Who has da best cruises?

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tech_fanatic

You really don't give much information of what you are looking for. For instance, what is your price, are you wanting a more luxurious atmosphere or more partying, will it be adults on the cruise or will there be kids, etc. Destination is also important.

But just to give you a basic idea I would say

For a smaller budget:
Carnival, there will be a lot of kids and younger adults (college aged) The boat has a Las Vegas feel to it, not quite as luxurious as some other lines, more for partying, the "fun ships" Not always the same standards as some other lines.

or

Royal Caribbean, there will still be kids onboard, but not nearly as many as Carnival. There are more adults onboard, and the average age tends to be a little older. A more classy, luxurious feel than Carnival, less partying.

Moderate budget:
Disney, Disney has some of the best service you can get onboard a cruise, it really is great. At the price they offer, you can't find the same service anywhere. The shows are great for anyone, especially Disney fans. There are a lot of kids onboard, but you mostly see them during character meet and greets, other times they are usually in the kids clubs. Very clean ships, good entertainment, great service and pretty good food. Mostly families onboard, but you will see a lot of couples onboard as well, without kids.

or

Princess, here were are starting to get into the lines that have a higher number of adults onboard. But, you will also find that the average age onboard is starting to rise. A very luxurious feel, classy, great food, clean, etc.

A larger budget:
Celebrity or Crystal, both are very high class. On these boats you are getting top of the line service, but it does come at a price. You will pretty much see only adults onboard. Some of the best food, service, amenities, etc. that you will find on a cruise.

or

A small yacht or something similar to Windjammer. These are smaller ships that only hold a few hundred guests. People onboard are looking to have a great time, let go and enjoy themselves. So, this is also a great ship if you are looking to party, but aren't really looking for something like Carnival.

Finally, I think that this link: http://cruisecritic.com/ will be helpful for you during your planning.

ArubaLisa

Carnival wood b right 4 u.

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

If you have the money to spend for the top cruise lines try Crystal, Radisson, Cunard, Windstar, and Silver sea. These cruie lines are a cut above because they run smaller ships (like to 500 to 700 passengers) and have a higher staff to passenger ratio so you get top of the line service. They also have more amenities included in the much higher price, like all veranda/balcony cabins, tubs and shower bathroom, larger cabins, daily wine and champaign with meals, etc. These ships generally go to a port or two on a seven day cruise which are different from the normal. Prices for a 7 day cruise may start at $2500 to $3000 (vs about $1200 on the next tier of ships.).

Now most cruises are done by lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney. Most of the ships for these lines are now 1500 to 2500 passenger ships. The ships are so big and things are so well managed that you really don't feel crowded on them. Prices on these ship can be as low as $800 for a 7 day inside cabin and about $1200 for a balcony cabin. Most of these lines go to the same places, they are just in port on different days. When you dock there may be one or two other ships there for the day and some days there may not be any where you go.

The format and service on all of these is about the same. But they do differ. Disney is for kids, and families with kids. It does have adults only areas on ship, but the kids are still there. Carnival is the party cruise line that most young folks and first time cruisers take (ages 20 to 35) who want to party, party, party.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian tend to have people who have cruised many times and are in the 40 and over age group; a more reserved crowd. Holland America tends to have the oldest cruisers. All of these may have some kids but not many. The last cruise we took on celebrity has about 7 or 8 kids all total. Also, ships going to the Caribbean tend to have more young folks than those going to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranian, Baltic, or South America. For somethiung special and different, do a Hawaii cruise and stay a few days (before or after) and go see some more of the islands.

I suggest that you go to the cruise line web sites and look at itineraries (what ports the ship will stop in), dates and pricecs. Also look at and understand the price structure. Cheapest in inside (no window/porthole), next is outside with a window or porthole), next is veranda/balcony (your own private patio), then comes the jr and full suites, then the penthouses and owners' suites which are like apartments. I suggest that you look at Veranda cabins they are hot and most ships these days tend to have many at a reasonable price (i.e., $1200 to $1500 for a 7-day.) If its for a honeymoon or aniversary, or birthday be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that. Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken.

I suggest Princess or Royal Caribbean; they are the ones I have had the best cabins, food and service with.

WhatheHell

I have only been on Carnival cruises, 3 different ships. I have no complaints....ok one. When we departed from San Juan the way they handled the luggage could be improved but other than that, I really have no complaints about Carnival at all. Its worth trying for a first cruise. Have fun!

Robin

You have some great answers already, but will add my 2 cents.

Carnival isn't for everyone, while they started targeting a more mature customer they are still the young at heart cruise line. Not the best, but offer a great bargain.

Celebrity is one of the best (for the normal person), however can be a bit stuffy. Not a good line for the young at heart or kids. I enjoyed it, but like a rich food, a little goes a long way.

Royal Caribbean is one of the best all around lines. They offer something for everyone.

The one to avoid is NCL! Their quality has dropped noticeably the past few years (since change of ownership). Think of them as a cheap bus ride.

Common ground for all lines... The larger the ship the more activities, however the more people you will have to deal with.

Another thing to consider is where you are leaving from and going to. Different locations attract different types of people. Some cruises are what I call shopping cruises, different shopping port each day, others are more party locations, yet others spend more time at sea than port.

The trick to a good cruise, is doing your homework. Pick a cruse line that matches your personality, pick a cruise the matches your interests.

Last tip, since this is your first, use a 'cruise agent' to book! While booking online may save a few $$, a cruise agent can make sure you have a good time. BTW there is a difference in 'travel agent' & 'cruise agent'.

jazzluvhellokitty93

well u should go to the spirit of norfolk

or look for some on the web

beanabug1

Royal Caribbean (freedom of the seas or vision of the seas) is really nice if you have a family and Celebrity is similar.
Carnival I would not recommend...

onyi

http://www.rhoda.joystar.com

bestway2gotravel

go to www.bestway2gotravel for the best info

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