Finding Your Perfect Cruise Line

Advice On Selecting A Cruise Line

Overall, the cruise industry encompasses a wide range of options from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious experiences, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler. Cruise lines vary significantly in terms of their target demographics, experiences offered, and overall luxury levels. For instance:

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its budget-friendly options and family-oriented activities, making it a popular choice for those looking for affordable vacations that still provide excellent dining and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean

In contrast, Royal Caribbean is recognized for its innovative ships that feature amenities like surf simulators and rock climbing walls, catering to a broad audience that includes families and adventure seekers. Its newest classes of ships are designed to be a destination in their own right.

Regent Seven Seas

For luxury cruise lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers opulent experiences, with some suites costing up to $11,000 per day, appealing to travelers seeking high-end accommodations and personalized service. Additionally, there are niche markets such as river cruises, which provide a more intimate experience and focus on cultural excursions along rivers.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is renowned for its small fleet of ships that emphasize understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a luxurious yet intimate cruising experience. The vessels are designed with a focus on exploration and comfort, accommodating around 930 passengers, which allows for a more personalized atmosphere compared to larger cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is renowned for its contemporary fleet and unique cruising experience. With 20 ships, NCL offers a versatile selection of vessels that cater to various preferences and styles of cruising. The company is particularly noted for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which emphasizes flexibility in dining and a wide array of onboard activities, allowing guests to tailor their vacation according to their desires.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a well-established American cruise line, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, with its headquarters located in Santa Clarita, California. Since its inception in 1965, the company has aimed to create a personal and immersive travel experience for its guests, emphasizing that cruising should feel both welcoming and unforgettable.

The character of Princess Cruises is defined by its commitment to thoughtful service, which gives passengers a sense of familiarity and comfort, akin to coming home. This focus on personalized experiences is further enhanced through innovative technology, such as the Medallion app, which allows guests to tailor their journey according to their preferences and interests.

Holland America

Holland America Line is celebrated for its elegant cruising experience, characterized by exceptional service and a strong focus on personalized attention [1]. The crew is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels valued, contributing to an extraordinary voyage from the moment they step on board [1]. With a rich history spanning 150 years, Holland America has established itself as a leader in the cruise industry, offering spacious and comfortable ships that blend modern amenities with a touch of old-world charm.

Disney Cruises

Disney Cruises offer a magical experience with beloved Disney characters featured prominently throughout the journey. Guests can meet iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, who are available for photo opportunities and autographs on every cruise. Additionally, characters from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel appear in themed costumes that reflect the cruise’s theme, enhancing the immersive experience.

Each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, hosts character greetings at various locations, including deck parties and kids’ clubs.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises is recognized for its unique cruising experience that emphasizes personalized service and destination immersion. The fleet consists of four R-class boutique ships, which create an intimate atmosphere akin to small luxury hotels, catering to a maximum of 694 passengers per ship.

The onboard experience is characterized by a highly trained international staff dedicated to providing top-tier service, ensuring that guests feel well cared for throughout their journey Azamara focuses on “destination immersion,” allowing travelers to enjoy extended stays in port, often including evenings and overnights, which enhances the overall travel experience by fostering deeper connections with the destinations visited.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line that focuses on providing an adult-only experience, catering specifically to travelers aged 18 and older. The cruise line, a partnership between the Virgin Group and Bain Capital, aims to redefine luxury at sea with offerings that include gourmet dining, entertainment, and modern amenities.

A distinctive feature of Virgin Voyages is its incorporation of fictional characters, such as Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant, who represent different aspects of the Sailor experience—passion, courage, resilience, and wisdom. These characters serve as visual symbols within the Virgin Voyages brand, enhancing the overall guest experience.

If you haven’t cruised before and aren’t sure what cruise line to select our advice is to talk to a local travel agent. Discuss your interests, budget and expectations with an agent as their expertise is well suited to helping you find the perfect cruise line and itinerary to meet your family’s needs.

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Cruise Loyalty Programs • Part 2

Just like airlines and hotels, cruise companies want you to be a frequent customer and they have developed a number of plans to entice you to keep coming back. With names like The Captain’s Club, Mariner Society and Latitudes they generally structure their programs so the more you come back the more status you attain on cruises and rewards you get. Unlike hotel points and airline miles you don’t cash in your rewards, and the more you cruise with a cruise line or company the more benefits you get.

Because the cruise lines know you do have a choice making a cruise selection, more so than with airlines, they want you to have good reason to stay with them. Each cruise line has differences in their programs and some offer better benefits than others the all operate a tiered system of better and better perks the more you cruise with them.

In addition earning frequent cruiser points look for the possibility with some cruise companies allowing you to transfer your status between their family of cruise lines. One example is Royal Caribbean that also operates Celebrity and Azamar. In one example they will allow you to share/transfer your status from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity becoming a Celebrity Elite if you have Diamond status with Royal immediately (going forward points are accumulated separately on each line).

Celebrity Cruise Line

Take Your Vacation to a New Level with Captains Club

Cruising with Celebrity really does have its benefits. Join the Captain’s Club and enjoy an array of cruise rewards. And, the more you sail with us, the greater the rewards. You’ll earn points on every sailing and enjoy discounts, offers, and perks that all add up to an even more incredible cruise vacation experience. Get priority boarding and complimentary laundry service, stateroom upgrades, access to exclusive voyages, and exciting cruise club events on board. As a valued loyalty member, you’ll also receive personal invitations to other members-only events happening on our sailings throughout the world. Simply join our cruise loyalty program and start earning points on your next cruise. As a valued member of the Captain’s Club, you’ll vacation with us like never before.

  • • Classic 2-149 Club Points
  • As a Classic member, you’ll receive complimentary access to our Captain’s Club Celebration event. You’ll also enjoy great ways to save with exclusive onboard premium offers.
  • • Select 150-299 Club Points
  • As a Select member, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a Classic member, plus discounted Internet and laundry service specials.
  • • Elite 300-749 Club Points
  • Our Elite members know that loyalty yields great rewards, including complimentary Internet and laundry services and complimentary Captain’s Club cocktail hour.
  • • Elite Plus 750-2999 Club Points
  • In recognition of our most devoted Elite members, we have created Elite Plus – delivering a high level of recognition with greater benefits including; discounts on beverages and specialty dining, unlimited.complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 240 free internet minutes and much more.

CARNIVAL’S VIFP CLUB®

VIFP CLUB®How it works IT’S SIMPLE: CRUISE MORE AND THE PERKS JUST PILE UP.

VIFP CLUB® What you get

VIFP RED (Points after 2 Sailings or More)

  • Complimentary 1 liter bottle of water (delivered to stateroom on all sailings)

VIFP GOLD (After 5 Sailings or More)

  • Appreciation drink on 5+ day cruises (on the last evening of the cruise after 5pm)
  • Gold VIFP pin on every sailing
  • Priority check-in and boarding

VIFP PLATINUM (Based on Points)

  • Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party on 5+ day sailings (featuring complimentary drinks and appetizers)
  • Complimentary beverage at Seaday Brunch (on ships where brunch is not available, complimentary beverage at breakfast or lunch in Main Dining Room)
  • “Chocolate Delight” strawberry plate (delivered to stateroom on 5+ day cruises)
  • Unique, collectible pin (noting specific ship and year) received on each sailing
  • Priority spa reservations
  • Priority tender boarding (ship to shore only)
  • Casino: Buy-one-get-one-free tournament entry (Blackjack or Slot only)
  • $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only)
  • Carnival logo gift on every sailing
  • Priority Guest Services assistance by phone
  • Priority line at onboard Guest Services desk
  • Priority debarkation
  • Priority reservations at Main Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant
  • Complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service (2 bags on 3 – 6 day cruises,
  • 3 bags on 7-13 day cruises, 5 bags on a 14+ day cruises)

VIFP DIAMOND (Based on Points)

  • Guaranteed seating time requested in Main Dining Room for dinner
  • Priority reservations at Specialty restaurants
  • Unlimited complimentary Wash & Fold service
  • Special event invitation from the Captain on each sailing
  • One-time free cabin upgrade OR third and fourth guests sail free
  • One-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
  • One-time complimentary meal for two at Specialty Restaurant of choice
  • VIFP Club luggage tag set (presented once at Diamond level)
  • Dedicated toll-free number for sales and service

Holland America Line Mariner Society

Join us for any cruise and return a Star Mariner. You’ll feel the special treatment as soon as you come aboard as our way of saying, “Welcome back!” As a Star Mariner, you’ll receive:

  • Mariner Welcome Onboard Lunch
  • A special collectible gift presented to you on board
  • Mariner Brunch with complimentary sparkling wine
  • A free subscription to the print or digital** version of Mariner® magazine (print version available to US and Canadian residents only)
  • Special offers on select sailings
  • A 50% cruise fare discount on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings

As a 2-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A complimentary photo of the ship
  • A 10% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A 15% discount on merchandise from shophollandamerica.com (Discount only available in the United States and Canada)
  • An annual cruise planner
  • A special recognition lapel pin

As a 3-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and on specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases*
  • A 25% discount on BLEND (available only on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Ryndam)
  • A 25% discount on individual wine bottles over us$100
  • Mariner Welcome Onboard Reception
  • Discounts on select treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Advance information on new itineraries

As a 4-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • Complimentary cruise fare on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings
  • A 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases* (restaurant packages do not apply to discount and wine packages discounts exclude wine cards, Cellar Master packages, individual bottles, wine-by-the-glass and beverage gift cards)
  • Complimentary laundry and pressing services*
  • Priority tender* and check-in*
  • A complimentary wine tasting
  • A 15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A complimentary one-year subscription to Travel + Leisure® or Food & Wine® magazine (one per household, available to US and Canadian residents only)

Holland America Line Mariner Society

Join us for any cruise and return a Star Mariner. You’ll feel the special treatment as soon as you come aboard as our way of saying, “Welcome back!” As a Star Mariner, you’ll receive:

  • Mariner Welcome Onboard Lunch
  • A special collectible gift presented to you on board
  • Mariner Brunch with complimentary sparkling wine
  • A free subscription to the print or digital** version of Mariner® magazine (print version available to US and Canadian residents only)
  • Special offers on select sailings
  • A 50% cruise fare discount on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings

As a 2-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A complimentary photo of the ship
  • A 10% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A 15% discount on merchandise from shophollandamerica.com (Discount only available in the United States and Canada)
  • An annual cruise planner
  • A special recognition lapel pin

As a 3-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • A 25% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and on specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases*
  • A 25% discount on BLEND (available only on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Ryndam)
  • A 25% discount on individual wine bottles over us$100
  • Mariner Welcome Onboard Reception
  • Discounts on select treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Advance information on new itineraries

As a 4-Star Mariner, additional benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • Complimentary cruise fare on kids and extra guests staying in your stateroom on select sailings
  • A 50% discount on specialty restaurant surcharges and specialty coffees in all dining venues*, wine packages*, and all mini-bar purchases* (restaurant packages do not apply to discount and wine packages discounts exclude wine cards, Cellar Master packages, individual bottles, wine-by-the-glass and beverage gift cards)
  • Complimentary laundry and pressing services*
  • Priority tender* and check-in*
  • A complimentary wine tasting
  • A 15% discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold onboard shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise)
  • A complimentary one-year subscription to Travel + Leisure® or Food & Wine® magazine (one per household, available to US and Canadian residents only)

Princess Captain’s Circle

Levels and Benefits

Gold

  • Available after completion of your first Princess cruise
  • Discounts on cruise bookings made at least a year in advance
  • Deposit reduced to 10 percent on early cruise bookings
  • Special offers on select itineraries throughout the year
  • Access to members-only onboard events
  • Princess Passport memory book
  • Collectible destination stamps
  • Access to a dedicated onboard host
  • Subscription to Captain’s Circle magazine and e-newsletter
  • Gold member recognition pin
  • Access to Captain’s Circle online information center
  • Chance to win a photo contest for a free cruise

Ruby

  • Available from your fourth cruise or after 31 cruise days
  • Receive all Gold perks
  • Free package upgrade when you purchase a standard Princess Vacation Protection plan
  • Exclusive access to shoreside Captain’s Circle help line
  • 10 percent off commemorative cruise DVD
  • Ruby member recognition pin

Platinum

  • Available from your sixth cruise or after 51 cruise days
  • Receive all Ruby perks
  • Complimentary copy of the Cruise Atlas, which includes itinerary details for the coming year and is released annually
  • Preferred check-in at the start of your cruise
  • Access to Platinum Disembarkation Lounge, including light refreshments
  • Free internet credit from 150 to 500 minutes, depending on length of sailing
  • Platinum member recognition pin

Elite

  • Available from your 16th cruise or with 151-plus cruise days
  • Receive all Platinum perks
  • Priority tendering and disembarkation
  • Early or late disembarkation upon request
  • Complimentary shoe shine service
  • Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services
  • One free mini-bar set up
  • Complimentary in-cabin canapes on formal nights upon request
  • Complimentary in-cabin afternoon tea
  • Upgraded bath amenities
  • 10 percent discount at onboard boutiques
  • Free wine tasting
  • Elite member recognition pin

Princess Captain’s Circle

Levels and Benefits

Gold

  • Available after completion of your first Princess cruise
  • Discounts on cruise bookings made at least a year in advance
  • Deposit reduced to 10 percent on early cruise bookings
  • Special offers on select itineraries throughout the year
  • Access to members-only onboard events
  • Princess Passport memory book
  • Collectible destination stamps
  • Access to a dedicated onboard host
  • Subscription to Captain’s Circle magazine and e-newsletter
  • Gold member recognition pin
  • Access to Captain’s Circle online information center
  • Chance to win a photo contest for a free cruise

Ruby

  • Available from your fourth cruise or after 31 cruise days
  • Receive all Gold perks
  • Free package upgrade when you purchase a standard Princess Vacation Protection plan
  • Exclusive access to shoreside Captain’s Circle help line
  • 10 percent off commemorative cruise DVD
  • Ruby member recognition pin

Platinum

  • Available from your sixth cruise or after 51 cruise days
  • Receive all Ruby perks
  • Complimentary copy of the Cruise Atlas, which includes itinerary details for the coming year and is released annually
  • Preferred check-in at the start of your cruise
  • Access to Platinum Disembarkation Lounge, including light refreshments
  • Free internet credit from 150 to 500 minutes, depending on length of sailing
  • Platinum member recognition pin

Elite

  • Available from your 16th cruise or with 151-plus cruise days
  • Receive all Platinum perks
  • Priority tendering and disembarkation
  • Early or late disembarkation upon request
  • Complimentary shoe shine service
  • Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services
  • One free mini-bar set up
  • Complimentary in-cabin canapes on formal nights upon request
  • Complimentary in-cabin afternoon tea
  • Upgraded bath amenities
  • 10 percent discount at onboard boutiques
  • Free wine tasting
  • Elite member recognition pin

Royal Caribbean

Cruising with Royal Caribbean International® is truly a rewarding experience, especially when you’re a member of our Crown & Anchor® Society. You’ll receive benefits not only when onboard, but also when you’re planning your cruise. And – as your points grow, so do your benefits and status.

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Cruise Loyalty Programs • An Introduction

If your future plans include more then an occasional cruise, you might want to consider focusing your bookings on a particular cruise line because of the loyalty programs they offer. Benefits can include discounts on or even free internet, laundry, photos, cocktail parties and fancy coffees. Some lines also offer cabin upgrades and priority treatment with boarding and tender usage.

Picking Your Cruise Line – There are a lot of similarities between the major cruise lines but there are also differences that make some more suitable to your particular needs. They all feature good dining options from main dining room dinners to buffets to specialty restaurants and good entertainment and shows, but the things that set them apart is often related to the passengers they try and attract.

Most lines cater to families but a few are stand outs because of their children’s programs. Two of the best are Disney and Royal Caribbean. There is also the price range that varies from one cruise company to another. At the economy end of the price range are Carnival and Norwegian. Stepping up a bit in price are Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Princess followed by Holland America and Celebrity, which are a bit higher still. At the other end of pricing you will find Cunard, Disney and Oceania with Silver Seas and Seabourn being the ultra exclusive lines.

Besides simply price, there are a number of other things to consider when picking a line. Following are some observations we have made regarding a couple of cruise lines:

Carnival – Besides being the price leader, we have found Carnival to be a favorite with young adults. Especially in the Caribbean, these ships have a non-stop party atmosphere. We have not cruised with Carnival outside of the Caribbean so other itineraries may be less that way. The food and service have generally been good and the cabins a bit roomier then many.

Royal Caribbean – Good value in a cruise line and really focused on families. It has one of the best kids’ programs at sea with great entertainment options. Many of the ships have basketball courts and climbing walls and a couple have ice skating rinks and Flo-Rider surfing. Some of their newest ships have simulated sky diving and an amusement park style area.

Celebrity – Features a step up in service and appeals to a more mature cruiser. We like this line because of the enrichment programs, which include lectures and classes. Celebrity also offers a number of longer itineraries and more exotic destinations than some of the other lines.

MSC Cruises – Has been trying to “break into” the U.S. Caribbean market with true two-for-one pricing and has also offered to match your frequent cruising status from another cruise line. We have not, as yet, cruised with them.

Disney – The name alone says kids & family and you won’t be disappointed. From movie themed areas to Disney characters the whole ship is a Disney experience. One feature that really appeals is an evening dinner rotation that moves your group to a different style restaurant each night and your table staff goes with you. Oddly Disney is also really good at providing adult only areas that are more strictly enforced than other lines.

Plans and Perks – If you plan on cruising on a regular basis, even as infrequently as once every year or two, you should still join a cruise line loyalty program. Royal Caribbean’s is The Crown & Anchor Society and it’s free to join. If you don’t join you won’t earn the points. In their case, once you reach Diamond status you get a dedicated lounge on board with specialty coffee, some free internet, a free photograph, a special gift and a free cocktail party each evening. Priority boarding and other perks are also offered.

CruiseLife8
Royal Caribbean Flo-Rider

Carnival Cruise Line has their VIFP Club with members-only promotions, invites to cocktail receptions while you sail, priority boarding & more. Like most programs, the more you cruise the more you get.

Celebrity has the Captain’s Club  and when you reach Elite status you get access to the Captain’s Club Lounge for daily coffee, breakfast and evening Cocktail hour. Other features are complimentary 90-minute Internet package, some complimentary dry cleaning and laundry on every sailing, a private shipboard departure lounge serving continental breakfast, priority tender service in tender ports of call and more…

If you’re going to cruise anyway, you would be wise to commit your loyalty and begin accumulating some perks.

One additional note, Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean family and frequent cruise status can be extended in a one-time transfer between these cruise companies.