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Cruiseline Comparison: Carribean Cruise In this cruise line comparison we decided to pick the top six major cruiselines and compare the costs, amenities and online consumer reviews for about a week-long cruise to either the Caribbean or Bahamas with a standard ocean-view cabin.
Royal CaribbeanFive nights in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL Avg. Price: $619 Learn More: Find cheaper prices here! 
Princes CruisesSeven Nights in the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, FL Avg. Price: $893 Learn More: Compare Cruise Prices Here!
Editor's Pick
Norwegian Cruise LinesSeven Nights in the Caribbean from Miami, Florida Avg. Price: $649 Learn More: Book Cruises Here!
Carnival Cruise LinesSix Nights in the Bahamas from Norfolk, Virginia Avg. Price: $829 Learn More: Read about more cruise lines here!
Celebrity CruisesSeven Nights in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Avg. Price: $1,049 Learn More: Continue Your Research Here.
Holland AmericaSeven nights in the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Avg. Price: $549 Learn More: Book and Research at Cruise Direct.
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What research says One of the Princess Cruises ships was the star of the TV show "The Love Boat" back in the mid-seventies. The Caribbean Princess boat was built exclusively to sail the Caribbean and is what's known as "purpose built". Some passengers note things that could be improved upon - such as the smaller-than-average balcony cabins and lack of tables on the Lido deck for eating - but overall reviews were positive such as "Job well done!". There was one passenger that said "All in all the cruise was disappointing, though it certainly didn't ruin our vacation" which we take as a fairly negative review when compared with the other cruise lines below.
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of The Seas is a HUGE cruise ship with just about everything a family would need in terms of entertainment and activities. Former passengers have described the Navigator online as needing improvement on a few things (such as food) but "overall an excellent cruise with all kinds of activities". Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) is one of the oldest modern cruise lines in the world and was established in 1966 with a single ship. Online reviews of Norwegian Dawn are described as "overall a great cruise" and "a fantastic cruise for someone who doesn't complain about the smallest little things". Passengers particularly like the "freestyle" concept in which they are free from having to do activities at scheduled times and can have a more unplanned, casual cruise experience. Carnival Cruise Lines is probably the most popular cruiseline on the planet. Although they have great trips to Hawaii, Carnival cruises are usually in the Caribbean. Their cruises tend to be flashy "Las Vegas Style" with a lot of fun activities and good music. Online cruise reviews describe the Victory as "...the best cruise I have ever taken" and "...a perfect cruise" although some of Carnival's other ships did not receive such favorable passenger reviews. Celebrity Cruises is a very popular cruiseline, and the Millennium has been described in online reviews as "an excellent line with above average service and meals" and "a fabulous experience," with one review stating the cabin steward was "not very accommodating". Overall, Celebrity enjoys distinctly above-average comments from online passenger reviews. Holland America is the cruiseline of choice for many well-off, mature adults who would rather have five-star service and a refined crew than a flashy nightlife and loud music. However, that just doesn't work out when you are looking at the cheapest cruise option: The Volendam. The Volendam is an older ship so pay attention to reviews pre-2006 because the ship went in for a makeover around that time. You might read reviews about stained carpets and substandard menus. Cabin stewards have been described as "outstanding" and "extremely helpful". IF I WERE GOING TO BOOK A CRUISE on one of these ships for a week in the Caribbean or the Bahamas, I'd have to go with the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) seven nights in the Caribbean on the Norwegian Dawn. It is an inexpensive cruise without sacrificing service or amenities like the Holland America Volendam. The passenger cruise reviews were great and you get a full week at sea. Also, I prefer the "freestyle" concept in terms of activities. When you go on a cruise things are already planned enough. It's good to have some freedom in your choices. According to consumer reviews found online, below are the best cruise lines for... Best Cruise line for Kids and Families: Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Best Cruiseline for the Over-50 Crowd: Celebrity or Royal Caribbean (Alaska is recommended). Best Cruise line for singles: Cunard, Holland America and Norwegian
Shawna said:I have been on two cruises in my life. One was on Royal Caribbean cruise you review above and the other was on Carnival Spirit to Hawaii from Mexico. If I were to compare both of these cruises together I'd have to say Royal Carribean is the best cruise - but I enjoyed the both. Thanks for the cruise line comparison here. I might have to book my next adventure on NCL. I'll let you know how it goes! barb f. said:I have taken many cruises on Royal Carribean, Celebrity and most recently NCL. Celebrity had by far the best service and food of all cruises I have been on. Royal Carribean had far better entertainment. NCL lacked service. I felt like the staff would prefer to be anywhere but assisting passengers. I am a 42 year old female who is very active. Royal Carribean and Celebrity are both the same company. If they could actually find a way to bring the food and service of Celebrity to the entertainment and the large ships w/ everything available including entertainment, Royal Carribean/Celebrity cruises would blow away all the competitors. I have given this same feedback on all of my end of trip comments. Douglas said:Great cruise comparison. I would love to have a job just doing comparisons on different cruise lines. It would be almost as cool as doing movie reviews for a living. ;-) Becky Wasson said:Crown Princess - 7 nights Western Caribbean:If money is no object, this is a fabulous cruise. The drink prices were extremely high. Since it rained every day of the cruise(in December), and we had to pass up our first port due to rough seas, it would have been nice to give us a break at the bar. Soft drinks and water were charged to our room account too. Service was fabulous, and though Princess claimed that gratuities were always included, we were still expected to tip the room steward $10 per day per person. Food was excellent! Carol said:Just went on the Star Princess. The service was good, although lacking in some areas versus what is expected. It is just with my memories of cruises in the past I had always gotten more personable experience on other lines. The food was great when the selection was good for the most part. There were times I went to buffet and could find nothing decent to eat. The dining food was better than the buffet food. In my opinion there is not much for kids and absolutely nothing for toddlers to do. The ports/stops were great though, although on two we had to get a water taxi to get anywhere, including the beach on one!! I don't plan on going back on Princess, but I did very much so enjoy it! Georgia E Giblin said:mediterean cruise mid Sept-7,10,14 days balcony. Best Cruise lines for the best deal 2 senior ladies C Anderson said:Went on the Carnival Freedom last year. Tables on the Lido were a mess. Gum all over the underside. Staff was not interested in serving. Was on RC Navigator prior to this cruise. Definitely two ends of the spectrum. Other Resources and Reviews |
