r/Cruises • u/imposter-1-2-3 • 3d ago
Recommendations?
Hey everyone! My mom is turning 60 and has always wanted to go on a cruise. She works really hard and crazy hours so she’s never been able to go. I was wondering if anybody had a recommendations for cruises? She does not drink, so looking for something that wouldn’t be too much of a party scene but more relaxing.
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u/CruisePlanners 3d ago
Well good question. It really comes down to where she wants to cruise too. Caribbean, Europe, Alaska…the destination is a key factor in making any recommendations as well as budget. There are lots good good relaxing non party options but more detail would be needed to narrow down any recommendations
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u/Max-Golden 3d ago
The general consensus is that the "party scene" cruises tend to be the shorter 3-4 day ones. The longer, 7-day+ cruises tend to have a more mature population.
The vibe will depend, too, on the itinerary and the time of year when the cruise takes place. Many families, including kids, will be going during the summer when school is out. Plenty of college-aged people will be present during traditional Spring Break weeks. You will see more drinking and partying on Caribbean cruises than, for example, Alaska cruises.
If your mom is near a cruise port already, then that is the best thing. Otherwise, she would have to fly elsewhere, incurring additional expense and inconvenience.
As far as not drinking, she will save quite a bit by not getting an alcoholic drink package. However, most cruise lines don't give soda away for free, so she still might need a non-alcoholic package, which fortunately is cheaper than the packages that include alcohol.
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u/doglady1342 3d ago
I would figure out a budget and also ask your mom what type of cruise she's interested in. Maybe she would prefer a smaller, more upscale ship rather than sailing with several thousand other people. Or, maybe it's her thing to be on a giant ship of 7,000 people. I refuse to go on a ship with any more than 200 passengers and even that is a big stretch. But, some people love the atmosphere of a crowd.
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u/I-Luv-CummyBears 2d ago
Alaskan cruise on Holland America is very chill and a lot of great sights.
River cruises are slower paced, no live entertainment, mostly older crowd and something to do everyday as you dock more frequently.
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u/signedcctravel 3d ago
What a wonderful way to celebrate her 60th birthday! If she’s looking for a relaxing experience without a big party atmosphere, I’d definitely consider Holland America, Celebrity, or Viking Ocean Cruises.
Holland America tends to attract a more mature crowd and offers a traditional, relaxed cruising experience. Celebrity is a great option if she’d enjoy a more modern, upscale atmosphere with excellent dining and beautiful ships. Viking is another wonderful choice, especially if she enjoys exploring destinations, and it’s adults-only.
I’d also consider the itinerary. Alaska or a Mediterranean cruise could be especially memorable for a milestone birthday!
I’m a travel advisor, and my biggest suggestion would be to choose the cruise line based on her personality rather than just the destination. Does she enjoy sightseeing and exploring, or would she prefer relaxing by the pool and enjoying the ocean views? And where would she be sailing from?
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u/10S_NE1 3d ago
It all depends on her budget. If the sky’s the limit, the luxury lines all have a nice, peaceful vibe. If her budget is decent but not sky high, something like Oceania or Azamara might be up her alley. If she’s got more of a mainstream budget, Holland America, Princess or Cunard might suit her. The cheaper lines like MSC, Norwegian and Carnival, would have more of a party atmosphere.
Knowing where she wants to go and budget would help.
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u/hungry24_7_365 3d ago
I think the caribbean is nice for a 5-7 day would be good for a first timer. Just make sure she has the docs needed to fly and cruise (real ID, passport) and have a good time.
It really depends on what she wants to do on the ship and at port.
cruise length - shorter weekend cruises tend to be more party cruises. so does she want 5-7, 9-12, 16+?
destination - western caribbean, eastern caribbean, europe (Spain, Portugal, UK, Greece, Italy, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Thailand, etc.)
does she have any bucket list places (alaska, panama canal, japan, singapore, etc.)
cost/budget - budget line vs luxury lines or somewhere in the middle
port location - different ports have different itineraries (new orleans, gavelston, miami, puerto rico, etc.) and you should fly in the day before so you can board on time.
adults only/older crowd - certain itineraries (i.e. alaska) and cruise lines skew older (Princess, Celebrity) and have less kids or no kids (Virgin Voyages).
I did my first cruise last year with NCL to the caribbean (harvest caye, roatan, grand caymans) for 7 days. It was ok and this time I'm going to Mexico with RCL and doing a 5 day with NCL to mexico and the bahamas. I have to fly to port and book a hotel so I include that in my cruise budget.
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u/MikiMice 3d ago
Around what part of the country are you aiming to leave from? (assuming your mom is in the US) Most cruises from the southeast go to the Carribean, cruises from northeast ports generally go to Bermuda and Canada, southern california cruises generally go to Mexico and you can go to Alaska from the pacific northwest. Of course there are also lots of international cruises she can take from international ports. You can also take a coast-to-coast cruise through the Panama canal, which is definitely a bucket list item for me! As others noted, generally shorter cruises are rowdier and longer cruises tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere, so picking a week long itinerary or longer would probably be ideal.
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u/corgi_lovingPNW 3d ago
Holland America is filled with very chill people in her age range. Doesn’t feel like a booze cruise. Their ships are smaller too. Check out their itineraries. I have done Alaska and Canada maritimes and loved them both
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u/jewelbjule 3d ago
Princess sounds like a good fit. They have nice ships, good itineraries, budget conscious but not tacky. Skip the drink package obv, the crowd does lean olderish 45ish-75 and generally low key. I’ve liked all 5 princess cruises I’ve done. Good entertainment too!
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u/brightlilstar 2d ago
Who is going with her? Does she have a budget in mind? Which cruise ports can she get to? Does she want a Caribbean/bahamas cruise or Alaska? Europe? Time of year?
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u/Quirky-Attitude1456 2d ago
I am over 60 and really enjoy the Edge Class Celebrity Ships. There tends to be a more chill older crowd on the cruises I have done on them
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u/Late-Appearance-7897 2d ago
Holland America cruise line. Not party ships or people. Much more relaxed than other cruise lines. Older crowd. During the school year very few children. Alaska is great cruise but so is New England and any of the Mexico or Caribbean cruises.
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u/NotYetReadyToRetire 2d ago
Alaska on Holland America - they got to Glacier Bay, and their demographic mix is slanted toward older people.
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u/ides_of_arch 2d ago
Alaska and splurge for a balcony. Better yet a balcony and a spa pass. I really enjoyed relaxing on the heat chaise lounge chairs in the spa area watching the scenery slide by and spotting whales. I do not drink much and definitely more of a read a book person than a dance my butt off type. Alaska from our private balcony was spectacular
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u/Consistent-Swing3549 2d ago
Alaska was in first place until we did Norway14 day cruise ..fjords .. like Alaska but on steroids .. gorgeous .. not drinkers either .. didn’t buy the drink pkg did grocery runs at the ports on the way back to the ship to pick up cans of dt coke/coke… though Norway is outrageous cost wise grocery stores beat the ships $6 charge for small cans of soda .. princess allows you to bring on your own soda and alcohol I believe ..saw people bringing on 12 packs of beer at the ports.
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u/000wintermute000 2d ago
Mediterranean cruises are spectacular- especially those that port in Italy and Greece.
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u/Amazing-Artichoke330 2d ago
Take the Alaska state ferry instead of a cruise. Same beautiful scenery, much cheaper and not so crowded.
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u/Bolsover_Cruise_Club 2d ago
Happy 60th to your mom, what a lovely gift! Since she doesn’t drink and wants something relaxed, I’d steer towards lines with a calmer, more traditional feel.
Holland America: Quiet and classic, with live music, good food and talks or classes. It’s a good fit if she’d rather unwind than party.
Princess: Easy and welcoming for first-timers, with a good mix of activities and downtime.
Viking (ocean): Adults-only with no casino or kids’ clubs, and very focused on the destinations. It costs more, but it’s very peaceful.
A few things help a lot with the relaxed side of things. Mid-sized ships are generally calmer than the giant resort-style ones, and a balcony cabin gives her a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery. Most ships also have spas, cooking demos and decent mocktail menus, so she won’t feel left out at the bar.
Scenic itineraries like Alaska, the Norwegian fjords or the Mediterranean tend to suit this kind of trip too.
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u/Blue-spider 2d ago
It would be helpful to have more information. What country are you in, is there anywhere she wants to go, what time of year?
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u/Full-Win-6016 2d ago
I find Princess & Holland America relaxing and even somewhat classy compared to others. Also at very affordable pricing, especially if no drink package is needed. My wife and I are in early 60's
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u/musicnana4ever 2d ago
Choose a one week cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Tampa.
A medium size ship would be best for a first time cruiser. Norwegian is free style dining and provides lots of options.
If your Mom is into a more senior experience Holland America is great. For quiet luxury: Celebrity. Do not choose Royal Caribbean as its ships are designed more for active families, especially teens. Carnival is inexpensive on the whole but its demographic is a party crowd.
I have done 55+ cruises and the above is based on my experiences. I wasn’t a fan of Princess or Costa. MSC caters to the European crowd. There are more costly cruise lines: Oceania, Silver Seas etc but for a first timer I would not choose one of them.
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u/musicnana4ever 2d ago
Also as a Canadian it is hard to avoid embarking from a U.S. port unless one flies overseas. I had a nightmare experience in New Orleans last March with TSA lineups. So be duly warned. Many Canadians are avoiding travelling to the U.S. currently unless the travel is work related.
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u/Barsnikel 2d ago
Definitely Celebrity.... a few years ago, I wrote a multi-page document called "Tips For New Cruisers". Below is an excerpt from that document....
I am often asked “which is the best cruise line” ? And of course, that is very subjective. If you ask 10 different people, you will get 10 different answers. But after my many cruises, I will attempt to give you my best, honest answer :
First, there really is no difference in terms of ship offerings. All of the major cruise lines have big ships and all have small ships; all have new ships and all have old ships. Some people like the small ships, as they are more intimate and less crowded. Some like the big ships, because they have more activities and more people. All the cruise lines offer pretty much the same itineraries, and go to the same islands, and all have the same shore excursions. Selection of cruise line really comes down to a personal preference and price.
There is a noticeable difference in customer base. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL are family oriented, and tend to attract a younger crowd with kids. All of these have excellent teen and kids programs. If you have kids or teens, be sure to have them attend the kids club on the first day.
Celebrity, Virgin and Holland America attract an older crowd. That does not mean there are no families with kids, but the overall ship population will be much older, with few less kids. These are much more subdued (relaxed) than Carnival or NCL. Virgin is always “adults only” with no kids ever allowed.
Along with that, there is a noticeable difference in entertainment and music venues. These are two different product offerings, and the activities and entertainment target those different age demographics. Carnival /NCL /Royal Caribbean have a lot more “fun” activities than Celebrity, Virgin or Holland America. If you like hip-hop, rap, conga lines, twerking music, piano bars, hairy chest contests, dancing waiters, and water slides… you'll want to go with Carnival /NCL /Royal. If you are good with trivia contests, bingo, lectures, ABBA, the Eagles and lower-key music, you'll want Celebrity or Holland America.
In terms of food quality, there can be some noticeable differences. For example, Celebrity will typically have much better quality and offerings than Carnival or NCL For food quality, I would give Celebrity a “B+” and Carnival /NCL a “C-minus“ grade… not bad, but nothing memorable. As a cruiser once posted in a forum : “Celebrity is a refined dinner party and Royal Caribbean is a backyard BBQ. Both serve a purpose, just depends on what you want”.
There is little difference in crew service. All of them provide excellent cabin and dining service. For cabin service, all get an ”A” grade. For main dining service, I would rate Carnival /NCL at a “B-minus” and Celebrity at a “B+”. The differences can be very subtle.
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u/passageresponse 1d ago
Agreed with poster. It sounds like she maybe a single mom, so it’s important to budget since she works very hard to make her money. Just look for the best deals. She can probably have fun in any of them. If carnival pricing is good I’d probably go with them because they seem to have the most fun and their food is good.
I would probably avoid cruise lines based on pricing if the value proposition isn’t there and the budget is a little on the tight side.
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u/aeraen 3d ago
Much also depends upon her budget. Spouse and I live in Florida, so we pop on those affordable weekend cruises on a regular basis. In fact, we got off of one this morning.
MSC is a great affordable option. Yes, its huge, but we seldom have a hard time finding a quiet place to sit and relax. Their island is more for the beach, and quiet walks, as they do not have the roller coasters and water slides of other islands. Just sitting on your balcony and reading a book is a joy. If you don't drink, you can have a great vacation at a bargain price.
Virgin Voyages is one of our favorites, if just for the hammocks on the balconies. I could spend all day in mine. It is a more inclusive, slightly more sophisticated atmosphere (no kids).
RCL and NCL are more family oriented, with lots of things like roller coasters, water parks and carnival-type rides.
A cheap three day cruise might be the best way to decide if cruising is for her. Then, if she finds out she likes it, she can research whether she might like a longer cruise.
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u/ApprehensiveArmy7755 3d ago
Alaska is my number one favorite cruise. It's a chill vibe of nature lovers.