CRUISE LINES
each cruise line has a little something different to offer and even within each cruise line different ships will offer different things, when picking a cruise there are several things to consider, when you go on your first couple cruises some of these things may not matter as much and you will still have fun, as you go on more you will want to fine tune cruise line and ship to have the ultimate trip. some of these things you may not realize make a difference until you have gone on a few and see the difference.
–what is important to you–
cruise line brand
sticking with one brand to build loyalty points/status
small ship or big ship
new ship or older ship
younger, middle age or older crowd
super relaxed, casual, classy or really classy
lots of activites on the ship or more of a classic cruise
what port it leaves from
what kind of weather (swimming, sightseeing, or parka)
inside cabin, window or balcony
how many stops it makes
what ports you visit
do you want more stops or days at sea
what days of the week it leaves on
how many days
(we will discuss all these on the “choosing a cruise” page)
Lets look at the main cruise line you will see operating out of US ports.
Carnival– is usually some of the cheaper cruises you will find, though not allways. their ships range from 3.5 to 4.5 stars, this is the most relaxed line with a party atmosphere reputation, they have 24 ships, alot of their ships are on the older side ( only 5 are built within the last 10 years) but alot have been refurbished with Carnival WaterWorks water park and mini-golf course, some have large water slides and ropes courses.
Norwegian – is a step up from carnival, lower to mid priced, relaxed atmosphere, ships range from 3.5 to 5 stars, 14 ships in their fleet with 7 built within the last ten years, some of their newer ships have some of the biggest water slides on cruise ships. partnered with Nickelodeon so you will see characters like Dora and Sponge bob and have some Nick game show type activities. some things you will find on some of their ships, outdoor movie screens, mini golf, rock climbing wall, large water slides, ropes course, The Plank (walk 8 feet over the side of the ship)
MSC – operating mostly from europe, mid priced, 13 ships with 10 being built in the past 10 years, 4 stars.
they only have one ship leaving from a US port, the MSC Divina, it does caribbean cruises. will have a second ship operating out of Miami the end of 2017 that is supose to be pretty cool claiming the biggest waterpark, seems to have a casual but classier European feel from what others say
Royal Caribbean– is a casual line that caters to a broad range of people,lower to mid priced, ships range from 3.5 to 5 stars, 25 ships with 10 being built in the last 10 years and of the “top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world” 8 are Royal Caribbean (#7 & #9 are Norwegian), partnered with Dreamworks several of their ships will have characters from Shrek, Madagascar, etc.,The first to install a rock wall on every ship in its fleet and continues to be first in alot of ship activities like Flowrider (surf simulator) skydiving simulators, ziplines, carousel, ice skating, broadway shows, bumpercars,etc.
Disney– catering to families but still something for everyone, expensive, 5 star ships, 4 ships in the fleet and 2 being built in the last 10 years. Broadway-style musicals, first run films, Disney Characters, themed deck parties , some ships with mini golf and 765-foot long AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea.
Princess– is a casual to classier line that caters to a calmer crowd but still a broad range of people,lower to mid priced, ships range from 4 to 5 stars, 18 ships with 6 being built in the last 10 years, they go for more of a relaxing atmosphere, most ships will have outdoor movie screens and mini golf.
Celebrity– going for the classier feel they consider themselves a premium cruise line with outstanding cuisine, on the more expensive side, ships from 4.5 to 5.5 stars, 12 ships, 7 built in last 10 years, as far as onboard activites they stick with the basics of swimming pools, jogging track, basketball court
Holland America– catering to the older crowd, lower to mid priced, ships are 4.5 to 5 stars, 14 ships with 4 built in last 10 years, “Guests participate in lectures, dance lessons, fitness classes, afternoon teas, bingo and more”
Fathom– in your search for inexpensive cruises you will see fathom, they have one ship with trips to Cuba (the first) and Dominican republic, it is a small ship (700 passenger) spends 1 day at sea, stays in port 4 days and 1 day back