Have you sailed other lines? Opinions please.

[Scootch]

We have sailed both CCL and RCCL. I think the aesthetics on RCCL are nicer.

 

The only bad experience we had on CCL is when we went on a 4 day sailing during spring break. :mad: Other than that we have never seen any crazy partying or inappropriate behavior on CCL.

 

Happy sailing!

[Tucker in Texas]

As a "veteran" of around 50 cruises, I am asked a lot what is my favorite cruise line. I usually say "the next cruise I am going on."

 

They all have their advantages and disadvantages. We pick our cruises based on itinerary, price, and don't let the "disadvantages" sway our choices as they are usually minor.

 

Royal Caribbean: Advantages: A Diamond+, balcony discount (available on lower tiers, also) the CL lounge (probably about to be taken away), upgraded coupons (always subject to change), flexibility to pay tips in cash without having to go to the desk and argue with them.

 

Disadvantages: Cannot bring any wine on the ship, menu the same after many years and any changes are just lower quality of food. $6 minimum at the blackjack table because they hope you will put the extra $1 on a special circle to spin a wheel for more money to spin a wheel if you hit blackjack (sucker bet), no daily newsletter, no chocolates on the pillow, no amenities in the bathroom other than OSFA dispenser in the shower with shampoo/soap. No laundry facilities. Can not combine balcony discount and stockholder benefit.

 

Holland American: Been a while since I have cruised on this one so things may have changed. Advantages: can bring on reasonable amount of wine, decor a little more elegant with fresh flowers, self-laundry and ironing facilities, Food was better but that can have changed. Service was better but the last time I cruised it was "tipping not required" which many people read "tipping not allowed" so the crew really hustled to get tips whereas now, it is like the other ships. Can use OBC if you are a Carnival stockholder.

 

Disadvantages: Older demographics so ship is pretty dead after 10:30. Many scooters and wheel chairs to elevators fill up a lot to accommodate them. Don't know if this would reflect on children's activities since not too many on the ship.

 

Celebrity: Diamond level (not just Diamond+)on Royal gives you highest level on Celebrity. Great coupons including 30 pieces of laundry done, a garment cleaned free, pressing free among others. Can bring on two bottles of wine per cabin. Personally thought the food was a little better than on Royal. Stricter smoking policy. Welcoming back to the ship after port stop with cold towels, cold water, and a "cabana" set up with comfy chairs, sofa, plants if you are waiting for someone to meet up with you or want to visit with someone from another ship. Lowly Diamonds can imbibe during happy hour with full bar service vs. el cheapo wine/champagne on Royal with 25% off (you have to stay on top of this, though) mixed drinks. Tips not automatically charged to your S&S card. Daily news recap available. Chocolates on the pillow. Balcony discounts. OBC for stockholder if not using balcony discount.

 

Disadvantages: Cannot smoke on the balcony but, as a smoker, I found this only a minor inconvenience except only one place to smoke inside if the weather is cold. I did find that non-smokers were much more courteous than on other ships not making smart remarks when you were smoking in designated areas other than the designated indoor spot in the observation lounge. Even though it was across the room with the dance floor in between, still complaints from the non-smoking side. Diamond happy hour shorter time (5-7 vs 5:00-8:30). Appetizers passed rather than buffet style as on Royal Caribbean. Personally prefered this even if I didn't get as much as they perhaps weren't being "handled" by other passengers who would pick something up and then put it back. No laundry facilities.

 

Princess: Only been on Princess once awhile ago so really can't say a whole lot. Only disadvantage I found was they charged for hot chocolate. This was an Alaskan itinerary so don't kinow if they do it on other itineraries. I got the word beforehand, took a box of Swiss Miss and could have made some money selling the packets I gave them away and had lots of "newbestfriends." I think they have laundry facilities. Can bring on reasonable amount of wine. OBC for stockholders of Carnival.

 

Carnival: Many, many years have gone by since my last cruise but am set to go out again in the near future. Can bring on 2 bottles of wine per cabin. I think they have laundry facilities. Stockholder benefit of OBC.

 

Disney: Never been on Disney but have heard the best cabins out there. No casino. Have heard they do a good job of getting some "Peace time" away from the kiddies for adults.

 

NCL: Not my favorite line so I don't seek them out. However, I did the Hawaiian cruise with them expecting nothing more than a roof over my head and transportation from Point A to Point B and found it very acceptable with food and service. Somehow they have convinced the

Feds that if a certain percentage of their crew is non-

American, that is acceptable vs. when they started the Hawaiian runs they all had to be American who don't appear to have the work ethics that non-Americans have.

 

They do have the nickel and diming down to a science in my opinion. I felt like they would charge for the chair I was sitting in if they could figure out how. Tipping is just about mandatory and higher than the other lines. They call it a service charge but, bottom line, it adds about $25 per day a couple to the cruise fare. The crew lets you know that additional tipping over and above that is welcome. You can get it taken off but you better have 100 good reasons why to argue at the front desk.

 

Their fare prices tend to be cheaper so I figure "you gets what you pay for."

 

 

You find chair hogs on all of them and none of the lines seem to aggressively enforce the non-saving of seats.

 

Food subjective and not as good as in the past but you won't go hungry. In my case, it saves me from myself--I don't eat as much!

 

Nickel and diming is alive and well on all of the ships now. They keep the fares down hoping to make it up on on board revenue. Still you can have a great cruise and not spend anything extra (other than tips and insurance) if you don't want.

 

This is all I can think of right now. Sorry to have gone on so long.

 

 

Tucker in Texas

[drmomsc]

I have sailed Carnival, NCL (once, many years ago), Princess, RCCL, and Disney.

 

They all have their pluses and minuses.

My favorites are (in no particular order): Disney, RCCL, and Princess.

I thought food was best on Princess and Disney.

RCCL has a lot of options the others lack (rock climbing, the promenade,etc.)

Disney had my favorite shows.

Princess was boring for my kids. I prefer it for an adults only trip.

 

Carnival is ok. Haven't been on in a while because I like the others better. NCL was eh.

[drmomsc]

Oh, forgot- Disney cabins rock! The split bath is wonderful!!!! And they have the smoothest disembarkation I have ever seen.

[mizLORInj]

I have enjoyed all the lines/ships I've sailed and would do any of them again!

I think it's best to try them out to see for yourself. :D

[Marysunshine]

Everyone has their own experience and opinion and I will share ours. DH and I have been on three cruises - 2 Carnival and 1 RCCL Liberty of the Seas.

 

Liberty of the Seas is a beautiful ship and has more amenities than Carnival does such as the ice skating rink (we NEVER found it open to the public), more shops, and the FlowRider and Rock climbing wall (never did these but interesting to watch). While Carnival does not have the above, their ships are still beautiful.

 

FYI, we are a couple now in our mid 50's.

 

We found Carnival much better in their service and food and cabins compared to RCCL. Now again, that is just our opinion. On RCCL, we went to both Chops and Portofino and neither one compared to the Reservation Steakhouse on Carnival Glory. We did the MTD on Liberty of the Seas and while we like being able to dine when we want, most times you do not get the "relationship" with your wait staff compared to having traditional dining. With that said, I know we enjoyed our dining experience more on Carnival with the traditional.

 

Again, our opinion...food - Carnival wins hands down.

 

Would we ever sail on RCCL again? Of COURSE we would. It is common knowledge however that RCCL is much pricey than Carnival and I think saving $$ is on everyone agenda.

 

We have not tried NCL. Some of the reviews I have read do concern me, but again, you just have to go to see what you like...so, maybe 2013 we will go no NCL.

 

All cruise lines have their plus and minus....heck, try them all to see what YOU like!

 

+1 Food and DESSERTS much better on Carnival. Was on Carnival Victory last March and loved the food (except for the buffet). Royal has really gone down in this area.

[jeckf]

I have sailed on Carnival (1x), Celebrity (5x), Cunard (1x), Holland America (3x), Norwegian (4x), Princess (1x) and Royal Caribbean (3x). My favorite line without a doubt is Celebrity. The service is the best. I would rank Carnival at the bottom of the list, followed closely by Princess.

[MikeNJ1109]

We've cruise RCL six times (Explorer, Brilliance, Mariner, Voyager, Liberty, Freedom) and NCL twice (Dawn / NY - Bermuda) -- and in all cases had a terrific time. We were well taken care of, our cabin's were excellent, service was top notch, food was perfect and we were able to do as much or as little as we desired.

 

For us, the joy is in cruising ... and as long as our cabin is clean and kept up, the food doesn't suck, the staff is there to serve but is not overbearing -- then we are happy.

 

Give us a tall ship, and a star to sail her by ...

 

Michael and Silke