What’s the Difference Between Cruise Lines?

Which fleet is the best? What is the best ship? These are questions that cruisers ask, and they are almost impossible to answer since everyone’s tastes and priorities are so different. With that said, we can help you pick your ideal cruise vacation by explaining some of the main features of the major cruise lines. Here are nine of the top 20 fleets, alphabetically listed. Please keep in mind … cruise lines attempt to please a wide range of people and all provide some common amenities. However, with a little research, you should be able to narrow down your choices to a couple of cruise lines depending on your lifestyle, interests and budget.

Azamara Club Cruises
While they may only enlist two ships, their itineraries reach far across Europe, Asia and South America. You will find a country club atmosphere on these medium sized, ultra premium ships, in part due to the more casual dress policy and wood paneled lounges. You can expect exceptional cuisine and service, outstanding itineraries that include an overnight stay in a port on every cruise and upscale accommodations.

Carnival Cruise Lines
Not only are they the world’s largest cruise line, but they are also the most popular. Hallmarks of this fleet include the cruise industry’s most vibrant nightlife, above average food and large staterooms. If you love Las Vegas, these ships will certainly fit the bill. The entertainment is dazzling and the casino is lively throughout the day and night. Families also flock to the “Fun Ships” because of Camp Carnival’s supervised activities, the spiral waterslides and the other kids’ facilities. Best of all, the super low prices on Carnival make the fleet a big hit with families, singles, couples, groups … just about everyone!

Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity offers an upscale cruise experience with a focus on food and service. These award winning ships have a casual European atmosphere, with a great selection of modern art and contemporary design. You will find more newlyweds, couples celebrating anniversaries and families with older children on board. The fleet’s newest vessels offer plenty of balcony staterooms, gourmet restaurants, posh spas, glass blowing demonstrations and a real lawn for picnics, putting, croquet or bocce ball.

Holland America Line
Here you will find a sophisticated style of cruising aboard medium sized ships with larger than average staterooms and a rich history of premium service. These classically designed ships cater to cruisers who like a more tranquil cruise experience with refined entertainment, fine art auctions and immersive enrichment classes. Holland America is a natural choice for many multi-generational families, travelers over the age of 55 and couples marking special occasions.

Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is best known for “Freestyle Cruising,” which is a big hit for those seeking an unstructured seagoing vacation. You can eat whenever you want, with whomever you want. No dress code to follow in the main dining rooms. Small surcharges expand your options to seemingly countless specialty restaurants. Highlights on the newest ships include an ultra chic lounge with plush beds and bowling lanes, a lounge made of ice, Blue Man Group performances, Second City comedy shows and a Cirque du Soleil dinner theater. With all of this for some of the most affordable fares at sea, the industry’s youngest fleet is popular with families, singles and couples.

Oceania Cruises
While they say they are not a luxury cruise line, the experience certainly is close to it. The food is overseen by Jacques Pepin, and it is among the best in the cruise industry. The 640 passenger ships fill up quickly with loyal guests (many of them retired) and who enjoy single seating dining in four restaurants, very polished service and staterooms boasting down comforters, high thread European sheets and, if you are in a suite, personal butlers.

Princess Cruises
Princess has a loyal following of travelers who love the ships; dining program where you may choose assigned seating or dining whenever and with whomever you please. The fleet has come a very long way since earning fame on the 1970’s “Love Boat” TV show. Today, Princess’ ships feature contemporary design and stylish amenities alongside very good food, nice staterooms, friendly service and superior shore excursions. While there are families aboard every cruise, these floating resorts primarily attract couples of all ages.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent provides a true luxury cruise experience with large staterooms, superb dining, exceptional service, onboard experts and worldwide itineraries. Both ships host less than 700 guests, showcase Scandinavian décor, and offer extraordinary spas operated by Carita of Paris. Fares include opulent accommodations, roundtrip airfare, gratuities, all beverages and unforgettable shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean International
They are among the most innovative fleets in the industry, boasting the world’s largest cruise ships and arguably the most with a real “wow” factor. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas each offer an unprecedented set of onboard experiences: 2 surfing wave pools, high diving shows at an outdoor amphitheater, scuba lessons in a pool, zip line rides, a boardwalk carousel, street performers, loft suites, and outdoor grass park with sidewalk cafes and much more. Previous ships in the fleet introduced the first rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, mall sized promenades and other onboard thrills. Endless options for dining, accommodations and activities, plus amazing values make Royal Caribbean a favorite for families with kids, couples, singes, groups and cruisers of every kind.

CruiseOne offers a variety of insurance plans to accommodate all of your needs plus we offer all the major cruise lines, the very best direct prices along with excellent personal service. Contact Kathy & Eric Freer, your Local Independent Cruise Specialists at 321-735-0202 or toll free at 888-882-5793, or via the web at www.cruiseone.com/kfreer for more information.