Advice for a new cruise line

[englishteacher702]

My husband and I have cruised 6 times on Carnival.  We enjoy it, but were thinking we should try a new line.  We are early 40's no kids. We like to chill, listen to music, do activities, and comedy, not into the Vegas type shows (we are from Vegas).  Obviously dining on other lines will be more upscale from Carnival, but not looking for anything too boujie.  I really think RCL is not for us since it seems to have so many activities for kids, and that's what we are trying to avoid. I would love to travel Virgin to be completely kid free, but their itineraries for the Caribbean aren't the best. 

 

Recommendations?  

[Essiesmom]

Look at Celebrity, Princess, and MSC in the Yacht Club (although as a senior I had no problems with MSC in non-yacht club areas).  MSC will have a much more International demographic, especially European.  EM

[Flatbush Flyer]

51 minutes ago, englishteacher702 said:

My husband and I have cruised 6 times on Carnival.  We enjoy it, but were thinking we should try a new line.  We are early 40's no kids. We like to chill, listen to music, do activities, and comedy, not into the Vegas type shows (we are from Vegas).  Obviously dining on other lines will be more upscale from Carnival, but not looking for anything too boujie.  I really think RCL is not for us since it seems to have so many activities for kids, and that's what we are trying to avoid. I would love to travel Virgin to be completely kid free, but their itineraries for the Caribbean aren't the best. 

 

Recommendations?  

Take a look at Oceania. No “bouji.” Rather, just accomplished, cosmopolitan travelers who have worked hard for their money. Small ships with unusual itineraries (even in the Caribbean!) and the best food at sea. 
Peruse their forum and roll calls here on CC to get a taste of what you’d enjoy with O.

[navybankerteacher]

I think you might like Celebrity - later on,  perhaps, (when you are “grown up”) you should think about HAL (unless, of course, they get completely “Carnivalized”).

[Heidi13]

Rather than suggesting a specific cruise line, I suggest using a similar exercise to us, when we dumped Princess due to extreme "Carnivalisation"

 

I developed an extensive "Statement of Requirements" listing everything that was a must have and others that were optional/preferences. Some of our requirements that we included:

• # pax - looking for 750 - 1250. Too small restricts entertainment options
• Pax space ratio (GT/pax) - prefer > 50, but no less than 40
• Pax/crew ratio - prefer 2:1, or better
• Meals (MDR) - quality meals, with options for destination menus
• Alternative restaurants - couple of options, with preference to no additional fees
• Cabin service - must be available 24/7, with preference to costs being included in fare
• Entertainment - not interested in wacky pool games, marriage games, etc. Prefer small group of singers/dancers supplemented with guest entertainers.
• Lectures - focus on destination
• Spa suite - preference if included
• Laundry - since we do longer cruises, must have pax laundry. Preference if included
• Wifi - preference if included
• Kids - preference if none
• Casino - never use, so preference if none
• Art Auctions, Photogs, Shops expanding into public spaces - not interested

[George C]

Definitely celebrity and if it’s in your budget book a suite , not many children , great lounge and restaurant. We are also huge fans of MSc yacht club fantastic suite perks , including live music from about 5 to 11 in suite lounge, both lines have butlers.

[Flatbush Flyer]

32 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

Rather than suggesting a specific cruise line, I suggest using a similar exercise to us, when we dumped Princess due to extreme "Carnivalisation"

 

I developed an extensive "Statement of Requirements" listing everything that was a must have and others that were optional/preferences. Some of our requirements that we included:

• # pax - looking for 750 - 1250. Too small restricts entertainment options
• Pax space ratio (GT/pax) - prefer > 50, but no less than 40
• Pax/crew ratio - prefer 2:1, or better
• Meals (MDR) - quality meals, with options for destination menus
• Alternative restaurants - couple of options, with preference to no additional fees
• Cabin service - must be available 24/7, with preference to costs being included in fare
• Entertainment - not interested in wacky pool games, marriage games, etc. Prefer small group of singers/dancers supplemented with guest entertainers.
• Lectures - focus on destination
• Spa suite - preference if included
• Laundry - since we do longer cruises, must have pax laundry. Preference if included
• Wifi - preference if included
• Kids - preference if none
• Casino - never use, so preference if none
• Art Auctions, Photogs, Shops expanding into public spaces - not interested

Other than an even lower minimum passenger load (under 700 is even better for us) and an expectation of truly superior food, I agree with most of your list. However, I would add as a consideration the prevalent nature of the itineraries since we prefer multi-segment cruises of 4-7 weeks with unique/unusual ports in the mix. 

[lenquixote66]

18 hours ago, englishteacher702 said:

My husband and I have cruised 6 times on Carnival.  We enjoy it, but were thinking we should try a new line.  We are early 40's no kids. We like to chill, listen to music, do activities, and comedy, not into the Vegas type shows (we are from Vegas).  Obviously dining on other lines will be more upscale from Carnival, but not looking for anything too boujie.  I really think RCL is not for us since it seems to have so many activities for kids, and that's what we are trying to avoid. I would love to travel Virgin to be completely kid free, but their itineraries for the Caribbean aren't the best. 

 

Recommendations?  

Our first cruise was on a Cunard ship.We were in our 20’s .The majority of the passengers on the ship were in their 60’s and older .We had a great time .

[SmoothFlying]

5 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Rather than suggesting a specific cruise line, I suggest using a similar exercise to us, when we dumped Princess due to extreme "Carnivalisation"

 

I developed an extensive "Statement of Requirements" listing everything that was a must have and others that were optional/preferences. Some of our requirements that we included:

• # pax - looking for 750 - 1250. Too small restricts entertainment options
• Pax space ratio (GT/pax) - prefer > 50, but no less than 40
• Pax/crew ratio - prefer 2:1, or better
• Meals (MDR) - quality meals, with options for destination menus
• Alternative restaurants - couple of options, with preference to no additional fees
• Cabin service - must be available 24/7, with preference to costs being included in fare
• Entertainment - not interested in wacky pool games, marriage games, etc. Prefer small group of singers/dancers supplemented with guest entertainers.
• Lectures - focus on destination
• Spa suite - preference if included
• Laundry - since we do longer cruises, must have pax laundry. Preference if included
• Wifi - preference if included
• Kids - preference if none
• Casino - never use, so preference if none
• Art Auctions, Photogs, Shops expanding into public spaces - not interested

Hmmmmmm.. From what I've read and researched BUT never sailed on so I may be speaking from ignorance guessing. Seems like Viking Ocean cruises is worth a look with MSC yacht club number two, as someone has already mentioned.  However, I've read in many critical reviews that SOME first time American passengers find the ship's almost non stop multi-language loudspeaker announcements grated on the serenity of a quiet and peaceful cruise. My advice would be to make a pros and con list of ALL lines you're thinking of and check on them using previous passengers reviews. Ultimately, it is YOUR call but you'll have some ideas based on both good and bad reviews from previous passengers.

 

Mac

Mac 

[SteveH2508]

7 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Rather than suggesting a specific cruise line, I suggest using a similar exercise to us, when we dumped Princess due to extreme "Carnivalisation"

 

I developed an extensive "Statement of Requirements" listing everything that was a must have and others that were optional/preferences. Some of our requirements that we included:

• # pax - looking for 750 - 1250. Too small restricts entertainment options
• Pax space ratio (GT/pax) - prefer > 50, but no less than 40
• Pax/crew ratio - prefer 2:1, or better
• Meals (MDR) - quality meals, with options for destination menus
• Alternative restaurants - couple of options, with preference to no additional fees
• Cabin service - must be available 24/7, with preference to costs being included in fare
• Entertainment - not interested in wacky pool games, marriage games, etc. Prefer small group of singers/dancers supplemented with guest entertainers.
• Lectures - focus on destination
• Spa suite - preference if included
• Laundry - since we do longer cruises, must have pax laundry. Preference if included
• Wifi - preference if included
• Kids - preference if none
• Casino - never use, so preference if none
• Art Auctions, Photogs, Shops expanding into public spaces - not interested

This list pretty much sums up Azamara.

[George C]

12 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

This list pretty much sums up Azamara.

Do you know if Aramara has changed since rccl sold it ?

[SteveH2508]

17 minutes ago, George C said:

Do you know if Aramara has changed since rccl sold it ?

I've not sailed on them since lockdown and the change of ownership. I have glanced at the Azamara board and things seem to be rather the same.

 

I have not seen much complaining about Royal Club tonic being served (which is a positive sign).

[Heidi13]

3 hours ago, SmoothFlying said:

Hmmmmmm.. From what I've read and researched BUT never sailed on so I may be speaking from ignorance guessing. Seems like Viking Ocean cruises is worth a look with MSC yacht club number two, as someone has already mentioned.  However, I've read in many critical reviews that SOME first time American passengers find the ship's almost non stop multi-language loudspeaker announcements grated on the serenity of a quiet and peaceful cruise. My advice would be to make a pros and con list of ALL lines you're thinking of and check on them using previous passengers reviews. Ultimately, it is YOUR call but you'll have some ideas based on both good and bad reviews from previous passengers.

 

Mac

Mac 

 

We had a number of additional criteria, shortlisting to Viking Ocean & Oceania, with Viking winning after a more detailed comparison, which included pax feedback.

 

I've read lots of pax like the MSC Yacht Club, but it wouldn't work for us, as the ships are way too big, with multiple language announcements and kids. We don't even like suites, and once you leave the special area you join the sea of humanity.

[navybankerteacher]

9 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

...

 

We don't even like suites, and once you leave the special area you join the sea of humanity.

Exactly - it is can be like living in  a comfortable apartment in an over-crowded community:  yes, you have you own space -- but the rest of the ship (which is the main reason for being on board in the first place) is something of a mob scene.  At home, I live in a comfortable house in a small town - not in a spacious mansion in a crowded urban area.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, George C said:

Do you know if Aramara has changed since rccl sold it ?

The “jury is out” since Sycamore Partners bought the “whole enchilada” Azamara for “chump change.” With zero cruise industry experience, it will be interesting to see what ultimately happens to a line that was excellent in most respects (except perhaps the food).

There needs to be more “premium” lines with ships under1500 passengers (and preferably for me, under 750) because, IMO, that will be the target size that creates a stable flow of business.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, SteveH2508 said:

I've not sailed on them since lockdown and the change of ownership. I have glanced at the Azamara board and things seem to be rather the same.

 

I have not seen much complaining about Royal Club tonic being served (which is a positive sign).

No Fever Tree? Shame on them.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

Exactly - it is can be like living in  a comfortable apartment in an over-crowded community:  yes, you have you own space -- but the rest of the ship (which is the main reason for being on board in the first place) is something of a mob scene.  At home, I live in a comfortable house in a small town - not in a spacious mansion in a crowded urban area.

Interesting how mass market lines think a wannabe “ship-within-a-ship” is anything like a true premium or luxury experience.

[navybankerteacher]

6 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Interesting how mass market lines think a wannabe “ship-within-a-ship” is anything like a true premium or luxury experience.

No - they are too clever to believe the sales pitch they make to their prospective passengers -- some of whom, I suppose, get to feel big about themselves -- knowing that they occupy an exclusive "first class" area.

[cruizergal70]

On 4/18/2022 at 8:15 PM, englishteacher702 said:

My husband and I have cruised 6 times on Carnival.  We enjoy it, but were thinking we should try a new line.  We are early 40's no kids. We like to chill, listen to music, do activities, and comedy, not into the Vegas type shows (we are from Vegas).  Obviously dining on other lines will be more upscale from Carnival, but not looking for anything too boujie.  I really think RCL is not for us since it seems to have so many activities for kids, and that's what we are trying to avoid. I would love to travel Virgin to be completely kid free, but their itineraries for the Caribbean aren't the best. 

 

Recommendations?  

Just a reminder that there are other places to cruise besides the Caribbean. Go see the world.

[cruiseaholic777]

We love Princess. I have been on about 27 cruises and I like Princess the best. Celebrity is great, but it is an older crowd.

[navybankerteacher]

On 4/19/2022 at 9:05 PM, cruizergal70 said:

Just a reminder that there are other places to cruise besides the Caribbean. Go see the world.

That requires imagination.

[Aquahound]

Celebrity has been mentioned a few times and I agree.  I think Celebrity is a great way to step up from Carnival.  The ships are beautiful and have good entertainment options.  Enjoy whatever line you choose.  

[George C]

1 hour ago, Aquahound said:

Celebrity has been mentioned a few times and I agree.  I think Celebrity is a great way to step up from Carnival.  The ships are beautiful and have good entertainment options.  Enjoy whatever line you choose.  

I was never fp that crazy over celebrity entertainment until we sailed Edge , most of my celebrity cruises have been music charters that have fantastic entertainment.

[ldubs]

On 4/18/2022 at 5:15 PM, englishteacher702 said:

My husband and I have cruised 6 times on Carnival.  We enjoy it, but were thinking we should try a new line.  We are early 40's no kids. We like to chill, listen to music, do activities, and comedy, not into the Vegas type shows (we are from Vegas).  Obviously dining on other lines will be more upscale from Carnival, but not looking for anything too boujie.  I really think RCL is not for us since it seems to have so many activities for kids, and that's what we are trying to avoid. I would love to travel Virgin to be completely kid free, but their itineraries for the Caribbean aren't the best. 

 

Recommendations?  

 

It has been many years since we have been on Carnival.  Back then, other than possibly the dress code,  I would not find the dining experience all that much different from Princess, Celebrity, or RCI.  Now days I have no idea.  It will be interesting to hear what you think.  

 

[sverigecruiser]

On 4/19/2022 at 9:54 PM, SmoothFlying said:

However, I've read in many critical reviews that SOME first time American passengers find the ship's almost non stop multi-language loudspeaker announcements grated on the serenity of a quiet and peaceful cruise. 

 

Very few multi-language loudspeaker announcements in the Yacht Club. That is not a problem.