Leeza_K Posted July 20 #1 Share Posted July 20 My first-ever cruise was in 2018 on Carnival. We had a really good time. (I was skeptical I would like cruises. lol) We did Carnival a 2nd time to take my mother-in-law and we again had fun and really enjoyed it. We'd like to cruise again in 2025 but am overwhelmed about which cruise line to try next. We'd like to try something other than Carnival. We'd likely sail out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale and looking at something 7 day to the Caribbean. We're flexible on the places it stops, to a point. We are considering Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, or Oceania but like I said, it's overwhelming. Don't know where to begin and I don't want emails and sales phone calls from 5 different cruise lines. lol Folks on our Carnival ship were advocating we should try Norwegian next... We'd book a balcony room on an upper deck. We also want to book a drinks/alcohol package and access to a spa with steam rooms, etc. Good food is important to us, but we're not picky. The food on Carnival was good, but maybe not mind blowing good...? We also don't want to be seated at dinner with total strangers if we don't have to be. We're not cheapskates, but I looked at prices for Virgin cruises and it was way above what we want to spend on a cruise. For that, I'll fly first class to Europe! lol Advice and suggestions from cruise experts welcomed!! Thank you!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted July 20 #2 Share Posted July 20 Take a look at NCL. Their Free at Sea package which is rolled into the cruise price includes alcohol and specialty dining, along with excursion credit and some wi-if minutes. You pay the gratuity for the alcohol (appx $21 pp/pd) and for the specialty dining (appx $10 per meal). The NCL boards have a wealth of information. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted July 20 #3 Share Posted July 20 23 minutes ago, Leeza_K said: My first-ever cruise was in 2018 on Carnival. We had a really good time. (I was skeptical I would like cruises. lol) We did Carnival a 2nd time to take my mother-in-law and we again had fun and really enjoyed it. We'd like to cruise again in 2025 but am overwhelmed about which cruise line to try next. We'd like to try something other than Carnival. We'd likely sail out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale and looking at something 7 day to the Caribbean. We're flexible on the places it stops, to a point. We are considering Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, or Oceania but like I said, it's overwhelming. Don't know where to begin and I don't want emails and sales phone calls from 5 different cruise lines. lol Folks on our Carnival ship were advocating we should try Norwegian next... We'd book a balcony room on an upper deck. We also want to book a drinks/alcohol package and access to a spa with steam rooms, etc. Good food is important to us, but we're not picky. The food on Carnival was good, but maybe not mind blowing good...? We also don't want to be seated at dinner with total strangers if we don't have to be. We're not cheapskates, but I looked at prices for Virgin cruises and it was way above what we want to spend on a cruise. For that, I'll fly first class to Europe! lol Advice and suggestions from cruise experts welcomed!! Thank you!!!! Oceania is a world apart (in the best ways) from the other cruise lines you’ve mentioned. And yet, if you look at the bottom line of all you get with your base fare (beverages, internet, booze and excursion package, specialty restaurants, <1200 or <700 passengers, etc), you may find that it’s a far better deal - particularly when you also consider all that you DON’T get on those other lines (mediocre food, poor crew and space ratios, thundering herds of passengers, nickel-diming for every little thing….) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XBGuy Posted July 20 #4 Share Posted July 20 Somewhat supporting @Flatbush Flyer's comments, while it is not clear to me what you mean by "good food is important" but then add "we're not picky," I think you will find that the offerings on Celebrity, NCL, and Royal Caribbean are, pretty much, comparable to Carnival. You won't go hungry on any of them. Oceania, on the other hand, makes a big deal about the cuisine and dining experience on their ships. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted July 20 #5 Share Posted July 20 Have a look at MSC from Miami or Port Canaveral. Consider the Aurea experience if you don’t want to dine with others, or Yacht Club. Come over to the MSC board and do some reading. EM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 20 Author #6 Share Posted July 20 1 hour ago, XBGuy said: Somewhat supporting @Flatbush Flyer's comments, while it is not clear to me what you mean by "good food is important" but then add "we're not picky," I think you will find that the offerings on Celebrity, NCL, and Royal Caribbean are, pretty much, comparable to Carnival. You won't go hungry on any of them. Oceania, on the other hand, makes a big deal about the cuisine and dining experience on their ships. Fair point. What I meant by "we're not picky" is it doesn't need to be 5 star, high end gourmet cuisine. The food was fine on Carnival and we had a great time. On the 2nd Carnival trip, some of the dinners were so-so, meaning it looked like something I could have picked up from the frozen section of Walmart. Edible? Yes. Impressive? Nope. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 20 Author #7 Share Posted July 20 33 minutes ago, Essiesmom said: Have a look at MSC from Miami or Port Canaveral. Consider the Aurea experience if you don’t want to dine with others, or Yacht Club. Come over to the MSC board and do some reading. EM Thank you! Very helpful. We don't mind dining in the large, main dining rooms. We just want to be seated at our own table. That's all. 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 20 Author #8 Share Posted July 20 2 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said: Oceania is a world apart (in the best ways) from the other cruise lines you’ve mentioned. And yet, if you look at the bottom line of all you get with your base fare (beverages, internet, booze and excursion package, specialty restaurants, <1200 or <700 passengers, etc), you may find that it’s a far better deal - particularly when you also consider all that you DON’T get on those other lines (mediocre food, poor crew and space ratios, thundering herds of passengers, nickel-diming for every little thing….) Thank you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ontheweb Posted July 20 #9 Share Posted July 20 Norwegian will definitely have you seated at your own table. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bull Posted July 20 #10 Share Posted July 20 @Flatbush Flyer mentioned "nickel & diming". NCL is probably the worst for this, @zqvol's mention of gratuities being payable on their included "Free at Sea" package is an example. And NCL concentrate on their speciality pay restaurants, so the standard in their main dining rooms suffers. The former can be taken into account in the cruise pricing, the latter will probably disappoint. The Flyer is an advocate for Oceania (we've not sailed Oceania). By all accounts the food is a cut above. They also include extras such as excursions - obviously that keeps costs down when cruising, but you're paying for those things in your cruise ticket price. So when comparing prices take into account the money you'd otherwise spend, but you'll get no benefit from inclusions which don't interest you. Celebrity are a favourite of ours and a cut above their stable-mate Royal Caribbean. If both appeal consider whether you want to pay the higher Celebrity prices. MSC are a bit of an acquired choice - we enjoy them, they have the youngest and most-stylish fleet in the world, but they get more than their fair share of poor reviews from Americans ( & Brits) who are surprised that this Italian line doesn't provide an American experience 🙄. Food is very acceptable, but not outstanding - probably different for those who choose the Yacht Club experience but we wouldn't know because the Yacht Club prices are in a different league. No-one's yet mentioned Princess - more refined and laid-back than the other mass-market lines. Another favourite of ours. And we've always found the food good in both Main Dining Rooms & buffets. We've only experienced Carnival once. OK, especially for the money, but with the greatest respect for Carnival I think you'll find the other cruise lines mentioned are better. BTW we always loved to share tables, we've made many good friends and shared many trips ashore with table-mates. But when cruising re-started post-Covid understandably no tables could be shared with strangers. Sadly for us, but fortunate for you, the cruise lines we've sailed have since been reluctant to offer shared tables. On both MSC and NCL the only large tables seem to be for shared cruise bookings. But because so many tables are now two-tops they're crammed in. Certainly on MSC and NCL you are likely to be less than a foot from the tables either side of you - and that's probably true of most lines. JB 🙂 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Honolulu Blue Posted July 21 #11 Share Posted July 21 19 hours ago, Leeza_K said: My first-ever cruise was in 2018 on Carnival. We had a really good time. (I was skeptical I would like cruises. lol) We did Carnival a 2nd time to take my mother-in-law and we again had fun and really enjoyed it. We'd like to cruise again in 2025 but am overwhelmed about which cruise line to try next. We'd like to try something other than Carnival. We'd likely sail out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale and looking at something 7 day to the Caribbean. We're flexible on the places it stops, to a point. We are considering Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, or Oceania but like I said, it's overwhelming. Don't know where to begin and I don't want emails and sales phone calls from 5 different cruise lines. lol Folks on our Carnival ship were advocating we should try Norwegian next... We'd book a balcony room on an upper deck. We also want to book a drinks/alcohol package and access to a spa with steam rooms, etc. Good food is important to us, but we're not picky. The food on Carnival was good, but maybe not mind blowing good...? We also don't want to be seated at dinner with total strangers if we don't have to be. We're not cheapskates, but I looked at prices for Virgin cruises and it was way above what we want to spend on a cruise. For that, I'll fly first class to Europe! lol Advice and suggestions from cruise experts welcomed!! Thank you!!!! I'm a big fan of repeating satisfying experiences. It took me 10 cruises on Carnival to try another cruise line, which happened to be Celebrity. More about them later. I've found the other cruise lines you mentioned (save Oceania and VV) more alike than different. Their amenities and crew are similar and some of their entertainment offerings are similar. There are differences which are important to know about, of course, but I really think any of them will show you a good time if you let them. I'm surprised you could find prices for Oceania that are less than that for Virgin. I'm further surprised that they have a significant number of 7-day voyages out of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Loss leaders, perhaps? O includes a lot in their fare, but so does VV. I haven't sailed on either. For my $$$, all else equal, I would choose Celebrity. I think their food is a bit better in both variety and quality. I like their ships - especially the Summit. And I like their service; I find it competent without being smothering. I actually think you would do well to find a good travel agent that specializes in cruises but doesn't specialize in any particular cruise line. There are lots of 7-day cruises out of Miami or Port Everglades at all times of the year and a TA would probably do better than any of us as gauging your needs and matching them to a cruise line. Whatever you choose, I wish you well. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkacmom Posted July 21 #12 Share Posted July 21 NCL has one of the cheapest drink packages, comes out to $21 a day, and at least one very cheap specialty dining venue. All but one ship have thermal suites with weekly passes with a pool, hut tub, heated loungers, steam room, sauna, bigger newer ships have even more options. I always get a pass, the main pools are small and crowded. No set dining times, so their my time dining seems to work better than ships with hybrid dining, reservations aren’t needed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Honolulu Blue Posted July 21 #13 Share Posted July 21 16 hours ago, Leeza_K said: On the 2nd Carnival trip, some of the dinners were so-so, meaning it looked like something I could have picked up from the frozen section of Walmart. Edible? Yes. Impressive? Nope. One reason I'll never be a part of the Foodies Club (wherever they hang out) is that I'm thoroughly unimpressed by food presentation and only impressed by taste. But different strokes for different folks. 🙃 15 hours ago, John Bull said: We've only experienced Carnival once. OK, especially for the money, but with the greatest respect for Carnival I think you'll find the other cruise lines mentioned are better. I respect your opinion but disagree. I discussed Celebrity above, but of the other cruise lines mentioned that I've sailed on, I think Carnival is (overall) equal to them, just a little different. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 21 Author #14 Share Posted July 21 20 hours ago, John Bull said: @Flatbush Flyer mentioned "nickel & diming". NCL is probably the worst for this, @zqvol's mention of gratuities being payable on their included "Free at Sea" package is an example. And NCL concentrate on their speciality pay restaurants, so the standard in their main dining rooms suffers. The former can be taken into account in the cruise pricing, the latter will probably disappoint. The Flyer is an advocate for Oceania (we've not sailed Oceania). By all accounts the food is a cut above. They also include extras such as excursions - obviously that keeps costs down when cruising, but you're paying for those things in your cruise ticket price. So when comparing prices take into account the money you'd otherwise spend, but you'll get no benefit from inclusions which don't interest you. Celebrity are a favourite of ours and a cut above their stable-mate Royal Caribbean. If both appeal consider whether you want to pay the higher Celebrity prices. MSC are a bit of an acquired choice - we enjoy them, they have the youngest and most-stylish fleet in the world, but they get more than their fair share of poor reviews from Americans ( & Brits) who are surprised that this Italian line doesn't provide an American experience 🙄. Food is very acceptable, but not outstanding - probably different for those who choose the Yacht Club experience but we wouldn't know because the Yacht Club prices are in a different league. No-one's yet mentioned Princess - more refined and laid-back than the other mass-market lines. Another favourite of ours. And we've always found the food good in both Main Dining Rooms & buffets. We've only experienced Carnival once. OK, especially for the money, but with the greatest respect for Carnival I think you'll find the other cruise lines mentioned are better. BTW we always loved to share tables, we've made many good friends and shared many trips ashore with table-mates. But when cruising re-started post-Covid understandably no tables could be shared with strangers. Sadly for us, but fortunate for you, the cruise lines we've sailed have since been reluctant to offer shared tables. On both MSC and NCL the only large tables seem to be for shared cruise bookings. But because so many tables are now two-tops they're crammed in. Certainly on MSC and NCL you are likely to be less than a foot from the tables either side of you - and that's probably true of most lines. JB 🙂 Can I ask what you mean by "nickel and diming?" Meaning - extra costs up front when booking the cruise, or extra costs while you're onboard? I don't mind paying gratuities as long as it's clear up front what's being charged. Overall, just curious. Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bull Posted July 21 #15 Share Posted July 21 (edited) 51 minutes ago, Leeza_K said: Can I ask what you mean by "nickel and diming?" Meaning - extra costs up front when booking the cruise, or extra costs while you're onboard? I don't mind paying gratuities as long as it's clear up front what's being charged. Overall, just curious. Thanks!! Unexpected or excessive on-board charges, eg (some time ago) welcome "champagne" handed to everyone when boarding, followed by "can I see your card please?" (yes, it was so they could charge the drink to us !) And NCL have always been the industry leader in increasing "gratuities" and pushing pay-restaurants JB 🙂 Edited July 21 by John Bull 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjkacmom Posted July 21 #16 Share Posted July 21 1 hour ago, John Bull said: Unexpected or excessive on-board charges, eg (some time ago) welcome "champagne" handed to everyone when boarding, followed by "can I see your card please?" (yes, it was so they could charge the drink to us !) And NCL have always been the industry leader in increasing "gratuities" and pushing pay-restaurants JB 🙂 NCL’s gratuities seem the highest, but they all increase them on a regular basis. I don’t think they push the specialty restaurants at all, most get at least one for a very low price. On our first cruise I got scammed into a drink of the day with souvenir glass on embankment, but never saw that again and it was almost 20 years ago. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted July 21 #17 Share Posted July 21 3 hours ago, Leeza_K said: Can I ask what you mean by "nickel and diming?" Meaning - extra costs up front when booking the cruise, or extra costs while you're onboard? I don't mind paying gratuities as long as it's clear up front what's being charged. Overall, just curious. Thanks!! My biggest beef with NCL is that they advertise their drinks and specialty restaurants as free in their "Free at Sea" program. However, what they do not make clear up front and what you have to do a little bit of digging to learn, is that they hit you with mandatory gratuity charges on both packages that you have to pay up front. I have never seen any other cruise line charge gratuities on a "free" offer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ontheweb Posted July 21 #18 Share Posted July 21 36 minutes ago, Aquahound said: My biggest beef with NCL is that they advertise their drinks and specialty restaurants as free in their "Free at Sea" program. However, what they do not make clear up front and what you have to do a little bit of digging to learn, is that they hit you with mandatory gratuity charges on both packages that you have to pay up front. I have never seen any other cruise line charge gratuities on a "free" offer. And the same offer includes "free excursions" with free meaning $50 off the first listed passenger. I know on our cruise last summer, there were no $50 or under excursions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldubs Posted July 21 #19 Share Posted July 21 43 minutes ago, Aquahound said: My biggest beef with NCL is that they advertise their drinks and specialty restaurants as free in their "Free at Sea" program. However, what they do not make clear up front and what you have to do a little bit of digging to learn, is that they hit you with mandatory gratuity charges on both packages that you have to pay up front. I have never seen any other cruise line charge gratuities on a "free" offer. Free, just pay Shipping & Handling! 😄 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldubs Posted July 22 #20 Share Posted July 22 (edited) 22 hours ago, Aquahound said: My biggest beef with NCL is that they advertise their drinks and specialty restaurants as free in their "Free at Sea" program. However, what they do not make clear up front and what you have to do a little bit of digging to learn, is that they hit you with mandatory gratuity charges on both packages that you have to pay up front. I have never seen any other cruise line charge gratuities on a "free" offer. We have booked our first ever NCL cruise for late next year. It sure isn't immediately clear to someone not familiar with NCL's programs. After a lot of looking, we think whatever option we chose (or didn't choose) avoids that surprise. Edited July 22 by ldubs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted July 23 #21 Share Posted July 23 we stopped sailing NCL years ago ..... we looked beyond ...... NCL is OK for introduction to cruising but there is SO MUCH MORE available ...... today VIKING is our choice and have a Rhine river booked for the fall and a Med for next summer . . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 23 Author #22 Share Posted July 23 52 minutes ago, Capt_BJ said: we stopped sailing NCL years ago ..... we looked beyond ...... NCL is OK for introduction to cruising but there is SO MUCH MORE available ...... today VIKING is our choice and have a Rhine river booked for the fall and a Med for next summer . . Thank you, this is helpful. We are narrowing it down and will likely pick something else than NCL. That said, unless it's REALLY bad service, I think it's hard to have a bad time on a cruise. Just relax and have fun, right? (Not an invitation to send bad cruise experience stories...please.) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeza_K Posted July 23 Author #23 Share Posted July 23 On 7/21/2024 at 2:02 PM, John Bull said: Unexpected or excessive on-board charges, eg (some time ago) welcome "champagne" handed to everyone when boarding, followed by "can I see your card please?" (yes, it was so they could charge the drink to us !) And NCL have always been the industry leader in increasing "gratuities" and pushing pay-restaurants JB 🙂 Thank you for clarifying. This is helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuker Posted July 24 #24 Share Posted July 24 If you've enjoyed Carnival, twice, why not stick with what you like? Perhaps Carnival, but to different locations? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ontheweb Posted July 24 #25 Share Posted July 24 3 hours ago, Canuker said: If you've enjoyed Carnival, twice, why not stick with what you like? Perhaps Carnival, but to different locations? That does make some sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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