Need help with choosing a cruise line

[beachbabie393]

I'm 20 and my boyfriend is 24. It would just be us two sailing, but because of my age, we are limited to which cruise lines we can go on. We had a cruise on Royal Caribbean all picked out, but within the past week the prices have gone up almost $200. What would be a better option: Princess, Norwegian, or Celebrity?

 

First a little information. I've been on 6 cruises (2 RCCL, 2 CCL, Holland America, and Disney). We're looking into a 7 day cruise in March to the Caribbean out of any port easily accessible by plane. Inside cabin, good snorkeling, beaches, and shopping locations. We want a ship with good service, nice pools/sun deck area, clean and welcoming, and good casino for my boyfriend. I would like to be able to be with him as well.

 

I have pros for each.. Princess and Celebrity both have the formal dining rooms. Norwegian's prices are very cheap. Princess has Movies Under the Stars which sound cool.

 

And I have cons for each.. On Princess I wouldn't be allowed in the casino. On NCL, the dress is more casual and formal nights are my favorite. I've also heard the food is not as good. On Celebrity, I'm not sure if they have a lot of activities on board.

 

In all honesty I don't know much else about any of these cruise lines. Any information from past guests would be really helpful.

[eh2zed]

On a ratings basis Celebrity would be about one star better than Princess and another half star or more better than NCL. But this relates largely to what is spent per passenger per day resulting in some differences in food, activities, etc. On a demographics basis you would fit in a little better with NCL or Princess. On the casino matter, my experience travelling with teenagers in the past was they couldn't play but no one rushed to check their age either if you know what I mean. Maybe things have changed. That was 5 years ago.

And then there is itinerary that may or may not be important to you.

No doubt you would have a good time on either but I would suggest Princess this time around. JMO

[baseball16]

I agree with the post before. I have always taken teens and even years ago my 10 year old did a little casino, over in a corner not so noticeable. That is not a big thing as long as you look like you belong and don't flaunt the fact.

 

As for movies under the stars. we were on Carnival last year with the movies and most of the time they seemed to cater to things for kids and concerts late at night.

 

NCL does have formal night if you choose to dress up. Also you can dress up formal every night that is what freestyle is about especially in the specialty restaurants.

 

We are going on NCL in March on a 9 day to experience something new and a new line and would really like to go on Princess next. Celebrity is a little more ritzy people.

 

Good luck choosing. Most are the same in a lot of ways so choose by islands also, and make the most of it and have a great time.

[beachbabie393]

Should I try Princess and hope that I will be allowed in the casino?

[Sundagger]

A cruise would be a great 21st birthday present:). Then you'd have lots of choices.

[beachbabie393]

I just got off the phone with Princess directly. The lady said I will not be allowed in the casino what so ever. Anyone have any idea of what I should do?

[CC Help Michell]

I just got off the phone with Princess directly. The lady said I will not be allowed in the casino what so ever. Anyone have any idea of what I should do?

 

"Do" about what? Persons under age 21 aren't permitted in the casino (not exclusively a cruise ship rule, by the way).

 

Perhaps if being able to be in the casino is a big goal for you on a cruise vacation, you should consider a different kind of vacation this year and take another cruise when you are legally of age?

[SmerkyGrl]

I just got off the phone with Princess directly. The lady said I will not be allowed in the casino what so ever. Anyone have any idea of what I should do?

 

Go somewhere other than the Casino.

[laycj18]

Also...you have quite the cruising history, you should know that no one stands at the entry to the casino and checks everyone's IDs. No one is going to know that you are underage, just go don't play.

 

And like others have said....maybe go to the deck and lay about while your bf is in the casino? Surely he can't be spending THAT much time in the casino that it is this big of a deal?! And like MichellP said if it is where you plan on spending the brunt of your vacation then maybe you shouldn't take a cruise.

[Cruzaholic41]

I thought all the major cruise lines minimum booking age was 25? :confused:

 

As for the Princess casinos, I have seen crew inquire about ages from time to time, so I do know they enforce it. Besides, is the casino really what your trip is focused on? That was the last thing I had in mind at your age.

[wrp96]

I thought all the major cruise lines minimum booking age was 25? :confused:

 

Nope. Most of them the minimum booking age is 21.

[CruisnGram]

First let me say that you have received some good, and not so good info here so far. The one that sticks out is the one that said that their 10 year old was allowed in the corner of the casino. It must have been a long time ago as there is no way a child is allowed to stay in a casino in today's world. The casino staff are on those that obviously look underage almost immediately when they enter.

 

I'm also surprised at the condescending attitude of many of the posters. It is your (and your BF's) vacation and what you plan on doing on it really isn't any of their business. You asked questions and as far as I'm concerned, deserve answers, not advice as to what you should, or shouldn't be doing on your cruise. Okay, off my soap box! LOL

 

I'm 20 and my boyfriend is 24. It would just be us two sailing, but because of my age, we are limited to which cruise lines we can go on. We had a cruise on Royal Caribbean all picked out, but within the past week the prices have gone up almost $200. What would be a better option: Princess, Norwegian, or Celebrity?

 

I cannot speak for all cruise lines policies, just NCL. One person in the cabin must be over 21 years of age. So no problem with your ages.

 

First a little information. I've been on 6 cruises (2 RCCL, 2 CCL, Holland America, and Disney). We're looking into a 7 day cruise in March to the Caribbean out of any port easily accessible by plane. Inside cabin, good snorkeling, beaches, and shopping locations. We want a ship with good service, nice pools/sun deck area, clean and welcoming, and good casino for my boyfriend. I would like to be able to be with him as well.

 

Gambling age is 18 on all NCL ships, so you would not only be able to join him, but gamble as well. If your BF really likes to gamble, NCL has the best program afloat. It is called Casino's At Sea and you get a players card. Lots of perks for using the card which can include getting money taken off your onboard account. And even after your cruise is finished, there are incentives to book your future cruise on NCL through CAS. Discounted rooms, free drinks, etc are offered.

 

I have pros for each.. Princess and Celebrity both have the formal dining rooms. Norwegian's prices are very cheap. Princess has Movies Under the Stars which sound cool.

 

And I have cons for each.. On Princess I wouldn't be allowed in the casino. On NCL, the dress is more casual and formal nights are my favorite. I've also heard the food is not as good. On Celebrity, I'm not sure if they have a lot of activities on board.

 

Don't be convinced by all that you read. I've cruised on Holland America, Royal Carribbean, Carnival and NCL. NCL's food is excellent. Plus, if you want to spend a little extra, their specialty restaurants are 5 star. Regarding the dress code, you are more then welcome to dress up on formal nights and have your photo's taken with (or without) the Captain. Not everyone is required to dress up, but many do. With Freestyle it's completely up to you and you will feel very comfortable no matter how you choose to dress.

Also, if you plan on being active in ports...snorkling, etc and make the most of your ashore time, you may enjoy NCL's freestyle dining. No set dinner time. You can eat dinner anytime between 5:30 pm and 10 pm. So if you come back late from a port, no need to rush to make it to dinner. If you are hungry at 5:30, you eat at 5:30 but if you had a late lunch ashore, go to dinner at 9 pm instead..your choice.

 

In all honesty I don't know much else about any of these cruise lines. Any information from past guests would be really helpful.

 

One more thing you may not be aware of. NCL is the only cruise line that will allow someone between the ages of 18 and 20 to purchase beer and wine while in international waters. You would need to bring the consent form (available on their website) that was signed by your parents (suggest notarized) and perhaps a copy of their drivers license to verify their signatures. So, other then hard liquor, you could do everything with your boyfriend on an NCL cruise including drinking, gambling and night clubs.

 

Have a great trip no matter which cruise line you choose!

 

CG (who's ready to make reservations for the Superbowl)