Thinking of cruising the Caribbean, but you're on a budget? At the agency where I work, I have lots of people asking me which cruise line is the most affordable, and what the big difference is between each line. I find that people may even write-off cruising, simply because they are overwhelmed by the many cruise lines to choose from, or because they're under the impression that cruising is not within their budget. However, there are many cruise lines that are affordable and ideal for young travellers. Even though these doubts still exist, more and more people are choosing a cruise over a typical all-inclusive resort vacation, and for a good reason. You can enjoy several Caribbean islands in one trip within the same budget as an all-inclusive holiday. Don't count on a last minute deal, but if you plan your cruise in advance, you can get some amazing rates! Choose a cruise itinerary that is more exotic, or one that's very relaxed - there's something for everyone! It is possible to enjoy everything you love about an all-inclusive vacation, all while sailing from island to island. The atmosphere on an entertainment-packed sailing ship is incredible. You can dance, see shows, lay on the beach at a port, have drinks, meet new friends from around the world, and lounge in the pool with a cold beer. But how do you choose a cruise line to sail with? Here is a simple breakdown of the best budget cruise lines and what makes each unique.
CARNIVAL:
Large ships.
Entertainment:
High focus on activities and entertainment. Very lively with lots of performances and interactive games. Entertainment tends to go later into the night. Both modern music and 'oldies' in the nightclubs.
Top Deck:
Most have large pools, slides and a separate adult pool. Check each specific ship if the pool is important to you. There is a party atmosphere on deck.
Dining:
Known to have cheaper drinks. Option of scheduled dining or open dining. However, the 'open' dining is only within certain hours (5:45-9:30pm). It costs extra for specialty restaurants. Known to not have as many dining options as other cruise lines. You are now able to buy all inclusive drink packages on certain ships.
Passengers:
More crowded. A fun, casual atmosphere with more of a younger crowd, including families. Dinner is a bit more of a formal atmosphere. Get to know other passengers if you dine at the same time every day.
Accommodations:
Cabins are known to be a bit bigger than NCL, in general.
Price:
Known to be one of the most inexpensive. Drinks are a bit cheaper than many other cruise lines.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE:
Large ships.
Entertainment:
Great variety of entertainment, including shows and games for all ages. Good music throughout the day on the deck. Both modern music and 'oldies' music played. Mostly modern music in the nightclubs.
Top Deck:
Known to have fantastic decks with large pools, lots of hot tubs, and often a separate pool area for adults. Usually have area for kids with a slide. There is lots of entertainment, music, and service on the deck.
Dining:
Freestyle dining. Go to buffets and restaurants at any time. No need to rush back from shore excursions for dinner. Make a reservation for the specialty restaurants only, and must pay extra for these. Known to have great food variety, especially the buffet. Usually no waiting in any line ups for dining.
Passengers:
A mix of all ages, but overall a younger crowd in a more casual atmosphere. Lots of modern music is played both on the deck and in the clubs. Dress is also casual as you can even wear a bathing suit in the buffet area.
Accommodations:
Inside cabins are quite small but have decent sized bathrooms and are very clean. The showers can be larger than other cruise lines.
Price:
Fairly inexpensive, as another mainstream cruise line.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN:
Large Ships.
Entertainment:
Known to have some of the best cruise entertainment - shows, competitions, music, and more. Theme nights with variety of styles of music at the nightclubs. Have some of the most unique piazzas/atriums with tonnes to do.
Top Deck:
Lots of exciting activities on deck. Usually multiple pool areas, including specific adult areas, but only some have slides.
Dining:
Both assigned dining and open dining. A casual but formal attire for dining. Known to have a variety of food options.
Passengers:
Families, and in general an older crowd than Carnival or NCL.
Accommodations:
Average cabins.
Price:
As a mainstream line, tends to be one of the most inexpensive on the same level as Carnival.
PRINCESS:
Both small and large ships, but a more intimate atmosphere. Known for their Alaskan cruises.
Entertainment:
There is more relaxing, classic music, rather than modern pop music. There is however at least one 'modern' club. Known for their movies at sea.
Top Deck:
There is more of a focus on indoor entertainment. The top deck is more relaxed than others, but usually they have lots of pools, large one's and small.
Dining:
Choose between scheduled dining times at same table, or open dining in different restaurants. However, the open dining is only available between certain hours and there tends to be line ups. Known to have better food quality, gourmet food options, but less food options in the area of buffet. Have to pay extra for specialty restaurants. Formal attire for dining on certain nights.
Passengers:
Tend to be middle aged and upward in age to retired.. A bit older than NCL and Carnival.
Accommodations:
Cabins are known to be a little bigger than average, but the showers and balcony cabins are a bit smaller than average.
Price:
Another mainstream cruise line, but price is a step up from Carnival/NCL/Royal Caribbean as it is considered premium.
Both small and large ships, depending on the itinerary.
Entertainment:
Known to have less focus on activities and entertainment. Most clubs are more low key with few high energy nightclubs.
Top Deck:
Deck is more of a relaxed setting.
Dining:
More gourmet food options. Can choose set dining times or open dining (but with open you can only dine in the main dining room). Formal attire for dining. Now Celebrity has all inclusive drink packages sold at a daily rate.
Passengers:
Less crowded. An older crowd in general as it's a more luxury cruise line. Must dress up for dining rooms.
Accommodations:
Very modern, comfortable and nicely decorated rooms.
Price:
This is a step up in price from the mainstream cruise lines, because it's considered a luxury cruise line.
This overview should help you choose a cruise line to sail with. I'm sure of it that once you take your first cruise, you'll be hooked! Really, your choice depends on what type of atmosphere you want (party or relaxed?), what kind of food options you'd like (scheduled gourmet or eat when/where you want?) and what your budget is. Happy Sailing!
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