What Cruise Line is Right for me?

[C_Cabra]

Ok,

 

I know people are loyal to their cruise lines like some people are loyal to their political parties so... I'm not looking to get into a flaming war with anyone here or start any fights. I'm just looking for some experienced cruisers opinions.

 

My lovely wife and I have been on two cruises. The first was on the Disney Wonder which, aside from no Casino and the whole Disney theme, we absolutely loved. It was casual enough that we felt comfortable in our own skin but elegant enough that we didn't feel like we were eating at applebee's. It was extremely clean, very well maintained and everything was classy and top notch.

 

We just got off of our second cruise with Carnival on a 7 day western Caribbean aboard the Freedom. The staff, destinations and excursions (we went through carnival) were awesome but the facilities, ship and the passengers (most) were not. We met some really, really great people but there were enough knuckleheads on the Carnival cruise that it felt disproportionate to the number of awesome individuals we got to know. Day after day we witnessed extremely rude behavior toward the staff and other passengers by the passengers and I was embarrassed to be from the same country and travelling along with these folks to be frank. The ship has already had the 2.0 upgrade and I have to say that if this is upgraded I'm glad I didn't cruise before because I would have been very disappointed. In my line of work we would have called this putting "lipstick on a pig". The activities were really geared more toward a boozapolooza in my opinion. The food sucked. period. Carnival recently switched to the American Table Menu and I was left wondering who would want to come to an elegant dinner in a main dining room to eat boiled pork spareribs in barbeque sauce and veg-all. This is what I would get in my kitchen on a Wednesday night - not at a fine dining venue. Small selections on the buffets at lunch and breakfast and the food that was available was not good - just ok. The Burger Joint, Guys Burgers, was the best bet - but it was just a burger. However after experiencing the buffet and dining room food I can see what all the hype is about if you are comparing it to whatever else is available.

 

I say all this to say that I am certain Carnival is not the cruise line for us but I don't know which one would be and I'd like to solicit a little insight. While we felt Carnival was probably a little on the low end for us we aren't looking to be put to sleep with Opera music, lectures and Formal Dinners every night of the week either. We want something casual, classy and elegant where we can let loose. We are in our 40s and can still tie one on three or four nights a week when we are on vacation... but we don't need the "fun ship" full of "bro's" and "mega- dance parties" to make that happen.

 

Again, I'm not trying to insult anyone who loves Carnival. I can certainly see it's appeal to a younger crowd, families trying to save money, folks who have been cruising with them a long time and get loyalty perks, big casino gamblers, etc. but they also seem to attract a real low class cruiser. When we are out eating, at a club, at a bar etc. we can always leave, or deal with it until we go home but being stuck on a ship for seven days with rude people who have absolutely no manners, no shame and no class is just too much.

 

I certainly don't think I am better than anyone so please don't get the wrong idea. I grew up very poor. I know what it is like to be looked down upon and belittled and this is not my intention. I am talking about class and that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with economic status. Simple manners like saying please, thank you, not shoving women out of the way, wearing sleeveless gym shirts, night clothes and flip flops to the main dining room, etc.

 

I was told after we cruised Disney we would be disappointed with the other cruise lines. We don't have kids, enjoy the casinos(even though we aren't avid gamblers), and like a larger boat.

 

Right now we have Princess, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruising from two ports that are within an hour of our home. Would any of these be an upgrade from Carnival or should we expect the same? We've been told that Princess is a snooze fest and everything shuts down very early and that the other two are more of the same as Carnival.

[GUT2407]

Why not stick with Disney?

 

You will find people being rude to crew on all lines it seems.

 

None of the lines you mention will have a Formal night every night maybe one a week, and there will be options those nights anyway.

 

Really I'm not sure you have told us enough about yourself.

 

But if you liked Dizzy so much you are lucky, try others if you don't like them back to Disney.

[Hlitner]

What a clear concise post for which you deserve praise. You make it easy for us to give you suggestions. I should mention that DW and I have cruised on 14 different cruise lines so you might say we are not hung-up in the loyalty thing. We think you should consider either RCI or Princess, both of which are a step-up (in several ways) from Carnival. As to the rude passengers, unfortunately they seem to exist on almost every cruise (and at every resort). We also think that the larger S-Class Celebrity ships might be a good fit for you, but that would mean having to fly to one of the Florida ports.

 

We should mention that although the Texas ports might be very convenient, they really limit your itineraries (especially on shorter 7 day cruises). When it comes to the Caribbean we mostly prefer the southern Caribbean ports.

 

Hank

[cruiserking]

Welcome to Cruise Critic C Cabra. I would also strongly recommend the Celebrity Solstice Class ships like Silhouette, Reflection, Solstice, beautiful modern ships haven't yet cruise on these class yet but, they are on our list.

 

I think you would really enjoy Royal Caribbean. Perhaps start with Navigator which sails out of nearby Galveston. Navigator is a Voyage Class ship, plenty of bells and whistles and things to keep you busy but, not a behemoth like Allure or Oasis.

 

We sailed sister ship Explorer last year and fell in love with the ship and the line. We found Explorer elegant, classic with a friendly crew, delicious food and a wonderful youthful and energetic vibe.

 

I think Princess would also be a great fit for you too. Another traditional line, with beautiful ships. The Emerald Princess sails from Houston, a nice medium sized ship that you would feel right at home aboard.

 

Either Celebrity, Royal Caribbean or Princess would be my choices or all three. ;)

 

Jonathan

Edited May 24, 2015 by cruiserking

[C_Cabra]

Thanks for the recommendations so far. The reason we don't want to return to Disney is because it really is all about Disney. While it is fairly understated in terms of Décor (everything is an "easter egg" in the design) all of the shows are Disney, the MDR entertainment is Disney etc. We were hoping for the same level of elegance and service without the Disney piece. We also like to have the option to go the Casino and you don't have that option on Disney (although we did like that they allowed you to bring on your own liquor).

 

I understand that their are rude and obnoxious people everywhere it just seemed to me that there were more than a fair amount aboard Carnival versus what we experienced on Disney.

 

I had heard that some of the Cruise Lines can get very "elegant" and so we don't want to be stuck on a ship for a week with people who snicker because we use the wrong fork either. We were really looking for a happy medium.

 

In terms of a profile I suppose we are upper middle class wage earners with no kids. We do try to plan the cruise to avoid a lot of kids. It's not that we don't like children it's just that we've found that they aren't necessarily on their best behavior or supervised very well when on vacation and we want to enjoy ourselves without riding an elevator to every floor or participating in food fights in the MDR.

 

We aren't booze cruisers, but we do like to tie one on when we drink socially. We rarely get out of hand but can still close down a bar. The comedy shows, live music, sunrises over the ocean, plenty of space in the pool, fine foods you wouldn't necessarily make on a regular basis at home all appeal to us. We would typically stay at a Hilton or better when traveling as opposed to a La Quinta or Howard Johnsons.

 

I'll look into Princess and RCL. Thank you for the suggestion. I think for now the appeal of jumping on a ship 45 minutes away is too good to pass up but I'll keep Celebrity on my radar as well. We plan on being in

[kelkel2]

Why not try Princes? If you liked Carnival's destinations and excursions Princess is similar to Carnival in a sense that they offer a lot of the same or close to the same Caribbean port of calls and their ships are similar. At least their large ones are.

It is the same company, so you will find similar entertainment. They have game shows, comedy, plays, etc. They also have any time dining. And, I know its all opinionated but I thought their dining room food was good.

But, their crowd is a slightly older crowd and much tamer and we really enjoyed that about Princess.

[Cruisin' Chick]

My first six cruises were on Carnival and then we went on our first Princess one and we're happy to make the switch. Whether or not the ship closes down early or if the demos go to the older really depends on the itinerary (on say, Alaskan cruises, it's a get up early type of cruise) and time of year. Our last three were in late December and definitely had an active group of passengers ranging from tiny to elderly. On New Years Eve, just about every one is partying in the grand atrium for the countdown and dancing to the live band.

[GUT2407]

Thanks for the recommendations so far. The reason we don't want to return to Disney is because it really is all about Disney. While it is fairly understated in terms of Décor (everything is an "easter egg" in the design) all of the shows are Disney, the MDR entertainment is Disney etc. We were hoping for the same level of elegance and service without the Disney piece. We also like to have the option to go the Casino and you don't have that option on Disney (although we did like that they allowed you to bring on your own liquor).

 

Princess and Celebrity might fit.

 

 

I understand that their are rude and obnoxious people everywhere it just seemed to me that there were more than a fair amount aboard Carnival versus what we experienced on Disney.

 

A different cruise with the same lines might leave the opposite impression, though there is a point here that I don't want to get started on, having spent many years in hospitality before waking up to myself I have an opinion on the type who are most likely to be rude to staff and it isn't what most people might imagine, so will leave it alone for now.

 

 

I had heard that some of the Cruise Lines can get very "elegant" and so we don't want to be stuck on a ship for a week with people who snicker because we use the wrong fork either. We were really looking for a happy medium.

 

Never had this problem, some say you may get it with Cunard, again I disagree with this view. Certainly never come across it with any of the majors.

 

In terms of a profile I suppose we are upper middle class wage earners with no kids. We do try to plan the cruise to avoid a lot of kids. It's not that we don't like children it's just that we've found that they aren't necessarily on their best behavior or supervised very well when on vacation and we want to enjoy ourselves without riding an elevator to every floor or participating in food fights in the MDR.

 

Again I expect Princess or Celebrity may be good for you.

 

We aren't booze cruisers, but we do like to tie one on when we drink socially. We rarely get out of hand but can still close down a bar. The comedy shows, live music, sunrises over the ocean, plenty of space in the pool, fine foods you wouldn't necessarily make on a regular basis at home all appeal to us. We would typically stay at a Hilton or better when traveling as opposed to a La Quinta or Howard Johnsons.

 

I am leaning slightly to Celebrity for you.

[SadieN]

I've seen knuckleheads on Princess, HAL, Royal and Carnival. Only seen one fight onboard, in a laundry room on HAL.

 

We usually avoid them by sailing in the low season.

[hubofhockey]

We had some issues on Carnival similar to what the OP went through. Those were family cruises. For family cruises now, we prefer Royal Caribbean. However, when it's been just the two of us, we have been going on Princess. We would do Celebrity, but we're waiting for the right opportunity. Trying Azamara next summer and we have no loyalty to any cruise line. Perks worth $300 or so (or even more) will never be more important than itineraries, ship, or cruise lines to me. I only get one long vacation a year and a few perks won't dictate my vacation, but a few great ports and a great ship might.

[GUT2407]

For us it's Princess then Celebrity, Azamara looks amazing but few if any Sydney to Sydney. Cunard is nice now and then, but again limited Syd-Syd options and not sure I want them every time. Carnival and P&O (Aus) nope. RCI is a maybe but not 1st pick by any means.

[OCruisers]

You might want to consider either Princess or Celebrity! ;)

LuLu

[Grandma Dazzles]

I would suggest Royal Caribbean. You may find too many families on board if you are trying to avoid children. However on the Voyager class ships the entertainment especially enjoy the ice show is very good. Solarium adult only pool/area on all RC ships is very relaxing. There is just a lot to do for everyone.

 

I think food/service is very subjective on all lines.

 

Keep in mind that Carnival and Princess are the same ownership, just as RC and Celebrity are, so there are sometimes similarities.

[navybankerteacher]

From your posts I believe your best bet would be Celebrity, then Princess. Our favorite is HAL - in no small part because it does not attract the yahoos who seemed to bother you, while having the best service and food of the mass market lines - but it probably would be a bit too calm and sedate for your tastes.

[Markanddonna]

I have been on only one 8 night Carnival cruise and while it wasn't horrible, they rank at the bottom IMHO, so I get what you are talking about.

 

I think a lot may have to do with time of the year, ports of departure and the type of trip you are looking at. A Caribbean cruise can be like the one you described on many of the cruiselines you mentioned but other locations tend to have folks who are more adventure and port oriented.

 

For example, Alaska makes an interesting destination and doesn't lend itself toward much partying. The season is only 5 months and May and Sept. see more retired/older couples.

 

A European or transatlantic might be a good idea and many cruisers tend to be better traveled and experienced. I have learned a lot from them. I'd classify many of them as a bit more sophisticated.

 

I must be fortunate because I have never really seen a drunk on a ship outside of the Caribbean/Bahamas (of course I'm in bed by midnight...). We just came off a NCL Panama Canal cruise where the age was older (66 average) but the other passengers were very energetic, the dance floor was hopping, the casino was not, etc. The folks on this cruise were pleasant and polite making it a great experience for everyone. So NCL may be a consideration.

 

I guess what I'm saying is that your cruises may be fantastic if you get away from the typical Caribbean island stops.

[Aquahound]

From reading your original post, I highly recommend giving Celebrity a close look, more specifically, any of their Solstice Class ships. I think they are the most gorgeous ships at sea.

 

Royal Caribbean is also a good choice if you're still looking for a ship with lots to do on board. RCI's newest ships really are amazing, and I've yet to see the level of entertainment on any other cruise line that RCI has on their newer ships.

 

Princess is worth looking at, although you might be a little disappointed in the small size of their standard staterooms.

 

I wouldn't make the jump from Carnival to HAL. That's kinda going from one extreme to another. JMO.

 

Avoid NCL.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Aquahound

[magroo]

I've been on 3 different cruise lines and would recommend all of them. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are similar in the type of clientele, costs, itineraries. Wide variety of people on board from families to couples to singles. Definitely not the young party crowd. We also did a European cruise on Oceania. Costs more but includes more. The guests tend to be middle age and older. Fewer families with children.

 

Like I mentioned, all 3 have given us great experiences.

[SPacificbound]

If you are cruising out of Galveston and/or Houston that does limit you. Not only by cruise line, but the options of having some fantastic itineraries that go to really interesting places.

 

My first thought when reading your post was Celebrity, but they don't cruise out of Texas. They also may be a little tame later in the evenings, not much going on after about 11PM.

 

We like Royal Caribbean, and we liked Celebrity. We have not cruised on Princess so no opinion there.

 

Going with cruises 10 days or longer will somewhat change the demographics.

[Flatbush Flyer]

I've been on 3 different cruise lines and would recommend all of them. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are similar in the type of clientele, costs, itineraries. Wide variety of people on board from families to couples to singles. Definitely not the young party crowd. We also did a European cruise on Oceania. Costs more but includes more. The guests tend to be middle age and older. Fewer families with children.

 

Like I mentioned, all 3 have given us great experiences.

 

 

Oceania: exceptionally great food, included airfare (no need to be stuck with Galveston), casual dress, generally well-educated passenger base, no nickel-diming, et al.

[flamomo]

I've cruise a number of times on Princess and would describe their cruise style as classy without snobbery. The ship décor is elegant while not gaudy; great and varied itineraries; the service, for me, has always been excellent; the food has been very good in all venues; the casinos are typical ... usually like my $$ too much and keeps most of it, but occasionally has been very rewarding; decent entertainment. Overall, a good experience!

 

IMHO, Princess might be a good fit for you, and would be worth a try.

[JimAOk1945]

I think Princess is leaving Houston after April 2016. I don't see anything on their website for Houston after that. If you want to try Princess, don't wait too long.

 

Royal Caribbean is very nice. As you can see, we have cruised on Princess and RC a few times and have another booked in December. We prefer RC over Carnival and Princess.

 

Both are fantastic cruise lines.

Edited May 26, 2015 by JimAOk1945

[C_Cabra]

Thanks for all of the input! It's been very helpful.