Useful Links
Cruise Freek
Cruise Freek is a newer, hipper community for cruisers, be they first timers or veterans. You may even find Helen hanging around the Family Cruising forum!
http://cruisefreekforums.forumfreek.com/
Cruise Critic
Information about all aspects of cruising including cruise reviews and extensive discussion forums.
Kroooz-Cams
Shows scenes from the bridge cameras of cruise ships live from around the world.
Cruise Reviews
A wide variety of cruise reviews from all over the world.
Cruise Clues
Excellent resource with photographs and sample menus from most cruise ships afloat.
Major Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival is one of the less formal cruise lines. Until a few years ago, Carnival was very much known as a ‘partier’s boat’, where passengers would all be up drinking and dancing until the wee hours. While you can still do this, Carnival has positioned itself as more of a ‘family’ line now, and will even accept children in its Kids’ Programs at age 2 (and they don’t have to be potty trained). Carnival is famous for their waterslides at their ‘kids’ pools’. Carnival is generally seen as a ‘first-time’ cruiser’s vacation and as a little less ‘sophisticated’ by veteran cruisers.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity is probably the most ‘sophisticated’ and ‘traditional’ cruise line within the ‘middle class’ price range, yet it is not at all stuffy. Celebrity’s food has a justified reputation for being top notch, and a large percentage of passengers go all out for formal night. Celebrity’s newer (Millennium-class) ships have dedicated children’s areas, but these are only open seasonally (during school vacation times).
http://www.celebritycruises.com/
Cunard Line
Of all of the luxury cruise lines, Cunard is the most accommodating to families and children. In addition to children’s programs, Cunard ships offer nurseries with ‘real British nannies’ to watch over your children. Cunard passengers have sophisticated tastes, and dress for dinner every night. Cunard is the only major cruise line that still has regular transatlantic crossings, between New York and Southampton/London, throughout the summer.
Disney Cruise Lines
If you’ve been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland you’ll know what to expect on a Disney Cruise. Characters roam the ship, children’s programs are extensive, and everything has that ‘Walt’ touch. Stage shows are Disney spectacles, and everything from your dining room to the complimentary toiletries in your stateroom, has that Disney flair. As can be expected, Disney is the most accommodating cruise line for families: staterooms are much larger than average (designed for occupancy of 4 instead of occupancy of 2), children’s programs run all day, a swimming pool for swim-diapered children is available, etc. You can look at my special Disney section at the end of this book, to learn more about Disney’s one-of-a-kind experience in the cruise industry.
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/index
Holland America Line
Holland America is considered among veteran cruisers to be the ‘stuffiest’ cruise line. While they have programs for children, they begin at age 5 (instead of the usual age 3) and are very limited. Many cruisers report that while they could take their children on Holland America, they were not welcomed.
http://www.hollandamerica.com/
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian is probably the least formal/most casual of all major cruise lines. Children’s programs are extensive and begin at age 2 (instead of the usual age 3), however if children need a diaper change their parents will be paged to come perform the deed. Although there have been a number of complaints about Norwegian’s new Hawaiian cruises, the rest of the fleet is enjoyed by casual cruisers.
Princess Cruises
Although known as the ‘Love Boat’ line, Princess has become much, much more. Princess’ newer ships walk the line between family friendliness and sophistication, as seen by their offering of both traditional and anytime dining. Kids’ facilities are extensive, and formal nights show a medium level of participation, ensuring that both casual and dressy cruisers will feel comfortable.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean actually owns Celebrity Cruises, and therefore tries to market itself to a different type of passenger. Royal Caribbean is very casual (despite offering traditional dining), and has terrific children’s programs (although at times the staff pay more attention to the ‘rules’, than to bonding with the kids). This cruise line is known for its more exciting onboard activities, such as rock climbing and ice-skating.