Cruising is something that I believe everyone should do at least once. I have had the opportunity to try more than a couple different cruise lines. I have looked at my (and my families) experiences and I want to share what I have learned.

I have personally spent time on four different cruise lines and have plans for a fifth. I will break it down by cruise line and share my pros and cons and then go through the overall vibe.

Norwegian

This one is hard for me. I have heard good things, and have done two separate itineraries with them, however, it is not my favorite. The first time I went was with my husband and my parents. The second time was just with my mama.

• Pro:
  • Unique destinations
  • Medium size ship
  • Kid-friendly but not kid heavy
• Con:
  • Talented performers but confusing (and straight up weird sometimes) shows
  • Food quality was not consistent
    • Both times, the vegetarian options were cold and “yucky”.
    • Soups and desserts were my top rated menu items
  • Complimentary food locations were not open 24 hours. It made it really hard for me when I had to take medicine in the middle of the night and did not have any food to eat with it.
  • Elevators did not have “day of the week”
    • For those that are not avid cruise goers, it is common for the elevators to have a tile showing which day of the week it is. This cruise line chose not to include that.

Carnival

I enjoyed this cruise line more than people said I would. We spent time on this ship during an extended family vacation. My husband’s family is all adults, with the exception of my three (two at the time) nephews. My mother-in-law wanted a family friendly option.

• Pro:
  • Pizza was open 24/7
  • Kid-friendly
  • Entertaining shows and performers
  • GUY’S BURGER JOINT
    • I feel very passionate about this one. I had stopped being a vegetarian (after 8 years) while I was in college and I was still very picky on my meat selection. This burger place was sooo good. I am still craving it to this day.
  • More complimentary food options
  • Plenty of activities for all ages. They even had an adult comedy show.
• Con:
  • Smaller ship
    • This is a negative for me because it means that you feel the ship rocking back and forth more.
  • Kids everywhere
    • There is nothing wrong with having kids there, however if you are going on a couple’s trip, I would probably choose a different cruise line.

Royal Caribbean

This is my current preferred cruise line when it is just my husband and I. I have only sailed once with them and would like to again.

• Pro:
  • Pizza was 24/7
  • Alternative activities during the day
  • Solid entertainment
• Con:
  • Larger ship to get lost
  • Less kid activities
  • Limited kid club hours

Princess

This was my very first cruise ever. I would like to experience it as an adult, however, it is a bit pricier.

• Pro:
  • Fun kid activities
  • Cool excursions
  • Something for all ages
• Con:
  • Very pricey
  • less popular

Cruise lines that I am wanting to try:

• Virgin
• Disney
• Celebrity

If you are cruising as a couple, I would try Royal Caribbean (or Virgin)

If you are cruising as a family, I would use Carnival (or Disney)

If you are cruising on a budget, I would use Carnival

If you are looking for more destination options, I would look at Norwegian (or Celebrity)

I grew up as a Navy brat, so I have always had a fondness for the water and cruising. I like to start each new experience with the belief that it will be the best vacation I will have. I have found these to be the most common pros and cons for me and my husband, however, everyone and every experience is different. If I can help others with anything I share, then I have accomplished my goal today. These opinions are honest and not influenced with any outside influence. If you are curious about my cruising essentials, stay tuned for an upcoming article.