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First Cruise Tips
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Advice and Useful Information for the First-Time Cruiser |
Choosing a Ship: Small, Medium or Mega? |
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What you need to know about cruising . . . |
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 We will attempt on this page to keep on top of major news developments affecting passengers planning to cruise on the ships of the lines followed in this site. We welcome news submissions both from cruise lines and from cruisers who hear of developments before we do. |
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| Older ships in a cruise line's fleet are frequently relegated to doing shorter, less expensive cruises. In Carnival's case, older Fantasy Class ships are in great shape, and offer passengers many of the same amenities found on their newest vessels; namely larger cabins, large kid's centers and play areas, a well equipped spa and workout areas and a beautiful grand atruim. On NCL, older ships in their fleet are really showing their age, and although well maintained, the interiors suffer from lots of wear and tear. They also do not have impressive central atriums and usualy come with smaller workout areas. The area devoted to their kid's program is usually small, and during holidays and in the summer, when the numbers of kids swell, they use empty lounges and other public areas to compensate for a lack of space. Lower-end stateroom are also quite small and cramped, and fine for two adults, but putting three in a room can be nightmare. The Norway, an example of a well maintained classic ocean liner, is beautiful, but suffers from the ravages of time as well. Royal Caribbean's Majesty, Sovereign and Granduer of the Seas are well maintained and continue to have those things people look for in newer ships, except decent sized lower-end cabins. Here too, you'll find small rooms. Although lots of people continue to feel a shorter, less costly "starter" cruise is the way to go, I disagree. For one thing, three night cruises tend to be more expensive than four night cruises. And with so many cruise specials out there (especially in the off season) seven night itineraries, especially in the Caribbean, are often only $200 more, well worth the extra cost. Smaller, older ships tend to solicit more complaints, have a higher crew turn-over, and offer less in the way of activities. I know some of you reading this article will disagree with me, but if you look at the numbers of service related complaints coming into each cruise lines guest relations departments, the over-whelming majority are from passengers cruising aboard the company's oldest ships. So does that mean, under no circumstances, should you consider booking a three or four night cruise? Absolutely not. In fact, some of best deals around are on these short cruises, often going for under $60/night!! You can't beat that. But just remember, you get what you pay for. |
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I believe Carnival and Royal Caribbean have the better kid's programs; NCL does a fine job, but both Royal Caribbean and Carnival (on their newer ships only) have large play areas, well equipped classroom space, computers and qualified staff. On older ships, you'll find kid's staff using empty lounges for kid's activities; something that has always bothered me. All three cruise lines will require your little ones to be potty trained. Activities for teens and tweens are limited. Although great for little kids, children older than 12 often complain for lack of social activities. Disney does a great job, but prices are substantially higher, and not in the same price range. |
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