In Part 2 of our series, there will be a focus on discovering the cruise line that is right for you. While almost any cruise line will be a fun and relaxing vacation, there are certain details you must look for if you want to have that exceptional holiday. With many cruise lines to choose from the task of finding your fit can be daunting.

In this article, we will look at the major familiar cruise lines and what they offer. This is not to say if a cruise line is not mentioned that they are not worthy of your business, but there is simply not enough space, nor information concerning them to include them in this article. So here are the ones we will evaluate:

  1. Disney Disney, of course, has one of the highest overall ratings and is theoretically great if you are taking kids. It has an 84% approval rating which is one of the highest. It specializes in accommodating families and is void of casinos and libraries. But this is a more expensive line. Expect to pay double for your cruise than most of the mainstream cruises charge.

    [caption id=“attachment_7841” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]frozen-deck-party-00-400x225 via Disney Cruises[/caption]

    [caption id=“attachment_7843” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]pirate-night-deck-party-00-400x225 via Disney Cruises[/caption]

     

  2. Holland America While this is a higher end cruise line, it only receives a 73% approval rating, but it is known for it classier atmosphere.

  3. Carnival Carnival is considered the “party cruise line,” but it is also one of the cheapest. It gets a 72% overall rating, but I would rank this is as one of my least favorite cruise lines based on overall experience.

    [caption id=“attachment_7844” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]carnival-vista-sportsquare-gallery-4-400x183 via Carnival Cruises[/caption]

  4. Princess This cruise line has the complete package. If you are looking for excellent food, ship amenities, and family services at a reasonable price, then this is the cruise line for you. Its approval rating is 75%. This line is ideal for the family who desires to retain some class and quality. They have just released (January 5, 2017) a new technology for use before and during the cruise that will allow you to become interactive with almost every part of the ship. It will be utilized on their Medallion class ships because the device is known as “The Medallion.”

    [caption id=“attachment_7845” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]card-book-640x480-400x300 via Princess Cruises[/caption]

  5. Norwegian Norwegian gets the lowest approval rating for a reason. At 69% it is considered to have some of the worst food and least clean facilities, however, they are exceptional for families as they offer more onboard services such as a bowling alley and some of the lowest prices available. Beware, however, once you sign up their telemarketers will hound you for a long time to come.

    [caption id=“attachment_7846” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]Sports_ropes-400x274 via Norwegian Cruises[/caption]

    [caption id=“attachment_7847” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]Sports_bowling-400x139 via Norwegian Cruises[/caption]

  6. Celebrity Maybe the most comprehensive enjoyable cruise on which I have been. Celebrity Cruises offers elegance and class at a reasonable price. Their approval rating is a remarkable 81%, but this line is more for adults than those with families.

    [caption id=“attachment_7848” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]SunsetBar_938x619-400x264 via Celebrity Cruises[/caption]

  7. Royal Caribbean For me, this is the most frustrating cruise line on the market, while at only a 71% approval rating, they offer fantastic ships with innovative amenities including a DreamWorks theme for the family, but they are known for poor food quality and service. Their prices are reasonable which make this cruise line the one you will aspire to venture on, but it might not fulfill your initial aspirations.

    [caption id=“attachment_7849” align=“alignnone” width=“400”]QN_03-400x164 via Royal Caribbean International[/caption]

Note: Approval ratings come from cruisecritic.com