A general synopsis

[HW tenpin]

A general synopsis of the major cruise lines.
These reflect my opinions and may not suit all taste.

Cunard, still a really traditional cruise experience, well known for it’s Transatlantic crossings, good shows and although the cuisine is very good, they are still catering to the mass. Passengers tend to be well travelled although children are well catered for, they may be very few on board.
A wonderful cruise experience that once was considered beyond the average holidaymakers, yet now compare with most other lines in price on some cruises.

P&O, operating mainly from the UK ports, (Southampton) good all round facilities for families with children as well as operating two child free cruise ships (Arcadia & Artemis). I find the food to be a little Indian orientated with plenty of curries. This line does understand the British market and its Blackpool type of entertainment appeals to many. Certainly now an easy going cruise, with restrictions now being dropped on the formal nights to one a week. The buffet tends to be too small for the numbers using them.

Thomson (Ocean Village & Island)
Although these are not major players in the cruise market yet, this would not be complete without a mention, all these ships are very laid back easy going and casual, although some still try to have one formal night it is in no way compulsory. Food is plentiful but a little bland and the same. Very good for first time cruisers that don’t want too much formality, great value for money, with shows and entertainment to suit all tastes. Have been compared to Butlins but I believe they are much better than that; they have taken cruising and given the general public a chance to enjoy a cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line a good line for first time cruisers and families with children, plenty of choices of where to eat, brash, loud and noisy at times, but with a having a ‘great time factor’ for the younger set. Worth considering for anyone wanting I’ll sleep when I get home experience.

Holland America, a luxurious traditional line, best of all the American lines, mainly for the more senior amongst us, wonderful staff and cruising traditions, top range cuisine in all restaurants, again I find the dessert and pastries much to American tastes, & with some tin fruit and jellies, a bit bland. The newer of HAL ships are better suited to young children, but to be honest you have a better choice with other lines.

Costa Cruises, by far the best of the of the truly European lines, the newer ships are spectacular and roomy, the multi-cultured passengers can be annoying at times, with their inability to queue and several different languages over the tanoy. The prices offered on some cruises, (particularly by Virgin) are worth at least one cruise to see if you like it. Certainly my recommended cruise line to try, with two new ships due this year this is an impressive fleet

MSC up and coming, very much like Costa some say slightly better food, needs to cater a little more for the few English on board, to become a front runner.

Carnival fun ships very lively, great casinos and young at heart shows, just making a showing in the ‘Med’ along with Celebrity which has some of the best food at sea, these have yet to reach the mass British market, but you can be sure of a wonderful cruise with a genuine American feel.

Royal Caribbean pushing for a stake in the English/European market these are great ships for families and the more active among cruisers, wonderful activities, from rock climbing walls to wave riders and ice-skating. Good all round eating experience, look for great deals from Southampton and Dover. Still one of the best for cruising the Caribbean.

Princess a good all round cruise line for the British market, a fairly large range of ships and itineraries, nice ambiance while on board, spectacular shows usually well received, fixed sitting dinning as well as anytime dinning serving same food as main dining rooms. Good choices of quiet places to sit and read, but sun beds do seem to be few in number. Impressed with their Transatlantic crossing, very enjoyable without becoming boring, good use of quizzes, demonstrations and talks. Sailings from Southampton are good value, and with no limit on suitcase weight, beats flying.

Now for something different, small ships with that luxury feel.

Saga Cruises while certainly not for the young, they are for the young at heart, at first look they appear very expensive, but look closer at what is included in the price, they make you feel special from the time you pick up the ‘brochure’ to the day they drive you home after your cruise. Don’t expect all the facilities of the monster cruise ships above, but do expect to be impressed and pampered.

Fred Olsen, Azamara, also come into the small ship class, outstanding service on board, these along with Saga, still offer that old fashioned cruise experience.