What is your favorite cruise line?

kristen49233

My husband and I are planning our vacation for next year...it will involve a bikini! So now I have even more reason to kill it here. For those who have taken a Caribbean Cruise, what is your favorite cruise line and time of year to go? We are going for seven days. What are your favorite ports of call and excursions to not miss?

I've been on four cruises--three on Carnival and one on Royal Caribbean. I leave on my 5th cruise (on Carnival) next month! :bigsmile: I usually book Carnival because they are more budget-friendly--my way of thinking is that I would rather spend less money and so that I can take more vacations! All of the cruises have been Caribbean and all have left from Florida.

Favorite ports: St. Thomas and St. Maartin and Cozumel (for their beautiful beaches), Grand Caymen (sting ray excursions).

I try to avoid Belize--I've been there twice and it doesn't do anything for me.

I use an awesome website: cruisecritic.com for cruise information. They have great message boards there--by cruise line, by port, by interests, etc. There are also a lot of reviews and pictures on it. I'm as addicted to that website as I am to this one.

kristen49233

Aren't cruises for elderly people?

This really depends on the cruise line and destination. Carnival and Royal Caribbean usually have all age groups on there. It also depends on the time of year you cruise--during spring break you get a lot of college age kids partying it up, and during the summer and holidays there are lots of families.

the_journeyman

Aren't cruises for elderly people?

Holland America, yes, most others, no. You can make them quite the adventure if you choose to!

JM

LifeChangingExp

ROYAL CARIBBEAN hands down!

tehzephyrsong

My family has taken a few cruises, all with Carnival, so I can't speak for other cruise lines but Carnival was fun. There was a lot to do, even for my sister and I, and we were both at those awkward ages where you're too old for the "kiddie super happy funtime" kids' activity camp but not quite old enough to fit in at the "only fun place on the ship they'll let you into because you're not old enough to drink or gamble" teen hangout room. I do agree with the other comment about how Carnival will nickel-and-dime you if you're not careful; the food is free, the drinks aren't, is the basic gist.

The Boy is going on a cruise next week with some buds from high school and they're cruising with Royal Caribbean. Depending on how imminent your cruise is, I will ask him about it and report back, although RC has received glowing reviews already.

Gilbrod

I've only been on a Carnival cruise almost 10 years ago for my honeymoon. I am taking a Disney cruise in Dec. Taking the whole fam. I'm psyced. So if I go by what I have done, Carnival it is.

EmRobo

I am in the UK so slightly different for us but P&O are fantastic, we have been on Ventura and are going on Oceana next year.

We cruised around the Caribbean with another uk company called Ocean Village, sadly she has moved to Australia, that was fab, we visisted Barbados, Tortola, Grenada, St Lucia, Isla De Margarita, St Maarten, yikes can't think now.

scubagoil

I've been on Norwegian 3 times and Carnival once. Had a great time on all the cruises! These two cruise lines are probably the most laid back and has the most casual dress codes. If you are looking for an elegant experience, these would not fit the bill. They both have a wide age range for their clientele base.

Carnival can be a little bit of a party ship, so if that bothers you, don't go during spring break or summer.

Holland America is supposed to be very nice, but I heard that it is a very old crowd.

Celebrity is probably a middle age and older crowd and I've heard is is very subdued.

Royal Caribbean has a great following and everyone I know that has sailed that line loves it. I haven't sail RC because it is more expensive than Carnival and Norwegian.

Disney is supposed to be the nicest of the ships on this list, but it is also very expensive. If you have kids and can afford it, it may be worth the price! I know couples without children that love Disney and will only sail her.

All the lines above charge for drinks. I don't consider this nickle and diming... Most lines also offer dining options that are an additional charge, but there are plenty of restaurants on board that are included in the price. All the lines listed above also use a cashless system. You give a credit card when you board and all of your charges (drinks, specialty restaurants, spa treatments and shore excursions) are charged to your card. I think most lines also put your tips on the credit card too. No need to carry cash unless you like to spend at the casino (Disney does not offer this.)

And like several others have stated... definitely check out cruisecritic.com. That is a great way to see what each cruise line is really like!

the_journeyman

ROYAL CARIBBEAN hands down!

Yes! I'm a returning cruiser with them, June is #4 with them! I've cruised with a couple other lines, but they're the best for my budget & lifestyle. I even have a Visa card that I earn free stuff & cruises with. it's awesome!

JM