4 Cruise Lines Running Rings Around Their Competitors!

Just followed your suggestion of MSC Yacht Club from Miami. We had a great time, thanks for the idea. Have to try NCL Heaven. Will be in Wonder of the Seas in November, our 171 cruise. Yes, our favorite are HAL for our long and even world cruises and Celebrity for one week cruise. Will be in Oceania Vista for New Year.

Just went to Alaska on NCL. Never again! Terrible port hours and location. Nickel and dime you to death. Mediocre food.

You mention solo studios on Norwegian. Does that imply that on most cruises you can't book a solo cabin?

Anyone else feel extremely pressured into leaving tips on Princess? It's ridiculously uncomfortable and awkward. Every single time we've gone on a princess cruise (4 in total) the person who takes care of our room will finally thank us for the incredible experience and tell us what amazing people we are. Then this turns into them telling us about their huge family back home (in some 3rd world country) and child who needs some expensive medicine. They'll tell you how Princess pays them absolutely nothing.
This has happened to us every single time and I refuse to go on another cruise because of it.
Is there any truth behind what they're saying? The last time I've been on a cruise was 2010. I can see where they might make a lot of money under the right situations...but still

I have gone on a few cruises on Holland America. One to Alaska and one from Hawaii to Sydney. Loved it.

Our luxury line is and will be Viking. No charm in a waterlogged theme park for us.

I've just found the first Celebrity ship which is staying in Europe, for the first time, this winter . I have always saw that these American ships all disappear to the US in winter. This is one of their smaller ships the Infinity , In January 24 its including the Canary Islands. Usually there is P&O or Tui etc. I do like to get away in January but always limited to which cruise line to use. I am a solo passenger so have to look around to find an affordable cruise. I must say I've thought that RCCL and Celebrity have been missing out on the European market , who don't want long haul flights. I hope this works and so will encourage more ships to stay in Europe over winter.

We are back with Oceania after forays into Viking and others. For the money, it can't be beat. Planning two back to backs - Sydney - Bali - Tokyo. Food, service, professionalism, destinations - hard to beat. Oceania will still provide a ride to a nearby city and their staff (unlike recent Viking cruises) are familiar with off-ship locations and transportation.

I like to cruise to have a leisurely experience, be looked after by an attentive crew and visit beautiful interesting places that don't have their facilities swamped when one of these monsters calls (Santorini, Geiranger and Skagway for example). These mega-ships offer none of these and as the lines which have invested in them are now finding out, more and more ports of call are banning them, or at least severely limiting their numbers (Venice as a good example).

We are going on our first ever cruise in January. I know someone whose been on this cruise line many times.
Its all inclusive and budget is a big consideration! Its with Tui.
You don't mention these at all, maybe they're too everyday or ordinary for you?

Gary I don't see the link at the end of the video for the Cruise Lines that are on top of their game.

Gary thank you for your videos…however the videos are so informative I have trouble clicking the like button before your next recommended video begins. (A bit of guilt in that) Honestly I have not been so engrossed in any other you tube content. Your speaking style, perspective, and presentation border on grad school phd in corporate training. Large amounts of Data in a short timeframe. I’m subconsciously engrossed where in 4 then 5 then 6 videos go by… absolutely unheard by my experience. To be so unaware of time passage. All the Bestest Randy

Have done most cruises with Princess, really liked HAL, was not keen on RC at all.

I wonder which line is best for gong thru the middle east and around India, if there is one? Thank you for the reviews.

Regent all the way.

I didn't see you mention that on some of the bigger ships, while they have a lot of entertainment, you have to sign up for them. Signing up for them depends on how frequently you sail on that ship. So, while you may have a lot of options on a big ship, you may not be able to sign up for them. The one ship I will not go on again is Disney. We aren't Disney people. The only reason is because we had a young child who appreciated that ship. Also, NEVER, get a room right below the top deck! Never! We also only do balcony and get drink packages if available.

The shows are getting cut from many cruises now. This video needs an update.

Informative video, thanks. We just completed our first cruise, and there were positive experiences during our Fred Olsen Balmorral Fjords holiday, including the onshore excursions to the stunning Norwegian scenery, the good choice of on board food and dining, and the high standard of housekeeping in our room by our cabin stewardess. Unfortunately there were many negative experiences for us including; waiting 2 hours for our luggage to be delivered to our room, waiting up to 25 minutes for a drink in various bar areas around the ship, the overall amateur standard of entertainment (namely the live music and shows), dull on-board activities and talks, a charge for drinks room service (we took our own drinks to our room), and a feeling that despite paying a premium for our cruise package (deck 10 suite with balcony), we did not have a premium holiday experience.

Definitely not Holland America had a shocking time with an extremely noisy air conditioning and lousy indian staff who only care about the money. Never again

Talking about the Caribbean, Mega ships have fewer destinations during their cruises so its more about the ship!
Mid size ships will port more often so its more about the ports you visit, while still offering a decent amount of attractions on ship!
Small ships also port more often and can fit in different ports cause of their size, but the sacrifice what is available on ship to do!
All have their pluses and minuses, We stick to the midsize, cause the mega ships are like a crowded mall to us, and the small ships don't have enough entertainment/food options, etc. on the ship, especially on a sea day, or missed port day!

Watching 🎉

if the prices are per person, theres seems to be no insentive to split a room to save money with yours friends. Typically if my friends and i make plans we will often see who can split a room with who and cut the cost down; But it seems like cruises don't facilitate this mindset, seems best to get your own room...

Just got off my second Oceania cruise and we’ve sailed with both their larger (Riviera) and smaller (Nautica) ships. Have also sailed with Azamara. Absolutely recommend Oceania- their service is superb and they even make embarkation and disembarkation so easy. In Santorini we saw massive lines waiting for the Norwegian and Virgin tenders while we just hopped right on our tender. But with Oceania being a smaller cruise and well organized, there’s rarely much waiting in line. My only negative is the nautica has a small pool, and fewer on board activities than the Riviera. But the crew is so friendly and there’s a wonderful sense of community on these smaller cruises.

Hello Gary. Big fan of your uTube channel and enjoy all of your reviews and incites. So I know by now that you pretty much have no use for Carnival, but I’d love to see some reviews of their ships from your actual cruising perspective. You mention them in passing and show some of their ships only when absolutely necessary (mostly as an inclusion of a cruise line class).
Will continue to follow, but as a Platinum member of CCL, I’m quite disappointed in this respect.

In which category would you put Ponant?

Msc if you don't want to spend $10k

We went on the Prima,(Sept 2022) and were very disappointed for entertainment curtailment. Because of Reserved seating in all their venues, we missed out many of the shows in the large and small locals. Their main dinning room did not have a changeable menu selection, same menu every nite. (and food was cold delivered to table). It was a nickle and dime operation, Everything was extra. Must admit it was a attractive ship and bedroom really nice. Customer Service from reserving the cruise and flight confirmation was done very poorly.

My girlfriend and I did a full Panama Canal cruise on the Ziederdam (Holland America). The ship was older and workmen were constantly painting and fixing things. It was not a good experience. Food was subpar, entertainment was not great, and they canceled one port right before we set sail, then canceled another while at sea. 11 medical emergencies had a lot to do with it and I realize this is beyond control. a couple of the ship tours were frustrating. Especially, Cartagena Columbia. Flooded streets due to bad sewer infrastructure, tour guide fair, and handicapped customers with wheelchairs could not navigate the high curbs and flooded streets. All in all,
It left a sour taste in my mouth about Holland America.

Strange yo miss Nice and nearbye Villefranche sur Mer that both always have massive cruise ships stopping there.Yet you show Cannes in your list.

You missed cunard

How much extra for COVID? Norwegian didn’t charge me extra…

HAl is our go-to for luxurious travel. Just returned from an Alaskan inner passage trip on Westerdam. Next year - three weeks on Eurodam cruising from Florida to Seattle via the Panama Canal…Neptune Club all the way!

Gary just a correction Viking is more expensive per day on some of their voyages! The one we are about to take is gobsmacking ❤love your channel 🫂☕️

Gary B is the best. His reviews are insightful and entertaining.

I’ve only watched two similar videos, but surprised no mention of Fred Olsen. We love those ships; great food, friendly, inexpensive drinks. Quite wonderful.

A very helpful overview of the different classes of cruise lines and possible choices within those classes.

Never saw the value of the luxury lines, have done Regent, Oceania (worst experience ever). I agree, HAL is excellent and Princess is very solid - both are more traditional experiences. My favorite ships are the Princess R class - small w/wonderful service - same ships as Oceania's smaller ships.

Incidentally …I wish to add that I also went on an expedition to ALDABRA on the then FANTASEA 11 , and several such Red Sea cruises, which are totally unique and unforgettable…vs a really shitty experience on a Liveaboard in MALDIVES
So as far as experiencing cruises…we believe we are super selective and totally spoilt….it’s just ….what now?….is there still a worthwhile magic waiting to be savored?

We started our adventures with the then sea goddess…and then seaborne….we were on the seaborne that was subjected to the pirate attack in Somalia area…our fav where the crossings…last trip was 4 yrs ago, when we felt that the experience, especially the food felt jaded???….and being from South Africa, the decimation of our currency ment that in ZAR terms a previous R50 000 TRIP now costs R200 000 …4 times more….I am now 73 and sort of wondering if we should give it another try?…..and seaborne still remains our choice….we would welcome some guidance/feedback

Many years ago, my wife and I went on a cruise to Alaska on Crystal Harmony and it was wonderfil. I was so sad to hear about the demise of that line.

My last cruise, the great barrier reef, the main attraction, the great barrier reef, was cancelled due to the boat breaking down. The last island was billed as Willis Island and two fun days at sea. We just sailed past the island. SO,, shouldn't it have been billed as 3 days at sea?
Do I have a chance of any recourse?
Thanks for any help.

Always pragmatic, and down to what it matters the most. Well done Garry. 👍

ncctk

Giant toilet bowls
None are good for the ocean

So far I have been on a couple dozen cruises over the past 30 years sailing all over the Western, Eastern & Southern Caribbean with family & friends, and sometimes I actually cruise ALL BY MYSELF!!!... (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Celebrity Cruise)... They are "ALL" so fun, exciting & relaxing and the food is fabulous, so ZERO complaints on any of them,,,, Yes, I also really enjoy all the many Islands too.... My next cruises will be to Alaska, Hawaii & the Mediterranean, and a 6 month AROUND-THE-WORLD cruise... Any ladies want to go with me?

I know someone who worked for Celebrity ....will NEVER give them a dime.

Only gone on carnival and celebrity. After getting off the celebrity line I booked two more cruises.

I’ve been watching your channel for a long time and I’ve never hear you mention Fred Olsen, the first and best cruise line I’ve been on. Small ships, reasonable prices and a wonderful experience.