Who is the best Cruise line ?

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Dan N

As a former cruise line employee, I can tell you that Royal Caribbean is probably the best 'overall' cruise line, but it's a vague question that doesn't have a specific answer for everyone.

Carnival would likely be the most 'fun' for young adults and partiers.
Holland America is great for retirees, with a bit of a slower pace...
Princess is like Royal Caribbean but slighty more upscale and fewer family and adventure things.
Celebrity Cruises [my former employer] was known as the best mass-marketed 'upscale' cruise line; great company, although younger families and couples tend to choose their parent company Royal Caribbean instead.
Norwegian is generally considered a bit of a hybrid between Carnival and Royal Caribbean; with 'freestyle' cruising being their catchphrase.
Crystal Cruises and Radisson Seven Seas are two of the 'cream of the crop' lines, very high luxury cruise lines for affluent cruisers.
Royal Caribbean tends to offer great fares, the most impressive ships in term of range of activities and restaurants available, and excellent entertainment for any age... Great all-purpose cruise line, and good for all types of cruisers.

To answer your question specifically -- I believe the ports of call are the most important aspect of a great Caribbean cruise. I spent many weeks living on ships and doing the Caribbean, and can say that a good itinerary is what many people care most about... (and if you can choose, try for the 'docked' ports as opposed to 'tendered', where you have to take a boat to shore. Not a dealbreaker if it's your favorite place, but all else being equal, go for the docked port.)

Have Fun!

ctelly22

Royal Caribbean. The service and amenities are excellent. They have a lot of onboard activities and great ports of call. The ships are huge and well maintained. have been on carnival too. Its definitely not the best, cheap though in price and quality.

grace

I like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. Good food, good activities, gambling, dancing, nice pools, good service and nice accommodations. Rooms, even suites, are small but you have to keep in mind you are in a floating city not a 5 star hotel.

mzoppo

I would say Royal. Really depends.

Esther

Seabourn. Only 208 passengers, max. All drinks are included, there is no tipping, you can dine when and with whom you wish. The service is superlative, the food is incredible, and all the (very roomy and luxurious) cabins are outside cabins with huge picture windows (some have small "french" balconies). It's truly a luxury to sail with them. I am about to get on my third cruise in two years with this same line, I love them so much, back to the southern Caribbean.

leigha

Royal Carribean, hands down

Dusie

I choose the best by the itinerary and the star rating. One line may have a really old outdated ship in service and the brand new one will have better staff, facilities, food and amenities. The best staff are usually promoted to the newest ships. There are extremely expensive "what others would call the best" ships out there that I would find stuffy and boring. Also, I find the better cruises are 7 days or longer. Try vacationstogo.com for some research.

AdonalFoyle

it all depends on what you are looking for. luxury vs. a good crowd, food, service.
check this site http://allcruiselines.info
they have good info

Terry J

If you are looking for Las Vegas style fun - then Carnival Cruise Lines. If you are looking for a shopping and spa type of vacation then Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. Many also have their own private Island. If you are looking to relax, be pampered and not bothered by too many kids the Holland America or Regent Cruise Lines. If you want the Caribbean with an Italian flair try Costa or MSC. If you want cruising on a small luxury ship or yacht try Azamara or Sea Dream. All have suites so you can enjoy all the Caribbean has to offer but be spoiled rotten too! 17 years in the travel business has taught me that when you are booking a cruise there is a cruise line that will suit what you are looking for to get for the cruise vacation you are dreaming of for yourself. If you have a favorite place or can describe your favorite type of places you go to like restaurants and weekend getaways then the perfect cruise line can be matched to fit what you want not what someone else wants to sell you.

stephanie s

i think if you want to party and such its carnival but if you want something a little upscale but not too ritzy then royal caribbean.

garyhunt2002

if you are looking for service the best i have been on and i have been on most is princess lines. the best hands down for food is carnival

Joan

not norwegian. carnival is prob the best!

have fun!

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