Wife and I have done mass market cruises. We are now hooked on Viking. No kids, wonderful staff, outstanding food (Manfredi's has one of the best steaks I've even had anywhere in the world). Not crowded, laid back, some of the best service anywhere, ever, land or sea.
@Alan Colon - encouraged to hear you and your wife are hooked on Viking. We’ve generally cruised HAL and a friend HIGHLY recommended Viking Cruise (Alaska), so we’re booked for ‘23. I was a bit concerned that Viking might be an expensive “bore” - glad to hear you both love Viking. Looking forward to our experience!
Agree with you about Viking, down side and only happened this year excursions bookable in advance but times based on the status of your cabin and by the time we were allowed to book a good number of the excursions we chose were already fully booked this was to Alaska so we ended up cancelling and loosing £1,500. After 3 river and 3 ocean cruises in the past we found this disappointing and should this setup continue we will never get to go on a Viking cruise to Alaska as will never book higher than a deluxe balcony.
we'll stick with regent. It's very expensive but when you leave, no matter where you ate, how much you drank, you owe them nothing. 600-750 passengers, large luxury cabins, huge balconies, huge baths,walk in closets, impeccable service. Our May 2023 10 day cruise from London south is $29,000, at least double of all the rest but it's worth it. And it includes business class air, one nite in departure city at luxury hotel, all transfers, most excursions. Older crowd, no one under 21 or maybe 18, almost all couples, no loud drunks or partiers.
I and several other members of my family went on our first cruise on NCL to Alaska in 2019, and absolutely fell in love with the experience, and NCL as a cruise line. We immediately booked a Caribbean cruise for early last year which was (obviously) unfortunately cancelled. We had already planned the next one beyond that for the Mediterranean in October of this year, and we used our budget for the missed cruise to splurge on the Haven. We're really looking forward to the experience!
We have a Mediterranean cruise (Greece and Italy) in September on NCL Epic in the Haven. Talked about it for 35 years and finally pulled the trigger. Can’t wait!
Agree with your choices. have sailed on HAL, Princess and RCL. HAL is our favorite. Great food and terrific choice of music. The crew always seems happy too.
I sailed as crew as a young man, stewards department. I sailed the SS United States (the Big U) , the SS Independence (the Indy), and the SS Constitution(the Connie). I grew up in a maritime family and my father finished his career running a fleet of universe class tankers for DK Ludwick based out of Bantry Bay and London. I still love traveling by sea and I agree with your assessments, especially on your high end. I have spent time on NCL, Holland, Princess, Silversea, and Seabourn. By far, by a wide margin, my go-to line is Seabourn. Depending on the cruise, the people can be the variable but the crew never is. They have always been upbeat, personable, helpful, and simply nice kids. I have traveled with them to the middle east, the far east, India, Greece, Croatia, the Maldives, Italy, Australia, and NZ. Love this line.
Hi Gary. I’m glad you mentioned Saga, but you didn’t say much about it. We’ve travelled several times with Saga and love the line. The fare paid includes everything from gratuities, dining and drinks as well as bus travel from the port into town if you don’t go on an excursion and also includes transport from your home to the port. The entertainment and food is excellent and Saga’s greatest asset is its crew - they are amazing! So friendly and welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. They are amazing. That’s why we keep going back. They are a small cruise line, but they are great!
Regents is absolutely my favorite! They were quick to respond during the pandemic and gave us options regarding future cruise credit vs refund. We did both because we had several cruises booked. I have been on 8 cruises with them so far and loved every one. I love destination cruising and not the party boats. Having a butler and all the attention to detail makes us feel pampered and well cared for. We have become friends with a couple of our regular butlers and request them when they are on board. We prefer to take fewer cruises that cost more and have fewer passengers than the mega cruises ships that are “cheaper”. (No we are not rich - we just plan and save!). Our next 2 cruises have already been booked.
I agree, I place NCL above RCCL simply because of freestyle dining and cruising concept. As a solo traveler, I want to dine when and where I feel like it without rigid seating times. To me, only one cruise line does this better than anyone else. I booked a Haven cabin on my last TA crossing and the ship within a ship concept is really appealing to me, allowing quiet and peace, or a great people interaction when I felt more inclusive. I hear lots of people put down the mass market ships without fully understanding how good they are at catering to lots of us individualist.
Hubby and I just returned from a Viking all inclusive expedition ship to Antarctica. It was absolutely amazing. It was all about enrichment and education. Nothing more. Saw whales, seals, penguins, oh my! Got to go onshore. No partying, all adults. It was the best trip I’ve been on in a long time. Best food selections including sushi.
Gary, you presented an excellent descriptive summary of these categories. I agree with you, Seabourn has the unique combination of elegance and casual style. For those who want, the crew becomes a family - especially for solo travelers. If I’d sailed the other categories, I could do multiple cruises a year but with Seabourn I only cruise once a year. But what an extraordinary experience!
As a solo traveler under 50, I see Virgin competing with NCL and RCL for my money. I’ve cruised with Virgin twice for less than $200 a night and it included everything, which is very competitive with the solo cabins on the others once fees are included.
The only thing stopping me from booking with them is I wish they had longer caribbean sailings in the summer. I cannot wait to see what they do next and they are more affordable than some may think.
Hi Gary - please consider a post centered around children; that is which ships are best if you have kids with you, and which ships are best for folks who would rather travel with few children around. Thanks!
The one thing that Norwegian has that the others do not is their Hawaiian cruise on the Pride of America. It's the only line, as far as I know, that doesn't make you sail from the US west coast and waste 4 - 5 days at sea. You fly into Honolulu, pick up the ship there, cruise around the islands for 6 days and return to Honolulu for your flight home. We added 2 days before the ship departed to visit local sights such as Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Diamond Head.
To me, the days at sea are the most enjoyable, so time spent getting to your destination is not a “waste”. A great way to relax and enjoy all these fabulous ships have to offer.
_Pride of America_ is the *only* US-flagged cruise ship. Having an American ship is what makes it possible to cruise Hawaii round trip without needing to stop in a foreign port. I highly recommend NCL’s Hawaii cruise.
So far I have been on a couple dozen cruises over the past 30 years sailing all over the Western, Eastern & Southern Caribbean with family & friends, and sometimes I actually cruise ALL BY MYSELF!!!... (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Celebrity Cruise)... They are "ALL" so fun, exciting & relaxing and the food is fabulous, so ZERO complaints on any of them,,,, Yes, I also really enjoy all the many Islands too.... My next cruises will be to Alaska, Hawaii & the Mediterranean, and a 6 month AROUND-THE-WORLD cruise... Any ladies want to go with me?
I'm in agreement with you. We love to cruise on Regent and Oceania because of their extensive and varied itineraries, friendly service and outstanding food. Both lines are at the top of their game. I've also noticed that these lines often switch staff with each other from Captains to Cruise Directors to Butlers. So if you like the service on Oceania you'll love the service on Regent.
We did a Regent Caribbean Cruise in February and we were just blown away. Such great staff and the food is out of this world. I could probably eat at Prime 7 every day.
My husband and I are avid cruisers ( 50 + ) and agree with you for the most part. The only thing that brings NCL down a notch for us is the shallow, small swimming pools. Not big enough for the ship size. Perfect example is the Epic. This is a big factor for us and keeps us going back to Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess. We also like to do Celebrity when we want a quieter experience. Thank you for your excellent videos!
My problem with NCL is that they tend to nickel-and-dime you a lot, especially for specialty dining. For my money -- and for the myriad of good, free/included dining options onboard -- I've found that Carnival's newer Excellence-class, Vista-class, and Dream-class ships are the best option. While they are not as "freestyle" as NCL, they are quite casual on board and I like the relaxed, fun vibe onboard.
For the larger lines… I love Royal Caribbean. To me it is the best for our interests in this category. For a classic line, my absolute favorite is Cunard. So wonderful.
Being high status with RCL, I respect you decision putting them as a number 2. Your explanation goes very well with the comments regarding NCL. Having sailed both, I will say the food on NCL was a bit better than RCL, especially in the main dining room. It was amazing; however, RCL's specialty restaurants were unmatched in my opinion.
I have never wanted to go on a cruise - yet I find myself compulsively watching your channel - and every now and again I see something and in my head a little message appears ‘you know what…’
Go once, you'll go a lot. It's cheaper than a hotel at the beach, and it INCLUDES food, great service, and entertainment. You cannot beat the value. Or the service.
Cruising is not for everyone, but once I did it, I got hooked, I have gone places that I would have never been or heard of before, and the service and experiences have been wonderful. I find my self always looking for the next cruise trip, happy traveling @Charles Moss.
Hi Gary. My wife and I fit the Celebrity (mainly Millennium and Soltice classes) and all of Princess classes. Both for relatively middle of the road prices and a more mature laid back type of cruising. We don't like overly stuffy and don't care for amusement parks on ships. We love the all inclusive type perk packages offered, especially Princess Plus. We are anxious to try HAL, especially for that music scene! Be well sir and happy cruising! 👍🌞
We are Celebrity people (and also like Azamara). I liked HAL for service (similar to Princess service) but food was just OK on our ship. But we won't do HAL again as it was WAY too old for us. Seemed like over half of the people on our cruise were in mobile scooters and 75+. Just wasn't our scene.
MSC is stepping up. I love NCL and HA, but for a more dynamic Medi cruise, I really loved the Orchestra. Not the newest ship, not the best food, but a great experience overall and an amazing itinerary. Cheers!
The nice things about mega ships right now is most are sailing way below capacity. I did an MSC cruise recently (loved it!) and it wasn't crowded at all. My mom just got back from a NCL cruise, I think her ship was sailing at something like 40% capacity. So if you're like me and you don't like crowds, it turns out a good time for cruising!
Great video. We just completed an Oceania Mediterranean Cruise and it was AMAZING. We booked another cruise while on board and we can’t wait to return to Oceania. Likes: incredible food, great tours and OUTSTANDING service. Dislikes: NONE.
What I'd like is a 50+ cruise, with plenty of swimming pools, hot tubs that are HOT, plenty of NO rabbit food (vegetables) or non-vegan options for dining, no loud late night parties/events, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg for a balcony suite.
You definitely have the best best cruise review channel! Your delivery is refined and your information is conclusive. I agree with your recommendations; my wife and I started cruising in Oceania when we were 55 and it seemed we were the youngest on board. We didn’t mind as it was the best cruise we have ever taken. We have been on Oceania every year since and love it each time. Thanks, again, for your channel and your reviews.
We are back with Oceania after forays into Viking and others. For the money, it can't be beat. Planning two back to backs - Sydney - Bali - Tokyo. Food, service, professionalism, destinations - hard to beat. Oceania will still provide a ride to a nearby city and their staff (unlike recent Viking cruises) are familiar with off-ship locations and transportation.
Excellent video as usual Mr. Bembridge. However, having done 14 cruises my worst experiences were on Celebrity and Seabourn. Imagine the latter offered sandwiches on embarkation in Barbados, while Silversea ushered us to a lovely buffet. My personal choices in your categories are Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Oceania ( excellent food! ) and Silversea, 3 cruises with impeccable service.
Your insight is always appreciated. We’ve done nearly every line in the two lower tiers. Thay all seem to be about the same with the exception of Carnival. I’m not a big fan but for an inexpensive family trip, they suffice. We did a Viking Rhine cruise last Dec and really enjoyed it. Our Viking ocean comes in Nov. Oceania is next in our list. I wish cruise lines would make it easier to navigate their sites. Something Viking does exceptionally well. Lastly, is there a video for researching and selecting a TA? We’ve always booked our own but based on another of your videos, we may get better service and less headaches through a top notch TA.
I'd love that too. "How to choose the right travel agent for you." Tell us what we should expect them to be able to do, what to look for as red flags or dealbreakers. How to tell if someone's worth her weight in gold, too.
We just got back from a Seabourn cruise for 10 days the rough the Med. Absolutley off the charts. Monte Carlo. Capri. Taormina. Valletta, Malta. Ajaccio, Corsica. St. Tropez. Las Palmos, Spain. Barcelona. Worth every penny. Fantastic food. High end drinks / wine. Impeccable service. It was like having a five star hotel with four amazing restaurants in the best ports in the world. I cannot recommend it enough. We are already planning next year’s trip. By the way, we are not cruise people. It wa so convenient, though. It was never crowded. In fact, we often found ourselves asking where all the other guests were.
I love the large ships with tons of activities. Thanks so much for this very detailed video. On Carnival, my absolute favorite activity is the Chefs Table Dinner. It’s absolutely superb! I was a Chef for years and this dinner is super impressive.
I just started cruising and chose Norwegian because because of what's mentioned here - the studio stateroom really was great. But also they have been heavy on promos which pushes them further ahead - open bar for only $20/pp/pn service fee, a # of prem. dining meals included, and 50% off airfare on some itins.
I've sailed all 4 of these lines, and I agree with you, Gary. NCL offered the best experience, and I look forward to returning to them. However, I found the dining on MSC surpassed all the others, and I will never sail Carnival again, my ship smelled like an ashtray and they were not very amenable to those of us using wheelchairs.
Gary - LOVE your videos! You pack more truly useful info into every video, it's amazing! You are WAAY ABOVE other cruising channels. But DUDE... you need some ORANGE T-shirts in your merch shop! Every T-shirt I own is ORANGE! And I mean BRIGHT ORANGE! You can do better. 😂
Just got off the MSC SEASHORE yesterday. Worst service and customer service ever. Booked a Mediterranean cruise with them in September and will be canceling ASAP after this disaster.
We’ve booked 5 Viking ocean cruises, and 6 of their river cruises. Our experiences on the ocean ships have been outstanding. No children, no casinos, lots of spaces to be alone besides their beautiful staterooms, staff second to none. The waitstaff in the lounges and restaurants know our names and our preferences by the second day, sometimes sooner. Friends who have cruised Oceania tell us they found Viking food to be better.
Interesting video, Gary. One comment on the per day price ranges… The per day price ranges for the Haven and the Retreat are easily in the Luxury Cruise category… They should almost have there own category… Like Premium Plus. Michel and Judy from Toronto.
I'd agree with putting NCL at the top of the 'mass market' segment. My first solo cruise back in 2019 was on NCL Escape, and I still think I spoiled myself with going for them first, as I haven't quite found anything else like it. They've absolutely nailed the solo concept, and even have exclusively-reserved sections of the theatre for solo travellers, which was fantastic!
I can not recommend Ponant cruises enough!! Especially the Paul Guaguin, in French Polynesia. This I would consider and luxury line. The service, food and experience were just above and beyond.
As Australians, we agree with you concerning Costa. Although we have many Italians in Oz it was a bit much being on such an Italian ship! Asia cruise Jan 2020.
I like Viking as they have all kinds Ships on the sea cruise plus river cruise expedition cruise plus everything is included I like that it is 18 plus too it be quieter ship
I sure enjoyed my fifteen-day cruise on Oceania’s Insignia. They far-exceeded my expectations. The “enrichment” programs were wonderful - especially the sessions by Dr. Ken Beattie. My stateroom was quiet. Everything on the ship seemed very-clean. Bathrooms are a little small, but better than that in my RV. Internet was a little weak at times. But the bottom-line is that my experience was truly wonderful, and Oceania is currently my favored cruise line based on this experience.
We've gone from Carnival to Holland America in the last 12 years. While we're happy with our 2019 HAL cruise, current reviews are plummeting, especially when it comes to food and service. I had a HAL representative imply that I was a liar last week, about a call done an hour earlier, and refused to let me forward the email resulting from that conversation. We may be done with the mass market after I burn through a couple cruises worth of credits and giftcards. Looking forward to exploring Oceania, Azamara, Viking, Seabourn, etc. We've partially transitioned to resale timeshares during the pandemic, both locally and in Hawaii, for $2,000 a year. This really helps with our budget to sail on better lines, less frequently.
One top tier cruise line is Sea Dream Yacht Club. Ships have 200 passengers, and fabulous food. You provide them with a preference sheet prior to boarding. It's like having your own charter.
Gary I'm currently on Emerald Azzurra. I don't think I'll ever return to any other line. This ship is sleek, chic and if a ship can be sexy, well its that as well. You need to get yourself on board for a thorough review for your followers.
Informative video, thanks. We just completed our first cruise, and there were positive experiences during our Fred Olsen Balmorral Fjords holiday, including the onshore excursions to the stunning Norwegian scenery, the good choice of on board food and dining, and the high standard of housekeeping in our room by our cabin stewardess. Unfortunately there were many negative experiences for us including; waiting 2 hours for our luggage to be delivered to our room, waiting up to 25 minutes for a drink in various bar areas around the ship, the overall amateur standard of entertainment (namely the live music and shows), dull on-board activities and talks, a charge for drinks room service (we took our own drinks to our room), and a feeling that despite paying a premium for our cruise package (deck 10 suite with balcony), we did not have a premium holiday experience.
This is a very good video, but I would suggest a fifth category: cruises which cater to families traveling together. It makes sense that you wouldn’t include this category, but I think it’s an important one. I have an obvious pick as to who would come out on top.
I returned from my first cruise today. I loved the destination of visiting Norway. I found the staff on the ship very polite. Although I felt somewhat let down.. we went to a restaurant on board and asked for the tomahawk steak. Thought we would treat ourselves. Chef said no were not doing that. The next two days we tried to get the ice cream afternoon tea. Nope sorry you cant have that. We then thought I know we're have the afternoon tea advertised in one of the restaurants. Yep you guessed it. Couldn't get that as the restaurant didn't open till after six and was always booked up. Prepare for disappointment in future I have learnt...
Totally agree with you regarding Seabourn. I have over 200 days with them , but since 2019 have not been able to travel. Now have finally booked my Seabourn cruise for June this year- really looking forward to it, so am very pleased to hear you recommend them too now. Thank you
How is handicap accessibility on the various lines? I went on a cruise with a client and his wife as basically a service animal intended to follow his electric wheelchair with 2x4s to help him over thresholds as had been necessary on their previous cruises. But the ship was the Ruby Princess and not only did it have no thresholds but the only doors that didn't open as he approached were the elevators (which he could handle) and the cabin. We established meeting times and he spent the days enjoying a degree of independence he hadn't experienced in years!
You are The Best !! Always efficient and complete in a review. Everything we want to know in a pleasant, entertaining, well edited video. You have helped so many people! Thank You Sir !!
We were afraid to book thinking things have changed after Covid. My daughter and her hubby just got back from a RC trip and they loved it. They had cruised before. Went on the big 6500 ship. Not for us, but thanks for reinforcing our decision for booking Celebrity. We will be leaving in a few weeks and I am excited again!
Any comments on American Cruise line? We did the Southern Isle cruise only because of the itinerary. Average age I’m guessing was 70 years. No pool,no casino, one meal time seating, set itinerary, busses had to stop frequently for passengers needing the restrooms. We met some younger passengers and I must say, I loved the trip! Most passengers retreated to their cabins at 8:30 pm as there was nothing to do, but we, and the crew went ashore to local bars and had a great time! They had an elevator to 2nd deck but steps only to top deck. Us younger passengers relaxed with drinks , cruising the inltercoastal waterway. Largest cabin/ bath we’ve ever had, no kids, nightly local entertainers and local food. I’ll never cruise a large cruise ship again! Windstar in Tahiti is fabulous! Can’t wait to travel there again! Crew and food and passengers were great fun and the scenery - Wow!
I believe , based on my experience and current circumstances of cruising , NCL are the best. The only thing about NCL is that they insist on having PCR tests done before reaching the cruise terminal.I hope they can do away with testing or do it rapidly on the spot maybe free for passengers before embarkation .
Just got off NCL Pearl and even though the ship was good, the food was deplorable, and I was not the only one expressing those feelings. But then after a Celebrity Cruise in November and a Viking one in February, the food on NCL just could not compete.
Excellent recap of the four categories and I agree with most of what you said. I would put Celebrity above HAL in that class, especially with the new Edge series ships and the more upbeat ambience on board. Their including drinks, wifi and tips is another plus. In the small luxury class, I am a huge fan of Viking and their overall first class service and consistency, but, having done a 12 day Christmas and New Years cruise on the Oceania Riviera, I would put their food in the specialty restaurants on at least a par with Viking and maybe just a notch higher with the variety of restaurants available. I have yet to try the ultra luxury lines, but, I am particularly keen on Regent as I have priced them compared to Viking and Oceania and once you factor in the included air with Regent and multiple included excursions, they seem to be quite similar in overall costs. I will say that Viking's afternoon tea in the Wintergarden has never disappointed and is excellent every time.
Back 20 years ago, if somebody had suggested that I go on a cruise (of *any* sort!) I would have rolled my eyes 🙄 and muttered "now *why* would I want to do *that,* pray tell?" But now ... I find myself thinking "hey, maybe an Alaskan cruise ... I've always been curious, and wanted to visit Alaska - hmm." This video was definitely useful, and I 'm now thinking that, if I manage to rustle-up the money ... I just may do that. *Thanks for the info!*
We are locked into RCCL to include Celebrity. The EDGE Class ships are the best afloat in all aspects and there is nothing better at any price. Just try them and you will understand what I say. We like Royal too. There is cross benefit in perks and you receive the higher of the two in both. So whats not to like. We did transatlantic on the Wonder and its the perfect way to do it. So much to do on the ship and you have time to do it when you go transatlantic. Great dinnner and then two good shows afterwards back to back taking you till midnight. And this is every night! And no repeats. Cant do this on any other line.
Completely agree with Holland America Line. The loyalty they've shown me with fantastic pricing & itineraries as a solo traveler has not been matched by any other line to date. They would be my first choice even if they hadn't offered me such great deals. I love the great food & music on board as well as the shows. But it's the staff that go above & beyond in my opinion. All of my bookings in the next 2 years( 9 so far) are with HAL. To be able to sail to some of these itineraries at such prices is bucket list stuff. I'm very loyal to HAL because of how they have treated me.
I am a solo traveler but have learned you are never alone on Holland. There are so many nice, interesting people to meet and talk with. A little apprehensive, I flew to Hong Kong and then boarded HAL in Singapore. Sailed to Thailand, and many ports in Viet Nam and never felt uneasy or unsafe on HAL. Wonderful trip!!! There have been several and hope to add more to the growing list.
I’ve been on two princess cruises and one celebrity and a handful of other luxury cruises and I would take princess over celebrity any day. In fact I don’t think I’ll ever do a celebrity cruise again. They’ve created a class system on board and if you haven’t paid to be in the highest class you are constantly reminded and treated like a second class passenger. They hound you every day to try to get you to upgrade and you are constantly being shown what you’re missing out on. I never felt like that on a princess cruise and that makes a huge difference in your vacation.
I really enjoyed this overview, thanks for sharing. As a kid / teenager, I'd go cruising on RC and Princess, and I always enjoyed that epic ship feel. There was sooo much to do and even though as a family we all wanted different things, we could do so, and just meet up at dinner. I recently tried P&O Ventura and it was smaller and just not really my thing, plus it was 40% full as shortly after Covid, so maybe not a totally fair comparison. Now that I have a little one of my own, I am looking forward to trying MSC Virtuousa in Feb, the kids travelling free is a nice perk. I hear mixed things but seemingly for us it has a lot of positives, and we are likely to do 2 cruises next year with MSC, one in their yacht club and one out, so it'll be interesting to compare. Luxury cruises will probably have to wait a few years, and wifey and me are both foodies, so that'll be a big consideration for us. Seems like Norwegian bigger ships or Celebrity Beyond might be worth trying out next for us :)
My personal favorite would be Norweign or Royal caribbean, but smaller ships sail on non school time to avoid families, and avoid all those outdoor mega park type.
Me: a 15ish time cruiser on NCL, RC, Carnival, Celebrity, and this past summer, Princess. Admittedly it was one of their older ships, which nonetheless carried 5 star rating. It was decidedly ‘mid’. There was nothing particularly wrong, but the overall experience was inferior to every previous cruise I’ve been on, except Carnival (which was also just ‘fine’). The main complaints were that the activities were very homogenous. There just wasn’t much to do compared to other ships. We were joking that we’d abandon ship if we had to sit through one more trivia contest. :). The other was the food, which, ranked below everyone but Carnival. Except, I have to say, for Chef’s Table, which was a peak experience.
I will be cruising on Celebrity again in 2023. I usually go Royal Carribean and Carnival. I will try to do Princess also in 2023. I think that in time that those who want to go on small ships will wind up on Holland America, Celebrity and Princess or one of the luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, WindStar, Regent, and Oceania. If you can affor the cost and time, cruise what works for you and enjoy.
My husband and I were just on the Eurodam, Holland America. We have not been on Holland America for 11 years and this recent trip was a disappointment. The staff was still very attentive, but the food has definitely suffered. We spoke with royal Holland America cruisers and asked how they felt about Holland America post COVID. They were all telling us how things have changed and not in the positive direction. Food was at the top of the list, along with undependable wifi, after paying for premium wifi service. Guest services was kind enough to refund our wifi cost at day two when we complained. We also received a "we owe you" note for the Holland America Tile for Mariners. We were told to bring our note to the next cruise and we will receive two. That will be difficult since we no longer plan on cruising with Holland America. There were other let-downs, but I won't go into it.
Could you do a review of the expedition cruise lines (20-200 passengers), especially as some of the players were not able to make it through the pandemic? Thanks.
I have been looking at Hurtigruten for months now as I would like to do a more 'active' cruise. I have primarily cruised with MSC and have mostly had good experiences. I was fortunate to cruise on the Scarlet Lady from Virgin Voyages before the official launch of the ship and it was amazing. The food was exceptional and it's like a floating resort for adults. Not much for any shore excursions yet, but it was a wonderful voyage.
@@mainenative5928 I have toured with Lindblad and Zegrahm (the latter is out of business) extensively and shore excursions are key, as are the lecture series on board. Looks lie Hurtigruten has excellent locations but the ships are a little big.
Why is Viking never mentioned? We love them! An older crowd - no one under 18, great food, great ports, great informative lectures and lots of quiet space. A library and no slides, rock climbing or big shows.
We have cruised on Celebrity many times and loved all of the cruises - they were super for the family - we then cruised on Norwegian and was not at all impressed unfortunately - however Seabourn was simply wonderful and I highly recommend their ships - it was the most amazing experience - the ships, the service, the suites, the food, the entertainment, the ports we visited and the overall experience on our Seabourn cruises were outstanding. 6 Stars and more!
Celebrity treats their staff-esp. female staff- like crap. If they complain or object, they chuck them off the ship at whatever port they are nearest to. Imagine being a single female who was sexually assaulted by an officer and when you complained you were thrown off the ship without warning or any help in a foreign country and have to make your way back to your home country, and not having enough money or means to get home. One person was given a hotel room in Asia - for one night. Had to have her parents wire her funds and was stuck there for almost a week. Not safe. Not cool.
We just got off the NCL Encore 15 day Panama Canal Cruise. There was about 1500 people and it holds 4000. Kinky Boots and Chior of Man were great. The water slides, virtual reality room and go carts were a blast. There were no issues at all except 1/3 of the ship got a mysterious “cold”…. Hmm but nothing was said and it was mild for everyone.
