what other cruise line should we try?

[bebe08]

We are thinking of doing a last minute Caribbean cruise this winter.  It needs to be last minute due to other obligations.  We are Elite on X and have done several Caribbean cruises with them....sadly don't see anything new that would inspire us to do another one.    If the price was right for the Edge we would try that, but I am guessing we can get a better deal on another line.  We have done a few cruises on HAL and enjoyed them so that would be an option.  Looking to try something new and hoping to get some recommendations on what would suit us.  I'd like to start researching some of the other lines so we are ready to book if a good deal comes up.  However, I don't want to research them all lol.

 

We typically sale in a balcony cabin.  The key things we would be looking for are:

- adults only pool area (we LOVE the solarium - that is our go to place)

-coffee shop similar to Al Baccio (love to sit and have a coffee and pastry and chat)

-some new dining opportunities ( a little tired of X specialty restaurants, we are not "foodies" but do like variety, and would like some more casual type dining experiences)

- decent entertainment (music around the ship, some good shows, not head banger stuff tho lol)

- a somewhat subdued but fun ship (ie not interested in hairy chest contests, being bombarded with announcements etc)

- prefer to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we can get a direct flight (Miami would also work)

- we typically get a classic drink package and like that we don't have to worry about a big bill at the end of the cruise

 

TIA!!!

[WAVTAM]

Elite + with Celebrity. Have all the same concerns you initially listed. After research and doing spreadsheet on costs, Viking Ocean has satisfied all our needs. Mets all your concerns short of any BIG entertainment.

Look at there Spa features that are all included. Specialty restaurants included. Alcohol included. Very mature passengers. 

[lola2013]

Have you looked at Princess?   I don't use a drink package so can't comment on that, but I believe they tick all the rest of your boxes.  We have done Caribbean Princess which we love.  Also Coral & Sapphire.   

Good luck!

[helen haywood]

Try MSC in the Yacht Club!

[Essiesmom]

Just now, helen haywood said:

Try MSC in the Yacht Club!

Agree to try MSC!  While we have not sailed in Yacht Club, we have sailed on Divina, Seaside and Armonia.  Believe it or not, Armonia, their oldest and smallest ship is our favorite. Small cabins, not the greatest food, but the atmosphere is so calm, lots of comfy lounges to relax, and all music is live.  Musical show every night.  Prices can be incredibly low as the current cruises in the Caribbean were originally Cuba only, and when that had to be changed, prices sank.  Very international group.  Our cruise last month had 2000 guests, 1100 'Americans' and 900 'European'.  We have a bargain fare on Oceania next month, so we are trying them out.  Couldn't afford them without the bargain...  EM

[davekathy]

1 hour ago, bebe08 said:

We are thinking of doing a last minute Caribbean cruise this winter.  It needs to be last minute due to other obligations.  We are Elite on X and have done several Caribbean cruises with them....sadly don't see anything new that would inspire us to do another one.    If the price was right for the Edge we would try that, but I am guessing we can get a better deal on another line.  We have done a few cruises on HAL and enjoyed them so that would be an option.  Looking to try something new and hoping to get some recommendations on what would suit us.  I'd like to start researching some of the other lines so we are ready to book if a good deal comes up.  However, I don't want to research them all lol.

 

We typically sale in a balcony cabin.  The key things we would be looking for are:

- adults only pool area (we LOVE the solarium - that is our go to place)

-coffee shop similar to Al Baccio (love to sit and have a coffee and pastry and chat)

-some new dining opportunities ( a little tired of X specialty restaurants, we are not "foodies" but do like variety, and would like some more casual type dining experiences)

- decent entertainment (music around the ship, some good shows, not head banger stuff tho lol)

- a somewhat subdued but fun ship (ie not interested in hairy chest contests, being bombarded with announcements etc)

- prefer to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we can get a direct flight (Miami would also work)

- we typically get a classic drink package and like that we don't have to worry about a big bill at the end of the cruise

 

TIA!!!

Try RC. Being elite with Celebrity you will be diamond on RC. Diamond perks/benefits are good. Entertainment is good, they sail out of TB, PC , FLL and Miami. RC offers drink packages. 

Edited October 29, 2019 by davekathy

[ROXY GIRL]

PRINCESS NEW SHIP SKY.

WE LOVE PRINCESS. VERY NICE ADULT AREA.

[George C]

I would look at rccl or msc, you will be diamond on rccl and get some very nice perks including discount on balcony cabins and Diamond lounge with free drinks. msc has a matching program with perks including a 5 percent discount, the yacht club offers free drinks .

[ProfCruise]

I'd consider Princess if you've already tried HAL.  I'd book a ship with the International Cafe (similar to Al Baccio). 

[flowery]

We hated Princess. The pastries at the International Cafe were so bad we had to spit them out! The food in the MDR was mostly inedible and their specialty restaurants were the worst of all. 

 

My favorite cruise might be my first one- Song of America- Royal Caribbean around 1994- S Caribbean itinerary. That was when RCCL was still using real butter. After some later disappointments on RCCL we switched to Celebrity.

 

We decided to try Princess for a particular itinerary and after being told by some cruisers on a Celebrity cruise that it was comparable to Celebrity. In our experience, no comparison at all! Also, disliked the general ambiance on Princess.

 

[Fogfog]

Azamara

[Baron Barracuda]

3 hours ago, WAVTAM said:

Elite + with Celebrity. Have all the same concerns you initially listed. After research and doing spreadsheet on costs, Viking Ocean has satisfied all our needs. Mets all your concerns short of any BIG entertainment.

Look at there Spa features that are all included. Specialty restaurants included. Alcohol included. Very mature passengers. 

 

We were also very impressed with VO.  A bit pricier, but there are often deals.  No casino, but also no kids under 16.  Free beer and wine with lunch and dinner.  Free specialty restaurants.  Free shore excursion in every port.  Entertainment a bit disappointing as would expect on sub 1000 passenger ship.

[hiccups]

I'd take a look at Oceania, specifically their "O" ships, Riviera and Marina.  Entertainment is lacking a bit, but we really liked our cruise with them.  The "O" ships are about 1250 passengers, and their other ships (the "R" ships) are around 700.  Very few children, and great food.  Non-alcoholic beverages are included.

 

Oceania's pricing can be a little confusing.  You can get a "cruise only" price, or a "O Life" price with or without air.  There might be another option, too, but off the top of my head I don't recall what it is.  If you have a travel agent, have them run the prices all three ways and see what works best for you.

[39august]

If you don't want belly flop and sexy man contests and want few announcements, don't try RCI! 

[lv2cruisgrl]

7 hours ago, bebe08 said:

We are thinking of doing a last minute Caribbean cruise this winter.  It needs to be last minute due to other obligations.  We are Elite on X and have done several Caribbean cruises with them....sadly don't see anything new that would inspire us to do another one.    If the price was right for the Edge we would try that, but I am guessing we can get a better deal on another line.  We have done a few cruises on HAL and enjoyed them so that would be an option.  Looking to try something new and hoping to get some recommendations on what would suit us.  I'd like to start researching some of the other lines so we are ready to book if a good deal comes up.  However, I don't want to research them all lol.

 

We typically sale in a balcony cabin.  The key things we would be looking for are:

- adults only pool area (we LOVE the solarium - that is our go to place)

-coffee shop similar to Al Baccio (love to sit and have a coffee and pastry and chat)

-some new dining opportunities ( a little tired of X specialty restaurants, we are not "foodies" but do like variety, and would like some more casual type dining experiences)

- decent entertainment (music around the ship, some good shows, not head banger stuff tho lol)

- a somewhat subdued but fun ship (ie not interested in hairy chest contests, being bombarded with announcements etc)

- prefer to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we can get a direct flight (Miami would also work)

- we typically get a classic drink package and like that we don't have to worry about a big bill at the end of the cruise

 

TIA!!!

Try Edge, we loved her. I saw some last minute specials lately and prices are coming down.

[jagoffee]

Bebe08,
Based  on my experience with Celebrity and Princess, I recommend you look at one of the newer Princess ships.  Royal, Regal, or Sky.  You will need to pay extra for the Sanctuary (adults only area), so you need to consider the extra cost when doing a comparison to the Edge cruise.

[OnTheJourney]

I second a suggestion for Viking Ocean, though not certain how this works for your departure port preferences. Despite the unfortunate ending to our Sky cruise, we were really enjoying it. Loved the relaxed feel of the ship, far fewer passengers, lots of little nooks to just sit and read if one so desires, the special lunch offerings in the wintergarden as well as afternoon tea, Mamsen's for breakfast waffles, NO kids, NO casino and, yeah, drinks and restaurants included. Looking forward to our next few cruises with them. It was the first time we were ever on a ship with that few passengers. The Nordic Spa area looked really nice too, though never got to try it. 

 

We're also Elite with X and so Diamond with RC - some nice perks over there for being Diamond. One word in reference to that whole hierarchical cruise point  / tier structure - can't speak for some of the lines mentioned here, but Viking does NOT use that sort of system. No special seating section in the theatre (like RC does for Diamond, etc.) and things of that nature, but what Viking does do is to open up excursion booking dates (and specialty restaurant reservations) earlier for higher priced room categories. From what I've seen in airports when Viking groups were present, I've been most impressed with their guides. 

 

 You refer to looking for a "subdued but fun" ship. IF you're looking for some of the types of activities that are found on Celebrity - the various game-type activities, dance classes..whatever....I don't believe you'll find near as much of that on VO and probably some other smaller ships as well. Best of luck in your search! 

Edited October 30, 2019 by OnTheJourney

[oceansandseas]

 

Essiesmon...are you allowed to share how you got a bargain fare on Oceania. Would also like that as their fares are so high.

Thanks.

[DENIE]

If you can sail out of Miami, do consider MSC.  We did the Divina in 2014 (she was about 1 year old then), and she was a gorgeous ship.  Entertainment was great (I would rate ahead of Celebrity just a bit).  No hairy chest contests, etc.  The passengers are very international, which we enjoyed!  I believe they offer a variety of beverage packages, and plenty of optional dining opportunities. I understand the Seaside is quite nice as well.

[Essiesmom]

52 minutes ago, oceansandseas said:

 

Essiesmon...are you allowed to share how you got a bargain fare on Oceania. Would also like that as their fares are so high.

Thanks.

I don't remember how I discovered it, I usually don't look at Oceania.  But it was a 7 day western Caribbean with $899 for inside cabin.  Those were all waitlisted but I got the next level up inside for $949.  I consider that a bargain for O.  It came with free internet for one, and $400 OBC for the cabin.  My TA threw in free gratuities.  EM

[royalcruz]

You might like an Oasis class Royal Caribbean cruise, but it can get rowdy and a lot of kids. Here's how you might like it:

Get a dining package so that you can have all or most of your dinners in specialty dining, for a nice adult ambiance. 150 Central Park is my favorite restaurant. Spend your days in the solarium; there is even a really nice but small buffet restaurant in there for a light healthy lunch. Don't book a Boardwalk balcony because you'll hear a lot of noise from your balcony. It is best to book when school is in session if you want a more adult crowd. The DIAMOND CLUB is really nice (you will have a concierge there) and your room key will get you in. They have hors d'vors and open bar every evening.....and/or you can get 3 free drinks at almost any bar for 3 hrs every night until 8 or 8:30.  We don't feel we need the beverage package because of this. The club also has an espresso machine that is on all day, and they serve continental breakfast in the morning. All ships with a Promenade have the Promenade Cafe pastry and coffee bar, though it's not elegant like on X.

 

Princess is another good choice. The Royal and Regal ships are really nice, and we love the Sanctuary (extra fee). The Retreat pool and bar outside of the Sanctuary is adults only. The entertainment on Princess is excellent, lots to do and see. The age demographics are similar to Celebrity.

 

It sounds like Oceania would be perfect for you also.

 

Whatever you choose, have a great cruise!

Edited October 30, 2019 by royalcruz

[aml3679]

19 hours ago, bebe08 said:

We are thinking of doing a last minute Caribbean cruise this winter.  It needs to be last minute due to other obligations.  We are Elite on X and have done several Caribbean cruises with them....sadly don't see anything new that would inspire us to do another one.    If the price was right for the Edge we would try that, but I am guessing we can get a better deal on another line.  We have done a few cruises on HAL and enjoyed them so that would be an option.  Looking to try something new and hoping to get some recommendations on what would suit us.  I'd like to start researching some of the other lines so we are ready to book if a good deal comes up.  However, I don't want to research them all lol.

 

We typically sale in a balcony cabin.  The key things we would be looking for are:

- adults only pool area (we LOVE the solarium - that is our go to place)

-coffee shop similar to Al Baccio (love to sit and have a coffee and pastry and chat)

-some new dining opportunities ( a little tired of X specialty restaurants, we are not "foodies" but do like variety, and would like some more casual type dining experiences)

- decent entertainment (music around the ship, some good shows, not head banger stuff tho lol)

- a somewhat subdued but fun ship (ie not interested in hairy chest contests, being bombarded with announcements etc)

- prefer to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we can get a direct flight (Miami would also work)

- we typically get a classic drink package and like that we don't have to worry about a big bill at the end of the cruise

 

TIA!!!

This is a Celebrity part of Cruise Critic.  In my opinion, Celebrity is the only cruise line for us.

[Cruise a holic]

We also enjoy royal- the ships are large but the adult area is great.  Entertainment , IMO best at sea- enjoy the specialty restaurants.  If you can swing a grand suite or above, go for it as the suite perks (Oasis Class) are wonderful.  Also since your are Diamond plus, you will be able to enjoy all of the Diamond perks on Royal.

 

We didn't like NCL, Carnival or Princess.    

 

 

[chemmo]

Honestly, I would start a spreadsheet clearly noting what is important to you.

 

We have just started looking at possible alternatives to Celebrity for the Mediterranean (still enjoy just finding it pricey) and my head is spinning with the different options and what is included, length of cruise, free drinks, limited free drinks, new ship or old ship, excursions included/not included  to say nothing for cabin types, cost, ports of call.....

 

Alternatively (especially if you have some date flexibility) find a decent travel agent and see if they have any special offers...give them your approximate budget amount and see what they come up with.

[4774Papa]

20 hours ago, bebe08 said:

We are thinking of doing a last minute Caribbean cruise this winter.  It needs to be last minute due to other obligations.  We are Elite on X and have done several Caribbean cruises with them....sadly don't see anything new that would inspire us to do another one.    If the price was right for the Edge we would try that, but I am guessing we can get a better deal on another line.  We have done a few cruises on HAL and enjoyed them so that would be an option.  Looking to try something new and hoping to get some recommendations on what would suit us.  I'd like to start researching some of the other lines so we are ready to book if a good deal comes up.  However, I don't want to research them all lol.

 

We typically sale in a balcony cabin.  The key things we would be looking for are:

- adults only pool area (we LOVE the solarium - that is our go to place)

-coffee shop similar to Al Baccio (love to sit and have a coffee and pastry and chat)

-some new dining opportunities ( a little tired of X specialty restaurants, we are not "foodies" but do like variety, and would like some more casual type dining experiences)

- decent entertainment (music around the ship, some good shows, not head banger stuff tho lol)

- a somewhat subdued but fun ship (ie not interested in hairy chest contests, being bombarded with announcements etc)

- prefer to sail out of Fort Lauderdale as we can get a direct flight (Miami would also work)

- we typically get a classic drink package and like that we don't have to worry about a big bill at the end of the cruise

 

TIA!!!

We became Diamond on Royal Caribbean and have now done two cruises on Royal.   We find the prices are cheaper by far than Celebrity and NCL.  Also, entertainment is fantastic on Royal.  We saw two great ice show on one ship.

Also, the Diamond happy hour is from 5-8:30 and you can order wine with dinner at the MDR.  We never buy drink packages and for our two Royal cruises, we never had to spend anything on alcohol due to the happy hour.