Which Cruise Is Right For You?

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No two people are the same, but certain themes play out in our lives.

As such, there is greater probability that we will be inclined to appreciate similar vacations as our peers.  It helps in recommending your first cruise.

If you only cruise on a single line, however, then you never really know if it is the right one for you or simply the first one you tried.

That's not to say that if you've found a favorite you shouldn't return.

Julie and I have been on lots of Princess Cruises, because they happen to go where we want to go at a value-filled price we are willing to pay.  In short, we love the Love Boat.

Some people accept the reviews of strangers to reject a cruise line without trying it.

After hearing disparaging comments about Carnival, for example, they avoid it.  In reality, they may in fact fit perfectly with target demographic whereas the grandmother who trashed it was simply offended by exactly what they would find appealing.

Most of us are eventually tempted to try a higher priced line, if for no other reason than to see if the rumors of fewer crowds and the value of additional inclusions are worth the price.

Viking has a good niche catering to these folks, with a river cruise often being the bridge leading to their ocean and expedition products.  They're not as expensive as some that have fair claims to being better in some ways, but for most average Americans, Viking feels like a bit of a splurge or at least a reach.  And for many of us, we still will mix in favorite mainstream lines along with occasional stretch goals realized for future vacations.

However, even when you splurge a bit, that doesn't mean it will be the best fit for you.  Maybe you prefer a bit more hustle and bustle, or a bigger production show in the theater.

In any case, don't confuse an unfortunate circumstance with the line itself. For example, air seems to be the biggest problem with most vacations, so the value of Viking's air promotion that wooed you to book might turn out to have flight changes outside of the cruise line's control.  That could have happened regardless of how you booked flights, and it is a good reason to fly in a day or two early, to be sure you enjoy that first port.  Don't confuse the messenger with the message.

Certainly, if you find a cruise line that doesn't fit, whether because of personal taste or how you perceive the value proposition, then you should use that experience wisely to return to what you love or a reasonable facsimile.

A good friend of mine once took a Princess Cruise because the price was dramatically lower than Royal Caribbean.  As someone who loves both lines, I found it difficult to understand why he returned saying he'd never stray from his favorite brand again.  They are different, but each has their own strong points.  Please don't infer that Princess would not be the preferred choice of someone else.

In that friend's specific case, there was an alternative Mexican Riviera cruise available, and the decision was made based on price and stateroom availability on that specific sailing.

More often, the destination may dictate which to choose. 

Where do you want to cruise next...and on which line?