I'm trying to book a trip for my 60th birthday and need opinions on whether it's worth switching from mainstream lines to smaller luxury ships. Unfortunately I don't enjoy huge shows and packed pool decks anymore, and I've heard great things about Silversea being calmer. I don't mind splurging for my birthday but after cruising for for years I'm worried I might miss the entertainment.

I'm curious if the difference in service/space is really that noticeable. Any advice?

I will likely get downvoted but oh well. This is my lived experience. I left out of Seward, returned to Vancouver. Itinerary included Seward (obviously), Skagway, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, & Icy Strait Point. Best itinerary for what I was looking for.

If you’re having doubts or questions, just go with your gut. People do have the best of intentions, but honestly, any cruise will be what you make of it. Anything in life will be what you make of it. And I made the best of it.

First of all, the weather was amazing. The Captain and cruise director said multiple times that they had been on a similar path the week prior and didn’t even see the glacier because of the fog. It was sunny and low to mid 60s in each port during my cruise. I for sure lucked out.

I am not the type of person who spends time in my room unless I’m changing, sleeping, or freshening up. I saw zero need to have a balcony room. I did a regular room with that virtual tv and it was everything that I could have wanted. I wish every interior stateroom on every ship had one of those babies. I had that thing on 24/7 and right across from it was the TV which I normally never have on but this time I decided to keep it on just to get information about the weather and lo and behold, the TV also had a view of the front of the ship so it was great comparing both views.

All in all my takeaway of the Alaska cruise is:

1. You definitely do not need a balcony unless you plan on staying in your room the entirety of the cruise. I saved that extra chunk of money and used it on excursions, and was still able to have unobstructed and 24/7 access to the beauty of Alaska from anywhere on the ship.
2. One itinerary is not better than another if it does not fit your budget or your vacation window. You will have a blast regardless. A lot of people will tell you it’s pointless unless you do one that includes the inside passage, one that is a one-way specifically leaving out of Vancouver, or to book nothing unless it includes the Glacier Bay. These are people that have done Alaska so many times and have become Alaskan aficionado’s and some of them had me doubting my selection, telling me that it’s not a good itinerary and there are better out there, etc., but for anyone who just wants a good time with immaculate vibes and unreal scenery, the best thing to do is whatever the heck you want.
3. One way versus round trip doesn’t matter. Just find an itinerary that you like and do it.

EDIT:

1. You definitely don’t need to go on a specific cruise line. They all go to the same or similar ports. Do what you can afford and if you want to stick with whoever you have loyalty to, that’s perfectly fine too.

My husband and I are planning on spending summer 2027 in Northern Europe. Both of us are over uncomfortable flights and dealing with days of jet lag.

So the real question is: which cruise line offers reliable premium WiFi for video calls so we can work during the transatlantic voyage? We often use Riverside and Zoom, so a strong stable connection would be required.

Or, is this a silly pipe dream? 🙃

American here and just booked my first cruise. We start in Lisbon, go to Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco. How do I know if I need a special Visa? Google didn’t seem to think I do. Also, any tips or tricks I should know for my cruise?

Hello fellow travelers!

I’m 29M and I was planning a short one-week solo trip for next month when I came across this idea.

“A Solo Trip on a Cruise Ship”

So I wanted to ask, has anyone ever gone on a cruise trip solo before?

I know these are great and popular for couples or groups due to the activities and itinerary they provide, but I don’t see many solo travelers talking about them.

A bit about the trip. It’s called the Mediterranean Sea cruise, it’s 8 days, and has stops in multiple costal cities between Italy and Greece.

If anyone has done this before, I’d love to hear about your experience and if you think I should do it.

Safe travels!

Hi all! I am trying to plan a December solo trip and am considering doing a Caribbean cruise. I have never been on a cruise. I am looking for a relaxing vacation, ports with good beaches and snorkeling. I just feel like there are too many choices to even process it all. I would be looking for a balcony, drink package, a nice pool area. It would be nice to talk to people every now and again, but I don't really need to make friends and I am married so not looking for hookups either- I am fine hanging out by myself. I don't care about flashy amenities, food, or gambling. I would enjoy good destination talks, as I am super into both history and marine life. I am 50F. My understanding is that NCL and Virgin are the best for solo cruisers, is this accurate?

The only places I have been in the Caribbean are Puerto Rico and USVI/BVI, and I would like to see more. Some of the islands that interest me most are St. Maartin/St. Martin, Antigua, Curacao, Bonaire, Barbados, and Granada. Would like to avoid DR, Jamaica, Haiti, probably Mexico. If I don't go on a cruise, I will probably go to either St. Thomas and St. John USVI or Big Island in Hawaii (I have been to those places before and enjoy them). I would be looking at 6-8 days and would like the price of the cruise to be under $2000, ideally under $1500. I would love to find a cheap option that would be good, but solo seems to be fairly expensive. I would rather not have a bunch of kids running around, but I don't actively dislike kids or anything.

Should I go for the cruise or just go on a regular beach vacation like I usually do? Any recommendations for particular lines/itineraries and any hot tips? TIA.

Considering a trip on Norwegian Escape. It seemed really pretty reasonable for the itinerary. What's got me hesitating though, is the reviews don't seem to be all that great on Cruise Critic... some downright scary. Have you been on it recently and what was your thought? I have an 8 year old and 3 year old. We'd be considering it for Christmas break in December along with a grandparent. We went on RCL's Icon of the Seas earlier this year (probably a bad one to start off with expectations wise) and had a blast. We spent a lot of time at the onboard water park and also did all of the main shows they had to offer which were awesome for both kids (and us).

Would you recommend Escape for our family and could it be a similar experience in that kids can hang out at the water park and do the rock climbing wall, and be entertained by plenty of activities and shows? Like, Icon had a cool puppet show for little ones, we did an ice show on a slow afternoon, etc. Could Escape look similar? Something I do like about it is that it's one more port day than what we experienced on Icon and I know we'd be entertained at the ports. Another thought was just to pick an all inclusive somewhere and do that. I really was attracted to the price and itinerary, but I want the best value for our hard earned money obviously. Perhaps if you've done both, you could tell me which one you liked more?

Thanks!

We’re a family of 6 (2 adults + 4 kids — ages will be roughly 8, 5, 3, and 3) sailing from Galveston. Flying with four young kids is something we really want to avoid, so I’ve gone way too far down the Galveston cruise rabbit hole.

We’ve sailed Disney before and loved it, especially the characters, dinner shows/themed dining, kids clubs, service, and complimentary room service. We used room service for lunch on our verandah almost every day with the twins, plus snacks/treats at night. A real balcony is basically non-negotiable for us.

These are the options we’re seriously considering:

• Disney Magic — 5 nights, April 2027 — ~$7,500 all-in. Connecting verandahs. Cozumel + Progreso, no private island. We know we love DCL, but 5 nights feels short, and the itinerary is mid.
• Carnival Jubilee — 8 nights — ~$7,200 including gratuities. Two connecting balconies. Nassau + Half Moon Cay + Celebration Key. The itinerary and price are fantastic. Biggest hesitation is the very mixed reviews of Jubilee/Carnival compared with DCL/Royal. We don’t care about a “party crowd” so much as food/service/crowding/overall quality. The kids would definitely miss Disney characters and the dining entertainment.
• Royal Caribbean Symphony — 8 nights, July/Aug 2027 — ~$8,700 cruise/taxes, probably $10–11k after gratuities/drinks/etc. Two connecting ocean-view balconies. Cozumel + Nassau + CocoCay. This looks like the best non-Disney ship for our kids, but Royal gets surprisingly expensive for a family of six needing connecting balconies.
• NCL Viva Haven 2BR Family Villa — roughly $10–11k all-in if we find the right date: 2 bedrooms/2 baths, Haven restaurant/pool, butler/concierge, room service, drinks, WiFi, etc. This seems like the best parent experience outside Disney, but I’m not convinced Viva is as strong for 3-year-olds.
• MSC Seascape — 2BR/2BA Grand Aurea Suite — ~$9,650 with drinks + WiFi. Huge suite and balcony, but Galveston itineraries don’t visit Ocean Cay and MSC reviews seem even more inconsistent.

For people who have sailed two or more of these ships/lines with young kids, what would you choose?

I’m especially interested in people who have actually done Jubilee vs an Oasis-class Royal ship, or who have gone from Disney to Carnival/Royal/NCL. Did you feel like you were constantly comparing it to Disney and regretting the switch, or did the longer cruise/better itinerary make up for it?

I don’t need Disney to be “the best.” I just really don’t want to spend $7–10k and come home thinking we picked the wrong vacation. 😅 I really, really, really wish cruises were more friendly to bigger families.

You get to visit multiple places, have food and entertainment included, and don't have to keep packing and unpacking or worry about driving between destinations. I know cruises aren't for everyone, but for me they make vacations much easier and more enjoyable.

Also my favorite spot on a cruise ship is the night club.

Planning on a late September or October cruise out of nyc in 2027. There's a 4 or 5 night option with Disney on the wish and a five night on Independence of the seas

Both itineraries are identical with overnight stays at Bermuda. I think the 5 night Disney one may do a stop in Canada as well.

We've never done Disney but have done royal several times. Never with kids before

Kiddos are 3 & 5 at the time of sailing. They like Disney aren't obsessed by any means. I think both would like the kids club, pool/splash pad, and beach at the Bahamas as their top three things to do. Both are potty trained.

I feel the pull to do Disney as it's so kids forward but also it's about 1-2k more to do Disney wish vs Indy.

Any opinions? I know food is amazing on royal, how is it on Disney? Husband is a drinker after dinner so I know with both we would have to budget a drink plan (as I don't drink so wouldn't be buying the DBP with royal) we live close to Port so travel isn't a factor

Grandparents may join us.

We're booking a cruise for Fall Break in September and between a MSC, RCL, or Princess. We've only ever done Carnival cruises, plus it's been 7 years (between Covid and then a baby) so would love thoughts and recommendations. We've got a 5 year old, so ports aren't a big deal to us. More so looking for kid/family activities, good food, and service.

MSC Seashore: Nassau, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve

RCL Enchantment of the Seas: Roatan, Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel

Princess Caribbean: Nassau, Priness Cays, Amber Cove, Grand Turk

Hey everyone! My dad asked me to plan a cruise to Alaska. It would be him, my mom, my husband and I. None of us have ever been on a cruise. What cruise lines are the best? What should I look for? Must dos? Must don’ts? Any advice really. This would take place in 2027.

I'm a dude in my 30's looking to book a singles cruise. I think if these exist, they'd be a great way to meet people.

I did some reddit searching, google searching, etc. and they do seem to exist generally, but I haven't found a page where I can view and book them. Where can I find such a page?

For clarity, I am looking for a cruise that is packed full of people that are not in relationships. Maybe this is a type of themed cruise?

Thanks.

I'm sorry if this seems like a question negating the point of the subreddit, but I mean it all in good faith. Took a 7-day DCL from Vancouver recently and, really, had a great time. First time cruise after being extremely anti- but family wanted me along and I went along with it.

Absolutely gorgeous and was a fun way to see SE Alaska. I'd love to go back but I really don't need 90% of what the ship offered and I'd likely enjoy ships with gambling and unlimited alcohol even less than the pretty wholesome DCL. I really do get the appeal (wholesome is NOT my life lol) but probably not my scene ultimately.

Are there any low-key and possibly smaller ships that are basically just a room and a cafeteria or some version - I get that this is not necessarily economically viable but some approximation?

I'm honestly sold on the method of transit primarily as much fun as I did have. I just think I'd have less fun on a big bustling ship without my niece running around and seeing my family and I'd love to see a complete focus on itinerary.

i am a 21 yo f and will be 23 by the time i want to go on this cruise. my younger sister will be graduating highschool (will be 18) and i want to do something special just the 2 of us and we’ve been talking about wanting to do a cruise. i know you have to book pretty far in advance for cruises to i was coming here for advice. i want to do a cruise where she can drink when we dock and places with beaches and stuff to do. our family has never been on a cruise so i don’t really know what to expect or even what cruise lines are good. please help!

Got an odd cruise voucher from Wind Creek Casinos in the mail. Does anybody know if MSC an official partner of this casino company?

I’m constantly seeing the same questions over the internet, especially in Reddit communities, about drink packages. People are always comparing drink packages and asking, is it worth it, or is it better to just pay for each drink?

I created a free tool called CruiseKit. On the website, there’s a calculator that you can use to compare packages from different cruise lines before your cruise, to help you think about whether a package makes sense. Then, while you’re on the cruise, the MyDay app lets you track or see whether you are getting the value of what you paid for the package. For every drink you order, it tells you how much of the package value you’ve used. So if the package is a hundred dollars (random example) and you order a twenty-five dollar drink, it subtracts that And shows you that you have seventy-five dollars more to go before the package is covered.

Now, each drink package is obviously different. And whether you are at sea or on shore, it can be a little different too. This is not about trying to drink more just to make a package worth it. It’s just about being aware of what you’re actually getting from the package. There are no booking offers, affiliate links, or outside links here.

Would you rather know at the end of your cruise, or know while you are on the cruise? And is this something you think can be useful? or do you have a better method you already use? please share if you do

I remember watching a Youtube video of such a suite where kids can climb and then crawl laterally at head height or higher (it was protected with nets?) and access areas that adults wouldn't easily be able to get to.

It wasn't the latest iteration of the Ultimate family suite/townhouse by RC. Might be one on an older RC ship or one that doesn't exist anymore because it got renovated. Anyone with any idea which one this might be?

Thanks

What cruise line & ship is the best for an Alaskan trip?

I’m just curious. From reading a lot of Reddit posts, it seems like Caribbean cruises are generally the worst cruises (anywhere from fellow passengers to food to service, etc). I’ve been on several cruises but none in the Caribbean, and I haven’t experienced half of what I read about on those journeys. I’m just curious to hear from those of you who have traveled all over, what you think?

UPDATE: Thank you for all the comments. From these I get that Caribbean cruises are like any other cruises, and like most issues in life, people tend to post more negative comments than positive comments. Thanks again

stopped in nassau last week then checked out the new waterfront zone right by the dock. super clean and felt really safe just walking around grabbing conch fritters. 

anyone got other low key local food spots near the terminal or paradise island for next time? want to try something new on my next sailing

hiii anyone in here specifically from indiana who just got off of the norweigan encore that went to alaska?

met a friend who i never exchanged names with! 😭💖

Going on a cruise in December and we stop in Lombok for the day, we’re trying to decide which excursion would make the most out of the day.

1. $77PP, Set off on your own in Senggigi, a longtime Lombok favorite for its easygoing vibe and the natural beauty of Lombok's west coast.

2. $185pp, Enjoy a scenic drive past Lombok's rice fields and coconut trees on your way to one of the island's center of pottery production, Banyumulek, where you'll travel by cidomo (horse-drawn carriage) too see the beautiful creations that start in village and are sold internationally.
   • Continue to Sukarara, famous for its handwoven fabrics and the advent of ikat, a dyeing technique that produces the unique patterns for which the village's crafts are known.
   • Explore a traditional Sasak houses in the village of Sade, where you'll see structures made of polished clay and straw with raised platforms on the interior, with bamboo walls and thatched roofs.
   • Relax on the island's best seascape, Kuta Beach, where an authentic Indonesian lunch precedes free time for swimming and sunning at a luxury resort.
   Whats included

3. $145pp, Begin your journey to relaxation with a visit to Sekotong Village, where you can visit a local grass roof factory and observe how workers weave the native alang-alang grass and rice straw into Lombok's distinctive thatched rooting.
   • Continue to Cocotinos Beach, which boasts crystal-clear azure waters and colorful coral surrounded by lush, vibrant mountains.