Thread: Best Cruise You've Ever Been On!

Originally Posted by swrinfla

You've got to look at the lifestyle on board; see if it fits your personalities. I quite frankly won't sail on Carnival as it is far, far too likely to by too much of an on-going, never-ending party.
SWR


P.S.: I definitely fit the Senior Citizen category!

We sailed just the once on Carnival. Had a great cabin at a great price but food apalling and decor - well there is nothing to describe it! Think the designers must have been high on LSD!

But it was SO boring, nothing like the 'party' ship we had imagined - not that we wanted to party, but there was very little to do. And the smoking got us down.

I think Carnival appeals to younger people, or those who are colour blind.

Hi As with many subscribers to this forum I couldn't vote as my best best cruise experiences were on two cruise lines not mentioned. I loved the refined cruise experience offered by both Seabourn and Silversea and could happily sail on either but I usually choose Silversea. I enjoy the more formal ambience of the ship; I don't mnd dressing up! I would like to try Crystal sometime in the not too distant future

Originally Posted by ellie1145

I think Carnival appeals to younger people, or those who are colour blind.

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Originally Posted by Land Ahoy

Hi As with many subscribers to this forum I couldn't vote as my best best cruise experiences were on two cruise lines not mentioned. I loved the refined cruise experience offered by both Seabourn and Silversea and could happily sail on either but I usually choose Silversea. I enjoy the more formal ambience of the ship; I don't mnd dressing up! I would like to try Crystal sometime in the not too distant future

Ah, but all the lines you mention are premium lines where the service and experience had better be top-notch! Our polls only allow for 8 entries so only the biggest lines were featured. Notice that the river cruise lines were not featured either and I have not heard anyone say that they were not a phenomenal experience.

Originally Posted by nealberk

Ah, but all the lines you mention are premium lines where the service and experience had better be top-notch! Our polls only allow for 8 entries so only the biggest lines were featured. Notice that the river cruise lines were not featured either and I have not heard anyone say that they were not a phenomenal experience.

Hi Thanks for the explanation, it was kind of you to response. Just a second point I haven't done a river cruise but I'm sure you can have a great time on these vacations. The real reason for this is that the cost of river cruising in Europe is relatively expensive when compared ocean cruising (if extras are taken in consideration ie. bigger productions shows etc). I don't know whether this is true in the USA?

I think it is mostly a matter of scale. On the river cruises the ships are very small (especially the ones in Europe!) so they are a lot more expensive. Think of them as small yachts. Service is almost always phenomenal and since you are "up close" you really get to see the locations you go to.

I am dying to try American Cruise Lines. They advertise in the Smithsonian magazine and I drool whenever I see their ads. Can't afford it right now, but maybe eventually. American Cruise Lines Small Ship Cruising - Official Website

We used Royal Caribbean when we did our Caribbean cruises and we enjoyed them. The atmosphere is very friendly and there were lots of things to do onboard. In fact, our first cruise was a Southern Caribbean, and it was probably why we have continued to cruise.

We are now cruising HAL, mostly because we like varied itineraries, but the service is impeccable. Royal's crews are friendly and dilligent, but on HAL, I feel like all things that do not defy the laws of physics are possible. The crew will do whatever they can for you. The suite amenities on HAL are head and shoulders above those for Royal Caribbean.

We like having a set meal time and a set table. For us, having the waiters know what we like as far as what kind of bread, how we take our coffee, etc. is a big plus. We do go to the specialty restaurant at least once a cruise, but going to the MDR is like coming home, if you lived in a house with a servants! I mention this, because your previous cruise was on Disney, and I've heard that they have a waitstaff that follows you for your whole cruise. NCL's freestyle could have that, if you eat at the same time each night, but there is no guarantee.

EWRFlyer mentioned that HAL is quieter than other lines after dinner. That does tend to be true, but the casino can get pretty busy.

Lolamia, I am going to expand on Pete's comment earlier. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, and that is why there are so many cruiselines. What I consider a great cruise might be too hectic for some and too boring for others.

So what do YOU want? Maybe we can help you rule our some lines that won't work for you.