The cruise industry offers a wide selection of
carriers to choose from for your cruising experience. Generally, cruise lines are grouped
into three main categories, popular, luxury and specialty.
There is no one size fits all in the cruise industry.
Choosing a favorite cruise line is like choosing a favorite restaurant; it
depends on personal taste.
In this article,
I will be looking at the popular category of cruise lines and describing each
brand using their own advertising, guest
feedback and personal experience. I’m listing them in alphabetical order to
avoid the appearance of favoring any cruise line over another.
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| Carnivalfamspunchaos.com |
Carnival
Cruise Line claims to be "The World's Most
Popular Cruise Line®." They are
known for providing outstanding value for the money and are considered to be kid
and family friendly. Their reputation for being the “fun” cruise line means to
some past passengers a party atmosphere.
Just like most cruise lines, Carnival offers plenty to
do on board with casinos, shops and day and night time entertainment. Their
staterooms are “comfortable” and affordable.
Carnival’s fleet consists of 25 ships visiting the
Caribbean Islands, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and Australia.
Celebrity
Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated popular cruise line. They offer the
most luxurious accommodations and common areas found in any of the popular
lines. Dining experiences are unforgettable events in themselves and with a
guest–to–staff ratio of nearly 2:1 personalized service is unsurpassed.
Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand,
Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the
Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round
in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruise-tour
experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
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| Courtesy of DisneyCruises.com |
In just 20 short years, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as a leader in the cruise
industry, providing a setting similar to their family-oriented
theme parks offering all Disney has to offer.
Disney operates a fleet of four ships, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Based in Port Canaveral, Florida, just a few miles from Disney World in Orlando, they have their own theme designed cruise terminal. Guests can experience exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, among others.
Disney operates a fleet of four ships, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Based in Port Canaveral, Florida, just a few miles from Disney World in Orlando, they have their own theme designed cruise terminal. Guests can experience exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, among others.
Expect total “Disney immersion” on their cruises, and it will cost a bit more for the “Disney”
experience.
Holland America
Line
has been a recognized leader in cruising for over 100 years, taking their
guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of
the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five-star
dining, extensive activities, enrichment programs and compelling worldwide
itineraries, you've come to the right place. They are committed to their
mission: through excellence, they create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every
time.
Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 14 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and their extended Grand Voyages. Along with enticing destinations, they offer shore excursions to further enhance their guests' appreciation and understanding of the places they visit.
Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 14 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and their extended Grand Voyages. Along with enticing destinations, they offer shore excursions to further enhance their guests' appreciation and understanding of the places they visit.
Norwegian Cruise
Line
wants you to “Live life to the fullest; smile bigger, explore further and relax
longer.” Norwegian gives you the freedom
and flexibility to do what you want when
you want. At dinnertime, you can enjoy a
three-course meal or grab a burger hot off the grill. And with the flexibility
of no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating, you have the freedom to enjoy
more dining options than days of your cruise.
NCL
offers a wide range of staterooms, including The Haven by Norwegian®, their
most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Along with family
suites and balcony staterooms you can also vacation solo in a studio cabin.
Evening
entertainment includes performances like multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway
shows and hilarious comedic performances, world-class acrobats and aerialists
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| loveboatlockerdome.com |
Princess
Cruises is one of the best-known names in cruising for the
last 50 years. Today, the line has grown to become the third largest cruise
line in the world, renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options,
and an environment of exceptional customer service.
Princess Cruises gained stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called "The Love Boat." introducing millions of viewers to the concept of a sea-going vacation. The show, which can still be seen in syndication, has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.
No matter where Princess ships sail, passengers enjoy warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance. Princess crew members are dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure guests can escape the every day with an unforgettable vacation.
Public spaces on Princess ships are designed to feel intimate, even on the largest vessels, and feature contemporary decor, allowing passengers to enjoy themselves in an informal, relaxed onboard atmosphere that mirrors today’s lifestyles.
Princess Cruises gained stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called "The Love Boat." introducing millions of viewers to the concept of a sea-going vacation. The show, which can still be seen in syndication, has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.
No matter where Princess ships sail, passengers enjoy warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance. Princess crew members are dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure guests can escape the every day with an unforgettable vacation.
Public spaces on Princess ships are designed to feel intimate, even on the largest vessels, and feature contemporary decor, allowing passengers to enjoy themselves in an informal, relaxed onboard atmosphere that mirrors today’s lifestyles.
Princess' more than 150 different itineraries offer
travelers the opportunity to literally
cover the globe, with sailings to six continents that call at more than 300
ports and destinations around the world.
Having led the way in Gulf of Alaska cruising, Princess maintains a strong presence in the 49th state. Through its Seattle-based Princess Tours division, the company operates a wide variety of spectacular land and sea experiences in the majestic "Land of the Midnight Sun."
Having led the way in Gulf of Alaska cruising, Princess maintains a strong presence in the 49th state. Through its Seattle-based Princess Tours division, the company operates a wide variety of spectacular land and sea experiences in the majestic "Land of the Midnight Sun."
After 40 years of cruising, Royal Caribbean thinks they know a thing or two about innovation at sea. They call it the Royal AdvantageSM –a promise to give you the most innovative ships, exciting worldwide destinations and the best-personalized service to each and every guest.
The cruising public must agree because RCB has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 12 consecutive years by Travel Weekly.
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| Cruisecritic.com |
With hundreds of destinations in 72 countries on six continents to choose from, all you have to do is pick a spot and go. While you sail, enjoy first-at-sea experiences on their innovative ships such as the FlowRider® surf simulator, rock-climbing walls, zip line, ice-skating rink, AquaTheater shows and Boardwalk® carousel.
Whether you're lounging at the pool, enjoying a gourmet meal in the dining room, relaxing with a massage in the spa or taking a break in your room, RCB promises you will be wowed by their Gold Anchor Service®.
As you can see, there are a lot of options in the
“popular” cruise line category. A travel agent can help you determine which
cruise line is best for you and will most closely match your expectations.
In my next article, I’ll discuss the “Luxury Line”
category.
What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!
Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!
Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.
This is a great summary and help me choose which cruise line I would like to go on. Thanks
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