How in the world are you supposed to be able to choose the best cruise line for the best cruise experience? This is such a loaded question to ask because it really does depend on the type of experience you are going after. You have to begin with asking yourself some very important key questions.Why are you going on this trip, who are you going with, and what type of adventures are you looking to experience.
Also, do you want a more active demographic on-board or are you looking to just relax, are the dining options important, are you after high class entertainment, do you like casinos, etc. etc. There may seem to be so many things to consider, but it will be best to take your time and ask yourself these types of questions so you can set yourself up for the best experience that is going to suit you.
Destination
Most likely, the most important factor to determine is going to be the destination. Once you figure this out, many of the other questions are going to be answered for you so you don’t feel so overwhelmed. Deciding on where you want to go is one of the most exciting parts.
Are you looking to bask in the sun of the Caribbean islands, sail the open sea, tour the Mediterranean, glide towards the pristine glaciers of Alaska, experience the culture of China, sail under the Sydney Harbor or squeeze through the Panama Canal? If you end up being like most, this will not be your one and only cruise so there will be many more to follow. That being said, you may just want to start with the one destination that has been on your mind.
Time Frame
Another determining factor is going to be the amount of time that you are going to have to travel. The length of the cruise is going to be determined by the destination, so you may want to figure out your time frame that you have while simultaneously determining the destination.
For example, you will need about 2 weeks for a round-trip Hawaiian cruise that leaves from Los Angeles or San Francisco, or 10 to 11 days if you fly directly to Hawaii and begin the cruise there. You can do a round-trip cruise to Alaska from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver in about a week or you can do an unbelievable “Land and Sea” option with Princess Cruises that is about a 12 to 14 day experience.
There are quick 4 day Bahamas cruises as well as one week or longer itineraries to the Caribbean islands such as St. Martin, St. Thomas, St. Lucia etc. As you can easily tell, the time frame that you have is going to help you narrow down your options for the destinations you desire.
The time of year that you are looking to travel is also going to dictate the destinations that are available as well. Deciding on these two factors is going to help you determine what is going to provide the best cruise line experience you are seeking.
Size Ship
This may be an area that you might not even have given much thought. There are quite significant differences in the size of cruise ships that are offered and there some pros and cons to each that travelers often discuss.
Again, depending on the destination that you are after, the size ship is going to be somewhat pre-determined for you. There are going to be some size options for some locations and therefore it’s important to understand some of the differences.
A smaller ship is going to be able to provide you with a more intimate experience. If you do not want to have to walk pretty significant distances to get to dining areas, the pools, etc. then a smaller ship is going to be more beneficial. If you do not necessarily like larger crowds then a smaller ship would be ideal for you as well.
The food and service quality is going to be pretty much the same on any scale of cruise liner because the staff is trained to be able to accommodate whichever size and the amount of passengers on board. However that being said, the amount of dining options is obviously going to be much less.
Two of the main components that may be a determining factor are the movement of the ship and the activities that are available. While most of the time this will never be a factor, a smaller ship is going to be affected more by the sea movement, waves, and weather should you ever come across these situations on your trip. If you feel that a lot of movement would be something that might affect you, a larger ship is going to be more ideal.
Some advice as well is when you are booking your cabin, try to get as close as possible to the middle of the ship if you are concerned about movement. This is the most stable area of the ship and if you do not care about being near a specific area on-board then this will be a great solution.
In addition, the activities on-board are going to be quite a bit less as there is not enough space in comparison to the larger ships that have the space to provide more games, activities, pools, spas, dining options, adult areas & activities, kid zones, entertainment and much more.
On the other end of the spectrum, some of the largest ships to date such as Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, is going to offer you more than you probably ever thought were possible on a cruise ship. If you like the idea of having endless dining options, multiple production show venues, activities that range from water slides to bumper cars, hovering bars, zip lines, carousels, courtyards and spas, then without question you are going to want to be on a large scale cruise liner.
These ships do come with thousands of more passengers, however with how the large ships are designed; you really do not feel as if this is the case. Believe it or not, there will be times in some areas that you will feel quite secluded.
The only real times you are going to really see how many people you are traveling with is during embarkation and disembarkation. Other than that, with all that these large scale luxury liners have to offer, most find that the crowds are not that much of a concern since you are really only dealing with the masses twice.
Overall a simple way to think of it would be if you want to do less, a smaller ship might be the route to go and if you want to do more, a larger ship might suite your taste more. Creating the best cruise line experience takes a little upfront decision making, but it makes a significant difference in the long run.
Cruise Line
While this factor is largely going to depend on the destination that you choose, there are still going to be many different cruise lines that are going to be vying for your attention. The choice of cruise line is a crucial factor in the overall experience you are going to have. The more you cruise, the more likely you are going to quickly form a favorite, become a loyal traveler with that cruise line and have an opinion on which is the best cruise line.
Until then, take a look at these highlighted cruise line options, just to name a few, and keep these suggestions in mind when you are deciding on which will be the best cruise line that you feel will offer you the most of what you are looking for.There are differences even though you might hear people say time to time, “it doesn’t matter, they are all the same and you’re going to the same place”. That could not be any further from the truth. Actually the only thing true about that statement is you might be going to the same destination. Other than that, it actually does matter quite a bit which cruise line you choose to be able to provide the type experience you are seeking.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean for example is one of the most overall popular options and has been voted best cruise line for 14 years in a row by Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award. They offer a fantastic mix of casual relaxation, adventure, entertainment and elegance wrapped in one. Their fleet of ships has some of the most modern stunning designs, unlimited activities, state of the art experiences, cabin amenities, as well as plenty of fine dining options, quick bits, casual dinners, extensive buffets and a never ending supply of mouthwatering desserts.
Royal Caribbean is not only highly desired because of the on-board activities such as bumper cars, golf, zip lining, surfing, movies, rock climbing, skydiving simulation, and endless other things, they are also quite known for their high caliber entertainment.
This category is one of this cruise line’s main focuses, so if you appreciate high quality entertainment, then this is a fantastic cruise line. They have had feature Broadway shows such as Chicago & Hairspray as well as other endless other Broadway branded style shows and other top of the line productions on board featuring, singers, dancers, trapeze artists, ice skaters, divers, magicians, comedians, bands and endless other acts.
If you or those that you are traveling with enjoy a little bit of everything, this cruise line is going to be very hard to beat in terms of everything that is offered. You can do as much or as little as you want, but the fact that everything is at your disposal, is simply magnificent.
Princess
The last frontier is where Princess excels. There are many itineraries with this cruise line but they are almost unmatched when it comes to the experience Princes provides in Alaska. If you are looking for the best cruise line experience for Alaska, Princess is a top pick.
There is a lot of detailed planning that Princess provides with this itinerary and they have been doing this route for quite some time and this is an example where experience does matter. You have many options on the length of cruise you would like, the route options available, which is usually the outer bank or the inside passage, as well as the ports you leave, visit, and return to.
One of the most spectacular options that Princess provides is their land and sea cruise packages. With this option you are able to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery, adventures and tours in Alaska, as well as stay at some of the most stunning lodges around Mt. McKinley & Denali National Forest.
You then are taken to board a glass top train that takes you through the beautiful wild wilderness to your cruise ship port, all while enjoying dinner, cocktails and desert. This is an experience that will never be forgotten and actually is a trip that endless travelers repeat again and again being that it’s that amazing.
There is one thing to keep in mind if you are choosing this cruise line. Most of the time, this is not going to be your party ship demographic. For the most part, it tends to skew to an older crowd, although many times this is preferred from those of any age for these types of experiences.
These itineraries are focused on the destinations, ports, excursions and activities rather than the party feel on-board. This is not to say that there is not plenty of fun lively activities and venues on-board, it just tends to be a more relaxed atmosphere. To the vast majorities that are after these itineraries, this atmosphere is what is usually preferred.
Disney
Disney Cruise Line is going to provide an experience that you would probably expect to come from this name. The ships are immaculate and they have mastered the feeling of magic on board. Design elements have kept the look and feel of classic liners and the decor is something to be marveled at. Disney has been ranked in the best cruise line category consistently.
The themed dining is superb and the food is what some would say is supercalifragilisticexpalidocious. Some of the shows in the theater are some of the highest rated on the sea and offer some the most stunning visual spectacles.
In many of the adult forums online where cruises are discussed quite frequently, when it comes to the atmosphere on board Disney Cruise Line, the vast majority do state that you do have to be OK with a more family based atmosphere and quite a large demographic of children on-board. There are not any casinos etc., adult shows, comedians, variety acts, etc.
They have stepped up the opportunities and adult activities on-board for adults and for those that are not traveling with children, however keep in mind that the “adult activities” are usually still within the realm of a more family based atmosphere. If you enjoy Disney and Disney resorts, then you have come to understand the level of quality you are going to receive as well as the guest service satisfaction and the family appeal that they provide if that is what you are seeking.
Regent
Regent, Crystal & Silversea, are considered to be three of the top luxury cruise liners. Many state that any of these will be your choice for best cruise line once you experience them. These cruise lines are much smaller in size as well as substantially different in price point. However the experience on-board these vessels are nothing short of spectacular.
If you enjoy luxury traveling, impeccable service, high end design, fine dining, luxury accommodations, top of the line excursions, as well as unique and more immersive itineraries, these are the cruise lines to select.
These ships were designed with nothing but luxury in mind and the focus is not about having the “mainstream activities” on board. Not only does the size of these ships not allow for that, the experience meant to be had is that of more relaxation & sophisticated elegance.
Any of these luxury vessels are going to provide an experience and atmosphere that will last a lifetime. They are in a class of their own and from the moment you step on board you are going to see why.
If however you might be seeing a level of luxury as described above but still desire a larger ship with more amenities, shows, offerings, activities, dining options, destination offerings, etc., probably the best option is going to be Celebrity Cruise Lines.
This cruise line will provide you with some of the highest level of quality available at sea, while still offering all of the amenities that larger cruise ships have come to offer.
Carnival
Party, party. Carnival almost since its existence has been deemed “The Fun Ships”. They have lived up to that reputation and is exactly the reason why many love this cruise line and why others prefer alternative options. Again, just personal choice and the type of experience you are after.
Carnival Cruise Line is the world’s largest cruise line based in Miami, Florida in the United States. They have been around for a long time and at one time were considered to be the best cruise line by many travelers. Carnival was a leader in the industry in many different categories for quite some time.
Today, they operate a wide range of ships in their fleet from smaller liners that focus on shorter cruise itineraries as well as the newer large scale ships such as the Vista that features some of the most modern amenities of any cruise line.
Carnival was the first to offer the concept of shorter, less expensive cruises. Its ships are known for their loud and vibrant Las Vegas-style decor and entertainment. One of the major components about Carnival that travelers enjoy is that they offer the opportunity to travel to destinations at a lower price point.
According to travel forums, a large demographic of travelers state that while Carnival may not offer the atmosphere, design, amenities, options, etc. that other cruise lines offer, they appreciate that they provide an opportunity to travel that otherwise would not be attainable for them.
Norwegian
Norwegian is famous for Freestyle cruising. This is where you have the flexibility to design your cruise around the things that you want to do and dine when you want, etc.
This way you do not have to worry about dining at a scheduled time and forced to plan your day ahead of time according to your planned dinner time.
They also feature the youngest overall fleet at sea which means all of their ships are pretty new and current. Another feature that appeals to many travelers is that they were the first to offer single cabins. This is something that has dramatically changed the booking options for many cruise passengers.
Typically being that most cabins are booked by double occupancy, previously, a solo traveler would still have to pay the same price for their cabin by themselves. You can see why Norwegian is popular just for the single cabin aspect alone and would most likely be the best cruise line for those seeking this amenity.
Being that this cruise line offers a vast array of activities on board and features some exclusive entertainment & dining options, Norwegian continues to be a leader in the industry with new innovative ships being launched as well.
Personal Choice
It is worth noting that most everyone however does have a favorite cruise ship or best cruise line opinion based on the individual experience that they had or have collectively had on multiple cruise line voyages. One person’s favorite cruise line for one reason may the same reason that someone else prefers another.
Generally speaking however, cruise lines tend to form a general feeling from the public and they work hard to promote what they offer to those that are seeking certain experiences.
While there is competition in any industry, the best way to think of it is cruise lines are not necessarily seeking to compete with one another in a direct manner per say. It is more about cultivating the type ship, dining options, design aspects, entertainment, atmosphere, itineraries, pools, activities, casinos, spas, etc., that is going to deliver such a unique overall experience that will ultimately have you saying, “that was the best cruise” etc. in the end.
That is what they are after. When a cruise line passenger talks about a wonderful past cruise experience years down the line, or express why they feel the cruise they were on is the best cruise line, they most likely have received a loyal passenger to their brand.
If they are able to fulfill that, they have accomplished what they have set out to do and in the end, you the traveler reap the biggest reward. Cruise lines will always be ever changing and coming up with new, exciting and inventive ways to raise the bar as well as being what travelers have come to expect & appreciate.
(Images: Gathering of the Cruise Ships, The Main Lobby Deck 3, Seaplex -03, Allure of The Seas, Allure of the Seas Aquatheater, Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess in Cobh Ireland-12, Disney Fantasy at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Attrium)