What cruise line would you recommend besides...

[Disneyland1084]

Carnival? My family and I have never been on a cruise. Carnival will likely be our first since I hear it's good for kids. I'm just thinking ahead. DH and I are in our 40's. For our 25th anniversary in 4 years we want to go on a cruise to Alaska, alone. What cruise line do you think is the best for that? If you think Carnival is, please say so. I've been told to avoid Princess because it's mainly old people. Well, DH and I like old people so that wouldn't bother us. Any suggestions and how some cruise lines differ from the other would really be appreciated. Thanks.ETA: DH and I had a summer wedding.

 

[hrhdhd]

With kids, I'd also consider Royal Caribbean.

For Alaska, it's about the cruise lines who have permits for cruising in certain areas. Only some cruise lines have access to Glacier Bay, for example.

I wouldn't avoid Princess (and haven't--see sig) nor Holland America (and haven't--see sig) due to the age of the passengers. Generally, the longer the cruise and the more during school times, the older the passengers will be. Heck, my DCL TA back in the day had only a couple hundred kids because it was in May and 14 nights.

The DCL board here has a Carnival thread and a RC thread that you may find useful.

 

[goofyernmost]

I highly recommend Celebrity although I don't know if they have Alaska trips. Carnival is more of a party ship. If you want to party then Carnival is the place to go. By the way 40 is hardly old. When you get to 75 you will know just how young that was.

 

[Lord Manhammer]

I would STRONGLY suggest checking out where’s Walter travel on tiktok. That dude knows his cruise line stuff. He’s an expert.

 

[Deb]

don't rule out Princess for Alaska. Anywhere else, consider Royal Caribbean

 

[tarheelmjfan]

IMO, a couple things are more important for Alaska than the cruise line. Finding an itinerary that goes to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier is a must. Also, a balcony cabin on the extreme aft (facing backwards) will make the cruise more enjoyable. The ship shields you from the piercing wind making your balcony much more useable for viewing the scenery & wildlife. You'll need to book, when the schedule is released, to get one of these cabins. My first choice cruise line is Celebrity followed by Princess.

 

[Disneyland1084]

By the way 40 is hardly old. When you get to 75 you will know just how young that was.

Lol, I know that. When I think old, I think 70's and up. DH and I are friends with an elderly couple in our neighborhood who are close to 80. They go on cruises all the time. They even tell me Princess is mainly old people. So when I think old, I think of people like them.

 

[Deb]

Lol, I know that. When I think old, I think 70's and up. DH and I are friends with an elderly couple in our neighborhood who are close to 80. They go on cruises all the time. They even tell me Princess is mainly old people. So when I think old, I think of people like them.

In general, Princess does attract an older crowd. BUT they also have the vast majority of permits to enter Glacier Bay. Itinerary overrides fellow passengers in this case

 

[ronandannette]

Carnival? My family and I have never been on a cruise. Carnival will likely be our first since I hear it's good for kids. I'm just thinking ahead. DH and I are in our 40's. For our 25th anniversary in 4 years we want to go on a cruise to Alaska, alone. What cruise line do you think is the best for that? If you think Carnival is, please say so. I've been told to avoid Princess because it's mainly old people. Well, DH and I like old people so that wouldn't bother us. Any suggestions and how some cruise lines differ from the other would really be appreciated. Thanks.ETA: DH and I had a summer wedding.

The passenger demographic isn't the problem (IMO) with Princess. For us, it's just a snooze-fest - next to nothing for active recreation. If you find yourself liking the activities and entertainment on Carnival but still want to try another line, think more towards Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. Both of them have a lot to do on their ships that may appeal to both families and adult travellers. If you find yourself not taking advantage of anything except the pools, on-deck movie screen, evening shows and casino - Princess may suit you just fine.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

NCL

 

[easyas123]

We've only been on Viking so they are all I know.
No kids (under 18), slightly older crowd.
We thought it was great! We've taken two, but they were our only cruising experience so I'm sure others may have suggestions that better suit your needs.

 

[tvguy]

In general, Princess does attract an older crowd. BUT they also have the vast majority of permits to enter Glacier Bay. Itinerary overrides fellow passengers in this case

Actually HAL has the vast majority of the permits for Alaska since they have been cruising there longer than any other line. Except of course for Viking because they don't allow kids.
I think almost any cruise line going to Alaska is going to be packed with kids since the Alaskan cruise season basically is the same as most school summer breaks. We've done two HAL cruises to Alaska, One when our kids were 11 and 15 and one when they were 21 and 25. Both great trips, just that my bar tab was a LOT higher on the second cruise!

 

[cedricandsophie]

Carnival would be my last choice. Sometimes the cheapest but you get what you pay for. I’ve never heard they have a good kids program. Loud, bad food, lots of add ons.
For Alaska princess is known as the best. One way. Goes to glacier bay. Has a great land tour to Dinali.
For kids take Disney. Hands down. But for Alaska I would choose another line. We did Alaska on dcl. Great for the family but it didn’t get far enough.
My sister in law just did Alaska on silver sea. Loved it. All inclusive. But very adult from 30s to 70s.

 

[goofyernmost]

Lol, I know that. When I think old, I think 70's and up. DH and I are friends with an elderly couple in our neighborhood who are close to 80. They go on cruises all the time. They even tell me Princess is mainly old people. So when I think old, I think of people like them.

If I had to guess, based on my limited exposure, Celebrity is about the 40's range. Not to stuffy, not to wild. Lots to do, good food and a whole lot of leisure time, if you want it, to sit, read and relax and then party like it's 1999. Just keep in mind that being in your 40's does not automatically mean that you can successfully reach back to your 20's. You might come close, however!

 

[rajak73]

We were on RC last January. Great time. We were also first time cruisers so was little apprehensive about it. Booked another cruise for February 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary. My DS and family cruised on Carnival in July, first time for them too. Now, we are all booked for a Alaska cruise in July 2025. Booked on Norwegian, they actually had some good benefits for booking. I would look into a balcony room for a first time cruiser.

 

[Disneyland1084]

Wow, thanks for the responses so far. I see I have a lot to think about. To think it may be two years until I go on one. Sigh!!! Until then, if you Disers are going on one, PLEASE stuff me in your suitcase. I PROMISE I'm a really fun person to vacation with.

 

[Travel60]

For an adult only cruise, especially a special one like an anniversary, we like the smaller ships. For example, Ponant's ships have 120 or so cabins. They don't have the big crowds, noisy casinos and upsale mentality of the big ships. They do have superb service and can get into some ports that the big ships can't.

 

[fly girl]

OP, if you are going to Alaska listen to what PP's said, Princess. They have the nicest itineraries if you are wanting to really see Alaska. If you care more about the ship and what if offers, then that can sway my opinion.

Who told you it was mainly old people, Carnival cruisers? Take that with a grain of salt. Princess is owned by Carnival. Just like Celebrity is owned by Royal Caribbean. Princess and Celebrity is the upgrade, but it has a vast appeal among ages. The ship isn't full of 80 year olds in wheelchairs waiting for bingo and pudding.

You need to research and see what cruise line would best suit your family. There are so many YouTube videos going though the different cruise lines. Pick which 3 you think would work for your family then start watching videos to decide. And make sure when you decide on which cruise line to then find out the specific ship!

What works for one family may not work for another. All depends on what you find important. And that can vary wildly.

If you are still on the fence about Princess, then my next suggestion would be Royal Caribbean or NCL. Personally, Disney is nice, but for that price tag I would chose Celebrity. But again, that is just my opinion.

Since you are asking, I am telling you Carnival would be my last choice.

I highly recommend Celebrity although I don't know if they have Alaska trips. Carnival is more of a party ship. If you want to party then Carnival is the place to go. By the way 40 is hardly old. When you get to 75 you will know just how young that was.

They do. I have been on 3 of them. I love X!

 

[CynBeth]

We have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean the first one was Alaska and it was amazing. It left from Vancouver and was a 7 day cruise and land tour afterwards I think it was 3 days. I go on a cruising message board called Cruise Critic. That might be able to help you decide as well. Good luck and happy planning!

 

[wide awake]

We cruise a lot on various lines. I would stay away from NCL for Alaska...they haven't been doing it long and they get the worst port areas. In Ketchikan they've built a port away from the town so you can't just walk off the ship and see things which is a pain. Also they've cut down the entertainment options which used to be wonderful and they've cut their service staff so rooms and restaurants do not have enough staff to give good service. I'm annoyed about this because I often cruise solo and NCL is the best for that market.
We did a Princess Norway cruise in June and it was wonderful. Excellent service and beautiful ship. We were busy each day and night with many choices of activities. Princess is known for giving the best Alaska experience.
Holland America we did once to Alaska, I wouldn't recommend. It was an older ship and it wasn't kept up.
Carnival which I really like for certain reasons only sends old ships to Alaska, and they aren't well kept up. No go.
We've done Alaska on DCL, it was ok, wouldn't choose it again.
RC is fun but I don't find the activities as enjoyable as Princess.
Cunard, just did a TA with them and loved it, am seriously looking at them for our next Alaska cruise.
BTW, you don't need a balcony for the cruise. We've had everything from insides to two bedroom suites and tbh we just don't use a balcony that much. You have a much better view from the open decks. Do your research and choose based on itinerary and ship. If you drink at all get the drink package, you'll save money. Excursions are expensiveI in Alaska so to be safe I'd budget $1500 for the two of you. That isn't going to get you helicopters to the glaciers or the other pricey ones but it will allow you to do something fun in each port.