Convince Us to Try Cruising Again

[collomd]

A bit of background: around 6 years ago we did our first and only cruise (on Royal Carribean) , with my daughter and parents (who have done many cruises).  We were not enamored with it but are considering giving another cruise a try.  Some of the reasons that we didn't love our last cruise: the crowds, long waits to embark, and a fair number of pushy/rude passengers. Food in the sit-down restaurants was good, buffet was ok. We have chalked some of that up to the fact that it was a Spring Break season trip, and potentially the cruise line.

 

We are looking to do a Caribbean trip around December 10 (myself, wife and 19 yr. old daughter), and we are debating an all-inclusive (which we have been doing since our last cruise) vs. a cruise. Hopefully this is prior to when most elementary and high school students are not out school yet, so we hope that will help. We will be drinking but are not late-night hardcore partiers. We would like to be able to enjoy the pool on at sea days (we couldn't get near the pool through the mass of humanity on our RC cruise). We are looking at Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Celebrity, and currently avoiding RC/Carnival/Disney. We don't love being scheduled, but realize you have to be to a certain degree. 

 

Any suggestions on how to decide between these cruise lines? We prefer sit-down dinners vs buffet, but not necessarily formal ones. Is that week (Dec 10) a good one for lower #'s of passengers/crowds? What would have a fun feeling but not be too crazy or full of retirees? Any help, suggestions would be appreciated...

[Ashland]

Sorry you won't at least consider RCI for the Caribbean. They have some amazing ships and ports. Enjoy whatever you decide.

[MCC retired]

"Some of the reasons that we didn't love our last cruise: the crowds, long waits to embark, and a fair number of pushy/rude passengers".

 

That has not gotten better and a bit worse. However choosing one of the Older, Smaller ships on any of the mass market cruise lines will help you discover cruising again in early December.

 

[Essiesmom]

The time between thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as right after New Years and often the ,least expensive because the kids are back in school, so less attractive to families.  Of the lines you mentioned, I would eliminate HAL as having the least to attract your daughter.  I would rate Princess and Celebrity as about equal.  NCL would probably be the most attractive to a teen.  For a totally different experience you might look at MSC.  Guests would probably be much more international/European.  EM

[LHT28]

Try a  smaller  ship  with less  bells & whistles 

More about the ports  than the toys onboard

[collomd]

1 minute ago, Ashland said:

Sorry you won't at least consider RCI for the Caribbean. They have some amazing ships and ports. Enjoy whatever you decide.

Well last time the nice ship couldn't overcome the crowds, people, etc. - my family would be extremely unhappy if we tried it again and had the same issue. At least if we go with a different line and we don't enjoy it, we can say that we aren't really cruise people. If we tried RCI again, and had the same issues, we'd always be wondering.  

[collomd]

4 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Try a  smaller  ship  with less  bells & whistles 

More about the ports  than the toys onboard

Yeah, I agree - we really aren't too worried about the toys on board, just want good food and drinks on board and ability to use the pool or whatever.  What is the best way to determine the size of the ship when searching and what's considered a "smaller" ship?

[LHT28]

6 minutes ago, collomd said:

Yeah, I agree - we really aren't too worried about the toys on board, just want good food and drinks on board and ability to use the pool or whatever.  What is the best way to determine the size of the ship when searching and what's considered a "smaller" ship?

For me it is  under 1500 pax  It may or may not work for a 19 yr old  though

Our preferred line is Oceania  but  HAL may work as well

[collomd]

8 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

The time between thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as right after New Years and often the ,least expensive because the kids are back in school, so less attractive to families.  Of the lines you mentioned, I would eliminate HAL as having the least to attract your daughter.  I would rate Princess and Celebrity as about equal.  NCL would probably be the most attractive to a teen.  For a totally different experience you might look at MSC.  Guests would probably be much more international/European.  EM

NCL came recommended by another couple we know, but I am reading that they have a lot of additional charges (more than the usual), and can feel like they are Nickle and Dime-ing you? Does that sound accurate?  Ideally we would get one of the "packages" and this would be less so?

 

MSC was new to me, and don't mind the European vibe, I will look into it.

[GeezerCouple]

11 minutes ago, collomd said:

Yeah, I agree - we really aren't too worried about the toys on board, just want good food and drinks on board and ability to use the pool or whatever.  What is the best way to determine the size of the ship when searching and what's considered a "smaller" ship?

 

It's not just the size without regard to the cruise line.

You are only considering the relatively mass-market cruise ships.

There are some very nice smaller ships on smaller cruise lines, such as the previously mentioned Oceania, as well as the somewhat more luxe ships/lines.

These are likely to be more expensive, unless you are getting the higher priced suites.

The different ambiance (and lack of crowding) on board is considerable.

GC

[Aquahound]

Scratch NCL off your list because, in my opinion, they are even worse than RCI regarding crowds and pool space.  I would also scratch Princess off that list.  FWIW, I'm not saying any of these are bad cruise lines....I'm just saying you'll run into the same issues.  

 

I recommend Celebrity.  They're a nice mix of passengers with beautiful ships.  I'm afraid you'll find HAL too far on the opposite side of the spectrum.  

 

Regarding rude/pushy people, unfortunately, I don't think that's avoidable any more.  

Edited August 2, 2023 by Aquahound

[TheOldBear]

A useful first approximation when comparing ships is seeing how much space is allocated per passenger. A ship's interior space is rated by volume units called 'gross registered tons'

For examples

  Cunard's QM2 149215 GRT, 2695 passengers - 55 tons/passenger

 RCI Oasis Class 265282 GRT, 6780 passengers - 37 tons/passenger

 

Apparently some people _like_ crowds while on vacation - I am not one of them.

 

 

[Essiesmom]

1 hour ago, collomd said:

Yeah, I agree - we really aren't too worried about the toys on board, just want good food and drinks on board and ability to use the pool or whatever.  What is the best way to determine the size of the ship when searching and what's considered a "smaller" ship?

Go to cruisedeckplans.com.  Clicking on each cruise line, you will see an alphabetical list of that lines ships with size, year in service, passenger count…along the top of the page you can choose to look at them by class within the line.  Such as Oasis class on Royal, Edge class on Celebrity…. EM

[Toofarfromthesea]

1 hour ago, collomd said:

NCL came recommended by another couple we know, but I am reading that they have a lot of additional charges (more than the usual), and can feel like they are Nickle and Dime-ing you? Does that sound accurate?  Ideally we would get one of the "packages" and this would be less so?

 

MSC was new to me, and don't mind the European vibe, I will look into it.

 

I'm considering dipping my toe back in, and if I do it will be a Caribbean cruise with Msc in their Yacht Club class.  It is an upscale  ship with-in a ship concept that would solve a lot of your concerns without being crazy expensive. Only yacht club passengers can go into the yacht club area (it is more a booking class than a club you join).  There is an YC dedicated upscale restaurant.   There's a YC lounge with a little goodies buffet they stock all day with changing items, where you can get afternoon tea.  There's a YC dedicated pool deck with pool, jacuzzi, small fresh buffet, and bar.  Also butler service.  Drink package is included as are room service. And I've never felt crowded in the least. 

 

Plus, you can venture out of the YC and all of the big ship amenities are there.  If you want to go to the show your butler will escort you to the theater and the dedicated YC area.  If you go on an excursion your butler will escort you off the ship to the meet-up spot.  In both cases, skipping all the line.  You even get priority elevator service using your YC card or wristband.  And the included drink package works all over the ship, not just in the Yacht club.

 

And while other cruise lines have similar concepts, such as the Haven, and the Retreat, YC is significantly less expensive. I was just doing a mock booking for a September 2024 7-day Caribbean cruise.  A Yacht Club interior was about 3500 for both passengers and a YC balcony was more in the 5500 range, just to give you a sense.

 

I did 7 days in the western Mediterranean and 14 days in the Baltic and Norway Fiords, both in the Yacht Club.  Definitely a more European vibe than a Holland America Alaska cruise.  If I do dip my toe back in it will be interesting to see if the Yacht club is the same or less European in the US market.

 

YouTube is a great resource for getting an idea about anything cruising.  If you decide to look into MSC there are tons of videos, including yacht club videos.  Plus all kinds of videos of other cruise lines.  I find them very helpful.  You might also.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Good luck!!

Edited August 2, 2023 by Toofarfromthesea

[crystalspin]

2 hours ago, collomd said:

Any suggestions on how to decide between these cruise lines? We prefer sit-down dinners vs buffet, but not necessarily formal ones. Is that week (Dec 10) a good one for lower #'s of passengers/crowds? What would have a fun feeling but not be too crazy or full of retirees? Any help, suggestions would be appreciated...

I will suggest reading on each of your short-list cruiselines "boards" on Cruise Critic. I have been able to form opinions about the culture of the clientele that way. I won't say it's going to be 100% accurate, but it helped cement my guesses that were formed from the lines' advertisements!

 

ETA: Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Edited August 2, 2023 by crystalspin

[Mum2Mercury]

I'm not going to try to convince you to cruise -- not my biz -- but I'll give you some facts: 

- Waiting in line for embarkation /disembarkation is just one of the negatives of cruising.  Royal Caribbean has started a new system:  you're required to claim a 30-minute boarding time slot now, and that does divide people up better than in the past.  

- You don't love being scheduled?  If you choose to cruise, you will absolutely have to adhere to the ship's schedule for boarding /island stops /disembarkment.  In between, you can do what you want -- you don't have to schedule any meals, though you might have to wait if you don't.  

- Pushy /rude people are everywhere. 

- The main dining room will give you sit-down dinners without formality.  The majority of ladies will wear sundresses, and the majority of men will wear khakis /jeans and button downs /polos /Hawaiian shirts.  

- If you sailed during Spring Break, you saw cruising at its worst.  I like the first week of December, which you're considering, because it's not so crowded and because prices tend to be low.  Christmas decorations will go up that week.  

- The weather is a little chilly in the Caribbean in December -- no problem with shorts or short-sleeved shirts, but the water /bathing suits can be a little chilly.  I just bought a long-sleeved rash guard and look forward to testing it out this fall.  

- 19 is kinda the wrong age for cruising.  Too old for the kids' club, not old enough for the majority of the entertainment.  

- The pools weren't crowded at all on the first week of December.  

- Nickle and diming is a hassle on Royal Caribbean (can't speak for other lines), but it isn't any worse than it was in the past.  You can get "packages" for specialty dining and beverages -- and they're quite expensive.  You might consider figuring up how many drinks you're likely to buy in a week and putting that amount of money in to your onboard account -- kinda gives you your own "right sized" package.  You are allowed to bring 1 bottle of wine and 12 non-alcoholic cans /bottles (soda, water) on board.

 

 

Edited August 2, 2023 by Mum2Mercury

[Flatbush Flyer]

OP:

I always chuckle when someone on CC says “teens” won’t like “this” or “that” (as though they are all more similar than dissimilar). Of course, nothing could be farther from the truth.

 

The same holds true when it come to some folks here on CC pigeonholing all sorts of passenger populations. For example, you’ll hear (erroneously) that only geezers cruise on premium/luxury lines. But, the truth is that itinerary, value and the quality of the onboard experience knows no age age barriers.

 

Our preferred line is Oceania. We just today completed a three week San Francisco to New York cruise with a significant number of 30-40 year olds as well as several multi-generational families with school age children. That’s in line with the reality that we’ve been seeing more and more 30-50 year old O passengers (particularly on the non-Caribbean, non-Med dime-a-dozen itineraries. And when I ask them why they chose O and this itinerary, the usual answer was some combination of value pricing, small ship, the food and the wonderful itineraries. I’ve even queried the parents with kids aboard and got another common answer that had added “we’re trying to instill in them a tru appreciation for travel and a quality experience.

 

That said, the first thing I suggest is that you find a well-respected cruise specialist travel agent and discuss your travel experiences, preferences and expectations. The resultant  profile will help your TA and you narrow the field of possibilities for cruise lines. Note that you’ll hear some folks saying that “itinerary is everything and the ship doesn’t matter.” Of course, that’s silly since, for example, antiquities, select beaches, the beauty if nature are fixed elements while your home away from home (i.e., the ship) can vary significantly and do so in many ways.

 

The problems you cited that have caused your hesitation at “another try” are not uncommon on large mass market ships. We, like many other regular cruisers, had similar experiences as we moved through different cruise industry segments looking for a “good fit” for our “travel profile.” And, like many of those others, we finally moved up to Oceania (or somewhat similar premium lines like Azamara).

 

One final thought: we find the Caribbean to be rather boring. If you want “tropical paradise,” head to Polynesia.
 

Do your homework and you will be rewarded.

[collomd]

@Flatbush Flyer I think you're right about the teenager part, I am fairly sure my daughter would be happy on any of these lines. Oceania looked interesting but we're sort of limited on our time/dates for this trip, and they seem to have more longer itineraries than we're planning for this trip. If things work out with this trip, we may look at doing a Mediterranean cruise next year, and then who knows maybe a Polynesian trip.

[YourWorldWithBill]

What others said about smaller ships is worth considering.

 

What @LHT28suggested makes sense for what you said: Holland America ships have about 2,000 or a few hundred more. We didn't find them too crowded. Too bad you can't find an Oceania cruise that fits, as their ships are about 600 or 1,250. Maybe think about Viking: each of their ships hold 930 max; I don't know about their Caribbean itineraries.

 

Both Oceania and Viking have excellent food, and they don't "nickel and dime" you, although they're not as all-inclusive as ultra-luxury lines. And Holland America isn't too pushy

Good luck.

[Mary229]

My brother and his wife aren’t big cruisers they also like the resorts.  When they do cruise they cruise Windstar.  From their description it is a spa at sea on large yachts.   Adults only, great food and comfortable service.   
 

 

[jsn55]

Cunard.  Queen Victoria is a great, elegant ship.  I adjust my expectations when taking any cruise.  In exchange for all the hedonism, I have to get on the ship  perhaps endure immigration formalities onboard, and make reservations for what we want ... all of which might waste some time.  I am careful to plan our time so we don't encounter crowds unnecessarily.  I've only observed a couple of pushy, rude people on any cruise.  Maybe because we go out late and come back early.  We don't go to dinner at 830pm with everyone else.  We order breakfast from room service and have many meals at the buffet.  We both enjoy our books and computers ... if a show appeals, we'll try to attend ... if we can get in without a huge wait, that's a bonus. Otherwise, we go have a glass of champagne and people-watch.  We are outside walking the decks often. Wandering around the ship itself is most enjoyable.  

Edited August 3, 2023 by jsn55

[Hlitner]

The only way to avoid crowds and queues on cruises is to cruise on small ship luxury lines.  The down side is that you will spend a lot more money and not have the kids programs found on massive vessels.  
 

Hank

[donaldsc]

17 hours ago, Mary229 said:

My brother and his wife aren’t big cruisers they also like the resorts.  When they do cruise they cruise Windstar.  From their description it is a spa at sea on large yachts.   Adults only, great food and comfortable service.   
 

 

 

If you are recommending a sailboat although Windstar isn't really a sailboat I will add Star Clippers to the list.  A unique experience.  Kids & Teens. Children are welcome onboard Star Clippers cruises. While there is no structure programme providing supervision and care for young children, they are invited to participate in shipboard activities suited to their ability. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

[2wheelin]

6 hours ago, Hlitner said:

The only way to avoid crowds and queues on cruises is to cruise on small ship luxury lines.  The down side is that you will spend a lot more money and not have the kids programs found on massive vessels.  
 

Hank

May be more often true but not exclusively. Just returned from a 5 nt on RCI Freedom of the Seas with capacity for 4800. The only time we ever stood in line more than a couple minutes was debarkation and that is a given. We were constantly moving. Embarkation took 20 minutes from leaving the car to our first drink after completing muster.

We could enter a show just before start time and find good seats, always a couple seats together in any bar, always found seats easily in the windjammer with several empty tables and we went at regular times. MTD was never a wait when we showed up at 6:00-6:30.

We rarely saw stewards in the halls and NEVER food plates or scooters. There was a line for the flow rider but we were not planning on it (with all those people watching) but there may have been better times.

We were thankfully not bombarded with cruise director announcements. He made one in the morning, one at noon, and one late afternoon.

There is a solarium area for adults and it was never full. I didn’t look at the other pool but there were chairs at least close by. It was one of the quietest cruises I have been on except for right after the start up when the ships were empty.

I did have the drink package but my bill at the end of the cruise was $20 for the casino and gratuities. No nickel and diming if you don’t want and still good food and entertainment. 

[DarrenM]

On our last cruise we were docked alongside various ships throughout.

 

To name a few

 

Regent seven seas

Virgin resilient lady

Enchanted Princess twice

Tui Mein Schiff 3, I think.

Oceania Vista

And we passed close by to Disney Dream.

 

Oceania vista looked too small and seemed to have very little outdoor spaces.

 

Regent seven seas looked beautiful. Quite small in comparison to celebrity beyond that we were on.

 

I did not like the look of enchanted princess at all. Big and cumbersome looking.

 

Resilient lady looked stunning.

 

Mein schiff was awful.

 

Disney dream looked magnificent.

 

Regent seven seas and celebrity beyond would be good choices, or their equivalent in the Caribbean.