Thinking of making the switch........

[DVCTigger]

My husband and I are both platinum on DCL, but are talking about trying another line as we have never cruised anything but Disney. We like longer cruises, typically on the classic ships. We travel off season for better pricing. Anyone want to give us advice on which cruise line to try and which ships? We don't drink much, Casinos are a turn off, but not a deal breaker. We aren't against the bigger ships either, but prefer the smaller crowds. Prices on Disney are just getting so we can't travel on new itineraries or in anything but the cheapest rooms. TIA

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My husband and I are both platinum on DCL, but are talking about trying another line as we have never cruised anything but Disney. We like longer cruises, typically on the classic ships. We travel off season for better pricing. Anyone want to give us advice on which cruise line to try and which ships? We don't drink much, Casinos are a turn off, but not a deal breaker. We aren't against the bigger ships either, but prefer the smaller crowds. Prices on Disney are just getting so we can't travel on new itineraries or in anything but the cheapest rooms. TIA

Well, I'd suggest looking at itineraries and figuring out where you want to go, that would help.

Princess is nice. We also like Holland America (although not everyone does). I wouldn't do Carnival again, unless it was a long cruise to ports I haven't been to yet.

We're hoping to give Norwegian a try, as well as Celebrity, in the future.

 

[OKW Lover]

We are also Platinum on DCL and we're still cruising them. But we also cruise on RCL. Lots to do on their ships, including specialty dining. No need to go to the casino if you don't want to. Plenty of other things to keep you occupied especially on the Oasis class ships.

 

[DVCTigger]

Well, I'd suggest looking at itineraries and figuring out where you want to go, that would help.

Princess is nice. We also like Holland America (although not everyone does). I wouldn't do Carnival again, unless it was a long cruise to ports I haven't been to yet.

We're hoping to give Norwegian a try, as well as Celebrity, in the future.

That's the thing, for us it's more about the journey and not the destination. We really don't care where we go, just longer (7+ nights). We are looking more to find a cruise line that won't completely shock us in being different. We like the fact that DCL basically tells us where to go for dinner. I don't have to make those decisions! I do enough of that at home. We are both 50, but very active. Kids are grown so it would just be us. We enjoy playing as well as just sitting by the pool and reading.

 

[Ofinn]

That's the thing, for us it's more about the journey and not the destination. We really don't care where we go, just longer (7+ nights). We are looking more to find a cruise line that won't completely shock us in being different. We like the fact that DCL basically tells us where to go for dinner. I don't have to make those decisions! I do enough of that at home. We are both 50, but very active. Kids are grown so it would just be us. We enjoy playing as well as just sitting by the pool and reading.

All the cruiselines have a MDR.

 

[ksh1111]

We have sailed Holland (love it, 2 done 2 more booked), Carnival 2 x, not our style, , NCL 2 x (loved the Jade in Europe, didn't love the Getaway at all, DCL 2x on Magic with one more booked. We area 40 something couple no kids but travel a lot. We can make any trip great, but our last NCL wasn't too great.

 

[DHSbutcher]

I'd highly recommend Celebrity! I've been nothing but impressed with them and their level is up there with Disney. Pretty affordable too.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

I second the vote for Celebrity! Their service is terrific. I'm elite with them and only recently made the switch to Disney because I have a toddler. Celebrity's casino is non-smoking which is great because I feel as though the smoke carries up from the casino on other lines. (Was on Royal Caribbean last spring and didn't want to even go look at my pictures because the smoke smell from the adjacent casino was so strong.)

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You may want to check out the Carnival Journey cruises. These are longer cruises, include a throwback sea day (80s style - with old style cruising activities like "horse" racing, frog races, Captain's gala with appetizers and drinks, and a bunch more stuff). They also have a crew connections series which is different than what you find on most other cruises (they had a crew-passenger glee club, talks with all levels of crew - housekeeping, dining, entertainment, officers) and a number of special events such as local chefs and local musicians. They are also nice because they are longer (we did a 10 night and 11 night back to back for a total of 21 nights though most average only 10-14 nights) and very laid back and relaxing.

http://www.carnival.com/journeys.aspx?icid=CC_journeys-footer_3289

 

[ludari]

I felt that same way you did and tried RCCL last month. I cruised on the Anthem of the Seas which is one of RCCL newer and larger ships. I did enjoy a lot of things about the ship but RCCL is just not a fit for me based on the service and entertainment that fall below what I'm used to receiving when I cruise with DCL. Nevertheless I think it would be a good idea to at least try another cruise line. Good luck.