I would say... what are you looking for in a cruise?
I am a big advocate of
DCL, but if you want I can give you pro's and con's of some other cruise lines I have sailed. But sometimes it depends on what you are looking for too.
1st Cruise Line: Carnival (I have done 2 Fantasy Cruises)
I should start out by saying these were mainly spring break cruises while I was college, and I took them because a) what my friends were doing and b)it was the cheapest cruise on the market. Looking back there wasn't a whole lot to do on that ship besides drinking and gambling. I didn't think the ship was in very good shape, and the staterooms were very very very small. Also, I did not care for the food quality. Also looking back, I wasn't very impressed with the service either. I know I won't be sailing this cruise line again. I can't say I had a horrible time, I did have fun, but more because I was with my friends then what the cruise had to offer. But the one thing about Carnival is that it is very inexpensive. But still, for what you are looking for, I am not sure I would reccommend it. My experience on Carnival was a lot of drinking and partying. Might have been the time of year I went, both times in early Feb. Not sure though. I have heard similar comments from other people.
2nd
Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line (I have done 1 4day Sov. of the Seas)
I have heard a lot of good things about RCCL, but mainly in the Voyager/Radiance/Vision Class of ships. Sov. is a older ship, shows her age. I wasn't very impressed with the food at all on RCCL. Also, wasn't too impressed with the entertainment. Again, Seemed a lot of times that the only thing to do was gamble. I am not a big gambler. But if you or your mother like to gamble, keep in mind DCL does not offer gambling. That is one reason I like DCL. Sov. of the Seas also had very small staterooms. She was a better ship and cruise overall then my Carnival experiences. But I won't be going back on her again. She only goes to the Bahamas.. blah, and my personal opinion is that if I am taking a quick 3 or 4 day cruise I want to be on a much classier ship... which is why I like the Wonder so much. The upkeep on DCL is amazing, everything always looks so new. I might consider trying a newer class of RCCL cruises, to see the larger ships and also a new itenerary.
Holland America (Took an cruise to Alaska a couple of years ago)
This was a very nice cruise. Ship was well-maintained, had decent-sized stateroom, and the food was good as well. I didn't think the entertainment was as good as DCL, but the cruise was very laid back and I thought the service was excellent. I took this cruise mainly to see Alaska and I must say, it was truely amazing and I would love to go back to Alaska some day, and wouldn't hesitate to go on HAL again.
Now a question some people might ask is, "Why would I take another cruise line, other then Disney?" Main reason I would personally, is to get a different itenerary, and see some new ports. I am dying to see Europe, especially Norway or Russia. Also, I would like to see South America.. maybe a Panama Canal cruise. Can't say I wouldn't love to go back to Alaska again, or see Hawaii via a cruise. As far as ship accomidations, some people say.. but the big ships have Rock Climbing walls, ice skating rinks, mini-golf.. well for me at least.. I don't rock climb, don't ice skate, and hate put put golf. So they don't really appeal to me all that much.
Now the question... "Why Disney Cruises?" Well I have lots of reasons.. I will give the top 10, since this is getting long
1)Classy old, oceanliner feel... there is something about the decor that appeals to me. DCL, not too big, not too small, just a classy, well kept ship that has a lot of attention to detail and a story and theme no one else can match. It's not Vegas, its not Pizazz.. it's Classy Disney WOW.
2)
Castaway Cay... nothing beats it. Been to other private islands. Nothing, absolutely nothing compare.
3)Entertainment... nothing compares to DCL entertainment. Ask anyoune, you can't describe the way you feel the first time you see Disney Dreams. Its nothing but broadway style, quality entertainment each night.
4) Family Atmosphere. I'm not a drinker, not a gambler.. so I like the family oriented activities, also the themed activities Disney provides.
5)Split Bath and larger staterooms as a whole
6)Disney touch.. really does give it a magical memoriable experience
7)Themed Rotation Dining.. makes each meal unique and memoriable.
8) Fresh Water Pools
9)Great Service.. best in the industry in my limited experience
10)Best Embarkation/Disembarkation procedures in the industry.. hands down!
Sorry so long.. Hope that helps some!
