What is the entry level cruise line?

[EngIceDave]

Is it Carnival?

 

What do you consider the cruise industry's entry level product?

 

I do not mean or ask this to disparage Carnival, I enjoy it and will be plat on my next one, but I mentioned in another thread that I viewed Carnival as the industry's entry level cruise line and that as folks age, become retired/empty nesters and they move up to other brands like Princess, Cunard or even Seven Seas if you can afford such and that person disagreed.

 

That made me wonder, what does everyone see as today's cruise industry entry level cruise line? What cruise line would you recommend to the newbie cruiser? Is it Carnival, and if so, is that out of brand loyalty or because that's the best place to start?

 

[edh101985]

I think it depends on your budget. They all have plus and minuses. 

[Guest BasicSailor]

There is no entry level cruise line available. You may think any ship with a training crew (For example the Fantasy class) could have been an entry level cruise. But in reality, there is no entry level cruse.

I actually enjoyed the crew training ships more. The crew was much more respectable than today's Carnival. 🤐

[klfrodo]

Carnival is definitely a good starter.

[starstruck05]

I get what you're asking. I would say Carnival or Royal for main cruiselines as starters. I started I think a 4 ot 5 day out of FL. However with Margaritaville in the picture it's KIND of a starter cruise but from what I've seen it's doesn't work like most cruiselines. 

[kctwinmommy]

I would think it's usually a starter cruise for a lot of people simply because of costs. If people aren't sure about cruising, I can't imagine they want to spend $15K on their first cruise. We did MSC for our first one, it was a 12 day one, but it was in 2001 and it was a buy one, get one free deal! So it was still pretty inexpensive. We've done all Carnival since then, simply because we're used to it, get a few perks, and it's a decent bang for our buck. We did RCI for Europe because they had a cruise we wanted, but still feel that it was pretty close to Carnival.

 

Now, having said that, we're ready for something new and different now. Our son is gone at college, so he's not going on our next one. And we wanted a bigger, nicer Mediterranean cruise, so we are going with Viking. We just wanted something a little bit calmer, no kids, and really port intensive. But I would never spend the money we're spending on a first time cruise.

[Essiesmom]

I agree that entry level is different depending on budget.  For very successful folks, entry might be Azamara, Oceania, Regent…. For families, or those with limited budget I would think Carnival, NCL, Royal…. But we are talking North America based.  In Europe it might be Celestyal, P&O…

It also depends on what you want of a cruise.  EM

[jsglow]

3 hours ago, EngIceDave said:

Is it Carnival?

 

What do you consider the cruise industry's entry level product?

 

I do not mean or ask this to disparage Carnival, I enjoy it and will be plat on my next one, but I mentioned in another thread that I viewed Carnival as the industry's entry level cruise line and that as folks age, become retired/empty nesters and they move up to other brands like Princess, Cunard or even Seven Seas if you can afford such and that person disagreed.

 

That made me wonder, what does everyone see as today's cruise industry entry level cruise line? What cruise line would you recommend to the newbie cruiser? Is it Carnival, and if so, is that out of brand loyalty or because that's the best place to start?

 

Here's your error @EngIceDave.  Many folks remain with Carnival (or RCCL for that matter) because they prefer the vibe of the ship.  I'm well into my 60s at this point and actually prefer Carnival over Princess at the same price point for most itineraries (not Alaska).  It's just a better fit for our casual lifestyle.  And judging from the throngs of 'seasoned' Diamonds on our last Journeys cruise, we're not alone.

 

I will say that we do want to give HAL a try.  They seem to be re-branding toward a bit younger crowd with a big emphasis on live music aboard smaller ships going to exotic ports.  That seemingly fits us perfectly.  So it's great that everyone who enjoys cruising can find their niche.  But 'fancy' isn't what everyone wants, regardless of age.  Note that 'price' isn't a driving force for us.  We're plenty 'comfortable' financially. 

[Honolulu Blue]

8 hours ago, EngIceDave said:

What cruise line would you recommend to the newbie cruiser? Is it Carnival, and if so, is that out of brand loyalty or because that's the best place to start?

Carnival does a lot of things well, IMHO.  Their prices are often low, they offer lots of short cruises, they offer cruises from more ports than anyone, their crew is friendly and competent, and it's known as a place that's friendly to certain groups of people.  There are plenty of n00bs I'd happily recommend Carnival to.  I wouldn't recommend them to everyone.

 

New cruisers should really do a careful look at their needs in a cruise, recognizing that everyone likes (and dislikes) different things and that needs change over time.  Many of them would be well served to consult with a travel agent who can filter their needs into a (near) perfect pick.

[sparks1093]

From a price standpoint it's probably Carnival for the most part but there are deals out there with other lines if one shops around. It depends on how much shopping around the newbie wants to do. A lot has changed in our lives since we started cruising, we are empty nesters and I've received several promotions that have moved us well up on the economic ladder, but Carnival has everything we need at a price we like so we stick with them. We are always on the lookout for an inexpensive cruise on other lines because we still want to sail with as many as we can, but we have no qualms booking with Carnival.

[asalligo]

Carnival is the entry level product in my opinion, but I stay with Carnival because it is all about cost of days at sea for me. I have tried all the other lines and yes, some were a lot nicer, but in the end, not enough nicer to cut my days at sea on a cruise ship per year in half or even more. I was on Princess thinking this was an awesome cruise, but would I trade this for two more cruises this year, no. 

 

 

[ninjacat123]

My family started out cruising on Royal's Mariner of the Seas for a 2 nighter.  Did a 5 nighter on Enchantment of the Seas.  Loved both!  Then I found out I could get a balcony for the same cost as a Royal inside on Carnival.  Been cruising Carnival since.  Plus the crew is great.  Would I cruise another cruise line? Sure, but I need to get through the six cruises I already have booked on Carnival😉

[wolft927]

14 hours ago, EngIceDave said:

Is it Carnival?

 

What do you consider the cruise industry's entry level product?

 

I do not mean or ask this to disparage Carnival, I enjoy it and will be plat on my next one, but I mentioned in another thread that I viewed Carnival as the industry's entry level cruise line and that as folks age, become retired/empty nesters and they move up to other brands like Princess, Cunard or even Seven Seas if you can afford such and that person disagreed.

 

That made me wonder, what does everyone see as today's cruise industry entry level cruise line? What cruise line would you recommend to the newbie cruiser? Is it Carnival, and if so, is that out of brand loyalty or because that's the best place to start?

 

So Again all up to what your expectations are. I have cruised almost all lines since I was about 10 years old. Carnival in my opinion attracts a younger cliental especially on shorter sailings. My wife and I never cruise for less then 7 days, and are in our early 40s with children that are almost all grown, youngest is 16 turning 17. Wife and I have cruised recently the Dream ad the Glory as well as NCL Breakaway several times and have another booked on the Joy for April. We love to have a great time by the pool, enjoy our drinks and the nightlife, but with that being said, we also do not like the extrmely intoxicated people throwing up in trash cans or even in the hot tubs( seen this several times)

Carnival does a lot right, but there entertainment is subpar vs say RCCL and NCL. Last 2 on NCL and our cruise in April we are staying in the HAVEN, and love the ship within a ship which Carnival really doesnt offer. But would we cruise carnival again? Absolutely, but would be on a new ship and at least a 7 day sailing. Also, once you factor in the Drink package if you purchase it NCL comes out cheaper ususally on larger newer ships. RCCL Drink package is very very high 

[Honolulu Blue]

56 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

Carnival does a lot right, but there entertainment is subpar vs say RCCL and NCL.

It depends on what you're looking for.  If you're looking for Broadway-ish shows, the little Playlist numbers on Carnival are never going to compare favorably to what those two offer.  But if you're looking for comedy... both NCL and RCCL rarely offer more than 2 comics and 2 shows per sailing.  Carnival offers far more comedians, even on its shortest sailings.

[ldubs]

Entry level meaning good for a beginner?  I think it depends on the beginner.  Family with young kids or with teens looking for a fun and exciting atmosphere?  Thirty somethings interested in a party atmosphere?  Or, a retired couple looking for relaxing atmosphere?   Or, maybe just someone wanting to dip their toe in to test the water, like "hey, let's take a cruise"?  I think Carnival could do a good job of meeting the needs of each with entry level pricing, but may not be the very best choice for every category.  

  

Edited February 21, 2023 by ldubs

[EngIceDave]

1 hour ago, ldubs said:

Entry level meaning good for a beginner?  I think it depends on the beginner.  Family with young kids or with teens looking for a fun and exciting atmosphere?  Thirty somethings interested in a party atmosphere?  Or, a retired couple looking for relaxing atmosphere?   Or, maybe just someone wanting to dip their toe in to test the water, like "hey, let's take a cruise"?  I think Carnival could do a good job of meeting the needs of each with entry level pricing, but may not be the very best choice for every category.  

  

 

 

Basically, first time cruisers.

 

Who do you think is the cruise line for first time cruisers?

I doubt it'd be Cunard, Viking or even Celebrity.

Edited February 21, 2023 by EngIceDave

[staceyglow]

40 minutes ago, EngIceDave said:

 

 

Basically, first time cruisers.

 

Who do you think is the cruise line for first time cruisers?

I doubt it'd be Cunard, Viking or even Celebrity.

I still think it depends on the person.  There are people who might like Holland America or Celebrity who wouldn't like the Carnival experience at all.

[cruisingguy007]

23 minutes ago, EngIceDave said:

 

 

Basically, first time cruisers.

 

Who do you think is the cruise line for first time cruisers?

I doubt it'd be Cunard, Viking or even Celebrity.

 

Mass market is the only level for me lol. I would not pay anywhere near what some folks pay to cruise on so called luxury lines, I'd much rather take a land vacation than spend beaucoup bucks on a cramped cabin, tiny pools and limited ship activities. I only cruise for the value proposition and because it's fun for the whole family (everyone enjoys themselves, including the kids, and gets to vacay their way).

 

I priced out my next cruise on Disney vs Carnival and Disney wants 15K vs 4.5K on Carnival (same type of cabin and Carnival's cabin is actually a better layout). I'd never pay 3 times (or more in many cases) to cruise or even contemplate spending 15K+ on a cruise of any kind (maybe a world type cruise but that's about it). To me that's absurd and it's not even about the money, it's the principle and return on enjoyment value for the spend. I would never reach a equitable value proposition level no matter how nice the cabin or service as the price/value axis has limits for me and other options start looking much better.

 

Fancy blankets, food, robes and butlers are not enough to overcome the limitations of cruising. The things I love about cruising won't really change with luxury prices and the things I dislike will still be there on the luxury lines so why pay more? 

[MJSailors]

Why not Cunard,Viking or Celebrity?

It all depends on the person choosing a cruise ,their style, pocketbook and outlook.

Different strokes for different folks.

MJ

[hapytobehr]

We are who you would consider "older folks".  I have sailed MSC, Celebrity, Royal and NCL and I keep coming back to Carnival.

 

Hubby and I were kind of bored on Celebrity.  

 

I get great Casino deals from all those lines but I still like Carnival better.

 

But that's why there's Vanilla and Chocolate and strawberry and............

 

 

 

[justafem]

My opinion.

 

Carnival isn't any cheaper than princess.  Especially when you add any kind of drink package.  

 

The only reason I cruise with carnival is because of casino rates.  

 

Carnival really does nickel and dime. 

Sure there's free coffee in the buffet, but do you want better?  Not great, but better?  That'll be $6.

Want a snack delivered?  It's going to be $6 for every item. And they're not great either.

Every single thing on carnival is like that.  

 

Steakhouse on carnival is $50 and truthfully, it's not all that either.  Steakhouse on princess is $29 and it's better.  

 

Princess sells coffee cards, carnival doesn't. 

 

Princess has Plus and Premier packages which include unlimited WIFI, prepaid gratuities, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, 15 booze drinks per day, desserts, fresh juice (think Jamba), exercise classes etc.  Plus is $60 per day, Premier is $80 per day.  Premier also includes 2 specialty dining, photo package and a couple other items I've forgotten.

 

Carnivals beverage package cost's $80 per day and all you get is beverages, nothing else added.

 

Texting is free on princess, carnival charges $5 for the length of the cruise. 

 

We did chefs table on carnival, it was $100, on princess it was $115.  I did like carnivals chefs table more.  Ok, carnival wins on that one. 

 

It really is all the little things that add up on carnivals side.  Don't get me wrong, I don't NEED any of the added items, but I do WANT them.  

[Beav1279]

I think it's more about the number of days in the trip than the line. My very first cruise was on Royal for 4 nights out of FL. I thought that was a great introduction to cruising! I can't imagine that there are many 1st time cruisers on an 11-day or 14-day trip - no matter the cruise line. If someone were to ask my advice on what they should do, I would recommend a 4-5 day cruise on Royal or Carnival to "get their feet wet".

[cruisingguy007]

1 hour ago, justafem said:

My opinion.

 

Carnival isn't any cheaper than princess.  Especially when you add any kind of drink package.  

 

The only reason I cruise with carnival is because of casino rates.  

 

Carnival really does nickel and dime. 

Sure there's free coffee in the buffet, but do you want better?  Not great, but better?  That'll be $6.

Want a snack delivered?  It's going to be $6 for every item. And they're not great either.

Every single thing on carnival is like that.  

 

Steakhouse on carnival is $50 and truthfully, it's not all that either.  Steakhouse on princess is $29 and it's better.  

 

Princess sells coffee cards, carnival doesn't. 

 

Princess has Plus and Premier packages which include unlimited WIFI, prepaid gratuities, unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, 15 booze drinks per day, desserts, fresh juice (think Jamba), exercise classes etc.  Plus is $60 per day, Premier is $80 per day.  Premier also includes 2 specialty dining, photo package and a couple other items I've forgotten.

 

Carnivals beverage package cost's $80 per day and all you get is beverages, nothing else added.

 

Texting is free on princess, carnival charges $5 for the length of the cruise. 

 

We did chefs table on carnival, it was $100, on princess it was $115.  I did like carnivals chefs table more.  Ok, carnival wins on that one. 

 

It really is all the little things that add up on carnivals side.  Don't get me wrong, I don't NEED any of the added items, but I do WANT them.  

 

It's all about the math, many times, even paying extra for the aforementioned items you listed, it's still cheaper to roll with Carnival than other lines that may include them. For us, it's usually cheaper to pay for the al-la-carte items we want than booking a line that includes everything. There are often hidden fees with these deals, increased cruise fares or higher up-charges and less included overall vs Carnival. Total cost should win out in the end. Carnival includes a nice selection of food options that others do not and has a higher energy level on the ships that creates a more favorable atmosphere value for some that has tangible value, especially those traveling as a family vs only couples/singles. There are many dynamics that go into the value-for-dollar ratio that many overlook.      

[Vacationdreamer<><]

My entry level was DCL. My love of Disney vacations spilled over to the cruise line (2001) and I even believed the lie that once you’d done DCL everything else would be less-then. So we went 13 years (2014) until I could afford to get my much enlarged family on a ship again. After our second DCL cruise we decided we’d be willing to try another line bc the cruise bug bit hard. 
Took me a while to get to CCL and now I’m loyal to none. All about dates and deals!

 

 

 

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by Vacationdreamer<><
Spelling errors

[vswan]

We started cruising many years (25, maybe 30) ago when the kids were in their teens. I had a friend/business associate who was a travel agent. My son was a junior in high school and I gave him a budget of $4,000 all in for the 4 of us. He knew me quite well and said I wouldn't be happy with Carnival, so sent us on HAL. It was a wonderful experience, enough kids that they were able to meet others and enjoy and learn about other cultures. Had such a wonderful time we went again the following year - think it was Royal that year. Again had a good time.

 

Since then, we have taken at least one cruise per year, some with kids, some without. We are not loyal to any one line and have not reached a high enough status with any of them to really make a difference - but close on several lines. Our criteria is a ship going were we want to go, at the time we want to go and a fair/reasonable price. I've also switched to balcony cabins from inside or oceanview.

 

Funny thing is, after all this time the TAs recommendation that I wouldn't like Carnival has stayed with me and I've never tried them. My daughter's family is now taking her 2 children yearly and tried Carnival because of the price savings for a family of 4. After her first Carnival cruise she decided it is her favorite cruiseline and only books on them. Part is the price, family friendly, lots of food options that don't require a 2 hour dining room session with the kids, lots to do, the kids club activities, etc. I'm sure that in the not too distant future I will be joining them on Carnival and am looking forward to the experience.

 

So my answer would be, if you are a young family Carnival may be a great fit for you. If you are looking for an high-end upscale experience you need to look at an upscale line that such as Cunard or Viking. Most of the mainline cruise lines are somewhere in between. We have sailed the most on HAL and NCL, (as could RCL, Celebrity and Princess) and either could be a good entry level fit depending on what you are looking for.