TheParrotHeads

Thanks TOMC for making those additions, I forgot about those two other lines.

The PH'S (Lauren & Andrew)

<img src=http://www.caribbeansoul.com/images/animation.gif>

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500> 'Till the AOS

2001 NCL SKY-Western Caribbean

2001 NCL Sun-Exotic W. Caribbean

2004 RCCL Navigator of the Seas-Western Caribbean

TK27:

Bigger ships do not simply mean you are going to have a better time. In a sense they are often better to help provide a reference point for what you are looking for in a future cruise. Because of their size they tend to offer some more modern features and a wide variety of options in almost all categories. The variety is important for a first time cruiser. On board activities and services are provided to accomodate an array of passengers likes and tastes. There will be more dining choices, entertainment, bars/lounges, and of course a greater diversity in passengers. All of these things will help you better your criteria for selecting a future cruise. Some things may and may not be an importance to you when cruising and the large ships simply help you to decipher what it is you really want in a ship. It is true, each cruise line is not created equal. Some are very different, while others are relatively similar. It is no different then choosing a hotel. Every major hotel coporation has numerous levels of hotels priced to target a specific type of traveler--the same for cruises. Each cruiseline is associated with a specific type of cruiser. I'll be honest (and most likely get flamed for not being more thorough with this analysis) but here's a brief idea as to where each cruise line would rank in comparison with it's hotel sibling (IHO):

Carnival = Holiday Inn

Norwegian = Wyndham

Royal Caribbean = Marriott

Princess = Hilton

Celebrity = Hyatt/Ritz Carlton

Holland America Line = Ritz Carlton

Crystal/Radisson/Silver Seas = The Regency/Four Seasons

A lot of the newer ships tend to be larger simply because they need to be in order to meet the growing demand of cruisers. However there are still smaller ships to be found.

Hope this helps with your choices and provides you with a better understanding of where you think you fit and with whom Anyone feel free to correct me if I am way off base here. I don't claim to be an expert with four cruises, but have been lurking around here enough to make such a generalization. Which ever line you choose, there will be many similarities and keep in mind any cruise is a great cruise. Go with an open mind and positive outlook and you'll have a great time

The PH'S (Lauren & Andrew)

<img src=http://www.caribbeansoul.com/images/animation.gif>

<img src=http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500> 'Till the AOS

2001 NCL SKY-Western Caribbean

2001 NCL Sun-Exotic W. Caribbean

2004 RCCL Navigator of the Seas-Western Caribbean