Which Cruise Line?

Question

I've cruised with Celebrity 7 times and LOVED them. I want a cruise that goes round trip from New York and this year, it doesn't seem like they have much departing from the east coast- they're focusing more on Europe.

I definetly do not want Carnival and am considering Princess, Royal Carribean and Holland America. Anyone have any experience with any of these cruise lines?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have done Carnival, Princess and Holland America.  I want the same thing but the only thing I found was a Carnival that goes round trip from New York.

However, I should add that it is the Carnival Miracle which is their best ship.  So in my opinion, it might be worth a try.

Answer 2

The cruise editor I used to work with really enjoys Holland America.  It always gets high reviews from both travel agents and their clients.

If you want to go for a smaller luxurious ship, I'd go for Windstar and Yachts of Seabourn.

Answer 3

Go with either Princess or Royal Caribbean.  You get what you pay for and you will not be let down!  Enjoy!

Answer 4

I've gone on Princess twice and Royal Carribbean twice and am about to go on another RC in a few weeks. Princess is a much more reserved line because they are European owned. They have tea-time, etc. while Royal is more of a family-oriented party type. Both are excellent choices, so it just depends on what type of experience you are looking for.

Answer 5

Yes, five cruises with Royal Caribbean, and two more scheduled. I wouldn't cruise with any other line!

Answer 6

I really like Royal Caribbean!  I've been on 5 cruises and all 5 have been with them :)  I've never had a problem with service, the food is always good, and hey, you're on vacation...what's better than that?!  Any cruise is a good cruise!

Answer 7

I've been on Princess and Royal Carribean, both are classy, so either would be a good choice.  Lucky you, and have a great time!!!!

Answer 8

Well, it depends a little bit on what you like.  But if you liked Celebrity, that gives me some idea.  =)

One thing to be aware of: Any cruise longer than 10+ days (and many of these are), will be almost all retirees.  Which may be good, or bad, depending on what you like.

Holland America Line is probably the most like Celebrity in terms of food quality, ships that aren't huge, and price.  The service is really great, especially if you like a more considerate and gracious style.

You can read my Cruise Journal about a HAL cruise here:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/journals/pj/2...

And there's an "official" review by the Editors here:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/ho...

Princess: Also good.  Generally cheaper than HAL and Celebrity.  I don't think their food is up to par with what you're used to.  It's more "Applebee's" if they threw in the occasional lobster on the menu.  I think Caribbean Princess is one of the ships going out of NY, and you can see pictures here:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/node/1364

Royal Caribbean: I guess that's leaving out of Bayonne, NJ to Bermuda, right?  In general I think they do a good job, but they're more like Carnival with less nightlife, more "polish" and ships that have more bells and whistles (like the rock climbing wall).  Not really the same standard of service or food as Celebrity or HAL.  (RCI and Celebrity are owned by the same company, so they try to serve different markets.)

Also can read more generally about choosing a cruise based on what you care most about here:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/ch...

Hope that helps!

Answer 9

I've been on Princess cruise line 8 times. One was a repositioning cruise from Australia to Los Angeles. It was 29 days. I hope to some day do a world cruise and once again, I would choose princess with perhaps a transatlantic crossing on Cunnard lines. Princess has a deal for a world cruise using Cunard for the transatlantic crossing.

Answer 10

I don't know about Holland America, but I do know Princess and Royal Caribbean.  

You will LOVE Royal Caribbean...very similar to Celebrity.