I’ve often been asked about cruise preferences and discoveries over the years…. So this will be posting #1 for my newly created ‘Travel’ sub-page on WidgetWood.com :-). Other posts will follow (shore excursions, port considerations, travel agencies, hotels, loyalty programs, airlines, etc.).
These are my personal preferences based on cruising experience. I’m not employed by or paid by anyone in the travel industry. Rather, these are my thoughts as a travel enthusiast.
So Which Cruise Line?
Most of my cruises have been with Princess (8 with 2 upcoming) and Royal Caribbean (3). I prefer Princess since my wife and I value entertainment over activity venues. Both will find ways to upcharge you without a purchased package: extra fees for soda, the barista, ship photos, shore excursions, WiFi, and specialty dining options (budget for a large expense at the end of the cruise if you’re not careful).
Post-pandemic: Packages have been offered at heavily discounted rates (“Princess Plus”, for example). These packages have been quite affordable and they offer (essentially) limitless alcohol, barista drinks, sodas, discounts on photo packages, WiFi, gratuities, etc. These package deals have been fantastic and we’ll continue to select them while they remain affordable.
Cruise lines offer loyalty programs similar to the airlines: The more cruises, the more perks (discounts, expedited boarding, WiFi, laundry services, room upgrades, etc.). Be thoughtful when choosing your preferred line since you’ll want to cruise with them exclusively.
Princess
- This is our go-to cruise line. We prefer entertainment options over activities (see Royal Caribbean, below).
- They’re extensive, meaning they go everywhere. If you’re considering more than one cruise and loyalty is important it’s similar to choose the largest international airline in your city.
- The pool/hot tub options seem to be more numerous and we’ve never had a problem finding a lounge chair.
- The food has been pretty good, but they’re not the best at sea. You’ll be fine and happy, but you may not be bragging about the amazing over-the-top food quality after the trip.
- Entertainment is fantastic. Great shows, theaters. Extensive. Their atrium offers better venues than the open ‘street’ on Royal Caribbean.
- Ships are being converted to ‘Medallion’: You get an ID disk that you wear via a lanyard, bracelet, etc. It’ll open your cabin door (touchless) and provide your location to others in your party (if you opt in). They also offer apps to plan activities, play games, etc.
Royal Caribbean
- They have a broader range of ship sizes, including the huge ones that have zip lines, etc. I hear they don’t feel crowded, however, since they offer more restaurants, etc. to accommodate the MUCH larger passenger capacity. The larger size may limit their access to ports and lengthen tender transfers, however.
- They have ice skating rinks, climbing walls, surfing pools, water slides… These are great if you use them (extra cost), but if you don’t they eat up a lot of space whereas other cruise lines like Princess opt for lounges and theaters. We don’t use Royal’s amenities so we opt for Princess unless our friends / family prefer otherwise (typically if they have children).
- Much better spa than Princess: Changing room is larger, includes toiletries. Steam rooms, etc. are included in massage costs. Massage is the same, but the facilities are better.
Others I’m Familiar With…
- Norwegian: We only took it once so it’s not a fair assessment, but I vowed I wouldn’t take them again. We traveled on a US flagged ship in Hawaii which resulted in crummy service since most of the staff were U.S. college kids that didn’t plan to make it a career or stay onboard for very long (with resulting attitudes).
- Celebrity: More expensive and just a bit more upscale. They’re known for better food and destinations (Galapagos), but fewer destinations, ships and fewer entertainment venues. On my list to try, however.
- Disney: Great for food and entertainment if you’re into 100% Disney themes for shows, etc. Good for adults as well. We have friends that swear by it, but we haven’t done it since it’s more expensive and we aren’t Disney fanatics. They offer more amenities, however, so you could argue the costs are up-front rather than in the rears.
- Holland America: Caters to an older crowd, so we haven’t tried them yet.
- Carnival: Booze cruise / party boat. Avoid.
- Oceana, Silversea, Viking: Very expensive, we haven’t done it. More amenities liked included shore excursions. Better food, but fewer ships.
- Local Options: We’re suckers for loyalty (accumulating status by traveling with the same cruise line) so we haven’t considered a local cruise option on a smaller ship. But they’re out there! Local ferry companies navigate the Norwegian coast and the Greek Islands, for example, and may offer many of the amenities offered by larger international cruise lines.
Like this posting? Let me know if I should continue with travel thoughts….
WidgetWood 