Best Ships for First-Timers
Over the past few years, first-time cruisers
have fueled the phenomenal growth of the cruise industry, yet somehow it still
remains that most of the traveling public has never experienced a cruise. Every
year though, more and more people are taking the jump, and these days in the
cruise industry there’s something for every taste and budget. There are cruises
for the budget-minded and those for whom cost is no object; for the sailing
enthusiasts and the seasick-prone; for those who want an activity-packed
vacation and for those who just want to get away from it
all.Unfortunately, the downside of all this choice is that choosing a
first cruise can be a daunting prospect. But if you’re thinking of taking the
plunge into the world of cruising, don’t despair — with a little research, you
can find the cruise that’s just right for you. Here are some of our favorite
ships for first-timers:
Big Ship
Lines
Best All-Around First-Time Experience: Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl
Why? These newest and largest ships in NCL’s Freestyle
Cruising fleet offer a unique experience that’s more like that of a land-based
resort and less like a traditional cruise than any other, allowing passengers to
eat where, when and with whom they want in the cruise industry’s widest range of
restaurants.
What Else? In addition to no less than 10
restaurants, these ships offer one of the widest ranges of cabins afloat, from
affordable insides to the huge, incredibly lavish Garden Villas, the biggest and
most luxurious accommodations afloat.
Where To? Norwegian Jewel
offers Caribbean cruises from Miami in the winter and spring, and
Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises in the summer and fall. Norwegian
Pearl spends it spring and summer season in Alaska before moving the Western and
Southern Caribbean for the fall and winter.
Best for Fun-Lovers of All Ages: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom
Why? Carnival became the largest
and most profitable cruise line and revolutionized cruising in the process by
emphasizing fun over luxury, and attracting boatloads of first-timers (no pun
intended) in the process. Their ships became renowned as a sort of Las Vegas
afloat, with the cruise industry’s most active nightlife scene along with the
added benefit of the Caribbean sun by day. These four ships are the biggest,
newest Fun Ships yet, and as such they stand ready to delight fun-loving
first-timers everywhere.
What Else? Despite their roots, fun no
longer comes at the expense of luxury on Carnival. New features like
spacious balcony cabins and suites, upscale “supper club” alternative
restaurants, lavish spas, plush new bedding and greatly improved food (thanks to
a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc) and service mean that
Carnival isn’t just for the party set any more. But along with the new, upscale
features, the glitzy decor and active nightlife remain — so fun-lovers who like
excellent fine dining or spa treatments can have their cake and eat it
too.
Where To? While these largest of Carnival ships spend most of
their time in the Caribbean, Carnival Liberty was wildly successful last year as
the first Carnival ship to spend an entire season in the Mediterranean (for
those who like a bit of culture with their fun). This year, Carnival Freedom is
“summering” in the Med.
Best for Families with Young Children: Disney Magic and Wonder
Why? These are the only ships in the world designed and built from the
ground-up as “family” cruise ships, with the most extensive children’s
facilities at sea. Eight years after Disney Magic entered service, they’ve still
not been topped.
What Else? Even though these ships dedicate more
of their space and facilities to kids than any others, adults need not feel left
out. Aside from the dedicated kids’ areas and the areas that appeal to all age
groups, adults-only facilities include the Paolo alternative restaurant, Quiet
Cove pool and the Vista Spa.
Where To? While both ships initially
operated three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, today these itineraries
are the province of Disney Wonder, while Magic alternates between seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Disney is experimenting with Magic’s summer home; in 2007, the
ship sails the Mediterranean on 10- and 11-day cruises roundtrip from
Barcelona(first season in cruise line history). Next year, it will be based in
Los Angeles, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
Best for Families with Older Kids: Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas
Why? Youth facilities aboard Freedom of the Seas –
the largest cruise ship in the world — are among the largest and most lavish at
sea, and Fuel in particular, is a fabulous place for teens to hang out. Perhaps
more importantly, the ship offers an astounding range of all-ages facilities
that kids in the 10-plus range will particularly enjoy. Among other features,
there is a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, fabulous FlowRider surf park,
an indoor promenade resembling an upscale shopping mall and even a Johnny
Rockets fast-food franchise.
What Else? These ships also offer the
full range of typical Royal Caribbean amenities,
including a lavish show lounge, a state-of-the-art spa and several alternative
restaurants. Even experienced cruisers who have only been aboard smaller ships
are awed upon seeing the Royal Promenade — like an indoor, pedestrian-only Main
Street — and the gorgeous, three-deck-high dining room topped by a huge crystal
chandelier.
Where To? Freedom of the Seas operates year-round
seven-day Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Liberty also spends the year in
the Caribbean, alternating between weeklong Western and Eastern
sailings.
Best for Multi-Generational Families: Princess Cruises’ Caribbean, Crown and Emerald Princess
Why? The newest and largest members of Princess’
Grand-class of ships, these vessels please everyone from kids to seniors and in
between. With a great blend of fun (an outdoor, “drive-in” style movie screen)
and elegance (formal afternoon tea), these ships truly have something for
everyone.
What Else? The Lotus Spa is one of the finest at sea,
while Sabbatini’s Trattoria, one of the cruise industry’s first alternative
restaurants, remains among the best for its over-the-top Italian feasts.
Unusually for mass-market ships, Princess vessels offer a wide-ranging
enrichment program, with subjects ranging from cooking and pottery to computers
and personal finance. And of course, there’s the Personal Choice Dining program,
which offers passengers a choice between open seating or traditional two-seating
dining in separate main dining rooms. Also fantastic on Crown and Emerald
Princess is the serene Sanctuary, a top-deck, adults-only space outfitted with
plush Italian chaise lounges, healthy food service and cabanas for al’fresco
massages.
Where To? Caribbean Princess offers year-round seven-day
Caribbean cruises from Ft.
Lauderdale, while Crown Princess offers nine-day Caribbean cruises from New York in summer and
seven-day Southern Caribbean
cruises from San Juan in winter.
Emerald Princess sails Eastern Mediterranean cruises during the spring and
summer season before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean for the fall and
winter on 10-night itineraries.
Best for Seniors: Holland America’s Rotterdam and Amsterdam
Why?
These joint flagships of the Holland America Line
fleet take their mostly older passengers to a wide range of destinations around
the world in comfort and elegance.
What Else? Comfortably
mid-sized, these ships are easy to get around, while offering most of the
amenities of larger vessels. Their high speed allows them to spend more time in
port than competing ships, and their spacious cabins, bigger than those aboard
competing ships, are appreciated on their mostly longer
itineraries.
Where To? Both ships spend summers in Europe.
Rotterdam winters in South
America, while Amsterdam sails Caribbean itineraries before heading off on a
three-month world cruise in January.
Best for Europhiles: MSC Lirica and Opera
Why? These stylish Italian twins, two of the three newest and largest ships in the MSC
Cruises fleet (MSC Musica is the largest), offer an authentic Italian cruise experience.
What Else? While these ships look relatively
unconventional on paper — two seatings for dinner, no alternative restaurants,
a relatively formal dress code — the onboard experience is a world away from
Carnival or Royal Caribbean. The cuisine is strictly Italian — no surf and
turf here, nor Olive Garden-style “Italian” either — and the entertainment is
led by a group of energetic young Italians known as the Animation Team who take
the place of a cruise staff.
Where To? In the winter, both ships
offer a slice of Europe in the Caribbean with 7-, 10-, and 11-night cruises from
Ft. Lauderdale. In the summer, Opera sails on seven-night Mediterranean cruises
from Genoa while Lirica alternates seven-night Baltic and Norwegian Fjords
itineraries from Copenhagen.
Best for Yacht-like Luxury: SeaDream I and II
Why? A cruise aboard one of the SeaDream twins –
re-inventions of the original ultra-luxury cruise ships, Sea Goddess I and II –
is like sailing in the most luxurious mega-yacht imaginable. You’re one of just
110 folks onboard, and because of the exceptional public areas, spread out all
around the ship, you’ll feel almost as if you’re the only one
onboard.
What Else? SeaDream ships don’t have balconies but you
won’t miss them for a minute. First, the cabins are beautifully outfitted, with
state-of-the-art entertainment features (flat-screen televisions, DVD and CD
players) and bedding is ultra-luxe. We found the staterooms cozy. Beyond that,
the Balinese Beds, tucked around the smokestack, offer a more fabulous view than
any balcony could — and you can order food and drinks to be enjoyed
there.
Where To? The twins spend their winters in the Caribbean
and summers in the Mediterranean, visiting idyllic off-the-beaten-path ports
larger ships can’t reach.
Best for Affordable Luxury: Oceania’s Regatta, Insignia and Nautica
Why? These
ships offer a refined, elegant yet casual (there are no formal nights) product
on par with many far more expensive lines. Beyond that? Oceania offers
interesting, well-planned itineraries at surprisingly affordable
fares.
What Else? The renowned chef Jacques Pepin designs the
company’s menus, contributing to one of the finest dining experiences at sea,
available in four different open-seating restaurants. Another signature is the
company’s dreamily comfortable Tranquility Beds, which can be credited with
setting off the luxury-bedding craze in the cruise industry. The cruise line
continues to upgrade its ships — Insignia, for instance, has a fabulous pool
deck with private cabanas for rent.
Where To? These three ships
are true globetrotters, covering destinations as wide-ranging as Europe, the
Caribbean, South America, and Asia.
Best for All-out Luxury: Seven Seas Voyager
Why? Designed more as a floating high-end
boutique hotel than a cruise ship, the world’s second all-suite, all-balcony
ship (the older Seven
Seas Mariner was the first) offers palatial accommodations to every
passenger. The atmosphere onboard is a nice blend of cruise traditions
(afternoon tea and evening entertainment) and contemporary features, such as
open-seating dining.
What Else? Speaking of which, the ship’s four
restaurants offer outstanding cuisine and service (its buffet venue is the
nicest in cruising) and include one of only two cruise ship restaurants (the
other is aboard Seven Seas Mariner) to be run in partnership with the famed
Cordon Bleu culinary academy. Another plus: complimentary wines are served at
dinner.
Where To? Seven Seas Voyager spends summer and fall in
Europe, early winter in the Caribbean and late winter and spring on a world
cruise.
Adventure and Eco-Oriented Cruising
Best for Sailing Enthusiasts: Royal Clipper
Why?
It’s the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world.
What
Else? Unlike many other “sail-cruise” ships, Royal Clipper offers an
authentic tall ship experience without sacrificing the creature comforts,
including several elegant suites and a (rather small) spa with unique undersea
portholes.
Where To? Royal Clipper spends summers in the
Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean, bringing passengers to these popular
areas with a grace and style other ships just can’t match.
Best for the Seasick-Prone: Majestic America Line’s Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen
Why? Seasickness is a remote chance on the inland
rivers plied by these authentic steamboats.
What Else? One of the
last authentic steamboats on America’s rivers, Mississippi Queen blends a
Victorian appearance and authentic steam engines with modern amenities like a
small swimming pool and fitness center. The ship offers a relaxed and
comfortable — even luxurious — way to get a unique view of
America.
Where To? Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen ply the
rivers and coastal waterways of the American South and Midwest
year-round.
Best for Nature- and Adventure-Lovers: National Geographic Endeavour
Why? This expedition cruise ship combines the
unmatched expertise of the National Geographic Society and expedition-cruise
pioneers Lindblad
Expeditions.
What Else? While the attractions here are
undoubtedly the itineraries and the fantastic lecture program led by National
Geographic experts, the ship maintains a high standard of food and service, and
features amenities such as a fitness center, outdoor pool (for warmer climes)
and beauty salon that many other expedition vessels lack.
Where
To? National Geographic Explorer literally sails to the ends of the earth;
she travels to the Arctic in the northern summer, the Antarctic in the northern
winter, and to a wide array of other destinations including the Baltic, Western Europe, the
Mediterranean, South America and the South Pacific in between.
Best for Budget Travelers: easyCruiseOne
Why?
Brought to you by Stelios, the “serial entrepreneur” most famous for easyJet,
this tiny ship offers outrageously cheap-yet comfortable no-frills cruises to
alluring Caribbean and Mediterranean ports.
What Else? Fares are
kept low by operating on a “pay as you go” scheme where meals and even
housekeeping services are offered at an extra charge. The ship’s long days in
port — lasting well into the night so that passengers can sample the local
nightlife — mean that most time is spent ashore, and many passengers never even
eat on the ship. The Spartan but clean and comfortable vessel is just a mode of
transport and a place to sleep — the destinations are the focus
here.
Where To? easyCruiseOne sails on seven-night circuits in the
Western Mediterranean in
summer and the Southern Caribbean in winter. Passengers can begin or end a
cruise at any port as long as they stay at least two nights and no more than
fourteen. Popular embarkation/disembarkation ports include Genoa and Nice in the Mediterranean and
Barbados in the
Caribbean.
Best for the Barefoot and Footloose: Windjammer’s Legacy
Why? It’s
tough to get more casual than the flagship of the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
fleet, where most passengers really do go barefoot all week.
What
Else? Because the ship calls at US ports, the biggest and most modern of the
Windjammers is also the only ship in the fleet to comply with US safety and
sanitary regulations. Windjammer also offers slightly larger cabins and a few
other amenities unique to the fleet. But she’s still a Windjammer through and
through, without any pretensions toward luxury or anything other than the
ultimate laid-back cruise experience.
Where To? Legacy spends
summer on four-, five-, and eight-night cruises to the Bahamas from Miami and Nassau, fall on seven-night cruises to the
ABC Islands from Aruba, and
winter and spring on seven-night cruises to the US and British Virgin Islands
from St.
Thomas.
–by Douglas Newman, a maritime writer in New York
specializing in passenger ships and ferries.
from www.cruisecritic.com |
