The one thing that I’ve learned over my many years of cruising is that all cruise lines are not created equal! Each line has a distinct personality and style – and identifying which line aligns with your personal aesthetic is key to having an amazing cruise experience each time you step onboard.
This was a hard-learned lesson for me. About 15 years ago, before I became a travel advisor, I decided to try cruising for the first time – I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I based my decision on price and destination and did not pay attention to the cruise line. The result: I didn’t enjoy my first cruise experience at all! This had everything to do with the cruise line I chose for my cruise: their “party hearty” vibe just didn’t sit well with me – too much noise, too many rowdy people, too hedonistic, too gaudy.
Added to that was the fact that I just felt “lost”. I had booked this cruise myself and not through a travel advisor and I didn’t really understand how cruising and being onboard “worked” – what was included, what wasn’t, what I could do, what I should pre-book, what options were available to me for dining/recreation/exploring ports-of-call, what I should pack/take/have – all the knowledge that as a Travel Advisor I now arm my clients with.
Luckily for me, I didn’t give up. I had seen, read, heard too many wonderful glowing reviews about the joys of cruising and I chose to try again with a different line. And long story short, twenty-something major cruises later, I am now hooked for life!
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced one looking to try something new, here’s a look at some (not all) major cruise lines to give you a sense of how they differ from each other:
DISNEY CRUISE LINE – For The Ultimate Family Cruise Experience!
Cruising with Disney can be summed up in one word: Magical! Disney Cruise Line combines customer service excellence with Disney entertainment, Disney Characters and Disney Theming to deliver an experience that is memorable and truly special.
Noteworthy features:
- Disney staterooms are larger than most lines and they are the only line whose rooms have a split bathroom configuration – which is really convenient for families
- Adults are well catered for – there are several adult-only options (bars, lounges, restaurants, activities)
- The kids/teens clubs are beautifully themed and offer a fantastic range of supervised, planned activities
- Service and onboard experience second to none – Disney has been voted the #1 Large Cruise Line in the world 8 years in a row by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, largely due to Disney Cruise Line’s ongoing commitment to excellence and delivering magical experiences
What experienced cruisers need to know:
There’s no casino (on any Disney ship); There is a greater emphasis on live activities vs built self-serve entertainment facilities, which is how Disney creates an experiential and immersive environment.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE – For Active, Adventure Seeking Families!
If your family doesn’t like to sit still, and loves being active and on the go, Royal Caribbean might just be your cruise line soul mate! With its plethora of entertainment facilities and planned activities, Royal Caribbean literally serves up more than you can do in one cruise.
Noteworthy features:
- There’s something for everyone when it comes to fun, activity and entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s extensive list of facilities and scheduled events offers options for a range of ages, tastes and abilities, making it easy to find your fun
- There are several equally amazing quiet spots onboard where you can catch your breath and just (gasp) relax
- Whilst major activity facilities (like the wave riders and slides) and entertainment options used to be exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s newer and larger ships, they have embarked on a fleet-wide “Amplification” program. As a result, many of their older and smaller ships now have, or soon will have, similar features and facilities to their mega-ships
- Impressive range of included dining options to keep you fueled for fun
- Suites that are like apartments at sea! From 2 story split level or expansive layouts to exclusive suite-level service and facilities (like an exclusive restaurant and sun deck), Royal Suite Class will make you feel like Royalty. And yes, there is a suite that comes with your own personal Genie (I’m not kidding!)
CELEBRITY CRUISE LINE – For Travelers Who Like A Bit Of Luxury
For those looking to upgrade their cruise experience, Celebrity is the business class equivalent of the major cruise lines. Known for service and sophistication, Celebrity is a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a more selective and refined experience.
Noteworthy features:
- Celebrity’s onboard experience is crafted on the concept of a modern take on the “grand old days of ocean cruising”
- On all ships, the décor is amazing and unique – from tastefully decorated public spaces and rooms, to stunningly beautiful architectural details and accents, to amazing works of sculpture and art waiting to be discovered as you explore her decks
- Celebrity’s level of service is set to “pamper” – their attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction, shines through and you will feel spoilt.
- Celebrity’s dining style leans towards providing guests with an epicurean experience so there’s a large focus on culinary experiences and offerings. Perfect for Gourmands and Oenophiles!
- For a Downton Abbey type experience, upgrade to a suite to be assigned your own personal butler. You’ll also enjoy complimentary pre-dinner aperitifs in a lush exclusive lounge, and a fixed table in an exquisite suite-only dining room!
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE – For Families Who Want A More Laid-Back Experience
Back in May of 2000, Norwegian introduced a concept called Freestyle Cruising – whereby guests have no fixed dining times for meals and the option of more relaxed onboard attire. Still going strong today, Freestyle cruising helps Norwegian to offer a more unstructured cruise experience to those looking for a little more flexibility and freedom. It’s a good choice for Royal Caribbean regulars looking to try another line.
Noteworthy features:
- With freestyle cruising, dining is more of a land-based experience: you choose the restaurant you wish to dine in and make a reservation, or you show up and wait for a table to become available
- You don’t have to “dress” for dinner – a casual dress code is valid from day to night
- Norwegian is family-minded, so there’s a range of family-friendly activity and entertainment options and facilities available on board (not as extensive as Royal Caribbean though)
- Norwegian is also famously known for its “Ship within a Ship” concept – the Haven is a large restricted-access area set aside exclusively for Suite Guests – it houses accommodation, a restaurant and bar, a private pool and sun deck, private spa access and dedicated staff. It is a perfect choice for those looking for an even quieter and more exclusive cruise experience that’s akin to sailing on a luxury private yacht.
AND FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CRUISE EXPERIENCE – Try A Viking River Cruise!
Smaller, more intimate, more experiential and definitely more immersive, River Cruising is a truly unique and unparalleled way to explore Europe! A Viking river cruise lets you glide your way through the heart of European towns and cities using some of Europe’s most famous rivers (like the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro). Breathtaking scenery combined with stops where you literally step off your ship into the heart of iconic cities or charming towns, plus a small handpicked staff of experienced service professionals and guides, lends to a relaxing, exclusive and truly unique experience. Added plus: the smooth, gentle gliding nature of river cruising makes it a great cruise option for those prone to sea or motion sickness!
Noteworthy features:
- With a maximum guest capacity ranging between 100 and 250 guests, Viking’s Longships offer an intimate and highly personalized experience
- With so few passengers on board, you get to know your fellow travelers and many guests make life-long friends!
- Like with an ocean cruise, your cruise fare includes accommodation, dining, onboard activities and some beverages. The added plus: a lot more is included! Shore Excursions, Wi-Fi and Alcohol are just some of the additional amenities included in your cruise fare
- Viking is famous for its onboard Culture Curriculum which includes lectures on history and art, tasting of vintage wines, restaurant menus inspired by local cuisine, informative destination talks, and local folkloric shows and musicians. All of which lends to a truly immersive and enriched vacation experience!
- Apart from Europe, Viking also offers river cruises in Asia and Egypt
Ready to book your cruise? Your Castles and Cruises Travel Advisor is ready to help you set sail!
