Which Cruise Line Is Right for Me?

[KellyCz]

I have taken exactly one cruise, last October on Oceania, accompanying an older relative. I liked the size of the ship (about 700 passengers). I loved a lot about it and definitely plan to cruise again, but I'm not sure if Oceania is the right cruise line for me and my husband. Some details about us: both age 50-ish; active, fitness-minded (walking, biking). Vacation likes: good food; walking/exploring cities and historic sites; live performances; quiet time to read or write; craft beer, wine, cocktails in the evening; hands-on classes; socializing with new people; shopping for local goods. NOT on our dream vacation list: long bus tours; movies; lots of kids (no offense to anyone...love kids, just not on vacation!); general party atmosphere; pushy salespeople (selling goods, future vacations); crowds. So from that you can see that Oceania would be better for us than, say, Carnival (from what I've read and heard). Budget-wise Oceania is manageable, and we could go up a bit (but not a lot) from there. Is that enough info for you to give some recommendations? I'd love insights from more experienced cruisers.

[Cruzaholic41]

You seem to describe Viking Ocean perfectly.   I’ve cruised them a couple times and I’m comfortable with saying they’re my favorite line. My likes are almost identical to yours. 
 

I’ve also cruised Oceania and frankly, I like the mass market line Celebrity better. In fact, I’d recommend Celebrity if not for your wish of around 700 pax.  

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, KellyCz said:

I have taken exactly one cruise, last October on Oceania, accompanying an older relative. I liked the size of the ship (about 700 passengers). I loved a lot about it and definitely plan to cruise again, but I'm not sure if Oceania is the right cruise line for me and my husband. Some details about us: both age 50-ish; active, fitness-minded (walking, biking). Vacation likes: good food; walking/exploring cities and historic sites; live performances; quiet time to read or write; craft beer, wine, cocktails in the evening; hands-on classes; socializing with new people; shopping for local goods. NOT on our dream vacation list: long bus tours; movies; lots of kids (no offense to anyone...love kids, just not on vacation!); general party atmosphere; pushy salespeople (selling goods, future vacations); crowds. So from that you can see that Oceania would be better for us than, say, Carnival (from what I've read and heard). Budget-wise Oceania is manageable, and we could go up a bit (but not a lot) from there. Is that enough info for you to give some recommendations? I'd love insights from more experienced cruisers.

Don't fix what ain't broken.

[navybankerteacher]

6 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Don't fix what ain't broken.

Exactly.

 

Think about Oceania, Viking, perhaps Azamera - they seem to fit the persona you describe.  If really tempted by specific inventories, you might consider - in descending order: Cunard, HAL, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean or Carnival - but never NCL. 

 

The fact is, the first three names are more likely to be sailing itineraries you might like -  so the others probably do not fit.

[Aquahound]

2 hours ago, KellyCz said:

I loved a lot about it and definitely plan to cruise again, but I'm not sure if Oceania is the right cruise line for me and my husband. 

 

What was it about Oceania that didn't feel right for you?  My first thought for you was Viking but I don't want to recommend it if it has the same negative traits as Oceania.  

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, KellyCz said:

I have taken exactly one cruise, last October on Oceania, accompanying an older relative. I liked the size of the ship (about 700 passengers). I loved a lot about it and definitely plan to cruise again, but I'm not sure if Oceania is the right cruise line for me and my husband. Some details about us: both age 50-ish; active, fitness-minded (walking, biking). Vacation likes: good food; walking/exploring cities and historic sites; live performances; quiet time to read or write; craft beer, wine, cocktails in the evening; hands-on classes; socializing with new people; shopping for local goods.

Why do you think it would not be right  for you ?

Maybe look at Oceania's larger ships they have the Artist loft & the Culinary classes (you do the cooking)

 

You could look at Crystal  they have craft beer  

 

You will not get all on your wish list with one line 

[George C]

Our favorite which i think you would like is celebrity in suite , suite perks and food in suite restaurant is great or msc yacht club also great food and perks for both, both were mostly adults, which is a key for us also. 

[cruisemom42]

Based on your list, I would also recommend that you consider river cruises. They are a great way to explore cities relatively independently since most of the time they dock right in the center of the towns/cities they visit and they allow you to easily go off on your own without the need for a long bus ride to get "there".

 

I have not been on Oceania, but I have been on Azamara. The two lines have similar-sized ships, but my sense is that Oceania focuses more on the on-board experience while Azamara focuses more on itinerary, with a lot of more interesting ports and longer (or overnight) port stays. Neither line has the kind of entertainment that you'll find on some larger lines, but it doesn't sound like you are a fan of that type of entertainment. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

15 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I have not been on Oceania, but I have been on Azamara. The two lines have similar-sized ships, but my sense is that Oceania focuses more on the on-board experience while Azamara focuses more on itinerary, with a lot of more interesting ports and longer (or overnight) port stays.

FWIW: About three years ago, I had the good fortune of a brief conversation with the CEO of Azamara. I mentioned my preference for Oceania and asked how we would compare it to Azamara. His basic reply was: "Oceania is about food. Azamara is about overnights in port."

 

Interestingly, over those past three years, Oceania has added many overnights in ports (as well as numerous new/unusual ports - primarily for the R ships) including an expansion of culinary and wellness oriented tours and evening local entertainment (both aboard and inland). And the food has remained stellar.

[cruisemom42]

9 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

FWIW: About three years ago, I had the good fortune of a brief conversation with the CEO of Azamara. I mentioned my preference for Oceania and asked how we would compare it to Azamara. His basic reply was: "Oceania is about food. Azamara is about overnights in port."

 

Interestingly, over those past three years, Oceania has added many overnights in ports (as well as numerous new/unusual ports - primarily for the R ships) including an expansion of culinary and wellness oriented tours and evening local entertainment (both aboard and inland). And the food has remained stellar.

 

I look often at itineraries on both ships. I still find Azamara's better in general. Yes, there are some interesting ones on Oceania as well, including a TA I currently have a deposit on for August 2021 (Iceland and Greenland).

[calliopecruiser]

Why do you not think Oceania was right? 

You should also consider the luxury lines, including Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea.

[KellyCz]

13 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

What was it about Oceania that didn't feel right for you?  My first thought for you was Viking but I don't want to recommend it if it has the same negative traits as Oceania.  

First, thanks to everyone for all the responses. Very helpful! My “negatives” about Oceania were: (1) Average age of passengers was about two decades older than me. Conversations were interesting, but maybe not as relevant as they could be with people our age. (2) Cocktails were expensive ($12.98 each outside of happy hour/$59 per day for the package). (3) Fitness center was quite small. I took a yoga class, and there was barely room for the three guests and the instructor. Also very few fitness classes offered. (This may be typical...my experience is limited to just the one cruise. I was on Nautica.) 

Edited: Regarding size of ship, larger might be fine. Again, nothing to compare to. Never had any long lines or large crowds on Nautica, which I appreciated. 

Edited June 20, 2020 by KellyCz
Adding a detail

[LHT28]

22 minutes ago, KellyCz said:

First, thanks to everyone for all the responses. Very helpful! My “negatives” about Oceania were: (1) Average age of passengers was about two decades older than me. Conversations were interesting, but maybe not as relevant as they could be with people our age.

Sometimes the average age is  lower on certain itineraries

As I mentioned maybe their larger ships  would suit you better  not too big  but still the  Oceania experience

 

 I saw a post that said Crystal was offering bargain prices for the Caribbean   maybe check them out  if you find a good deal

Most drinks included

[George C]

Again I found msc yacht club a bargain drink package and internet was included, also really liked entertainment in YC lounge and you still could drink for free in all areas of the ship. On celebrity suite lounge is open all day for free drinks

[LHT28]

17 minutes ago, George C said:

Again I found msc yacht club a bargain drink package and internet was included, also really liked entertainment in YC lounge and you still could drink for free in all areas of the ship. On celebrity suite lounge is open all day for free drinks

if you like  being part of  a class system   it probably works for some

 We prefer  to have the run of the ship  dine where/when & with who we want

 

small ship  with less pax  works for us

YMMV

[calliopecruiser]

47 minutes ago, KellyCz said:

Regarding size of ship, larger might be fine. Again, nothing to compare to. Never had any long lines or large crowds on Nautica, which I appreciated. 

I think you need to pay more attention to the spacing more than the actual number -- for instance, Crystal's ocean ships have 850-1000 people, but the ships are larger, so they're no more crowded than some ships that have fewer people.  (Roughly estimate this by taking a ratio of passengers to gross tonnage.)  I agree that not having lines or crowds is hugely important.

 

Luxury lines are virtually all-inclusive, so that may be more to your liking (it's a big part of the relaxation of a vacation to me).  Age is variable with the length and itinerary of cruising.  I'm in my late 50s, and I was among the younger group on Crystal, but I was not alone at that age -- I would estimate at least half of the passengers were under 60 (though not by much).

[cruisemom42]

9 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

if you like  being part of  a class system   it probably works for some

 We prefer  to have the run of the ship  dine where/when & with who we want

 

small ship  with less pax  works for us

YMMV

 

Completely agree. I am not a fan of the "ship within a ship" concept.  I am less into special enclaves and perks and more into great itineraries on smaller ships with well-traveled fellow passengers (i.e., those who would rather talk about their experiences traveling the Silk Road in the 1970s than those who spend all their time talking about the size of their suite or comparing perks between lines....)

 

However, I understand its appeal for some. We all like to travel in different ways -- otherwise every ship would be the same.

 

 

[Shorex]

In addition to previous suggestions, I'd recommend adding Windstar to the mix.

https://www.windstarcruises.com/

 

Explore the website and get a feel for the personality of the cruise line. Actually that's good advice for every line that you are considering.

 

Some highlights:

Voted 2019 best small ship cruise line

Partners with James Beard foundation for cuisine

Ships have a sports platform that lowers in back for water sports in safe harbors

In some ports you can accompany the chef to local markets for dinner shopping

The bridge is open -- stop in to chat with the Captain and bridge officers about the charts and technology

and more...

 

We have sailed on multiple lines -- and Windstar is one of our top favorites.

 

 

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Sometimes the average age is  lower on certain itineraries....

We were on an "extended journey" including  transatlantic and a Greek isles segments. The average age on the TA was 60s-70s while the Greece cruise was 50s +\-.

[Shorex]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

 I saw a post that said Crystal was offering bargain prices for the Caribbean  maybe check them out  if you find a good deal

Most drinks included

https://www.crystalcruises.com/

Absolutely! We are thinking of booking one for November. On the "Find a Voyage" tab search for cruises in October, November or December of this year and choose the Serenity. Crystal is "all-inclusive." Before the quibble begins, no cruise line includes literally everything. However, you will not pay gratuities, for most alcoholic beverages (yes, you will pay for JW Blue or Opus One, etc.,  but you won't pay for Talisker or Botanist for example), specialty dining in the Nobu restaurant and the Italian restaurant, specialty coffees, unlimited wifi, 24 hour room service and there's probably more.

 

If you've ever thought of trying a luxury line, this is the time to do it.

 

One more thought: every cruise line has its proponents and its detractors. Filter through the noise and find what's right for you.

Bon voyage!

 

 

 

 

 

[LHT28]

5 minutes ago, Shorex said:

https://www.crystalcruises.com/

Absolutely! We are thinking of booking one for November. On the "Find a Voyage" tab search for cruises in October, November or December of this year and choose the Serenity. Crystal is "all-inclusive." Before the quibble begins, no cruise line includes literally everything. However, you will not pay gratuities, for most alcoholic beverages (yes, you will pay for JW Blue or Opus One, etc.,  but you won't pay for Talisker or Botanist for example), specialty dining in the Nobu restaurant and the Italian restaurant, specialty coffees, unlimited wifi, 24 hour room service and there's probably more.

 

free  self serve laundry rooms  if that is important to you

Free printing in the computer room

More  smoking areas  for those that like to smoke

 

[Aquahound]

3 hours ago, KellyCz said:

First, thanks to everyone for all the responses. Very helpful! My “negatives” about Oceania were: (1) Average age of passengers was about two decades older than me. Conversations were interesting, but maybe not as relevant as they could be with people our age. (2) Cocktails were expensive ($12.98 each outside of happy hour/$59 per day for the package). (3) Fitness center was quite small. I took a yoga class, and there was barely room for the three guests and the instructor. Also very few fitness classes offered. (This may be typical...my experience is limited to just the one cruise. I was on Nautica.) 

Edited: Regarding size of ship, larger might be fine. Again, nothing to compare to. Never had any long lines or large crowds on Nautica, which I appreciated. 

 

Thank you.  Someone earlier said you won't find all your criteria in any one line, and I agree with that.  However, going a little different direction than the rest of the responses, I recommend you look at Celebrity.  Yes, the ships are much larger and there are many more passengers but because of the larger size, I doubt you'll feel much difference in terms of crowds.  I've never felt crowded on Celebrity ships.  The ships are beautiful, very modern, and you'll get a much better range in ages.  You can probably book a suite with a drink package at or below what you'd pay on a line like Oceania, Viking, etc.  Plus, the suites come with a dedicated restaurant that gets high reviews.  One more thing; I work out regularly and I find the gyms on Celebrity to be large and quite nice.

 

I also recommend looking at Holland America's newest ships (Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam).  HAL is notoriously an older crowd, like you experienced on Oceania, but these newer ships have much better entertainment venues that attract the younger folks on board.  

Edited June 20, 2020 by Aquahound

[DaveSJ711]

50 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

I also recommend looking at Holland America's newest ships (Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam).  HAL is notoriously an older crowd, like you experienced on Oceania, but these newer ships have much better entertainment venues that attract the younger folks on board.  

 

Would the Notorious R.B.G. sail on HAL?  At 87, she certainly fits the age demographic.

[Shorex]

32 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

free  self serve laundry rooms  if that is important to you

Free printing in the computer room

More  smoking areas  for those that like to smoke

 

To clarify the smoking policy: (edited to ocean vessels only)
Connoisseur Club Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony
VIP Casino on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (during play, upon request)
Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
Deck 11, aft Crystal Serenity
Seahorse pool area, port side only
Promenade Deck, port side only 

 

Basically, it's a few areas outside, the Connoisseur Club and the VIP casino. Personally I've never been bothered by the smoke and neither have our friends who are particularly smoke sensitive. If that's a deal breaker, c'est la vie.

[LHT28]

1 hour ago, Shorex said:

To clarify the smoking policy: (edited to ocean vessels only)
Connoisseur Club Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony
VIP Casino on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (during play, upon request)
Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
Deck 11, aft Crystal Serenity
Seahorse pool area, port side only
Promenade Deck, port side only 

 

Basically, it's a few areas outside, the Connoisseur Club and the VIP casino. Personally I've never been bothered by the smoke and neither have our friends who are particularly smoke sensitive. If that's a deal breaker, c'est la vie.

 Quite  a few areas 😲

We found  it  a problem   but  others may not  find it so

That is why I said     "More  smoking areas  for those that like to smoke" 

 

We are used to living in  a place where smoking indoors (unless your own home)  is not allowed

 

 On Oceania  which we normally sail   they have 2 small areas for smokers   so no need to guess  what area is smoke free

We tried sitting out on the aft deck of the Serenity   but  maybe we are too sensitive to smoke

To each their own

 

 For new people to Crystal  just be aware  if you are  a non smoker or have problems with the smell

JMO