Need your advice

cruiser66 · October 28, 2007

Hi guys, I wanted to see if I could get your advice. I have only been on Carnival since I had worked for Carnival for some years. My husband is FINALLY going to go on a cruise with me (yay). He hates flying, water everything. Now he is up for a cruise. I have always had to go with my best friend. Soooooo here is my question.

Should we go on Carnival? Royal? or Norwegian? I know I love CCL, But kinda want to try something diff. We watched Cruise specials on the Travel channel and he likes all 3 as far as good cruises.

We want an Eastern route I think. This would be our 6 years later honeymoon. We will probably go alone. But are considering taking our kids 5 and 7. I know CCL has a great kids program. But unsure of others. Any opinions are awesome. Thanks guys! :tongue:

Gregswife · October 28, 2007

Hi there. What part of Colorado do you live in? I live in the Denver area. We are sailing in 8 days on the Conquest - all of our cruises have been on Carnival. We started with them because the kids loved the teen programs and now they are grown, but we have stuck with Carnival - I think you definitely get the best deals for the money with them. We usually fly to the point of embarkation, but I really hate flying - I have to take Xanax to even get on the plane and then drink all the way to where ever we are going, so we decided to sail out of Galveston this time as it is close enough to drive. I can't help you with info on other cruise lines but I m sure someone here can...

sailingrose · October 28, 2007

We have sailed with RCI for many years. Our children grew up on the line. They are now adults but they always say RCI had the best kids program. I think a lot depends on the ship you choose and the time of year you sail. Our son now books his own cruises and still sails RCI for the service.

I think the lines are fairly comparable so I think price would probably dictate what you should do. I'm glad you've enjoyed Carnival in the past but we have had terrible luck with them. We tried twice and both were definately way below our expectations. Good luck with your choice.

cruiser66 · October 28, 2007

GregsWife, I am in Colorado Springs. :smile:

You will love the Conquest. That was my first cruise when it went out of New Orleans. You guys will like that ship. Tons to do.

Suzila · October 29, 2007

We've been on all three lines, with kids, and without kids. They all have very good programs for the children.

The difference with Norwegian is that there is no set time for you to eat. With Freestyle dining, you can set your own hours...so there is no early or late seating. We have been doing the regular cruise lines for so long and this past summer we did an NCL in Hawaii and LOVED the freestyle dining. We have another NCL scheduled in April to Mexico.

The difference between Carnival and Royal Caribbean is that, in our experience, Carnival has more activities onboard than RCL. However, it seems that RCL's clientele is a little more refined than the fun ships'. (just a little!)

The food on all three lines is excellent, so for me, there is no comparing.

kreilly825 · October 30, 2007

Just curious...why not consider Princess? They have beautiful ships, great food, service, entertainment. We've been on 6 Princess cruises, various ships and found them to be very consistent. They are my favorite, followed by NCL. Carnival was ok, but I don't like the layout of the ships (not to mention the decor - just doesn't do anything for me).

Enjoy your research!