First Time Cruiser : Best cruise line for the Caribbean

We are an Aussie family who will be in the USA Sept 2019, we have never cruised before and would like our first to be in the East Caribbean. Initially I was pricing RCCL cruises because of the bigger/newer ships but the more reviews I read the recurring theme seems to be that the food is no longer as good amongst other complaints. To me the Carnival ships look older, NCL seems more expensive etc, etc.

Looking for some advice pls.

In my humble opinion, the cuisine among the mass market cruise lines (Royal, Carnival, NCL, etc) is pretty similar with some slight differences. Where you’ll start noticing a difference is in the specialty restaurants (where you pay extra to experience better quality).

My recommendation is that you look at itineraries and at the specific ports of call. Not all Caribbean ports of call are the same! Enjoy your first cruise.

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The best cruise is one that visits as many of the ports you want to see as possible, fits your budget for the cabin type you want, and sails at a time convenient for you. All else is pure opinion. EM

You will find plenty of complaints about any cruise line on here. I agree with the others above. We look at dates, ports, and ships. We pick the one we like best. Generally, pricing actually ends up putting us on Royal Caribbean. I would not be opposed to trying another line if the opportunity presented itself.

You will never go hungry on a cruise. Some food is better than others. Main dining room, buffet, smaller restaurants, specialty restaurants. There are plenty of choices on each line. So, if you don't care for one spot on the ship, try another.

Don't look for perfection, or else you will be disappointed unless you step up to some of the smaller, more expensive lines. Just relax and enjoy yourself.

Carnival's ships aren't any older than any of the other lines. They have new builds just like the others.

Roz

We are an Aussie family who will be in the USA Sept 2019, we have never cruised before and would like our first to be in the East Caribbean. Initially I was pricing RCCL cruises because of the bigger/newer ships but the more reviews I read the recurring theme seems to be that the food is no longer as good amongst other complaints. To me the Carnival ships look older, NCL seems more expensive etc, etc.

Looking for some advice pls.

Your narrow time frame should help narrow your options. Since you have never cruised before the newest ship might be somewhat overwhelming, but many ships have water slides and other activities. A Carnival ship with the FunShip 2.0 upgrades (Guys Burger & Blue Iguana Cantina, water park, etc) might provide an enjoyable and affordable vacation.

Something to keep in mind is that September is during peak hurricane season for the area. It doesn't mean you will have one, but conditions will be more favorable and your cruise might be diverted. This would be another reason to find a ship that fits your wants since you might have some extra sea days.

We have sailed on 5 different ships (4 lines) and had things we liked and things we didn't on each (just like any other area of life;)). We've always been glad to have cruised:cool:

Enjoy your trip and good luck finding a ship/itinerary that works for you!

If you have never cruised, you have nothing to "compare" it to....you will have a blast, no matter which line you choose. There are more activities and shows on RCI, Carnival and NCL than on Princess, Celebrity or HAL....

It's true, they are more alike than different. You will NOT go hungry, but don't expect 4 or 5 star dining experiences. Pick as Essiesmom said....and you won't go wrong!

I've sailed on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I love RCCL the best, especially the Freedom and Oasis class ships.

Cruising the Caribbean in September will provide two challenges: One, it’s peak hurricane season, and two, many ships are still in Europe or Alaska so your choices will be more limited.

You don’t say how many family members will be traveling and if you have kids and their ages. That does matter when looking for a ship.

You don’t say how many family members will be traveling and if you have kids and their ages. That does matter when looking for a ship.

Just one daughter and she will be 10 next year.

Each line has some new ships and some old ones

First, I am not a "foodie".

Having done many cruises with 6 different lines, I have found the food to be almost the same among all of them. Sure, there are differences, but, they offer so much that you will find certain venues that will be more than adequate.

FWIW, I would suggest that you look at Celebrity, Princess, or Royal Caribbean.

Royal or Carnival are the two most popular mass-markets for a reason. I would start there unless you have some specific needs that maybe NCL or MSC might fulfill.

Royal is your go-to if you want the biggest, grandest ships, with tons of amenities, and better entertainment shows.

Carnival is your go-to if you want the most fun environment, at a price that is hard to beat. Many people tend to think Carnival's food is better.

Based off of what you said, the ship sounds most important to you. You probably can't go wrong on the Oasis class on RCL as long as the price is ok to you. However, I doubt that the Dream class on Carnival (or even lower) would be a bad experience for you.

I am looking to start my cruise get-away. I have been reading some of the blogs however, I'm looking for a specific discussions (or suggestions) relating to the following:

Which one of the Carnival cruise lines is better? What cabin on the ship is better (not expensive)?

I prefer not to be close to any engine or party noises while in my cabin.

Does cruise liners accommodate for special dietary needs?

Is there any adult only cruises?

What does abt (or aft) mean? (I saw this abbreviation while reading some of the articles on cruise.)

Is there any cruise Clubs such as Singles' Club or 55+ Clubs?

I am looking to start my cruise get-away. I have been reading some of the blogs however, I'm looking for a specific discussions (or suggestions) relating to the following:

 

Which one of the Carnival cruise lines is better? What cabin on the ship is better (not expensive)?

 

I prefer not to be close to any engine or party noises while in my cabin.

 

Does cruise liners accommodate for special dietary needs?

 

Is there any adult only cruises?

 

What does abt (or aft) mean? (I saw this abbreviation while reading some of the articles on cruise.)

 

Is there any cruise Clubs such as Singles' Club or 55+ Clubs?

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Carnival Corp. consists of a number of lines, starting with Carnival as the least expensive, and Seabourn as the most expensive. In between are Princess and Holland America, and in Europe are Costa, AIDA, P&O-UK, Cunard. Each has their champions and which you sail often depends on itinerary and budget. Cabins range from insides which are the least expensive, and suites which are the most. It's all what you are willing to pay for. It's just your bedroom, the rest of the ship is your living/dining/entertainment area.

To avoid engine or party noise, choose a cabin on a deck that has cabins on the decks above and below.

Cruise lines do a great job catering to special diest, such as allergies, gluten free, vegetarian and vega, etc.

There are some cruises that by their nature become adults only, and some lines have ships that are adults only. P&O-UK have three ships that are 18+ and Viking Ocean is also 18+.

Aft is the back (stern) area of the ship, and fore is forward, or toward the front (bow) of the ship.

I don't know of any singles clubs, but there are forums here for solo cruisers, singles, and 55+. There are online websites that run singles groups and match you with a roommate if you wish. We can't name them here as it is against the community guidelines to name or discuss travel agencies/agents. EM

Thank you for your response. I have one other question, you mentioned the following:

"There are some cruises that by their nature become adults only, and some lines have ships that are adults only. P&O-UK have three ships that are 18+ and Viking Ocean is also 18+."

What is a P&)-UK?

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Carnival Corp. consists of a number of lines, starting with Carnival as the least expensive, and Seabourn as the most expensive. In between are Princess and Holland America, and in Europe are Costa, AIDA, P&O-UK, Cunard. Each has their champions and which you sail often depends on itinerary and budget. Cabins range from insides which are the least expensive, and suites which are the most. It's all what you are willing to pay for. It's just your bedroom, the rest of the ship is your living/dining/entertainment area.

 

To avoid engine or party noise, choose a cabin on a deck that has cabins on the decks above and below.

 

Cruise lines do a great job catering to special diest, such as allergies, gluten free, vegetarian and vega, etc.

 

There are some cruises that by their nature become adults only, and some lines have ships that are adults only. P&)-UK have three ships that are 18+ and Viking Ocean is also 18+.

 

Aft is the back (stern) area of the ship, and fore is forward, or toward the front (bow) of the ship.

 

I don't know of any singles clubs, but there are forums here for solo cruisers, singles, and 55+. There are online websites that run singles groups and match you with a roommate if you wish. We can't name them here as it is against the community guidelines to name or discuss travel agencies/agents. EM

Thank you for your response. I have one other question, you mentioned the following:

 

"There are some cruises that by their nature become adults only, and some lines have ships that are adults only. P&O-UK have three ships that are 18+ and Viking Ocean is also 18+."

 

What is a P&)-UK?

I'm not sure what P&O stands for, but I'm guessing the UK portion is United Kingdom. This line likely caters more to British passengers.

If you are concerned about noise/vibrations then you probably want to avoid aft cabins. There are often vibrations issues with these.

As to what is "best" it really depends on what is important to you - value? fun? relaxation? food? entertainment? service? similar demographic?

Even within those areas there is quite a bit that can be subjective. One person's "fun" might be another's torture. Food tastes vary greatly too.

Thank you for your response. I have one other question, you mentioned the following:

 

"There are some cruises that by their nature become adults only, and some lines have ships that are adults only. P&O-UK have three ships that are 18+ and Viking Ocean is also 18+."

 

What is a P&)-UK?

P&O - UK P&O was the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, but today is Carnival UK

P&O was a British Shipping conglomerate that in the 70's was one of the largest, if not the largest shipping company in the world. They included a Passenger Division, which operated some classic liners, then expanded with the purchase of Princess Cruises & Sitmar.

In 2003 P&O Cruises was purchased by Carnival, at which time they split the company into P&O - UK, P&O - Australia and Princess Cruises.

P&O - UK tends to focus on the UK market.

To OP: Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Florida) will have the most options. Both cruise terminals are close to the airport.

How long will you be in the USA? Can you say 2 weeks or more?

Maybe sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida, and combine with Disney World.

And don't rule out a Disney cruise -- You can combine Disney World and the cruise through Disney.

No casinos on Disney though, if that matters -- And Disney cruises are more expensive.

Universal Studios in Orlando is also very fun if you have the time.

I think the kids program on RCI (Adventure Ocean) is better than Carnival (Camp Carnival).

Of course Disney has the best kids program.

If you go RCI (Royal Caribbean), I suggest voyager, freedom, or oasis class (with an ice rink).

Also, decide if you want a pull out sofa bed or a pull down upper "pullman" bed for your 10-year-old.

Don't wait too long too book, or you might find there are no 3-person cabins remaining.

Oh-- If you want lots of ports, consider leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In general, I would put it this way.

If you want ships with lots of activities to entertain, RCCL, Carnival, and NCL are all good choices.

For a more traditional cruise experience, Princess and Holland America are good options.

MSC provides a more European experience, but also have a large number of activities on their ships.

My key advice is that I would not choose by ports in September. As others have said, that is hurricane season so your cruise will change itineraries to avoid hurricanes.

My key advice is that I would not choose by ports in September. As others have said, that is hurricane season so your cruise will change itineraries to avoid hurricanes.

I would take one step further and not choose based on ports any time between the beginning of hurricane season until the end of the year. As we learned last year when we sailed over Thanksgiving, nothing is guaranteed even after the hurricane season is coming to an end. Because of the extensive damage that the eastern Caribbean ports suffered in 2017, Our eastern Caribbean itinerary was changed to a Western itinerary. Instead of St Thomas and Tortola we went to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman. Many cruise lines didn’t even return to the Eastern Caribbean until the beginning of 2018. Probably the best chances of maintaining your Caribbean itinerary intact is by sailing before hurricane season begins.

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We are an Aussie family who will be in the USA Sept 2019, we have never cruised before and would like our first to be in the East Caribbean. Initially I was pricing RCCL cruises because of the bigger/newer ships but the more reviews I read the recurring theme seems to be that the food is no longer as good amongst other complaints. To me the Carnival ships look older, NCL seems more expensive etc, etc.

Looking for some advice pls.

We personally prefer Celebrity or RCI .It is solely a matter of opinion.

Thanks for all the advice we are looking at Carnival Breeze in late September, bit of a worry about Hurricane season but what can you do?

Cheers for the welcome.

Thanks for all the advice we are looking at Carnival Breeze in late September, bit of a worry about Hurricane season but what can you do?

Cheers for the welcome.

I hope that you have a great trip and enjoy the ship! I have been on a couple of Carnival cruises and had a great time.