Please select for me a cruise line and/or itinerary

[TwentyTwelve]

Based on a description of myself, I would like those of you who have cruised various lines to select the one(s) you think I would enjoy most. 

 

-36yo from the US

-Not interested in excessive drinking 

-Not fond of children

-Enjoy the finer things in terms of cuisine and entertainment. Don't want to feel like I'm at a golden corral or a Jr. High school play.

-Not interested in constant group activities, need a more free style/low key/relaxed vibe. 

-No preference on size of ship

-prefer local culture, history, architecture, scenery over shopping, resorts and water activities

-prefer 7+day itineraries

-can cruise any time of year

 

Thoughts?

 

 

[Husky61]

You want total strangers to select your cruise line and Itinerary?😲

[cruiseryyc]

Sorry but you need to do your own research, unless you want to send me a very large check then I'd be willing to do it for you.

[LHT28]

smaller ships 

premium or luxury lines

Europe  for the Culture etc..   but  would be more than 7 days 

 

[TwentyTwelve]

I fail to see where I asked anyone to do any research for me as I have already done plenty myself. This is based on personal opinions and recommendations. "I think you would like xyz line because they _____" 

 

Keep scrolling if you have nothing of substance to add. 

[mom says]

Sorry OP but this is a job for a cruise specialist TA who will take the time to more thoroughly define your preferences and present a selection of cruises from which you can pick.

 

From your initial post I would suggest you consider one of the premium or luxury lines. As to itinerary - ships sail all over the world. You could find cruises that fit just about anywhere - Europe, Asia, South America, even the Caribbean.

[George C]

I would go with celebrity or Holland America, avoid summer , spring break and holidays.

[Tapi]

I’ll play! 😃

 

Based on your criteria of no excessive drinking, not fond of children, appreciative of finer things, I would start by eliminating some cruise lines, times of year, and cruise length. Eliminate the bigger, family oriented mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, specially during times when kids are out of school (summer, spring break, and major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving), and specially the shorter itineraries. 
 

It sounds like you have an appreciation for finer things and culturally enriching activities, but at the same time you’re considered a “younger cruiser”. There are several cruise lines that will provide you with the more upscale experience that you’re looking for, but many of these, specially in the luxury market will cater to a considerably older clientele and you may find yourself as being the odd person out with nobody or very few fellow cruisers within your age group. So eliminate the likes of Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Viking, etc. 

 

I think that a good alternative for you may be a premium cruise line on a longer itinerary (more than 7 nights) and when kids are in school. Some good options in my opinion may be Celebrity or Princess. Allow yourself to go beyond the more traditional Caribbean sailings if you’re interested in some culturally enriching ports of call.
 

Something along the lines of Celebrity Edge in the Mediterranean comes to mind. Whatever you select, have an excellent time choosing, and have an even more excellent cruise! 

Edited October 19, 2019 by Tapi

[Aquahound]

Reading your criteria, Celebrity was the first line that came to my mind.  

[clo]

Where have you already traveled and what did you like/dislike about those places?  Why are you thinking cruise vs. other types of travel, i.e, land, all-inclusive.

[Bizmark'sMom]

Take a close look at Viking and Windstar.

[navybankerteacher]

O P:

Certainly do not consider NCL, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival; and probably do not consider Princess.  If they have itineraries which particularly interest you, check HAL and Celebrity.  More likely, check Aramara, Oceania, Crystal and Viking - but be willing to pay for the ambience.

[Shorex]

Sure. No problem. Viking. No kids allowed. Itineraries around the world. Awards for best this and that.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/why-viking/viking-difference/main.html

 

And I select for you the itinerary of Ancient Adriatic Treasures.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html

 

Call your favorite travel agent and book'em. You're welcome.

[cruisemom42]

21 minutes ago, Shorex said:

Sure. No problem. Viking. No kids allowed. Itineraries around the world. Awards for best this and that.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/why-viking/viking-difference/main.html

 

And I select for you the itinerary of Ancient Adriatic Treasures.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html

 

Call your favorite travel agent and book'em. You're welcome.

 

Nice choice. 

[crystalspin]

Great reasoning, @Shorex !

[Tapi]

1 hour ago, Shorex said:

Sure. No problem. Viking.

I’d agree about Viking, except for the fact that the OP is a good 20-30 years younger than Viking’s target demographic. The OP may be OK with the age difference, but I think that it’s something to be aware before committing to a Viking Cruise.  

[leaveitallbehind]

I would also suggest Celebrity as a main stream cruise line consideration.  I would not suggest HAL or Viking based on the OP's age, unless they don't mind traveling with a predominantly older demographic.  Agree as well with avoiding RCI, NCL, Disney, and most of all Carinval.  Princess would be OK but probably not a first choice IMO.

 

If budget is not a constraint, I would definitely also look at Azamara.  Longer, immersive itineraries off the typical beaten cruise path with a good cultural and geographic experience.  Actually this would probably be my first choice recommendation. Here's their website link if interested:

https://www.azamara.com/

 

Also agree with talking with a cruise specialist travel agent for all alternatives - as others have mentioned, it's really difficult for us to choose for you. A live TA can work with you in discussion of your expectations, budget, likes and dislikes, etc., and be in the best position to help guide your decision.

Edited October 19, 2019 by leaveitallbehind

[TruckerDave]

I say a nice 7 day out of either Port Canaveral or Miami on Carnival in Feb or Mar. 😎

[martincath]

Take a river cruise in Europe.

[Shmoo here]

I think the 29 night Hawaii/Tahiti cruise we took last March might fit the bill.

 

 

[JimnKaren]

The longer the cruise, the older the demographic. That makes sense as who has lots of time? Older folks.

Early December and early January are good times to cruise for a good price.

I will reiterate what others have mentioned - find a good travel agent and spend a couple of hours with that person going over options.

Jim

[leaveitallbehind]

1 hour ago, TruckerDave said:

I say a nice 7 day out of either Port Canaveral or Miami on Carnival in Feb or Mar. 😎

 

Well based on the OP's description of preferences in a cruise and what they want to avoid I would think Carnival would be their last choice.

Edited October 20, 2019 by leaveitallbehind

[Aquahound]

1 hour ago, TruckerDave said:

I say a nice 7 day out of either Port Canaveral or Miami on Carnival in Feb or Mar. 😎

 

I guess we can all have our opinions, but Carnival is the last cruise line I would suggest to the OP.  

[navybankerteacher]

1 hour ago, TruckerDave said:

I say a nice 7 day out of either Port Canaveral or Miami on Carnival in Feb or Mar. 😎

This sounds like “tough love” - are you trying to get OP to man up and accept the world as it is?

[getting older slowly]

Honestly go to TA whom specialises in Cruising.......

 

We when to one 2 and half hours latter, we book our first cruise... and loved it

 

She asked  what our expectation were, likes and dis likes, etc

 

and gave us first hand experiences of different cruise lines, ships and itineraries, and well as cabin choices

 

Cheers Don