If I loved Royal Carribbean will I be dissapointed by other lines?

Question

My family and I had an awesome time on our first cruise, on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas 7 night western Carribbean cruise.

Now I'm planning another cruise for next winter and I'm afraid, since we loved everything about Freedom and RC, that I won't like, or be accustomed to other lines or destinations.

Should I stick with RC, and tr one of freedom's sister ships and other destinations, or can you suggest another line?

Answer 1

I know how you feel, I am going on my 4th Carnival Cruise in June and was wondering if I should someday try a different line.  I am worried another won't be as good.  

Not much advice here, I am wondering the same thing!

Answer 2

I don't think you would be disappointed by other cruise lines, they are all in the same business and competing for customers. They just want happy passengers.

Staying loyal to one cruise line has its advantages as past passengers get benefits: cocktail party, upgrades sometimes, discounts on future cruises.

We usually pick the cruise that is visiting places we want to go to, and then select the cruise line and the price we want to pay.

We have cruised with Celebrity (1), Princess (2), Royal Caribbean (2), Norwegian Cruise Line (2), Ocean Village (1), Island Escape(1), Airtours (1), Thomson (5), cruised the Maldives in a Gullet, and a Nile cruise.

Each ship and cruise line was different but they were all great.

Having said all that, I know someone who has done 42 cruises on Princess, a total of nearly 2 years on cruises, who likes Princess and doesn't want to try another line.

It's all down to personal preference, We like comparing the different cruise lines and ships and going on different itineraries.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have a great time.

Answer 3

I've been on more than 30 cruises, and nothing compares to your first cruise!  You don't know what to expect, so anything that anyone does for you makes it special.  After being on so many cruises, each one has their own special traits.  The food on one may be better than another.  Or the entertainment may be better than RCCL.  I think you need to explore your options, and reach for the gusto.  Try another, and compare for yourself.  

I will tell you that of all I've traveled on, Carnival was my least favorite, and RCCL is still up there as one of my all time favs.  RCCL was my 1st cruise, and still holds near and dear to my heart.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I highly recommend Norweigan.  Went on a xmas cruise and loved it.  Trying to go again this winter.  just make sure the boat has 4 or 5 stars as a rating.  don't take a 3 star ship, ever.  cruisestogo.com rates the ships well.  On NCL, you can eat whenever you want, and the excursions are pretty cheap.  I did a lot and only spent $250.  on an 11 day cruise.

Answer 5

I've been on RCL, Norwegian, Carnival,and Princess.

All have their stronger and weaker points, but Carnival is by far my favorite.

Carnival offers a larger room and a 24hr party.  

I have always found RCL to be rather snooty in comparison.

Answer 6

ROYAL CARIBBEAN!!!!! We've been on 4 RC cruises and wouldn't dream of doing anything else! We know that they will deliever us great service and a GREAT vacation! If we know that RC will give us such great and awesome service then why would we try something else! I love cruising with RC! I wouldn't want to spend all that money and have a dissapointing expirience! CHOOSE ROYAL CARIBBEAN!!!!! Its the BEST!

Answer 7

I have always stuck with Royal to reap the benefits of completed cruises but I think trying another cruise line would be fun. That way you will really know if your missing out or started with the best.

Answer 8

I have only been on royal caribbean and carnival. If you are thinking about carnival I would say don't do it, royal caribbean is a lot better and the level of service does not compare. My first cruise was with carnival and it was so bad that it turned me off to cruising. It took a lot for me to try another cruise. If you want to try another line try to find one that has similar levels of service and amenities as the line you enjoy.

Answer 9

As a rule of thumb-most people become attached to the Cruise line on which they took their first cruise- I know it's true for me- My first ship was the Golden Princess and I'll be sailing on my third Princess cruise in October.  If you like RCCL stick with it, but I would also reccomend Princess if you are loooking for something more laid back.  The RCCL ships are great if you are adventurous and like lots of activities.  If you are looking for an elegant relaxing cruise go with Princess or Celebrity.  If you want to party it up pick one of the newer Carnival or NCL ships.  Some of the new NCL ships even have Bowling Alleys onboard.  I would also reccommend trying a S. Caribbean cruise from Puerto Rico- Fly in a few days early to enjoy PR-it's a great island!

Answer 10

I agree that your first experience is what you compare everything else to.  Our first was Disney (we're Disney freaks) and I was very afraid to branch out to other lines because we are so accustomed to Disney service.  We took a RCCL and enjoyed it probably as much as a DCL cruise but we missed Castaway Cay (Disney's island) and a lot of the little touches we have grown to love.  I'd like to try NCL because the Freestyle Dining concept really appeals to me.  I may do one next year.

I'll always return to my first love, Disney, though. :)

Answer 11

Have been on Royal Carribbean, Celebrity and Cunard lines and all have been excellent. Celebrity is under the same ownership as Royal Carribbean. Have a great time whatever you choose

Answer 12

All cruiselines are different yes but the major seven is preatty much the same when it cames to things as cabins and service standards. So dont be afraid to try a new cruise line if you want it but its also ok to stick with RCL.

Try to think a little of what you liked with RCL and see if you can get it abord other ship as well. Say if you like the ice skating rink you cant get it on any other ship so stay with RCL Voyager or Freedom Class but if you liked the cabin service or the food your chanses are bigger to find the equals or better somewhere else.

As I like to say: There is no such thing as the best CL and ship. Only the best for you. Good luck and enjoy your trip. Johan.