itineraries, but their ships are my least favorite of all cruise lines. For as good of a reputation they have in Alaska, you’d think they’d build ships with better viewing spaces. I don’t recommend Disney at all. They’re ok but for what you pay, they’re just not worth it. If that’s the way you’re leaning, go with RCI.

If that’s the place I’m remembering in Whittier, it was the best halibut sandwich I ever had. I lived in Kodiak for 3 years when my husband was serving and still, that little place in Whittier is my favorite.

Wow, you people are something else. The topic was the “good or bad” of HAL, NCL, and RCI. Read the first post. Entertainment is just as much a legitimate topic when comparing cruise lines as anything else, and that was verified by several in this thread who agreed. I went back and read this thread again. The first direct attack on another poster was by Coral in post 29, so how about calling out the source rather than the responses. By the way, I should remind you that posting under multiple accounts violates board rules.

You really need to let it go. You made a comment about not understanding why people want entertainment on AK cruises. That opinion was countered. Drop it. Your way isn’t everyone’s way.

I totally get what you’re saying. I’m a very active 60-something who likes to dance the night away, even after an active day in port. For me, the cruise line and the cruise ship is just as important as the itinerary. I’ll never understand why certain posters just can’t accept that other cruisers have different likes.

LOL. So true. But hey, isn’t everyone who works for the government a Navy SEAL? 😂😜

Huh? That doesn’t make any sense.

I think the only way it’s ok is if you know you are with like-minded people, and you are able to keep the volume at a level other tables can’t hear you. Nowadays, people get judged by such stupid reasons as being from a particular state. With as ugly of a year this is going to be, cruises should be a safe space to get away from all the nonsense.

My friend, I know exactly what you are saying. Sometimes a quick and familiar bite can be refreshing, especially when exhausted. No need to explain yourself. 😊

I’ve been on both ship classes multiple times. Without a shadow of a doubt, go with Beyond. Celebrity Edge Class ships are stunning and are some of my favorites at sea. Princess Royal Class - not so much. I am not a fan of the minuscule balconies, lack of outward views from lounges, and cramped cabins.

Viking Ocean with an honorable mention to Celebrity.

+1. Celebrity Flora was the most amazing cruise experience I have ever had. Runners up are the Viking Sea and Celebrity Edge. I anticipate Viking Octantis being up there, if not #1.

I have actually cruised all 3 of these lines multiple times and without a doubt, I recommend Viking. Not only did I find the service and food better, but in general, the passengers seemed more relaxed and not so judgmental. Oceania is the worst and for some odd reason, that attitude even makes it’s way here by their loyalists. I also recommend Celebrity. Given your description of your husband, this might actually be a better choice because there are more activities. Good luck on your decision.

Those are 2 fantastic cruise lines on 2 ships I cannot wait to experience. I would give the slight edge to Octantis. Viking is one of my favorite lines and Condé Nast recently named them best cruise line.

It’s not a competition, NBT. Different people like and dislike different things - although I know that concept is getting harder and harder to accept nowadays. 🙄

I have - several times. They used to be one of my favorite lines. But since falling under NCL, I experienced significant decline and I am not happy with their product anymore. Thank goodness Viking created an ocean line because they feel more like what Oceania used to be. I also can’t stand R class ships, which significantly reduces my O choices.