Cruise Ratings: How Do the Cruise Lines Compare?
If you’re planning a vacation on board one the major cruise lines, objective cruise ratings can incredibly helpful in choosing the right cruise line to fit your needs.
Naturally everybody who’s been on cruises has their own opinion as to which cruise line is the best or which fall a bit short of the mark. So what are some objective ratings that will allow you to find the best cruise for you and your family are group?
Different cruise lines have better reputations in different regions. For example, whereas Carnival Cruise Lines is one of the largest in the Caribbean, yet they have the smallest presence of the three cruise lines operating in Alaska. Therefore, if you are cruising the Caribbean, Carnival makes an excellent choice, particularly if you are looking for a bargain fare.
On the other hand, Carnival’s sister lines, Princess and Holland America, have the largest numbers of ships sailing in Alaska and have been rated the top two cruise lines serving the area. Princess is a great choice for families and people seeking a classic yet slightly less formal environment, while Holland America makes a great option for seniors and others seeking a more traditional (and formal) cruising experience.
For those seeking a mid-price cruise (below luxury but a bit more upscale than bargain cruising), the top rated line according to some experts is Royal Caribbean, which offers a wide variety of Caribbean cruises and cruises to Alaska as well. Celebrity is another great choice in this category as well.
For cruises in Hawaii, Norwegian Cruise line is a top rated choice, offering stops at the major islands and providing some of the most diverse and flexible dining choices of all the cruise lines. Norwegian is also a great choice for family cruising in Alaska and the Caribbean as well, due in large part to its flexible dining plans.
But perhaps the best cruise line for families is Carnival, particularly if you are cruising the Caribbean. With great pricing, tons of different itineraries, and a wonderful variety of activities on board and off, Carnival is a top rated family cruise line that will also fit into most budgets.
Of course, all these major cruise lines, Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian (NCL) offer some great service, activities, and itineraries. So it makes sense to chose the particular line that has the best price and right itinerary for your family or group’s particular needs.
Check out the Alaskan Cruise Advisor for much more information on your Alaska vacation options.