Cruzaholic41

That’s really bad advice. You clear US Customs when boarding in Vancouver. Regardless, whether or not it’s legal in whatever location the port is situated, it’s still illegal at the destinations and it’s still not permitted on board.

Or maybe Oceania since they have a history of it too. 🙄🙄

You really need to stop making stuff up. Princess did not ban smoking on balconies because of a fire that occurred 6 years prior and that was never proven to be because of smoking. Balcony smoking was banned on Princess and most other lines because it was one of the most common complaints made by passengers in post cruise surveys.

If Seabourn is a consideration, go for it! I love that line and those beautiful small ships! It’s a mixed crowd on Alaska cruises. Don’t worry about ages. No formal nights, so no tuxes. They just recently ended that.

I’m a former partner of one of the worlds largest cruise travel agencies in the world, so I have a ton of experience helping new cruisers like you who are trying to check so many boxes. I still cruise a couple dozen times a year and have cruised every recognizable line multiple times. The first thing to know is, no line is perfect in that they will check every box.That is a fact. First things first. Take with a grain of salt those who don’t consider your needs and only want to push “their” cruise line. I’m not saying don’t listen. Just be skeptical. I am keying in on your wants for a large ship, not formal, and especially the amount you’re wanting to pay. The rest, while important, are anecdotal. The price, however, will be a tough one. Aquahound mentioned Holland America, which was my first thought, but I don’t think they have anything scheduled from those ports. My first recommendation is Celebrity Solstice Class ships. Silhouette sails out of Southampton. It’s is a beautiful, large ship that checks many of your boxes, and does not feel overcrowded. If I were still in the business and you were my client, that’s the cruise I would highly recommend to you. I would also love to recommend Virgin Voyages. I found their cruises to be somewhat unique and a lot of fun. Their ships are amazing. But again, they don’t sail from those ports. One of my favorite lines right now is Viking Ocean. It is an excellent premium line that also checks some of your boxes. However, I don’t think this category of lines is for you. Cruise a great line like Celebrity first to see if you enjoy cruising and if afterwards, you want to tailor your experience to something more subtle (and more expensive), then maybe I’ll encourage you toward VO. If you want to tailor it to even bigger, more energetic ships, I’ll encourage you toward Royal Caribbean. Anthem sails out of Southampton and the shows on board are some of the best at sea. I’m only not pushing you that way now because those ships carry a lot of people. I hope this helped. Ask away if you have more questions. 😊

This cannot be a serious question so at this point, I have to just assume you’re being your usual self and trolling this thread.

Seriously? It’s this sort of sensationalism that leads to these ridiculous conclusions. I suggest you look at the pictures and read this thread again. The kid would not land on the tarp unless thrown. 🙄

I don't know what ship that is. I don’t recognize the configuration. But what I do see is the deck that some others above pointed out, and that this kid’s legs are nowhere close to dangling over the side of the ship. This kid is in no more danger than any other kid being carried by their parents. I agree a warning is suffice and that some people are waaaaay overreacting about this. People ought to be ashamed of themselves for judging this guy so harshly.

Since this 3 year old thread was resurrected - I’ve sailed many times post-Covid. In current times, my worst meals were on Holland America Eurodam, and my best were on Silver Muse and Viking Orion. I thought the food on RCI and Celebrity was pretty good with some of the specialty dinners rivaling Silver and Viking.

You forgot to say “in my opinion”. I’ve been on ships with him as the CD and while I agree he was entertaining, I wouldn’t put him up there with the better comedy acts I’ve seen.

I’m going against the grain here. I cruise all categories of cruise lines regularly. I’m far from a brand loyalist like some here. First, do not let anyone tell you the passengers on luxury lines are better, more interesting, or more well traveled. That is not true. You’ll run into just as many obnoxious and rude people as you would on any line. Yes, the food is better. IMO, Viking and Windstar are the best in the business for dining. But while the food certainly is better, I wouldn’t say it’s that great. Even on smaller ships, they’re still serving hundreds of people at the same time so don’t expect fine dining quality that you’ll find on land. I’d say it’s equal to the quality found in mainstream line specialty dining. If you enjoy the fun activities found on mainstream lines, you’ll be disappointed on luxury lines. Just the fact those folks can’t make that point without finding a way to insult mainstream cruisers should be a red flag. 🙄 Where I think small luxury lines excel is with itineraries and informative lectures. These lines are great for relaxation and traveling to ports the larger ships can’t visit. Frankly, the service isn’t that much better and the rooms really aren’t nicer.

So you haven’t, which means you don’t actually know. Got it.

To the OP, you’re not going to find a Viking experience at a lower price. Period. I sail both premium and mainstream lines regularly and in my opinion, Viking is the best line out there - both rivers and ocean.

When did you sail Viking to make that assertion? I’ve sailed Viking and Oceania and I thought Viking had better food.

I really enjoy Celebrity, and I share your opinion of Oceania. If you drop that kind of cash again, give Viking Ocean a try. I agree with Aquahound’s post above. I’m not a big fan of Holland America but I do think their newer ships are a huge improvement. Pinnacle Class is similar to Celebrity.

Simmer down. The precedent is formerly free things now having an upcharge. The precedent is already there whether you like it or not.

Doesn’t RCI charge for their slides on land? On ships, don’t they charge for other thrills like North Star and I Fly? So yes, I’d say there is some precedent.

I’ve done several expeditionary cruises and they are excellent! Do it. You will not regret it. Im looking real close at Viking Ocean’s Antarctic cruises. IMO, VO is the best premium line out there. If you do Galapagos, don’t overlook Celebrity. I cruised Flora and it was one of my all time favorite cruises. The ship is beautiful and the food and service were A+. In fact, I’d say it was better than most luxury lines.

I agree with everyone above. RCI and Quantum ships was what first came to my mind.

First of all, Carnival. Nuff said. Two, there’s a big difference between a kid having fun hiding a duck and grown adults packing extra suitcases full of ducks to hide all over the ship. Even worse, now they’re packing magnetic ducks and sticking them to walls everywhere. And yes, I do know crew doesn’t appreciate it because I’ve seen them throwing them away.

Hiding ducks on cruise ships is one of the most ridiculous cruise trends I’ve seen and I know for a fact the cruise lines and staff don’t appreciate it. But hey, go ahead and do what you can to further send what used to be a classy experience straight to the dumpster.

My goodness. Enough with the hyperbole already. 🙄

The lines I have found most consistently great over the years have been Viking Ocean (through still relatively new), Windstar, and Celebrity expeditionary cruises. Frankly, I think most others have taken a downturn. And it’s not just the easy target mass market lines. Oceania worsened when they became part of NCL - so much so that I no longer cruise them. The jury is still out on Azamara since their change.

That still doesn’t answer my question.

What classless antics did you see on Celebrity? 🤔