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Rock climbing, zip lining, sprawling water parks, mini golf courses, and a plethora of other on-board entertainment - it’s no wonder cruise lines have exploded in the travel industry over the last few years.
If you haven’t jumped on the cruising band wagon yet perhaps now it’s time. But which cruise line will provide the best atmosphere, dining options, and experience for your needs and budget? We’ve compared three of the top cruise lines below:
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Royal Caribbean
- Price: While Royal Caribbean is one of the priciest options, you are sure to get top quality entertainment and adventure at sea. Though considered an all exclusive cruise, they have been know to charge for many of their more extravagant services, like most of their specialty restaurants or fitness classes.
- Experience: Royal Caribbean cruise really gives customers that energetic “wow” factor experience. Many of the larger ships offer slides you would normally expect to see in a water park, rock climbing walls towering over 300 feet above sea level, spa options and experiences that would rival any resort and Broadway style productions.
- Dining: Foodies will love Royal Caribbean’s high quality and international dishes. Whether it’s buffet style or a formal sit down meal, you can find anything from top quality burgers to French and Japanese cuisine.
- Price: Looking to travel without breaking the bank? Carnival offers the lowest prices, while still bringing you to exotic getaways.
- Experience: Because of it’s low prices, Carnival draws in mostly families and young adults. On the ship, you will often find karaoke and dance contests, IMAX movies and themed pool parties. Carnival may not provide the same extravagant features as Royal Caribbean, but there is certainly no shortage of fun on these ships.
- Dining: While you may not find the most unique dishes on Carnival, the quality and service will astound and please everyone. Most of their buffet food caters to typical American food, like burgers, pizza and pasta, with some nights in the formal dinning room catering to a specific country or continent.
- Price: NCL happily falls between Royal Caribbean and Carnival in terms of pricing, but has had a reputation of “nickel-and-diming” passengers for anything above the average offer. It’s important to note, anything extra is “optional” - one could have a wonderful cruise with great food and entertainment for the base fare, or if booked at the right time may score unlimited dining or beverage package!
- Experience: Looking to get away from fast paced life, NCL offers the most relaxing atmosphere, perfect for spending the week relaxing poolside. While there are certainly activities such as comedy shows, nightclubs and live music for those looking for more excitement, NCL typically draws in an older crowd and does not offer as many options as most other cruise lines.
- Dining: It’s your vacation, so might as well do what you want, when you want. NCL is one of the few cruise lines to offer, “freestyle dinning,” where there are no set seating times. For couples and small groups, this offers the perfect opportunity to come and go as you please. But fair warning for large groups, as freestyle dining can lead to some confusion and long wait times.
