Cruise Lines
There are seven major cruise lines that operate out of the United States, and many of them also operate in other regions of the world. Although I don’t like to pigeonhole cruise lines (frankly, you’ll find all ages and types of people on every line), I’m going to do so here just to give a place to start:
Carnival Cruise Lines: Their slogan is “The Fun Ships,” and they have a reputation to match. You’ll find a lot of activities, entertainment and booze. But it’s not all about parties – they’ve caught up to their competitors in offering tasty cuisine, children’s programs and higher-end amenities. Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world, and every region seems to be served by at least one of their ships. Their fares are often among the best you’ll find. A good line for first-time cruisers, family reunions and group travel for friends.
Celebrity Cruises: A subsidiary of Royal Caribbean’s company, Celebrity brings a refined style of cruising to traditional-sized ships and itineraries with mainstream prices. Their Concierge Class staterooms offer an affordable upgrade of services that compare with those given to suite passengers. A good line for special occasion travel.
Disney Cruise Line: Combining the best of two worlds: the experience of cruising with the magic of Disney! But before you picture an oversized “It’s a Small World” boat ride, guess again — Disney Cruises earn outstanding passenger ratings! This is an ideal experience for families, with a ton of kids’ activities…plus some exclusive adults-only areas for relaxation! Pair a short Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral with a Disney World stay for the ultimate Disney experience!
Holland America Line: A subsidiary of Carnival, Holland America caters more to the well-seasoned traveler than the youth market, although family programming is available. Most of their ships are mid-sized, between 1,200 and 2,300 passengers. Quality-wise, they are on par with Celebrity and Princess, and they often offer unique itineraries. A good line for special occasion travel and affordable upscale amenities.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Their service mark is “Freestyle Cruising” and they offer a clear alternative to traditional cruising style. (In fact, many other lines have adopted some of Norwegian’s pioneering methods into options they now offer.) Dining is offered in numerous restaurants without set dining times (however, same-day reservations for specialty restaurants are highly recommended). And there are no formal nights, either. A good line for all types of travelers who like a little more freedom in the cruising experience.
Princess Cruises: Also owned by Carnival, but with a higher sense of quality and service. It’s more upscale than Carnival but is focused on families and adults that tend to be younger than Holland America’s target. A good line for an all-around cruise experience and affordable upscale amenities.
Royal Caribbean: RCCL has aggressively sought out market share through the addition of several mega-ships to its fleet. Within the last decade, they have introduced three Freedom-class ships with 3,600 passengers each, and two Genesis-class ships with 5,400 passengers each! Although these numbers of passengers may seem overwhelming, RCCL manages its service with precision clockwork and attention. A good line for families, group travel and those who don’t require upscale personalized service.
Several smaller lines also service United States ports, most of which are subsidiaries of larger lines. For example, Azamara Club Cruises is a small-ship luxury line owned by Royal Caribbean. In the same luxury style of Azamara is Oceania Cruises. Cunard Line operates the “three Queens” (Mary 2, Victoria and Elizabeth). And in a very different category, American Cruise Lines operates an American-flagged fleet of approximately 100-passenger boats that explore American waterways.