Cruises and Cruise Lines
There's a great way to find cheap cruises and that is by buying them at the
last minute. Because the ships will be going out anyway inventory will be lost
if they don't have passengers. Check out: Book your cruise at LastMinuteTravel.com
for geat deals or visit the cruise lines web sites directly.
Mainstream Large
Ship Cruise Lines
- Royal
Caribbean Cruise Lines
- the leader of the general megaliner market, RCCL delivers an enjoyable
product. Food is good (but not gourmet), and service is pleasant. A
multitude of onboard activities, exciting itineraries, and a good reputation
means RCCL satisfies most of the cruisers out there. Not all ships are big
and new (the new ones are featured on the commercials), so ask your travel
agent what to expect on your particular cruise ship. RCCL is also known for
some small cabins! The larger, newer ships offer rock climbing, ice skating,
and more. RCCL is great for pretty much every middle America lifestyle,
especially for those active, independent individuals who thought cruises
were just for "boring stuffy people."
- Carnival
Cruise Lines - dubbed "Funship" for a reason,
Carnival Cruise ships always have a sort of energetic buzz. Older ships are
styled in a hyper Vegas themes, with bright colors galore, but newer ships
(and refurbished older ships) have been decorated a little more tastefully.
Carnival's grown up in the last few years, with a little more taste and
refinement. For example, the food and restaurant service is now excellent,
on the level of premium cruise lines. Carnival still caters to the
every-man. Service outside the restaurant can be unsatisfactory at times.
- Norwegian
Cruise Lines - NCL is Carnival's competition, but there are
some major differences between the two liners. Carnival's food is much
better than NCL's (with the exception of some of NCL's specialty
restaurants), while NCL's service and cruise style probably outbeats
Carnival. NCL started a concept called Freestyle Cruising, which allows for
great dining and cruising flexibility while at sea. NCL also offers more
departure ports , including an expansion in 2003 of domestic ports to draw
the drive-market (that is, allowing customers to drive from their home
cities instead of having to fly). NCL has a wide range of ships, from some
incredible newer ships with many dining options, to some small, older ships
with small cabins to boot.
Premium Large Ship
Cruise Lines
- Holland
America -- Holland America is a true premium cruise with class
and special touches. The service is extra-friendly (maybe the best in the
premium category), and dining excellent. Holland America is suitable for all
ages, and kids are treated well. The ambiance is cheerful and relaxing.
You'll find special touches onboard, especially for suite passengers.
- Celebrity
Cruise Lines -- Celebrity is sophisticated without being
pretentious. Service, food, the aesthetics of the ship -- all excellent.
Celebrity offers some great price values too. Celebrity is one of the few
ships that offer a refreshing array of on-ship activities, going well beyond
the usual art auction-bingo game-skin care demonstration offering of other
megaliners.
- Princess
Cruises -- Princess Cruises bridges the gap between general and
premium categories. She probably rivals RCCL in quality levels, and competes
with Holland America for client base (that's just my observation). Food and
service are consistently good, with some recent efforts to improve the food.
Some of her ships are high "wow" factor, and are simply stunning.
Princess does a great job of offering a wide range of shore excursions as
well.
- Costa
Cruises -- looking for something different? Costa Cruises is
"Cruising Italian Style." Two of her ships sail the Caribbean in
the Winter months, with the remaining fleet dedicated to Europe. Costa
breaks from the pack in offering a distinct theme -- Italian cruising. The
ships are appointed with fine Italian art and sculpture, and the newest
ships (Mediterranea and Altantica, both set for the Caribbean in winter
2003/04) are incredible! These ships are fanciful interpretations of Italy's
classics -- Fellini movie-inspirations on one, Italian city-inspirations on
the other. You'll find Italian cooking classes, language lessons, toga
parties, and an overall Italian ambiance. Many onboard are European, since
Costa's exposure to the American market is rather minimal.
- Disney
Cruise Lines
-- Disney always does everything top-notch, and their cruise line is no
exception. DCL operates two ships out of Port Canaveral (near Orlando on the
Atlantic side), with one ship sailing 7 night cruises, while the other
operates 3 and 4 night cruises. Even if you aren't a Disney fanatic, you
will have the time of your life. Everything is classy, fanciful, and
relaxing. Dining takes place in a series of dining rooms, and you rotate
every night along with a waitstaff that rotates with you. DCL also has their
own private Bahamas island, which is heaven. Service is outstanding, and
entertainment is the best at sea. For a honeymoon, combine a cruise with a
land stay at Disneyworld, and you're all set!
- Orient
Lines -- A premium product at a value price, Orient Lines
specializes in Asian and European cruises. Itineraries are often
port-intensive, and offer more options as a result than other mainstream
cruise lines. You'll find educated, well-traveled cruisers onboard. There's
no high-energy party atmosphere (whew).
Luxury Small Ship
Cruise Lines
- Radisson
Seven Seas Cruises - when the ordinary just won't do, Radisson
offers an excellent cruise for special occassion travelers, and for those
who are looking for something a little better than the rest. Service,
shoRadisson offers cruises to Bermuda, the Caribban, Alaska, Europe, and
Tahiti, as well as other unique itineraries. The Tahiti cruise is a favorite
among honeymooners!
- Yachts
of Seabourn - this top-of-the-line small ship cruise experience
really caters to you. Dining rivals that of the finest restaurants in the
world. Service is exemplary. Caviar is served onboard. Massages are offered
deck side (complimentary of course). Imagine your cabin steward presenting
you with a selection of designer soaps for your stay. And the staff knows
your name within 24 hours. Itineraries are unique, as are the shore
excursion options available. "Intimate ships, uncompromising
luxury."
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