Which Line is the BEST??????????

[MSC]

We sailed on HAL(1), Premier(1), and Disney(2). The best for me to date is Disney, but I'm sailing on HAL in two weeks so that might change.:)

[Bequia]

In NYC it would be Circleline. :p

[mdmomof7]

We are first time cruisers, 41 and 45, and are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We had originally wanted to go to Bermuda, to return to our honeymoon destination. Then I saw the Eastern Carribean itineraries w/ more selection and better prices than Bermuda. I zeroed in on HAL Zuiderdam and Caribbean Princess. Between those two, the travel agent suggested Princess because of the age demographic and the newness of the ship. Zuiderdam is about $60 less total for the same type of cabin - double w/ balcony. I've read so much on these boards, that now I'm again considering Celebrity Horizon to Bermuda. We'd pay more, about $300 and only have an inside cabin. But, the Celebrity cruisers seem to really think it's wonderful, especially appealing is the individual attention and overall elegant feeling. But, is the activity selection and age demographic a downside?

 

So, please weigh in w/ what you'd recommend.

 

We are looking at an August sailing. Bermuda is perfect in August.

The Caribbean is hottest, I assume. Does it matter that much?

 

I think I like the Zuiderdam's itinerary more than the Princess - Road Town, Tortola instead of St. Maarten and they add in Nassau. Both cruises have their own private islands and St. Thomas.

 

Here's our deals:

 

Balcony cabins

Zuiderdam East. Car. All inclusive total $1733 for both (w/ air $2033)

Caribbean Princess East. Car. $1793 for both ($2093)

 

We'd need airfare, but I've found one for $300 for both of us RT and I think I can get the SW special this Tuesday, making it about $70 less total.

 

The Horizon to Bermuda, Inside Cabin

$2250 total, but we could drive to Philly and then pay for parking ($100?) so the total is $2350.

 

So, do you think the Celebrity is worth not having a balcony or any outside view and paying more??

 

Help!

[momofmeg]

Well, maybe I was a little harsh on NCL. It wasn't all the ship's attitude but some of it was NCL. Before cruising we were called by NCL asking if we would change cabins due to overbooking and they offered a discount plus some on board $$. Since the change wasn't that signifigant, we said yes. Well, the discount was applied to the room but the on board $$ did not show up until the last day of the cruise and this was after many phone calls back to FL to the home office. Most of the disasters were crew related, it just seemed like service wasn't in there job discription. When you cruise, you expect to be cared for....not treated like a KING...but at least your room cleaned daily, fresh food on the buffet, and seating in the dining room when YOU are ready to eat, not take a number and we will call you when we get around to it. We waited 1/2 hr for a table once and missed a show during a dining disaster one night just because we wanted to sit alone on our anniversary instead at a 8 place table. (even though there were many small tables available) I could go on and on with other things that just weren't the norm I'm sure. We aren't picky, just thought things weren't up to cruise level on the ship and NCL needs to keep all of their ships to the same level of service regardless of how old or small they are.

 

 

I would like info on the NCCL Majesty. Any of you guys did that ship? Did you think it was a decent ship? I ask because of the cruise out of Charleston SC. I would like to do that sometime but hubby feels that ship is not good.

[momofmeg]

We are first time cruisers, 41 and 45, and are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We had originally wanted to go to Bermuda, to return to our honeymoon destination. Then I saw the Eastern Carribean itineraries w/ more selection and better prices than Bermuda. I zeroed in on HAL Zuiderdam and Caribbean Princess. Between those two, the travel agent suggested Princess because of the age demographic and the newness of the ship. Zuiderdam is about $60 less total for the same type of cabin - double w/ balcony. I've read so much on these boards, that now I'm again considering Celebrity Horizon to Bermuda. We'd pay more, about $300 and only have an inside cabin. But, the Celebrity cruisers seem to really think it's wonderful, especially appealing is the individual attention and overall elegant feeling. But, is the activity selection and age demographic a downside?

 

So, please weigh in w/ what you'd recommend.

 

We are looking at an August sailing. Bermuda is perfect in August.

The Caribbean is hottest, I assume. Does it matter that much?

 

I think I like the Zuiderdam's itinerary more than the Princess - Road Town, Tortola instead of St. Maarten and they add in Nassau. Both cruises have their own private islands and St. Thomas.

 

Here's our deals:

 

Balcony cabins

Zuiderdam East. Car. All inclusive total $1733 for both (w/ air $2033)

Caribbean Princess East. Car. $1793 for both ($2093)

 

We'd need airfare, but I've found one for $300 for both of us RT and I think I can get the SW special this Tuesday, making it about $70 less total.

 

The Horizon to Bermuda, Inside Cabin

$2250 total, but we could drive to Philly and then pay for parking ($100?) so the total is $2350.

 

So, do you think the Celebrity is worth not having a balcony or any outside view and paying more??

 

Help!

 

I have read posts here that Celebrity is nicer then Princess from Celebrity lovers. a TA will tell you Celebrity, Princess and HAl are on the same scale. A cut above RCCL, NCL and CCL.

 

The reason the Celebrity cruise is more expensive is it is Bermuda-high season. Bermuda charges a tax that is around $100 per person besides the port tax. St. Thomas, Barbadoes, Cozuemel etc. also has an extra tax but there you pay between $10-25.

 

Also as you noticed summer is the "off" season for the carb. "In" season for the carb. is winter.

 

Why don't you go and read ship reviews on the 3 ships? also visit the Princess, Celebrity and HAL boards and ask for posts on those who have done these ships.

 

I do know Horizon is an older ship and when you cruise on it out of Tampa it is much more affordable. Check out the December prices and you will see what I mean. (Now Jan. will be more expensive) You could probally do a 10 cruise on it then for a little less then the 7 day Bermuda cruise.

[mdmomof7]

Thanks Momofmeg,

 

I have researched and I find it difficult to compare. It seems that everyone has their favorites. Thus, my quandary. I'll keep researching, maybe something will click. It really seems they are all good choices. I do think we are leaning more toward the Caribbean, better cabin, more ports, less expensive.

[caviargal]

I have read posts here that Celebrity is nicer then Princess from Celebrity lovers. a TA will tell you Celebrity, Princess and HAl are on the same scale. A cut above RCCL, NCL and CCL.

 

The reason the Celebrity cruise is more expensive is it is Bermuda-high season. Bermuda charges a tax that is around $100 per person besides the port tax. St. Thomas, Barbadoes, Cozuemel etc. also has an extra tax but there you pay between $10-25.

 

Also as you noticed summer is the "off" season for the carb. "In" season for the carb. is winter.

 

Why don't you go and read ship reviews on the 3 ships? also visit the Princess, Celebrity and HAL boards and ask for posts on those who have done these ships.

 

I do know Horizon is an older ship and when you cruise on it out of Tampa it is much more affordable. Check out the December prices and you will see what I mean. (Now Jan. will be more expensive) You could probally do a 10 cruise on it then for a little less then the 7 day Bermuda cruise.

 

 

I am a TA and I would not advise my clients that HAL and Princess are equal to Celebrity. ANd I would never put RCI on the same level as NCL and Carnival. I think they are most definitely a cut above, and that Radiance class comes close to Celebrity in term of the overall experience.

 

HAL has the reputation of catering to an older crowd and it does most of the time. You will see kids and teens in the summer and on holiday sailings. I think HAL is a very nice line but I do not care for them personally and recommend them to select clients.

 

I would put RCI and Princess on the same level. Both Voyager class (RCI) and Grand Class (Princess) offer cruising innovations and are classier ships that what NCL and CCL have to offer.

 

Celebrity is known to TAs in general as the best of the mass market lines in terms of food, service, ship SPRs (space to passenger) ratios. They are elegant and classy and have not forgotten that a cruise - at least in the sense of true ocean liner cruising - is supposed to be an elegant experience.

 

NCL and CCL are value cruise lines. Their appeal is that you can cruise at a reasonable price and have a good experience. I consider them "starter" lines, or lines geared for those who prefer casual and activity laden to service and cuisine.

 

The Horizon is an older ship and I sailed aboard when she was brand new. She offers a great value for those who appreciate the Celebrity experience but don't need the bells and whistles of the new ships.

[mdmomof7]

Thank you for your expert advice. I really do appreciate it. You guys have the knowledge, firsthand, that I don't.

 

I think I will read up more on Celebrity. I hadn't really considered RCI, but will try to research that line as well. Thanks again and any other recommendations are very welcome!

[mrg0433]

My son recently sailed the Sapphire Princess in Alaska and didn't like it. He also had an inside cabin, so perhaps it would have made a difference. They were not happy with the food and desserts either. I think the itinerary makes a big difference as well.

 

We have sailed Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. I enjoy all three for different reasons. I would suggest taking newer ships when you cruise. That can make a huge difference on all the lines. Some people love the huge Voyager size ships on Royal Caribbean because of the Promenade and ice skating shows.

 

My favorite line is Norwegian. We sailed the Norwegian Dawn from NY to the Caribbean last December. It was wonderful having 10 restaurant venues--each with a different menu and decor (French, Italian, Mexican, American, etc.,). We enjoyed freestyle dining--no assigned dining time or dining table. All the restaurant choices made the vacation more enjoyable for us. I also liked having a movie theater on the ship. It was exciting going from 40 degrees on departure to 70's the next day. I loved sailing past the Statue of Liberty and seeing the skyline of NY at sunset. The day before we docked back in NY it was 72 degrees in the gulf stream off the coast of Maryland. My favorite stop was Barbados (90+degrees with gorgeous warm water).

 

On our recent 10 day cruise in Hawaii on Royal Caribbean in March, I got bored eating in the same dining room with the same waiter and same guests day after day. We will be sailing Boston to Bermuda & Caribbean in late October on RCCL Jewel of the Seas. It looks like a beautiful ship. I think the new ports of call and the new ship will offset my dislike for assigned dining times in one main dining room. Most RCCL ships have solariums with adult only times. They are nice and quiet at 6pm when everyone else is gone. I just wish they would open the glass roof in warm weather. I guess some people like the airconditioning.

 

We are sailing the Carnival Triumph in February. We enjoy the pizza and caesar salad -- not to mention ice cream 24 hours on Carnival. It is the best pizza of any cruiseline. They also have good size casinos and seem to vent the smoke better than others-- because of size perhaps. All cruiselines are party ships on caribbean sailings. Alaska is an older crowd. Warm weather brings bikinis and younger people. I've enjoyed every Carnival ship. Their entertainment is ranked #1 by the Travel Channel. They have lots of fun pools too. I always enjoy getting away from noise in their pools on the back of the ship. Never have seen young people back there.

 

Come Thanksgiving 2006, we are taking a family cruise on the Norwegian out of NY again. Loved cruising out of NY and meeting people from all over the world. I thought our last ship out of NY would be mostly NY City people, but we only met a few of them. The crowd was very interesting and a great mix of Americans and Europeans. I love meeting new people.

NY is an exciting place to sail from. Can't wait to see what it is like sailing from our home port of Boston in late October. It should be fun.

[mrg0433]

Gotta say you hit the nail on the head. I also agree with John from NY that every ship on each line is different. We also loved the Norwegian Dawn in December sailing from NY to the Caribbean. Next year we are trying the Norwegian Spirit NY to Southern Caribbean. We are always open to trying new ships. Some we've liked and some (RCL Legend of the Seas) we didn't like so much--due to terrible food and a purser's desk who just shrugged when you had any problems. I am sailing RCL again in a few months and don't expect the same attitude or same food next cruise. Each ship is different. I prefer large newer ships because they offer so many things and feel less crowded.

what ship is best...a question similar to which car is best. It depends: on what you need, what you expect and what you are willing to pay. There are cruiselines (ie car companies) and ships (ie cars) to suit all. Not everyone wants or needs (and certainly can't pay for ) a Bentley, and many of us wouldn't be caught in a Yugo. SO, somewhere between Radison SilverSea and Easy Cruise..there's a spot for everyone. :D BTW, for a amusing time check out easyCruise.com....a laugh a minute for me, but it IS cheap.

[momofmeg]

Thank you for your expert advice. I really do appreciate it. You guys have the knowledge, firsthand, that I don't.

 

I think I will read up more on Celebrity. I hadn't really considered RCI, but will try to research that line as well. Thanks again and any other recommendations are very welcome!

 

 

As I said -read the ships reviews. Now I LOVED Bermuda but you have already been there so you may prefer the carb.

 

I have not been on Celebrity or NCL so I really can't say much but as many have pointed out even within the same line (in my case it was the same ship-loved one cruise-hated the other) you will have differant experiences.

 

We did look at Celebrity Horizian and almost booked a cruise on it back in March of 03 but if you remember that was when war was being threatened in Iraq and all those rumors were going around that if Bush went in there we would see all these attacks on Americans etc. I was AFRAID to take a cruise and the very week we would have went on the Horizian was the week the war started. Nothing happened- thank goodness-all those rumors were false-but if something HAD happened like Sept. 11 and I had been out in the ocean on a cruiseship I would have been horribly upset and would not enjoyed the cruise for sure.

 

I also understand cost coming into it- we are usually budgeting ourselves and that does come into the equation. Yes maybe I would have prefered a differant ship or a differant line at times- but we always did what we could afford or what our friends cruising with us could (or would) afford. Most of our friends are not willing to pay what we will pay for a cruise but sometimes we are willing to do something not as nice just to be with our friends.

 

My feelings are this. You can have a good time on any cruiseship-(especially as this is your first cruise) I have used this comparison before. I like Six Flags and live close to it so it is convenient and much more affordable then Disney World for us. I still like to go to Disney World though ,ofcourse ,and have a better time there but we do Six Flags more often. I still have a good time at Six Flags. I just don't expect Six Flags to be Disney World.

 

It is the same with cruiseships-the super nice ones are more fun-but still I can have a good time on an older small ship also. I just would never expect for ex. Carnival Holiday to be as nice as a much nicer newer ship. but then when I pay $300-500 for a four or five day cruise as opposed to paying $1000-$1200 for a 7 day cruise I have sense enough to KNOW it is NOT going to be the same experience.

 

Now I like having a balcony-but if I was going on Carnival Holiday-NO WAY would I book a suite thinking that would make that cruise a nicer experience. For the cost of that suite on that ship you could have a balcony on a nicer, newer, more luxiourious ship. But if all I could afford is $300-500-then I would take a cruise on her.

 

This is to Cavier gal. As an agent you get your cruises deeply discounted so you do not have to worry about cost as much and yes-Caviergal if I were in your shoes I would only go for the much nicer ships- but many of us DO have to budget and still want to cruise. That is one thing I think you keep forgetting in your advice. You need to give the whole picture. I am not the only average guy/gal on this board who has to budget. In fact I think there are more of us then the more wealthy cruisers.

 

No matter what you say you are biased toward RCCL and Celebrity. This comes across in your posts big time. Where as that Steve who is also a TA thinks there is nothing like Princess. Now I do like you better then him-you have never slammed me because most of my cruises have not been on the nicer more expensive ships the way he did -but he as a TA has an entirely differant viewpoint from you as to which line is best.

 

So again I suggest to first time cruisers- when considering a cruise-read the reviews (at least 4 or 5 differant reviews on each ship) posted here and other messageboards of people who have done that cruise. This will give you a better idea of what may fit you better.

[cjb-nc]

NCL - my first cruise was on the Wind, an older ship, for a 7-night west carib in January. I enjoyed the trip at the time, but every cruise since then has been better, bar one. Would not do the Wind again, and have yet to be convinced to do NCL again on another ship, but I would consider it under the right circumstances.

 

RCI - 3 night Bahamas cruise on the Sovereign. Old ship with an inside cabin packed like sardines. Definately would not do again, and have sworn off anything less than 7-nights as a result. We had another RCI booked for last week on a new ship in the Mediterranean, but had to cancel for various medical/monetary reasons. We would still consider RCI on a newer ship.

 

Disney - did a 7 night West Carib on the Magic that became an East Carib thanks to a hurricane in the area. The trip was fabulous, even though we are two adults with no kids. Keep in mind we are die-hard Disney fans, and alternate our cruise vacations with WDW trips. Would gladly go again, especailly to try one of their new Mexican Riviera runs, but probably won't because they are so pricy compared to other lines.

 

Celebrity - another 7-night East Carib, on the Millenium. Fabulous. Loved it, want to go back again.

 

HAL - 7-night West Carib on the Zuiderdam. We picked up a late booking deal on an SS minisuite and got spoiled. Would gladly take the Z again or HAL again.

 

Right now, we're in almost the same situation as mdmomof7... looking at a Sept cruise to the carib, and trying to decide between the Z again or the Caribbean Princess. I think the Princess sounds better because of the new experience factor, but I am concerned that our minisuite would almost certainly be on the Dolphin deck and therefore have a wide open public balcony. My wife and I both prefer shade to full sun, and privacy is a definate plus. Sadly Celebrity has nothing in the Caribbean in Sept this year, and the Bermuda option just doesn't appeal. RCI and Carnival ships in the area are all more expensive, from what I've seen at least, for a mini-suite sized balcony room.

[mrg0433]

My friend took the Norwegian Majesty from Boston to Bermuda this Spring. Another friend took it a couple years ago. They both enjoyed the ship and the freestyle dining. This ship is smaller than most of the NCL ships. There aren't as many restaurants as the newer Norwegian Ships. I think older people or families with young children enjoy this ship because there isn't as much walking necessary to get from one point to another. Both friends liked the cruise very much and enjoyed their stay on Bermuda. They also mentioned they could buy food vouchers ($5 lunch and $10 dinner) to use at island restaurants. If they were not used, a refund was posted when you turned the voucher in. Sounds like Norwegian has come up with a good idea there. I wish RCCL was offering vouchers when we go to Bermuda from Boston in late October on Jewel of the Seas.

[Luvcrusin']

We have done Carnival 5 times. One thing I can say for them....they have outstanding intertainment!! The decor is "glitzy", kind of Vegas style.

 

We have done the Princess 5 times. We prefer Princess for several reasons. One being the "personal choice" dining. As you meet new friends your table can grow!

 

Celebrity only once - to Europe for 12 days. We were not impressed with the food or the intertainment, BUT would I sail with her again? Absolutely!!

 

We have had pros & cons with each sailing, regardless of the line. We tend to prefer the newer ships.

 

Regarding the Caribbean Princess: we cruised with her in March and we loved the ship!! It was clean, food was good, the buffets were creative, comedy clubs had some of the best variety of comedians!! Watching movies under the stars was wonderful!! They provide you with padded lounge chairs, a blanket in case it becomes cool, popcorn & candy!! ;) Several of the movies were still in the theaters.

 

Prepare to have a great time no matter which ship or which itinerary you choose.....a cruise is what you make it!! ;)

[momofmeg]

My friend took the Norwegian Majesty from Boston to Bermuda this Spring. Another friend took it a couple years ago. They both enjoyed the ship and the freestyle dining. This ship is smaller than most of the NCL ships. There aren't as many restaurants as the newer Norwegian Ships. I think older people or families with young children enjoy this ship because there isn't as much walking necessary to get from one point to another. Both friends liked the cruise very much and enjoyed their stay on Bermuda. They also mentioned they could buy food vouchers ($5 lunch and $10 dinner) to use at island restaurants. If they were not used, a refund was posted when you turned the voucher in. Sounds like Norwegian has come up with a good idea there. I wish RCCL was offering vouchers when we go to Bermuda from Boston in late October on Jewel of the Seas.

 

 

Thanks-I was comnsidering her for the Charleston, SC western carb. one as we live only 5 hours from Charleston, so we could drive there plus we have friends there so we would leave our car at their home. I tried to get hubby to do this cruise last year but he was afraid the ship being old that we would hate the cruise. I did not feel that way. We have done 2 old ships before and I had great times on both.

 

I also like the idea of freestyle dinning. Thanks for the info.

[caviargal]

[quote name='momofmeg']

This is to Cavier gal. As an agent you get your cruises deeply discounted so you do not have to worry about cost as much and yes-Caviergal if I were in your shoes I would only go for the much nicer ships- but many of us DO have to budget and still want to cruise. That is one thing I think you keep forgetting in your advice. You need to give the whole picture. I am not the only average guy/gal on this board who has to budget. In fact I think there are more of us then the more wealthy cruisers.

No matter what you say you are biased toward RCCL and Celebrity. This comes across in your posts big time. Where as that Steve who is also a TA thinks there is nothing like Princess. Now I do like you better then him-you have never slammed me because most of my cruises have not been on the nicer more expensive ships the way he did -but he as a TA has an entirely differant viewpoint from you as to which line is best.

So again I suggest to first time cruisers- when considering a cruise-read the reviews (at least 4 or 5 differant reviews on each ship) posted here and other messageboards of people who have done that cruise. This will give you a better idea of what may fit you better.[/QUOTE]

momofmeg: The viewpoint I offer is not based on big discounts that you erroneously assume I am given on a regular basis. The comments in my earlier post reflect the advice I give to clients and friends, whether they book with me or not.

As to your comments re Steve, I would expect him to have a different viewpoint as he is a person with his own likes and dislikes and cruising is an individual matter.

To set the record straight, your comment about me sailing at greatly discounted rates is totally inaccurate. I paid full fare for my 4 Celebrity cruises, and only was able to get an agent rate on one of my 45 RCI cruises. WHile those not in the business think we sail cheaply, the reality is that the cruises offered at discounts are mostly last minute and offered to fill cabins. I do not have the luxury of leaving whenever I wish. Plus, there is a lot of expense to a cruise other than the cruise fare so when I make a decision to spend my hard earned time and dollars, I want to go with a ship and line that I know I will enjoy, not just one who offers me a cheap cabin! Some lines like Carnival offer more discount options for TAs but this is not what I want to do on my vacation so I pay the same price as everyone else to sail the lines I enjoy for my leisure cruising.

Yes, I am sure you think I am biased towards RCI and Celebrity. I happen to think they offer a good, consistent product. When I work with clients, the most important thing for me is to have them really enjoy their cruise experience and I have been in this business for a good bit of the last 30 years and have a lot of repeat clientele. When I recommend an RCI or Celebrity cruise, I can be pretty confident that my clients will have a great experience and they have so much variety within the line(s) that it is easy to recommend a ship to suit their needs.

My mother raised me to appreciate quality over quantity and this lesson stuck with me. I would rather buy one great dress than 3 cheap ones and I would rather take one great cruise than 2 cheap ones.

There are some clients for whom NCL and Carnival are a great fit. IMO, these are folks looking for value and not having very high expectations of cuisine, service and elegance. This is the big picture.

My comments and my advice is not based only on my personal preference, but on my experiences over 103 cruises. I am by no means wealthy as anyone who understands the TA business knows. I book guarantees typically unless there is a promo on a balcony, which is a huge splurge. So your assumptions, momofmeg, are inaccurate. I am a single gal with a house payment, a car payment and all that go along with it. My friends will tell you that I can stretch a dollar better than anyone else.

My opinions on ships and lines are based on my experiences and that of my clients, period.

[momofmeg]

[quote name='caviargal']momofmeg: The viewpoint I offer is not based on big discounts that you erroneously assume I am given on a regular basis. The comments in my earlier post reflect the advice I give to clients and friends, whether they book with me or not.

As to your comments re Steve, I would expect him to have a different viewpoint as he is a person with his own likes and dislikes and cruising is an individual matter.

To set the record straight, your comment about me sailing at greatly discounted rates is totally inaccurate. I paid full fare for my 4 Celebrity cruises, and only was able to get an agent rate on one of my 45 RCI cruises. WHile those not in the business think we sail cheaply, the reality is that the cruises offered at discounts are mostly last minute and offered to fill cabins. I do not have the luxury of leaving whenever I wish. Plus, there is a lot of expense to a cruise other than the cruise fare so when I make a decision to spend my hard earned time and dollars, I want to go with a ship and line that I know I will enjoy, not just one who offers me a cheap cabin! Some lines like Carnival offer more discount options for TAs but this is not what I want to do on my vacation so I pay the same price as everyone else to sail the lines I enjoy for my leisure cruising.

Yes, I am sure you think I am biased towards RCI and Celebrity. I happen to think they offer a good, consistent product. When I work with clients, the most important thing for me is to have them really enjoy their cruise experience and I have been in this business for a good bit of the last 30 years and have a lot of repeat clientele. When I recommend an RCI or Celebrity cruise, I can be pretty confident that my clients will have a great experience and they have so much variety within the line(s) that it is easy to recommend a ship to suit their needs.

My mother raised me to appreciate quality over quantity and this lesson stuck with me. I would rather buy one great dress than 3 cheap ones and I would rather take one great cruise than 2 cheap ones.

There are some clients for whom NCL and Carnival are a great fit. IMO, these are folks looking for value and not having very high expectations of cuisine, service and elegance. This is the big picture.

My comments and my advice is not based only on my personal preference, but on my experiences over 103 cruises. I am by no means wealthy as anyone who understands the TA business knows. I book guarantees typically unless there is a promo on a balcony, which is a huge splurge. So your assumptions, momofmeg, are inaccurate. I am a single gal with a house payment, a car payment and all that go along with it. My friends will tell you that I can stretch a dollar better than anyone else.

My opinions on ships and lines are based on my experiences and that of my clients, period.[/QUOTE]

Back in 99 on sovereign of the Seas I met a lady who had cruised 98 times including once she had took a around the world 45 day cruise. ( a tablemate of ours) she was a retired college professor. She had been on all the lines pretty much, expensive cruises and the lesser cheaper cruises, everything. She was not a TA but because her TA knew she loved cruising and could go at the drop of a hat she would be offered great last minute deals and this lady would take them.

This lady told me she loved all her cruises. She also told me she expected more when she paid more but if she was able to take a great last minute deal on an older less expensive ship she still had a good time. She told us to do what we could afford-that cruising is always fun- no matter what. I ahve taken 7 more cruises since she told me that and I do beleive she gave us good advice.

We all know this is a get what you pay for world. That is the point I AM trying to make to you. Not all of us can be only 44 years old and have done over 100 cruises which to be honest unless these were deeply discounted I find hard to believe. (or else you are a multi-millionare and if you are why not just buy a yacht) because just as YOU have pointed out even on a cheapo mini cruise for 2 people they will spend at least another $1000 for other costs beside the cost of the cruise itself. More if they fly there.

There are not just that many of us that can spend that kind of money but maybe 2 or 3 times a year at the most. In my case we splurge on a cruise about once a year. That is what we can afford at this time. Others like this one post has never cruised but she is planning a special anniversary cruise. She has told you the price range she is looking into and asked advice as to what is best. That is the info she wants-not for you to tell her to try out another line. Now if you found her a more affordable cruise on a radience class ship then that would be differant. Then you could suggest she would be spending around the same amount of money for those ships and that you felt these ships were a good value for her money and that you felt she would have a very nice special anniversary cruise.

[Bruin Steve]

I don't know which "Steve" it is that prefers Princess...
I've searched through THIS thread and don't see another "Steve"...

But, in my case, I am NOT a TA...
I'm just your average cruiser who has cruised on six different cruise lines...

...and I pretty much agree with Caviargal...

I think Celebrity is a notch above Princess...
...and Princess is pretty much in the same ballpark as Royal Caribbean...
...and I would place Carnival and Norwegian below that...

Even though I, personally, hjave had better cruises on Carnival than I have on Princess...

I don't sense any great personal bias on the part of Caviargal...

Before I ever sailed on Celebrity, when I first started using my current TA (not Caviargal), they told me that it was their opinion that Celebrity was the best of the mass-market lines...it just didn't work out that I could cruise with them for that cruise or for the next few for various reasons...

Through the years, I kept hearing from various non-related sources (other TAs I know, travel writers, the Conde-Nast surveys and more) that Celebrity was the #1 major cruise line...It never seemed tobe a big secret...

Sure, I had always heard from certain fellow cruisers that they loved Princess and wouldn't try anyone else...but those opinions always seemed to be from fellow cruisers, most of whom seemed to never have sailed with anyone BUT Princess...

There seems to be more variance to the answers on which cruise line is best when you ask consumers than there is with "experts" or professionals...

Consumers tend to get hooked on a particular line (or a particular restaurant chain or consumer product or whatever) and then grow very loyal and attached to it...so they tend to be more biased...

And there are so many things that each cruise line does similarly, that it is often hard to differentiate...
The things they do differently will have a great impact depending on what is important or unimportant to the particular customer...the things they do the same are often graded with great subjectivity...

But, a professional travel agent gets commissions and freebies and whatever from ALL of the cruise lines, so favoritism is not likely...But, they also get feedback...and complaints from a large number of clients...So, there is an incentive to make good recommendations...and there is a larger basis than their personal experience for those opinions and recommendations...

[caviargal]

[quote name='momofmeg']
We all know this is a get what you pay for world. That is the point I AM trying to make to you. Not all of us can be only 44 years old and have done over 100 cruises which to be honest unless these were deeply discounted I find hard to believe. (or else you are a multi-millionare and if you are why not just buy a yacht) because just as YOU have pointed out even on a cheapo mini cruise for 2 people they will spend at least another $1000 for other costs beside the cost of the cruise itself. More if they fly there.

.[/QUOTE]


momofmeg: You can chose to believe whatever you wish. As I have stated previously, I worked for 2 cruise lines and sailed often as an employee. I also have taught classes on ships in various subjects (since 1984), consulted for one line on specialty programs, and I always accompany my large groups. For these, I did get great rates but they had nothing to do with being a TA (groups notwithstanding).

My first cruise was in 1966 on the SS Ariadne. My parents walked up and paid very little for our family to cruise. We did this six years in a row. Until 9/11 it was quite easy to get deals this way. I started early. Most of my cruises (about 75%) were weekend cruises. Living in FL, this has always been quite easy and required little time off and very low dollars.

I have won cruises based on sales (not as a TA, in another career), bid on cruises at auction, etc. I have traded FF miles for cruises.

And, thank you, BruinSteve. Perhaps these words coming from you will have more credibility as mine apparently do not with momofmeg.

Much of the training we as TAs take is generic, some is specific. I take advantage of all the training I can. I had my specialty certification in cruises when I was 25 and I have not stopped educating myself since.


I ALWAYS have my clients complete a survey of their cruise experience so I can learn from them as well. I work for a consortium of 5000 agents; you can believe we share experiences and information. I am considered an in house expert and have other, less experienced agents call me all the time.

I had my specialty certification in cruises when I was 25 and I have not stopped educating myself since.

As Saint Augustine once said "The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page".

[kitty9]

momofmeg, not disagreeing with you, but if that women you refer to in a previous post said she took an around the world cruise for 45 days, either she was pulling your leg or actually didn't do a full around the world cruise. It's impossible to cruise around the world in 45 days unless the ship never stopped and visited a port and just did sea days---which ships cannot do because they need to refuel and stock provisions. World cruises are more than twice that length, with most being over 100 days long. I've been on parts of four world cruises and the shortest one was 99 days.

[mdmomof7]

Okay, tell me the bad news. How am I going to spend another $1000 besides airfare?? Aahhh! :confused:

Two of our cars just went down and dh is handy, but knows that he has to get the dealer only parts. There goes at least $500! :(

[momofmeg]

[quote name='kitty9']momofmeg, not disagreeing with you, but if that women you refer to in a previous post said she took an around the world cruise for 45 days, either she was pulling your leg or actually didn't do a full around the world cruise. It's impossible to cruise around the world in 45 days unless the ship never stopped and visited a port and just did sea days---which ships cannot do because they need to refuel and stock provisions. World cruises are more than twice that length, with most being over 100 days long. I've been on parts of four world cruises and the shortest one was 99 days.[/QUOTE]

Kitty I am going back to 1999. My memory is not the greatest (sort of like my spelling-used to be great but not so much anymore) maybe it was 80 days (LOL) as in a balloon- but the gal seemed to know what she was talking about and she obviously had money by her jewlery and I am a dummy about a lot of things but I know the differance between gaudy CZ cr^&*p and real diamonds and this woman was dripping in them. Now I know college professors don't make that kind of money- but this woman had money from somewhere. She was a very nice person-not a snob at all and though she told me alot about her adventures she never sounded like a showoff at all.

She told us one story of being on a cruise in the Pacific back in the late 60's early 70's and being caught in a storm. This was the 45 day cruise story(now that I think of it- maybe it was not around the world but like Japan to Australia or South America or something-I do not exactly remember that part-I just know it was something I KNEW I would never be able to afford to do) She said it was so bad the stewards had to tie the passengers in their beds for safety. I think if that had been me that would have been my last cruise. Maybe that does sound a little farfetched but it did not to me at the time.

I will say this though some of these posts here that I read sound a little farfetched at times. I guess we do need to take everything with a grain of salt. So maybe you are right about the old lady. Oh well she was entertaining and my favorite person that I have met on a cruise so far.

Her goal was to make 100 cruises before she died. Since she was like in her late sixties I am betting she is going for 150 now. I am almost positive also we saw her and the hubby in a photo in that Royal Caribbean magazine they send to past quests. You know the one that has coupons in the back. We get one like twice a year. Anyway in it she and hubby were written up in an article there that they had take 35 cruises with Royal Caribbean I think. they had them in a picture with one of the ship's captains and it was a formal night photo from their dress.

[momofmeg]

[quote name='mdmomof7']Okay, tell me the bad news. How am I going to spend another $1000 besides airfare?? Aahhh! :confused:

Two of our cars just went down and dh is handy, but knows that he has to get the dealer only parts. There goes at least $500! :([/QUOTE]


Well there are tips, drinks, excursions, etc. It can add up. I think we spent $800 on our last 4 day mini cruise altogether after the cost of the cruise tickets. And we don't gamble either.

There is a thread here (go back a couple of weeks and you should find it) about how much cruises cost. We are not cheapskates but I was AMAZED at what some people said they spent. I was thinking I could fly to Europe and take a 2 week cruise for the kind of money these guys were talking about.

[johnql]

[quote name='mdmomof7']Okay, tell me the bad news. How am I going to spend another $1000 besides airfare?? Aahhh! :confused:[/QUOTE]
The amount someone spends on a cruise on additional expenses runs the gamut. There have been numerous threads on this topic over the years. It's certainly possible to go on a cruise and spend a minimal amount (the recommended tipping amount plus an occasional drink). However, it's not unusual for someone to spend $500 or even $1000 extra. Here's an easy way to spend that kind of money: order a bottle of wine every night at dinner; book 4 or 5 excursions through the ship; patronize the ship's shops; gamble in the casino and play bingo; order bar drinks and soda throughout the day; dine at the surcharge restaurants; and take in a couple spa treatments.

Believe me, it's not difficult to run up a substantial bill by the end of a cruise.

[Sun R Bunns]

Free style dining: Two years ago, we sailed on NCL to Alaska. They had "free style" dining. We didn't care for it at all. Yes, you could eat when you wished to go to dinner, however when you showed up to the dining room, if you didn't want to sit at one of the large tables with other guests they gave you a number and were told to sit and wait until they could accomidate us. One time we waited 1/2 hour to be seated. Not that we don't like visiting with others, but it happened to be our anniversary cruise and sometimes just wanted to sit alone together.

Also in general, the service was extremely slow, often times I got up to refill our water glasses from the service station because no waiters came by. One time, we spent over an hour in the dining room, we even declined staying longer for dessert because we had a champane and cake social for anniversary guests at one of the bar locations. Well, we still missed the social by 10 minutes, missing out on a free photo shoot. NCL did offer to allow us to pick one of the numerous photos taken during the cruise in place of the anniversary one, but then fought with us about who authorized this and which of them we were allowed to chose from.

Maybe this was just the ship we were on, (NCL Sky) but throughout the whole cruise the service was horrible. We may try freestlye again someday, but on a different line if possible.