I need help choosing a cruise line please.

[cat9661]

I need some help. I tend to over analyze everything. We are in our forties never been on a cruise, not the big party scene type of people but we don't want boring and stuffy either. Does anyone have any suggestions? How many nights is good for your first time? I do have motion sickness so I don't think I would want a 7 day or longer cruise. Thanks you!

[John Bull]

I reckon Princess or Celebrity as the mid-way point.

 

It's party-time on RCI and Carnival at one end of the scale, Cunard (rather formal) and HAL (older demographics) at the other end.

 

JB :)

[Keith1010]

Don't go on anything shorter then 7 days because the three to five day ones mainly are party ships. Based on what you said that doesn't make sense.

 

Many people start with a seven day Caribbean Cruise.

 

I would take a look at Princess and Celebrity to start with.

 

Visit their web sites and look at itineraries.

 

Keith

Edited March 13, 2016 by Keith1010

[Canugess]

Well we did a Royal Caribbean for our first Cruise, which we loved. It was a 14 Mediterranean cruise. We loved the layout of the ship with the night time focus on the Shopping Mall and bars. There was a crows nest bar which was a bit more adult orientated, and a piano bar which was our favourite to sit in in the evenings.

 

We have since done a short P&O cruise, which was also very good. We didn't like the layout of the ship quite so much with lots of different areas inside and a bit confusing. Never really found anywhere that we could have sat for hours and just watched the world go by.

 

So what I'm trying to say is different cruises have different feels to them. Look at the layouts on the websites to see what you think might suite you.

[KirkNC]

I reckon Princess or Celebrity as the mid-way point.

 

It's party-time on RCI and Carnival at one end of the scale, Cunard (rather formal) and HAL (older demographics) at the other end.

 

JB :)

 

I would agree, it's been a while since we did Royal. I don't think of them as party time but things may have changed.

[Lil2Angelic]

Princess would be a safe cruise line option. I would also suggest you book a mid ship cabin to help with the possible sea sickness issues.

[LadyLion_AP]

Our first cruise was a 6-day & just perfect as an introduction to cruising. At this point I've cruise Carnival (x2), Royal Caribbean (x3), Celebrity (x1), & Disney (x1). All ships were over 110,000 tons so this is most likely a different experience than one you'd get on a smaller ship. My husband & I are both professionals (upper executive) & in our early forties. We've cruise with & without our children on Carnival & Royal Caribbean. We're not partiers either. Most of our cruises were seven days or longer but one was six & my Disney Cruise was a 3-day. I did not feel like Carnival or Royal Caribbean were "party ships", but there's certainly room to party if that's what you like. There is also the space to completely relax and not party. I'd recommend the lines in the following way: Carnival: great for budget, first cruise experience, & service. Royal: Great for entertainment & food options. Celebrity: Great for complete relaxation, food, & service. Disney: Celebrity cruises meets Disney World (Great overall but some adults may not love it. I can say, however, there are plenty of adult only spaces.) I hope this is helpful.

 

Edited to add:

I have horrible motion sickness so tend to stay mid-ship also I take once daily bonine. I've never been sick on a ship & once cruised during a tropical storm! The ship was rocky but the meds worked well! [emoji4]

Edited March 13, 2016 by LadyLion_AP

[diane.in.ny]

I agree with Princess or Celebrity.

 

The suggestion for a mid ship cabin is also good but you also want one on a lower deck.

 

The other thing to consider is where the ship is sailing. For instance, if you do the Caribbean, which is typically calm waters, you might want to sail from San Juan rather than Ft Lauderdale or Miami. From either of those ports it is very possible to hit some rougher water until you get past the Bahamas. Also pick an itinerary that does not have Barbados on it. Barbados is actually quite a bit east and it can be rough going and coming.

 

Also another reason to skip a cruise to Bermuda.

 

Med is also a calm area, especially if you stay in the eastern Med.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Without knowing what your vacation (or other travel) preferences are, it's really impossible to make a very specific recommendation.

 

For example are your normal hotel picks "holiday inn express" or "four seasons"? For you, do "Michelin stars" mean good food or tires?

 

A good cruise specialist TA can help you narrow the choices.

 

One piece of advice: when looking at cost, don't rely solely on cabin prices.

On premium lines, like Oceania, airfare (or an air credit) is included in that price. To Europe or Asia from the US is often valued at $1500+/- per person. Look too at the cost of add-ons with lines like Celebrity, RCI, Princess, etc.. On premium/luxury lines there's no extra charge for some or all perks (e.g., gratuities, internet, beverages, specialty restaurants, etc.).

Would you rather be on a ship with 700 passengers or thousands?

[Langley Cruisers]

It's party-time on RCI and Carnival at one end of the scale...

 

John, I usually agree with your comments but not on this one. RCI, as most lines, will have more party-goers if it's just a short cruise. Trust me, longer RCI cruises attract a middle and older demographic and it is very much "not" party-time. I understand why you may have made the comparison, but honestly, RCI is not a party line each and every time. I wouldn't want a novice cruiser to think this is so.

 

:)

[welikepalms]

Hello,

Welcome to Cruise Critic! As you can see by the reply's so far you just ask and get a lot of ideas.

 

Here's mine.

 

We have done 6 day to 10 day cruises. Loved them all. We have sailed NCL and Royal in the past. Again loved all of them. Royal gets our vote as the winner so far. We have a Princess Cruise booked for September so we will see if Princess is a new favorite or not.

 

We have never sailed Carnival so I can't comment on them. In our experience of 2 Royal cruises I don't see the Party atmosphere on those cruises. I will bow to fellow posters and believe that the short 3 or 4 day cruises may draw a party type crowd due to the low cost. We have not cruised any of the newer mega ships yet but the smaller to mid size we have been on have been enjoyable.

 

You didn't say where you are hoping to cruise out of but for a first a cruise, a Cruise to Bermuda is hard to beat in my opinion. If sea sickness my be an issue cruising from the east coast to Bermuda is nice. Day and a half over, dock in Bermuda for a few days and day and half cruising back. On top of that Bermuda is a beautiful place to see. We have visited 3 times and enjoyed them all.

 

 

As some have already said a talking to a good Cruise T/A would be a great idea. We use one for all our bookings and have saved money almost each time over what we see online.

Again welcome to Cruise Critic and hopefully a love of cruising.

 

Happy Cruising

[4x4bob]

I would not recommend a short 1-4 day cruise for a 1st cruise because by the time you figure out what is on the ship, how to go back a place without looking at a map, and you are starting to figure out what you like, it is time to come home.

 

A 7 day cruise gives you time to explore the ship, go back more then one time to something you like, and most important, to just kick back and take it easy without rushing around.

 

Take a cabin midship and low down for less movement. In most cases you will have to look out a window to see that there are waves out side because you will experience little movement.

 

Talk to your doctor about a good sea sick med and take it with you. We always do, however we never had to use it.

 

Bob

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

The shortest cruises generally have a short, not super-interesting itinerary. The passengers tend to be younger because they don't have time to take longer cruises. I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that you are planning a Caribbean cruise.

 

I'm partial to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. My sister and her husband like Princess. Keep in mind most cruise lines have different classes of ships. Most have smaller and older ships, mid-sized ships and newer, flashier large ships chock full of amenities, restaurants, spectacular shows and even such things as ice rinks and bumper cars depending on the ship.

 

I would suggest you check out some of these newer ships and take a six or seven-day (some cruise lines count the nights, not the days) cruise---more time to relax, more time to know the ship and most likely more ports to visit.

[Bound4Bermuda]

I'm also in my early 40s and not a partier, but I know what you mean about wanting to have some fun...even if I'll be in bed by 11. ;-) I have only been on Princess and Royal Caribbean. Princess was a much older demographic (most people on our cruise in their 70s-80s), and I felt Royal Caribbean was a 30s-40s family-oriented demographic. My next cruise is on Royal Caribbean, too. Obviously I don't have firsthand experience on the other lines, but I THINK Holland America and Norwegian also skew post-retirement as I think Princess does, but on the other end of the spectrum, I would also avoid Carnival as early adult spring break gone wild type cruise. BUT, as I said, these are simply what I've heard about these lines, so I am interested in being corrected on any misinterpretations. (And I have no doubt I will be corrected.) I personally don't know anyone who has been on Celebrity, so I know nothing about that line--and maybe for that reason it would be the next one I would consider after RC. And I also don't know anything about the high-end smaller lines, yet the small boats don't really appeal to me. I guess I don't really have much perspective to add, but I'm also interested in learning more about the other lines as someone your age with limited cruising experience who hopes to cruise more often in the future.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[John Bull]

John, I usually agree with your comments but not on this one. RCI, as most lines, will have more party-goers if it's just a short cruise. Trust me, longer RCI cruises attract a middle and older demographic and it is very much "not" party-time. I understand why you may have made the comparison, but honestly, RCI is not a party line each and every time. I wouldn't want a novice cruiser to think this is so.

 

:)

 

Hi,

 

Based that on our three RCI's, all in Europe, all about 14 days.

Vision O.T.S. out of Istanbul was particularly bubbly - belly-flop competitions & such at the main pool (just not our scene) though there was a quiet indoor pool too, "Quest" one evening (don't ask me to explain Quest, we though it was going to be a treasure hunt :o :D), and a brilliant captain's party night (flags of all nations etc) and other great evenings in the Atrium, a space that the CD really knew how to use.

Two Med cruises out of Southampton on Voyager class ships. Often party-time along the Royal Prom in the evenings (we took part in a flash-dance, great fun), but more laid-back on sea days.

 

That said, it certainly wasn't always party-time. And when it was, there were quiet places to chill, inside & out, day & evening. :)

And mebbe they're different ex-USA.

 

We've certainly enjoyed our time on RCI, and be happy to go RCI again for the right itinerary

 

Nearest we've come to a short cruise was a 3 or 4 day ferry/booze cruise to northern Spain. We just happened to be on it for a 2 day one-way ferry trip. Put us off short cruises for life :D

And we hear stories about stags & hens on short cruises, even on steady old P&O.

 

So I know where you're coming from on the subject of short cruises.

And diff'rent folk, diff'rent experiences on "proper" cruises.

 

JB :)

Edited March 14, 2016 by John Bull

[OCruisers]

Princess or Celebrity would be good cruise lines for you.

Do wish you would reconsider taking a 7 day so you would have enough time to relax and enjoy what cruising is all about! :)

[KBD1516]

If you are thinking about the seasickness, I will chime in because I get seasick while the ship is at the dock! Generic bonine is great and cheap at Walmart, free on the ship. Take it just before you board, then daily. Cabin lower deck and centered. (Not forward). For a first cruise consider the Gulf of Mexico because it is usually calmer. Also the inside passage to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver is calm. (But not the open seas on a one-way trip)

 

As to cruise line, I have been on many different lines and they are more alike than different. You can pick and choose what you want to do. The ages will get older on longer cruises since more people will be retired and not taking vacation days from work.

[stleda124]

Although I have not sailed on it. My recommendation would be Celebrity. I've sailed NCL, doing RCCL next month, Carnival in July, and Celebrity in January. I booked each line for a specific reason and lots of research. The average age on Celebrity was ten years older than that of the others.

 

Good luck!

[MOcruiserman]

I need some help. I tend to over analyze everything. We are in our forties never been on a cruise, not the big party scene type of people but we don't want boring and stuffy either. Does anyone have any suggestions? How many nights is good for your first time? I do have motion sickness so I don't think I would want a 7 day or longer cruise. Thanks you!

Our first cruise was to New England and Eastern Canada. We loved it.

[GUT2407]

Don't go on anything shorter then 7 days because the three to five day ones mainly are party ships. Based on what you said that doesn't make sense.

 

Many people start with a seven day Caribbean Cruise.

 

I would take a look at Princess and Celebrity to start with.

 

Visit their web sites and look at itineraries.

 

Keith

 

I mainly agree. Even longer than 7 days if you can.

[kimlovesfl]

Don't go on anything shorter then 7 days because the three to five day ones mainly are party ships. Based on what you said that doesn't make sense.

 

Many people start with a seven day Caribbean Cruise.

 

I would take a look at Princess and Celebrity to start with.

 

Visit their web sites and look at itineraries.

 

Keith

 

My first cruise was a 5 day on Celebrity, and it was NOT a party cruise!

 

I would recommend Celebrity or Princess. I wasn't sure how I would like cruising, so my first cruise was a 5 night (as was the 2nd). I have since been on a 7 day cruise, and it was wonderful! If you don't want a party atmosphere, I would stay away from Carnival and probably RCI. But no matter which cruise you choose, I'm sure you will have a grand time and be hooked!

[puppycanducruise]

I would suggest a cruise to Alaska.

My husband and I took our first cruise when we were in our forties on HAL to Alaska and it got us hooked on cruising.

The food was good, the crew wonderful and the scenery was great.

Whatever you decide, hope you enjoy it!

[runawaysoul]

I don't consider RCI to be a party ship. When I think party ship, Carnival pops up in my mind instantly. Sounds like either RCI or Celebrity would be right up your alley. Motion sickness is usually not an issue. I get motion sickness watching a feather float to the ground, just about.. I didn't have any issues.

[Racker'sCruz-Set2Sail]

I need some help. I tend to over analyze everything. We are in our forties never been on a cruise, not the big party scene type of people but we don't want boring and stuffy either. Does anyone have any suggestions? How many nights is good for your first time? I do have motion sickness so I don't think I would want a 7 day or longer cruise. Thanks you!

 

We like Royal Caribbean!!!! Our cruise line of choice, and they are the ones that get most of our cruise dollars.

 

Ralpg

[bigsky]

My vote would be for Royal. Someone said it's a party ship, not at all! You can have fun, but not a party ship. To me, Carnival would be more of a party ship. I would book anything less than 7 days either. The shorter ones seem to be more party ships (especially Carnival)

Seems like anything less, you just start to relax and get to know the ship and then have to pack to go home.

 

To us, Princess has nice ships, but too many older people for our liking. I think Royal is a nice balance of fun and classy.

 

Stay mid ship if you tend to get sick. We've been on Oasis, and it's so large, we didn't feel a thing. The smaller ones you tend to feel more. So much to do on the larger Royal ships! We love this line.

 

We've only been on Royal, Carnival, Princess and Disney. Can only put my two cents in regarding those.

 

Good luck!