Are you new to cruising. Maybe it's been a few years since you boarded a ship, because of the worldwide Pandemic? It's more difficult to decide on a cruise line with so many choices.
Travelers don't expect the same things in a cruise ship experience. Some people are out to party but on a budget. The criteria could be a family-friendly ship. Rest and relaxation can be what floats your boat.
The industry's three largest cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, are different in many ways. The ships operating under these brands are the only ones that fall under their parent company.
Some will work for your travel needs, some won't.
The party boat has 25 ships. Unless you're really looking for over-the-top festivities at sea, you might not have a good reputation. Carnival has a slogan called "Choose Fun" and "The Fun Ones." You can see that Carnival is all about having a good time with the official title of Chief Fun Officer being held by Shaquille O'Neal.
"Carnival tends to skew more to a 'party' type crowd...it's a more active cruise without as much attention to the luxury side."
One can either book a short, weekend trip with the intent to party all weekend long or choose a longer, more sophisticated itinerary on one of the newest ships.
According to the travel advisers consulted, Carnival is the most budget-conscious option. Most of the time, Carnival is the lowest priced of the big three, but they offer significant value in some areas.
Carnival has more included options than the other two. The Guy's Burger Joint is included at no extra cost. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have the same restaurants, but at an extra charge.
A more diverse collection of dining options, entertainment and ports can be found on ships. The Bolt is the first roller coaster on a cruise line. One can join in the fun or escape to a quieter place for a more relaxing experience on the ship.
A seven-day Caribbean cruise out of Miami on the Carnival Celebration will cost $519 per person for an inside cabin, according to a cost comparison on the Carnival website. Taxes, fees and port charges add up to more than $150 per person
Royal Caribbean is the most requested cruise line according to Linda Farlow.
The private island of CocoCay is a favorite among children of all ages. This spot, located 55 miles north of Nassau, has an abundance of free venues, including five food and drink locations, and beautiful beaches with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The island has a hot air balloon ride, a zip line, and private over water cabanas.
Linda says that clients choose the cruise line for entertainment, dining, and the large open promenade area.
The Oasis Class of ships are said to be the world's largest cruise ships. The Perfect Storm group of waterslides have the world's tallest slide. The 40-foot-long surf simulator, Flowrider, is a family favorite, along with rock climbing walls and a splash park.
The Aqua Theater is the most unique entertainment at sea, according to Morris. The Oasis Class of ships have an outdoor Aqua Theater with a deep pool and diving platforms. Light shows with the ocean as a backdrop include high dives.
Even picky teens will be more than happy with the wide range of dining options. Quality family time can be found at both complimentary and specialty buffets. Chef's Table has multiple courses with the right wine.
The Royal Caribbean website shows a seven-day Caribbean cruise out of Miami in December of 2022, starting at $460 per person for an inside cabin. There are taxes, fees and port charges.
Multi-generational travel is growing in popularity with active grandparents wanting to travel with the kids and grandkids in order to find adventure. Norwegian Cruise lines has 19 ships that are perfect for shipboard activities.
NCL is moving up on board entertainment. The shows on Broadway expose cruisers to shows they might not expect to see in New York City. Norwegian is increasing their game quickly. I saw Jersey Boys on a Norwegian ship and was impressed.
"Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" is a musical from the disco era.
While the adults are watching shows, the kids can go for a ride on a two-level racetrack or play a game of laser tag under the stars. The Entourage Teen Club is a place for teens to hang out and watch movies. The Mandara Spa has a steam room and a snow room for parents to check out.
If an adult traveler chooses to stay at NCL's Haven, they can keep out of touch with the younger set. The most expensive option on the ship is located at the top of the ship and has its own restaurant, private concierge service and a 24 hour personal butler. This aspect of cruising is unique to NCL when compared to other cruise lines.
Norwegian does a great job of growing with their clients as they can upgrade their experience to the Haven without changing ships in most cases.
A seven-day Caribbean cruise out of Miami on the Norwegian Bliss starts at $599 per person for an inside cabin, according to a cost comparison on the Norwegian website. Taxes, fees and port charges add up to more than $200 per person.
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