Which Cruise Line?

[f7prez]

We went on our first cruise in April 05... We loved it. Went on our second cruise in November 05. Both times were on Royal Caribbean, Majesty then Navigator.

We have been looking online for our next cruise and have been debating whether or not we should go with RCI again or try another company.

What cruise line do you prefer:confused:

[VentureMan_2000]

I've only done Carnival. I really like the croud to cruises Carnival. My wife and I like to have fun and party a bit. We like a more lively atmousphere and Carnival fits that bill. And I'm not trying to say others don't. But if it ain't broken...

[Krazy Kruizers]

We are in our sixties.

 

Did 1 RCI - will never go back on them.

 

Have cruised quite a bit on Cunard, Princess, NCL. Will ever cruise on NCL again.

 

For the last few years we have cruise on HAL - 32 cruises so far (many 21 and 22 days) and have a couple more already booked on them.

[Jacky Tar]

What the hell d'you *do* on a cruise? Never been on one, and the (potential) problem is I'm in the Navy, so to me "going to sea" = "going to work". How do you figure out what cruise or cruise line is best for your tastes? Other than trying one and finding out you made a horrible mistake?

 

I don't know that I could handle lying around doing bugger-all for days on end.

[cupidbaby99]

its what you make of the cruise and what you do that makes it special.

 

They offer daily compasses of so many different things to do. Music, auctions, casino's, bingo the pools, exercise rooms...how one couldn't find something to do while on the ship is beyond me.

 

I have heard that Navy men are the hardest people to get on a cruise because they think the ship is just like a naval ship and it's not. Its a resort aboard a ship and if you can't find something fun, exciting to do then cruising isn't for you.

 

Jumping off my soapbox.

[Jacky Tar]

its what you make of the cruise and what you do that makes it special.

 

They offer daily compasses of so many different things to do. Music, auctions, casino's, bingo the pools, exercise rooms...how one couldn't find something to do while on the ship is beyond me.

 

I have heard that Navy men are the hardest people to get on a cruise because they think the ship is just like a naval ship and it's not. Its a resort aboard a ship and if you can't find something fun, exciting to do then cruising isn't for you.

 

Jumping off my soapbox.

 

I think it's the difference between the intellectual reaction (knowing the ship isn't painted grey on topsides and belowdecks) and the emotional reaction to going to sea, being in a tin can with 300 or so of your best friends (riiiiight...), etc.

 

That's an issue that I'm still working through to determine whether or not a cruise is the right idea for me. However, assuming it is, how does one find out what sort of cruise will suit? I saw a reference in another post to a quiz? Is this sort of quiz administered by a travel agent, or the cruise line or something?

 

One resource I do intend to tap is a friend of mine who is (a) ex-military and (b) a travel agent. He's on holidays right now :cool:, but I hope he may be able to help with ideas and resources.

[kitty9]

Jacky Tar, let me ask you a few questions, and from your answers, maybe those of us who've been on a few cruises (42 and counting for me) can help you determine if a cruise is for you.

 

1. What kind of a budget do you have in mind?

2. Is great food important? How about great service?

3. Is there someplace that you've never been and would like to visit?

4. Do you like any specific activities---snorkling, scuba, hiking, biking, history, gambling, Vegas-type shows, eating lots of great food, shopping.

5. Do you have kids and if you do, will they be coming on the cruise with you?

6. Do you like being pampered and not having to lift a finger to do anything?

 

One of the biggest misconceptions of Navy guys when it comes to pleasure cruises is that it will be just like being on a transport ship or aircraft carrier. That was my dad's biggest misconception. He thought it would be all gray, racks, small heads, mess hall food and all of that. Nothing is further from the truth. Today's cruise ships are beautifully designed, smooth sailing (unless you're in a hurricane), luxurious, have lots to do, provide good food and you're pampered to heaven. I've not seen a touch of Navy gray, but I always see lots of glass, natural woodwork, crystal, brass and loads of lovely color.

 

Another misconception is that you'll be bored. I've found just the opposite to be true. There's so much going on that there's not enough hours in the day to do everything. But again, if all you want is to sit and veg, you can do that too. You can participate in as much or as little activity as you want. That's the best thing about a cruise.

 

I've not heard of anyone giving a cruise quiz. What you might want to do is go to a local travel agent, grab yourself a couple dozen brochures, read through them and then decide what looks good to you. Since you're a newbie, I highly suggest seeing a travel agent who can talk to you and then set you in the right direction. There are many ships, and itineraries, to choose from, and there's usually something for everyone's tastes.

[sofunky]

We have been on a couple of carnival cruises and have LOVED each of them...we are having a family reunion with my brothers and sisters. They all have kids ranging in age from 3 to 17. My husband and I are all about letting our kids play in camp carnival in the day and us partying on the lido deck and having family time in the evening....some of my family would rather keep the kids with them and others want the day structured....I am trying to put it together but cant compare cruiselines because we had such a great time the first time we never even thought to change. With the age group and the different lifestyles....not sure where to go. Is there one as fun as carnival for us but at the same time please the ones that would rather just relax and not have a "party crowd" everywhere they go?....Carnival never bothered us at all...relaxed all the time....maybe I should just put the drink of the day is sissys hands and call it good....Any suggestions that would give all the kids the best of times?

[kitty9]

The Royal Caribbean Voyager Class ships might be a great idea for your family. I think they are the most mulit-generational friendly cruise line around. Great kids program, lots of physical activities like rock climbing, golf, inline skating and ice skating, plus quiet places to just veg out. I find the food better on RCCI than on Carnival. Plus, it's always a good idea to experience different cruise lines just to see what you might be missing.

[LARGIN]

Princess... :D:D:D

[KKB]

but it is nice to get the benefits of cruising one line mostly...

 

We have done 1 Princess (w/o kids) and 1 Disney (w/ kids). We found little difference between the 2 ships from an adult view. Disney's adult restaurant is amazing, but not worth the extra 30% cruise price. And the nightlife was a bit slow on Disney. (we are 30-40 somethings, like to have a good time, but enjoy jounging at the beach or pool too)

My folks (early 60s) have cruised NCL, RCI and Celebrity. Celebrity is their fav, followed closely by RCI. That being said, they have only cruised Celebrity once. They have done a variety of itineraries, and feel there is not a great deal of difference between the lines. My uncle (70 and loves a good time) & his family took a Carnival recently and found that they & their 40 something kids had "outgrown" that atmosphere. But I know others in that same age group that cruise Carnival frequently.

 

It's like Vegas...I have stayed at inexpensive to pricey hotels. I have a good time no matter where I stay, but I now have preferences as to where I stay, and my budget allows me to not have to stay dirt cheap anymore. But I had just as good a time when I did!

 

The beauty of a cruise is that you can fill your days w/ activities (in fact usually too many to choose from!), or you can lounge & do nothing at all. There are many activities that do not interest me one bit, but I have NEVER been bored.

I like the value of a cruise, the variety of activities and being able to see several different ports. Our Disney cruise was fun, but exhausting w/ the children along (plus 21 other family members). Had that been our first cruise, I might not be so anxious to cruise again! But our first cruise on Princess has me HOOKED!

 

Happy cruising!

Kris

10/24/04 Star Princess Western

12/24/05 Disney Magic Eastern

10/29/06 Caribbean Princess Eastern