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CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRUISE

THE BIG 7 LINES

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THE BIG 7 CRUISE LINES

Is big necessarily better? We compare what the worlds largest cruise companies have to offer when it comes to cuisine, service and ambiance
even cruise lines dominate the industry: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International. But the consolidation is even more dramatic than it seems because these Big 7 lines are actually owned by just three corporations: G Carnival Corporation (base: Miami, Florida) owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Holland America, and Princess Cruises. G Royal Caribbean Cruises (base: Miami, Florida) owns Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. G Star Cruises Group (base: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) owns NCL America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines, and Star Cruises. Carnival Corporation also owns Aida Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia), Seabourn Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line/NCL America also owns Orient Lines. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises virtually control Alaska large ship cruising, and own hotels, lodges, tour companies and much land-based transportation (other operators have to buy their services). This virtual monopoly came about in 20023 when Princess Cruises parent company, P&O Group, sold its cruising division to the Carnival Corporation. But this is no more monopolistic than some tour operators in Europe that own a chain of travel agencies, hotels, an airline, and cruise ships. So how does one choose between the companies? To help lure customers, each of the Big 7 has its own marketing tag: Carnival Cruise Lines (A Million Ways to Have Fun); Celebrity Cruises (Premium with a Touch of Luxury); Costa Cruises (Cruising Italian Style); Holland America Line (Signature of Excellence); Norwegian Cruise Line (Freestyle Cruising); Princess Cruises (Escape Completely); and Royal Caribbean International (Way More than a Cruise).

The Big 7s ships have a lot in common as well. They all tell me theyre upgrading, all have art auctions, bingo, horse racing, shopping talks for ports of call (promoting recommended stores), programs for children and teens, wedding vows renewal programs, and wi-fi or internet connect centers (costing, typically, about 50 cents per minute). All feature the Peppermill Routine (the waiter brings a huge peppermill to your table before youve even tasted the food), but none offer tableside carving or flambe items. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is inevitable aboard all Big 7 ships. Some companies offer their own credit cards, with points useable for upgrades, discounts, and free cruises. Additional costs include port taxes, insurance, gratuities to staff, and use of washer/ dryers in self-serve launderettes. The ships do, however, differ in their facilities, maintenance, space, crew-to-passenger ratio, food and service, crew training, and other aspects, and these variations are noted in our listings. Bear in mind that changes, upgrading and downgrading of products and services may have occurred since this book was completed.

Carnival Victory cruises out of Miami, Florida.

G Frequent passengers club: Carnival Concierge

Club.

C ARNIVAL C RUISE L INES

Who does what best

G Carnival Cruise Lines is known for all-round fun,

What the Big 7 have in common

All offer one thing: a well-packaged cruise vacation (generally of seven days), typically with a mix of days at sea and days in port, plenty of food, reasonable service, an array of entertainment including large-scale production shows and trendy cabaret acts, plus large casinos, shopping malls, and extensive spa and fitness facilities. All offer a variety of drive to embarkation ports within the US (homeland cruising).

activities and casinos for the lively youth market (although many passengers are over 45). Celebrity Cruises has the best food, the most elegant ships and spas, and its cruises are really underpriced. Costa Cruises has the edge on European style and lively ambiance, with multi-nationality passengers, but the swimming pools are full of noisy children in peak holiday periods. Holland America Line has all the right touches for seniors and retirees: smiling service staff, lots of flowers, traditions of the past, good cooking demonstrations and alternative grill rooms. Norwegian Cruise Line is good for a first cruise for families with children, great choice of restaurants and eateries, and good entertainment. Princess Cruises has consistent product delivery, although the ships have decor that is rather bland, and passengers tend to be older. Royal Caribbean International is good for the Caribbean (naturally), for first-time cruisers and families, with a good variety of entertainment, and interesting programs to engage families with children.

Ships Carnival Conquest (2002), Carnival Destiny (1996), Carnival Freedom (2007), Carnival Glory (2003), Carnival Legend (2002), Carnival Liberty (2005), Carnival Miracle (2004), Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Spirit (2001), Carnival Triumph (1999), Carnival Valor (2004), Carnival Victory (2000), Celebration (1987), Ecstasy (1991), Elation (1998), Fantasy (1990), Fascination (1994), Holiday (1985), Imagination (1995), Inspiration (1996), Paradise (1998), Sensation (1993). About the company Carnival Cruise Lines is a brilliantly organized company whose large resort ships provide opportunities for active fun. It is the worlds largest and most successful single cruise line. More than 20 new ships have debuted since the line was founded in 1972. Carnival does not sell itself as a luxury or premium cruise line and consistently delivers exactly what its brochures say, for which there is a huge and growing first-time cruise market. The company provides a wellpackaged cruise vacation, with smart ships that have the latest high-tech entertainment facilities and features, and extra-cost alternative dining spots (some ships). The ships constantly evolve and the line has been busy upgrading some aspects of its operation and product.

Suitable For Carnival Cruise Lines ships are best suited to active, rather than passive, first-time young (and young-atheart) couples, single passengers, tots, children and teenagers (anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent, relative or guardian). Its customers enjoy bigcity nightlife and expect contemporary, upbeat surroundings, the latest in facilities, plenty of entertainment lounges and bars all in one neat, highly programmed, well packaged cruise vacation. Carnival ships are also good for whole ship charters and incentive groups, for multi-generational passengers and for family reunions. So whats it really like? Its an all-American experience: cruising for the terminally hip and trendy exciting, loud, challenging in many ways, but blood pressure-raising, programmed fun. The ships are great floating playgrounds for young, active adults who enjoy constant stimulation, close contact with lots of others, as well as the three Gs glitz, glamour and gambling a real life on the ocean rave. Like life in the fast lane, this is cruising in theme-park fantasyland, with constant upbeat music, and passenger participation games typically found in a jolly, summer camp atmosphere. While the fastidious might view some participation events as almost degrading, they are nevertheless well liked by passengers who associate such activities with fun the lines theme. Forget relaxation, you can do that when you go home! Typical