The food, the fun, the sun — cruising is a phenomenal way to vacay, blending stress-free relaxation with exotic adventure, all while creating lifelong memories. However, did you know that not all cruise lines are built the same? Each cruise line has its own distinct vibe aimed at creating a specific type of vacation. This means one size, or one ship, in this instance, does not fit all, but there is something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, adult-only escapes or enriching cultural immersions, there’s a perfect cruise for you.
Let’s explore various cruise vibes to find your ideal fit:
(* Denotes that this cruise line sails from New Orleans, ** denotes that this cruise line also sails from Mobile)
*ROYAL CARIBBEAN: THRILL-SEEKERS’ UTOPIA
- The vibe: Energetic and awe-Inspiring
- Perfect for: Active families, thrill-seekers and multi-generational groups
- Pricing: Mid-range to premium, offering solid value for the array of activities and amenities available
- Family-friendly: Absolutely! The award-winning kid’s club, Adventure Ocean, offers top-of-the-line kids’ programs and family-friendly activities. From board games and video games to teen hangouts and family events, there’s something for kids of all ages.
- Adult-exclusive options: There are numerous adult-only areas, including bars and pool areas like the Solarium — a pool and hot tub area overlooking the water — lounges and specialty dining.
- Onboard activities: Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, laser tag, bingo … the list goes on and on.
- Dining options: Each ship offers a wide variety of options, from casual eateries to fine dining, with cuisines from around the world, as well as 24/7 pizza. Dinner is served in the main dining room nightly, with a set time/set table, and flexible time and table options.
- Why we love it: Royal Caribbean’s ships contain a smorgasbord of activities to choose from, with something for everyone. It’s all but guaranteed that you’ll never hear, “I’m bored.”
- Destinations and departure ports: Itineraries span the globe, including a sailing that travels to all seven continents. Their featured itineraries sail to the Caribbean, including their private island Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee, Haiti, as well as Alaska, Australia and more. Departure ports include New Orleans (seasonal), Galveston, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and multiple others.
Royal Caribbean is perfect for travelers craving adventure and excitement. It’s ideal for families looking for an action-packed vacation, as well as couples and groups seeking both relaxation and excitement.
DISNEY CRUISE LINES: MAGIC ON THE HIGH SEAS
- Vibe: Whimsical, nostalgic and relaxed
- Perfect for: Families with children, Disney enthusiasts and multi-generational families.
- Pricing: Premium, which represents the extra-special Disney experience and high-quality service you expect
- Family-Friendly: Of course! Magical, interactive kids’ clubs are tailored to kids of all ages, with activities even the adults will want to try. The kids’ clubs feature a wide range of activities, including character meet-and-greets, immersive learning and family-friendly games and shows.
- Adult-exclusive options: Elegant, adult-only restaurants, lounges and pool areas.
- Onboard activities: Character experiences, Broadway-caliber theatrical shows, themed parties, first-run movies and even fireworks at sea.
- Dining options: Dinner is a one-of-a-kind rotational dining experience, taking place across three specially themed restaurants at a set time and table each night. Throughout each ship, there are plenty of additional dining options, ranging from the buffet to adult-only fine dining options, even complimentary room service. This is where Disney Cruise Line really shines!
- Why we love it: It’s the Disney magic you know and love! From character meet-and-greets to Broadway-style Disney shows, it’s a dream vacation come true for Disney fans. This is a wonderful vacation alternative to the Disney Parks if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience or if you want a magical way to explore new destinations.
- Destinations and departure ports: Itineraries visit the Caribbean, including their private island, Disney’s Castaway Cay, and their newest destination, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, as well as Europe, Alaska and more. Departure ports include Galveston, Orlando, Miami and others.
Disney Cruise Lines offers a whimsical experience with a focus on family fun and Disney magic. It’s ideal for families with children and anyone who loves Disney.
**CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE: BUDGET-FRIENDLY FUN FOR EVERYONE
- Vibe: Laid-back and fancy free
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious families, large groups and first-time cruisers
- Pricing: Budget-friendly, making Carnival a more accessible cruise for families and large groups
- Family-friendly: Yes! There is plenty to entertain the tiniest sailors: Camp Ocean, Seuss at Sea and lots of family-friendly activities. However, some shorter weekend cruises can have a more adult vibe on the pool deck, so keep that in mind.
- Adult-exclusive options: Multiple adults-only spaces, including bars and lounges, pool areas like the Serenity Retreat and adult-exclusive shows.
- Onboard activities: Water slides, mini-golf, stage shows, the only roller coaster at sea and vibrant nightlife
- Dining: You have your pick of casual dining options, specialty restaurants and even 24-hour pizza and ice cream. Dinner is served at set times, or you can select your own time nightly.
- Why we love it: Carnival is all about F-U-N! From deck parties to water slides and 24/7 pizza, it’s a non-stop good time that won’t hurt your wallet.
- Destinations and departure ports: Itineraries visit the Caribbean, including Carnival’s private islands, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, and Amber Cove, Mexico, Alaska and the Bahamas. Departure ports include New Orleans, Mobile (seasonal), Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, Galveston and multiple others. Carnival offers the widest range of U.S. departure ports.
Carnival Cruise Line is beloved for its fun and casual atmosphere, which is perfect for families, groups of friends and budget-conscious travelers.
*NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: FREESTYLE FUN
- Vibe: Flexible and innovative
- Perfect for: Couples and solo travelers; those looking for longer, more exotic itineraries
- Pricing: Mid-range, giving good value for the flexible dining and entertainment options
- Family-friendly: Yes. While there are great options for kids, like Splash Academy and Entourage Teen Club, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities, the robust list of longer itineraries, as well as onboard activities tailored to more senior cruisers, makes this a better fit for adult travelers.
- Adult-exclusive options: Plentiful adults-only areas, like Vibe Beach Club, located on the top of several ships (for an additional fee), specialty dining and a variety of nighttime entertainment options
- Onboard activities: Broadway shows, water slides, a ropes course and a myriad of games and shows
- Dining: Eat when and where you want with Norwegian’s signature freestyle dining. No fixed dining times, assigned seating or dress codes, and there’s a variety of global cuisines. There also are multiple quick-service dining options across the ships.
- Why we love it: Freestyle dining is a major point in the pro column for this cruise line. Norwegian is also the only cruise line that offers island-hopping cruises around Hawaii, which is a great way to experience more of what the beautiful state has to offer.
- Destinations and departure ports: Itineraries visit the Caribbean, including Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, French Polynesia and more. Major departure ports include New Orleans, Miami, New York, Seattle and others.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s freestyle cruising concept is perfect for travelers who desire flexibility and variety. The longer, more exotic itineraries make this an ideal brand for retirees wanting to explore the world or those just needing an epic escape.
VIRGIN VOYAGES: THE ULTIMATE ADULT ESCAPE
- Vibe: Vibrant and adventurous
- Perfect for: Active adults, fastidious foodies and fitness junkies
- Pricing: Moderate, indicative of the upscale amenities, uncommon inclusions and special offerings. Pricing includes gratuities and wi-fi, which is a separate fee on other cruise lines.
- Family-friendly: Nope — Virgin Voyages is adult-only (18 and above)
- Adult-Exclusive Options: EVERYTHING!
- Onboard Activities: Fitness classes, immersive shows, unique shore excursions and even an onboard tattoo shop
- Dining: Elevated dining experiences with a focus on fresh, innovative cuisine from around the world
- Destinations and departure ports: Itineraries visit the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Transatlantic crossings, among others. Departure ports include Miami, Barcelona and Athens.
Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on cruising, designed for adults seeking a new kind of adventure and those who are looking for culinary enrichment.
VIKING OCEAN CRUISES: CULTURAL IMMERSION AT ITS FINEST
- Vibe: Inquisitive and enriching
- Perfect for: Adult travelers, culture enthusiasts and luxury seekers.
- Pricing: Premium to luxury, which alludes to the high-quality service and amenities, as well as immersive experiences
- Family-friendliness: No. Viking caters exclusively to adults (18 and over) with an emphasis on retired cruisers looking for an upscale option for world exploration.
- Adult-exclusive options: Entirely adult-oriented with refined entertainment and enrichment programs
- Onboard Activities: Cultural performances, educational lectures and even a library of cultural literary works to enjoy alongside your regionally reflective cuisine
- Why we love it: Viking focuses on cultural enrichment with destination-focused shore excursions and onboard lectures to further immerse you into the lands you’re exploring.
- Destinations and departure ports: Extensive itineraries explore Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond. Departure ports include Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice, among others.
Viking Ocean Cruises are perfect for senior travelers and cultural enthusiasts who appreciate refined, destination-focused cruising.
When you’re ready to set sail, don’t do it alone; contact a local travel agent to help you find the perfect vacation vibe at the best price. Most travel agents won’t charge you anything extra to help you plan the perfect escape, as the cost of using a travel agent is built into your cruise cost whether you use one or not. Using a seasoned agent not only can save you money, but time and headache as well.
