Choosing a Cruise Line

You’ve finally decided to take a cruise, but now comes the daunting task of choosing a cruise line.  While your initial thought might be to decide which exotic port you would like to visit, booking on the right cruise line is a crucial step to ensure your cruise experience meets your expectations.  Unlike a hotel where you typically spend your sleeping hours, the cruise ship becomes your home away from home, providing dining, activities, and entertainment for hours.  Picking a cruise that fits your personality and needs can make the difference in having a good, great, or bad experience. 

While most cruise lines offer big and small ships with varying ports of call and itineraries, there is generally an overall target audience for their product.  Budget or luxury, family-friendly, catering to an older crowd, these are all things to consider when deciding to cruise.  I will be comparing the cruise lines I have sailed and have personal experience on. 

If you are looking for a cruise that fits everyone’s budge, Carnival is the king.  With loud deck parties, hairy chest competitions, and drinks flowing, Carnival caters to the party atmosphere.  Although it has been years since I cruised on Carnival, my first cruise experience back in 2000 was on a Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas.  With nothing to compare it to, I thought it was great at the time, and it set my course to become a lifelong cruiser.  With that said, my last experience on Carnival was probably about 12 years ago, and since then, Carnival has become social media famous for parties and brawls among guests.  Would I sail on Carnival again?  Probably not, although their new Mardi Gras ship looks tempting.  This is a case where you don’t know how much better it can be until you try something else.

If you are looking for a family-friendly cruise in a mid-range budget, no one does it better than Royal Caribbean.  A favorite among Pineapple Escapes agents, Royal does a great job offering something for everyone.  With tons of activities for the kids and areas for adult entertainment, they provide excellent service, food, and an overall great experience. 

The Disney Cruise line is a truly magical journey that every kid should experience.  From the shows to dining to character greetings, Disney does not disappoint.  With a top-notch kids’ club, your kids may refuse every other kids’ club after.  I have taken my two oldest grandchildren, 3 and 5, on Disney cruises, and I can’t wait to take the others.  It truly was a great experience.  And don’t think that Disney didn’t think about adults… they have an entire pool and entertainment area for those 18 and older.  While at a higher price point, I encourage families to at least try a Disney Cruise if possible.

If you are looking to really relax and experience a predominantly adult crowd, you might want to consider Holland America.  While there are families and couples on board, this cruise line is a favorite of those 40 and older, looking to relax, take in some culture, and experience some wonderful dining.  When I boarded my first Holland America cruise, I was taken aback by the amount of free time, where I didn’t have the constant worry of missing out on a ship activity.  Don’t get me wrong, Holland offers many onboard experiences, but nothing like those previously mentioned.  I found my favorite spot to be the Crow’s Nest lounge with panoramic views… my coffee readily available and a book in hand.  Their presentations on ports and their history and culture were top notch and something I looked forward to. 

Last of all I will mention AmaWaterways.  This river cruise line makes other cruise lines feel like the Motel 6.  With less than 200 passengers, guests are treated as royalty.  While they welcome families, the majority of cruisers are adults, and there are no kids programs.  But if you are seeking a cultural experience, with excursions included at every port, I highly recommend you consider AmaWaterways.  Unlike ocean cruising, river cruising provides scenic views the entire trip and the ability to visit ports in small towns inaccessible by large cruise ships.  My husband and I sailed on the Rhine River cruise in January of this year and can’t wait to experience another river cruise. 

Hopefully I have inspired you to start planning a cruise vacation.  If you’re ready, make sure and contact Pineapple Escapes to get the process started.  Our agents can help you select the best cruise line and itinerary for you.

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