How to Choose a Cruise Line

Hi. Bob Levinstein from http://www.CruiseCompete.com here—where travel agents compete to offer you the best cruise deal—with some basic tips to help you choose the cruise line that's right for your vacation.

If youre looking for bigger ships, low prices and lots to do for adults and kids alike, think Carnival and Royal Caribbean first. These lines truly have something for everyone, especially when it comes to entertainment options. The ships are large enough so you have a lot of choice of what type of cruise experience you want even after you get on board—lots of options for quiet relaxation as well as action and entertainment.

Note also that these lines arent monolithic—shorter cruises tend to be on older ships and will have a livelier atmosphere; longer cruises will be on newer builds and somewhat more sedate. The average age of passengers on these lines overall is about 42-45, but this varies quite a bit by itinerary and time of the year (for example, youll see more kids on board during school holidays). But with a couple of thousand people on a ship, youll meet passengers of all ages.

Norwegian offers a similar experience and tends to have more-flexible dining options. Disney ships focus on family vacations with young children, but tends to be more expensive—youll pay for the Disney brand name.

A half-step up here from is Princess Cruises. Food and service tend to be somewhat better on Princess, though theres less focus on entertainment, especially in the evenings. The average age is slightly higher, but not noticeably so, especially on the larger ships sailing the Caribbean. With British captains and officers, the line has a decidedly UK-feel.




Celebrity Cruises and Holland America (HAL) operate larger ships that cater to an older, more upscale crowd. Entertainment tends to be more focused on lectures and educational demonstrations than on discos and karaoke.




Moving further toward the higher end, Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, and Azamara sail smaller ships designed with an elegant experience in mind. Cunards vessels are much larger, but also tend to cater to wealthier, older travelers. Youll also find longer sailings to more exotic ports on these premium and ultra-luxury lines.

I hope this brief overview has given your some idea of where to start in finding the cruise line experience thats right for you. CruiseCompete.com offers a wealth of additional information online, or see our Live Help link to connect an agent who work with you personally to help you decide.

This is Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com—where travel agents compete to offer you the best deal--wishing you many safe and wonderful cruises. Cheers!

CruiseCompete on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CruiseCompete/73211591044

Great cruise info. at http://www.allthingscruise.com


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[magicofcoupons]

thanks

[CruiseCompete]

@magicofcoupons Always glad to help!

[Miami2Vegas]

thanks for the info, appreciate it :)

[CruiseCompete]

@Miami2Vegas  Glad to help any time. Cheers!

[familyTravelStory]

I find that choosing a cruise is really a combination of the right ports and the right type of cabin. However, if at all possible, it does not hurt to be able to choose a cruise with benefits for suite guests, as those somtimes make it worth paying a little extra.

[CruiseCompete]

@familyTravelStory Excellent points.

[cphudson]

We just booked with Holland America - For Alaska Departing in May - Will be our first cruise we are 27 & 28 - I think we are going to be the youngest couple, yet we are ok with that. Any suggestions for new cruisers ?

[CruiseCompete]

@hrtuvchrome Princess has excellent food and service. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

[hrtuvchrome]

@CruiseCompete So we decided on Princess, mainly because we like the way the cabins look. We haven't picked out a destination yet though but we know we want to go someplace warm. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it was really helpful. Before I got it I was looking at Carnival which honestly doesn't really compare. Like I said, the cabin was the biggest factor to us.

[CruiseCompete]

@hrtuvchrome: Congratulations on your wedding. Longer cruises on ANY line will reduce the number of kids you see on board. Lots of choices in the 12-14 day range: Med on Princess, RCL; Adriatic on NCL; and of course higher-end options on Seabourn, Oceania, etc. If you contact me via CruiseCompete (See Contact Us under About) I will be glad to connect you with an agent who speciaizes in this type of sailing.