What Cruise Line is Best for You?
Many travelers are new to cruising and many cruisers are interested in trying a new cruise line, but how do you know what cruise line would be best for you? This is where we come in. As Vacation Navigators, we have first-hand experience and knowledge to help you decide what cruise line would fit your travel group best. Let’s dive right in!
Carnival -
Carnival Cruise Line is the perfect beginner's cruise line. This is great for those travelers that have never cruised before, maybe of a younger generation, and traveling with friends. This cruise line is designed for FUN and you will see this theme throughout your cruise journey with them. Carnival’s ships will journey to many of the most popular port destinations like the Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, Grand Cayman, and many more destinations. Carnival mostly sails to Mexico and through the Bahamas/Caribbean, but you can find sailings in the Mediterranean and Australia. Another reason why Carnival is great for beginners is its rates. Carnival typically has some of the best prices for a cruise vacation and leaves from many of the main port locations in the United States. Let’s get back to the FUN… Carnival ships have lots to do onboard. Like their entertainment team always looking to start up a pool party, or the SkyRide suspended bike experience, even the waterslides and great bars. Carnival has it all and all for a great price!
Royal Caribbean -
Royal Caribbean would be my top pick for the best all-around cruise ship. This is great for families, couples, or adult travel groups. It is priced well and has loads of activities and adventure. Royal Caribbean is designed to excite and keep you busy. Royal visits destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more totaling over 300 destinations in total! They even have the Ultimate World Cruise that lasts 274 nights and visits 60+ countries. Let’s not forget about their private island CocoCay where you can snorkel, swim, take the plunge down a waterslide, or even experience an adult-only oasis. Whew… Are you excited yet? If not let's talk about what they have available to do on their ships. From surfing Flow Rider to Ice Skating, Zip Lining, Waterslides, Bionic Bar, Broadway shows, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Spas, Specialty Dining Experiences, Dance Classes, and that’s barely scratching the surface. Royal Caribbean really does have a lot to offer at some incredible pricing!
Disney Cruise Line -
Are you looking for an exceptional family cruise experience? Look no further than Disney Cruise Line. This cruise is designed to connect families while also bringing the magic of individual exploration. Disney may not be the lower end of the pricing spectrum, but you get what you pay for and that’s Disney Magic! Disney has sailings that visit the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, and more. Many of the itineraries visit Disney’s private island Castaway Cay where you can snorkel, play sports, visit Disney characters, or even spend time on the adult/teen beaches. Disney Cruise ships offer magical experiences at every turn and many of them put you right into the action. Like the pirate pool parties, the character dining experiences, and the Fireworks at sea! Don’t forget about the live shows, amazing food, kid's clubs, and lounges. Are you ready to take a Disney adventure and listen to the horns blow your favorite Disney toon as you set sail into the big blue?
Norwegian -
Norwegian Cruise Line would be one I would recommend more for adults traveling with friends looking for different destinations at good prices. Norwegian does also cater to families with their onboard activities. Norwegian typically has some great deals like free airfare, open bar, dining, and more that can come free when you book a cruise. This allows them to maintain very competitive pricing in the cruise space. Norwegian has a great variety of destinations to visit like Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, Panama, and more. Norwegian ships have onboard experiences like bowling, waterslides, rock climbing, lounges/bars, go-carts, rope courses, casinos, and more. If you are looking to travel somewhere new with your friends in an experience that is a little more elevated than Carnival, this may be the cruise line for you.
Virgin Voyages -
Virgin Voyages is your adult-only cruise line. Travelers have to be 18+ to board the ship and the entire experience is catered towards adults. I would say this is targeting adults between 18-50 in age based on the activities they have available on board. With Virgin, you will always receive Wifi, All food, Tips, Group Workouts, and Essential Drinks included with each cruise. Virgin visits destinations in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean with late-night or overnight stays at different ports. This cruise line has activities like group workouts (bungee workouts, yoga, etc), unique shows, incredible spas, and even a tattoo studio. Virgin is focused on high quality while also being eco, planet, and energy-friendly. If you are looking for a unique adult getaway, this is the cruise line for you!
Celebrity -
Celebrity Cruises would be what I would recommend for a great-priced couples cruise. This is where cruise lines start to get elevated and experiences feel more refined. This award-winning cruise line really focuses on quality. You can see, feel, and experience it from the design to the food. This is all about that relaxing and romantic vacation. Celebrity sails the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Alaska, the Mediterranean, South America, and more than 300 destinations. This retreat-style vacation includes wonderful cocktail venues, entertainment, dining, dancing classes, casinos, camp at sea, hot glass classes, wine workshops, and more. As this is not an adult-exclusive cruise they do have activities for the little ones as well like learning how to cook. This is the ultimate in celebration vacations! Ready to plan that anniversary trip?
Check back later as we introduce more cruise lines like the following:
Holland America
Princess
Viking
Azamara
Silversea