Cruise
lines can be grouped into three distinct categories: luxury, premium and
contemporary. The contemporary cruise lines – such as Royal Caribbean,
Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line and MSC
Cruises – are recognized for their family-friendly, large, amenity-loaded
ships. These ships are like floating resorts, with lots of activities for all
ages, large spaces for entertainment, sports decks, extensive spa facilities
and well-run children’s programs. These
ships also tend to have a variety of dining options – everything from fast
snacks to gourmet fare in stylish restaurants – in order to fuel everyone from
the youngest to the most senior passengers. Still, with all they have in
common, each contemporary cruise line is known for some distinctive features.
Royal
Caribbean’s signature on-board activities include rock-climbing walls,
ice-skating rinks and surf simulators. This line’s fleet includes the world’s
largest cruise ships – the Oasis of the
Seas and the Allure of the Seas,
which each accommodate 5,400 passengers. Innovative features on these ships
include central courtyards full of growing trees, shrubs and flowers.
Norwegian
Cruise Line is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which offers open
seating and extended hours in the main restaurants, as well as multiple
alternative restaurants. Casual attire is acceptable all over the ship in the
evenings, though you can dress up for dinner if you like.
Carnival
Cruise Lines’ large fleet of 23 ships offers a huge variety of itineraries
around the world. Long known as the “Fun Ships,” in recent years Carnival has
upgraded its ships’ facilities, amenities, entertainment and cuisine.
Carnival’s ships now boast water park features, coffee bars, expanded spas, and
more comfortable staterooms.
As
you might expect, Disney Cruise Lines’ ships are especially family-oriented.
While there are plenty of activities a family can enjoy together, there are
also on-board spaces and activities specifically for children, teens, and
adults. For example, each ship has a quiet pool area for adults to enjoy while
the kids are busy with pool parties, dance contests and other supervised
activities.
MSC
Cruises is a European line with an Italian flair. The ships’ classic interiors
feature lots of marble and brass. Still, this line caters to families with a
“kids sail free” policy (for those under age 11 staying in a stateroom with two
paying adults), as well as entertainment and activities for all ages.
To
find out more about contemporary cruise lines, as well as what premium and
luxury lines have to offer, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise
expert.
