Cruise experiences?

ssdare Posted: May 14, 2004 05:02 PM

Cruise experiences?

I'm looking into cruise vacations to Alaska. Anyone have any experiences to share as to which cruise line is better for a couple in their 30's who are very activities oriented and also want good food? We'd rather avoid cruise lines that cater to kids and to the senior citizens. Any opinions on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruiselines and Princess Cruises?

Kriss2c Posted: May 14, 2004 05:06 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

My friends swear by Royal Caribbean. Sounds like a great trip. Have fun.

lilmrs Posted: May 14, 2004 05:07 PM

x

heidla Posted: May 14, 2004 06:14 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

I took a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska about 7 years ago. It was wonderful!!! My grandparents had a great time on Princess too.

The cruises to Alaska tend to get a slightly older crowd no matter what line. I did not feel out of place on the one I went on and I was 23.

Curley999 Posted: May 14, 2004 06:19 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

Last year me and DH took the Carnival Spirit cruise in Alaska and it was wonderful! Even though Carnival caters to kids, you dont find many on the alaskian cruises at all, and we didnt even see the ones that were there! There were seniors but it was a good mix of people. The food was amazing, and there are so many shore excursions to pick from that you will have a hard time deciding. The entertainment was also geared to a mixed age crowd and was very good, especially the comedians! We had a balcony room and the views were spectacular! No matter what cruise line you take, I would recommend a balcony for an Alaskian cruise!

CathyB Posted: May 14, 2004 07:03 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

DH & I did the Norwegian Sun to Alaska last year for our honeymoon. It's round trip from Seattle. We loved it. We had a balcony, which was great for the days we were cruising. And we really liked the freestyle dining. We always sat at a table next to a window for just the two of us.

The best night was when we ate in the Italian restaurant (the food was fantastic) and the whole time humpback whales were swimming along side the ship and kept coming out of the water next to us while we were eating. It was so beautiful.

We LOVED Alaska and can't wait to go back.

princess99 Posted: May 14, 2004 07:08 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

My sister went on Celebrity cruises for her Alaskan cruise. She loved it.I am using Princess for our honeymoon trip this summer to Tahiti. I am so so on Norweign, I had 1 HORRIBLE experience with them , and one okay experience with them. Hope this helps.

JuneBride2005 Posted: May 14, 2004 11:07 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

FH and I are leaving next Friday for a Royal Caribbean cruise...we went on one last year and loved it so much we booked another just weeks after we got back! They are so awesome... We had so many people reccommending them to us and still they far exceeded our expectations! My friend's parents went on their Alaskan cruise last year and loved it! My vote is definitely for Royal!

SeptWed Posted: May 15, 2004 09:17 AM

Re: Cruise experiences?

I went on an Alaskian Cruise line a few years ago with my grandparents...the Princess...it was the BEST TRIP of my life and I cannot wait to go back.

IT was an older crowd on that cruise line, but you will find that as it has not become popular with the younger crowd. It was one of FH choices for a HM trip but we are doing a cruise already this summer and wanted something on land to go to for HM

We stopped at Ketchakan, Sitka and Juneu...some stop in Anchorage. They were such beautiful towns with amazing scenery and history.

The ship was awesome as well, and the food was unbelivable.

Just a bit of advice, we went in June and although it was not cold, it never got higher then the 70s...the pools were heated on the ship but bring some jackets and pants with you.....I don't know about the other months, but my advice is to go in the summer months....we went the longest day of the year and it was still daylight at 10PM!!!

All of you LIW posters should make this trip sometime in their lifes...it is amazing!!

Rob-luvs-me Posted: May 15, 2004 01:19 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

If you want a younger crowd and good food I would say stick with RCCL or celebrity - the food on Norweign was not very good and Princess is known for an older crowd.

You should go and check out cruise critic and ask there - the people on that board will be able to give you an idea of age groups, food and activities - you can ask on each of the individual cruise boards to get a better idea of what you want

soon2bMrs Posted: May 15, 2004 01:43 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

I went on Princess and the food was really good. The crowd was older but I didn't feel out of place at 24. Alaska is absolutely amazing. I would spurlge for a room with a balcony. This way when all the crowds are up on deck you can be watching from your own. We went with my parents for their 25th wedding anniversary and they had a balacony, it was so worth it. Everyday is just more beautiful then the next. I would also go from Vancover to Alaska rather than the reverse because the scenery becomes more dramatic as you go up.

I don't think you can go wrong with any cruise you choose. Go and have a great time!!! I can't wait to go back.

ssdare Posted: May 17, 2004 12:18 PM

Re: Cruise experiences?

Thanks, everyone for your responses. My husband was doing some research this weekend and we're leaning towards Royal Carribean's Radiance or Serenade ships.