Which cruise line?

I get asked "which is my favorite cruise line" all the time. Simply put--the one that gives me the best deal. As of right now I have been on 4 different lines and there are pros and cons about each of them. Here is the breakdown

• CARNIVAL

1. usually the cheapest.
2. you can save tons of money with their early saver program. You book pretty far out. But be cautioned that these are non refundable prices. If you change your mind, all you can do is switch itineraries for a different ship/time for a nominal fee. They will not give your money back.
   
3. tends to have a younger crowd--which I like sometimes
4. shows are entertaining but the opening show is the same on every cruise. And some times the shows are the same on different ships.
   
5. has a lot of itineraries
6. Food is good but it is exactly the same from ship to ship. Which may be a good thing.
7. Some of their shorter itineraries are on smaller ships. Their older ships are very "Vegas Style" with lots of color and sparkle.
8. Great workout room--yes I work out everyday if I am going to be eating that much!
9. Have a private island--my favorite so far
   

• DISNEY

1. These are the ultimate ships for families and you will pay for it. But it is worth every penny. By far, my kids favorite ship. They give you a pager for the kids and if they need you they page you. They have just made some new improvements on their kids program which is going to be awesome.
2. They only have 2 ships right now. One more to set sail in 2011 and 2012. They send on ship overseas for the summer so you must book early! A year out is what is suggested. Then you can start making payments on it too.
3. They have their own private island which ever Caribbean itinerary makes a stop at. They have also make improvements to their island which sound fabulous. Make sure to bring your pager on the island since they have a place for the kids also.
4. Lots of kids on the boat! It is Disney--what did you expect? But there is an adult area only. My parents and 3 other adult couples went on a 7 day and had a great time!
5. Shows are top notch--probably the best in the industry. Broadway type shows in an amazing theater!
6. Rooms are larger than most other lines.
   
7. Food is an experience. Disney chefs are unbelievable. Make sure to try something out of your comfort zone. Plus you rotate dinning rooms every night and your server comes with you. My kids wanted to take JoJo home with us. I did too!
8. Only line with a night time fire work show.
   

• ROYAL CARIBBEAN

1. Beautiful ships. I really like the layout of the ship I was on.
   
2. Ton of activities all the time.
3. They usually have a big activity on their boat. A skating rink, rock wall, flo rider, zip line or something along those lines. My boat had a rock wall. My friend, Heather and I were out there everyday. I had never done that before and we were both hooked!
4. Food was wonderful! I would say above average.
5. Older ships have very small rooms.
6. Shows were entertaining. They hire different acts so they are going to be different from ship to ship which was nice.
7. Have a private Island
   

• NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES

1. I was on a very small ship but I know they have some larger ships. I didn't love the layout as there were no lounge chairs by the pool. Just on the upper deck. I am sure their other ships are layed-out better.
2. This particular ship had the whole starboard side as a smoking section. Not sure if this is true on all other ships.
3. They have some great prices if you are willing to hunt for them
4. Rooms are about the same size as the other ships
5. Loved the dine anytime program! We sometimes had to wait a little for a seat but usually no more than 15-20 minutes. We were also able to request a certain server.
6. Food was outstanding! Fun experience.
7. They had lots of activites to keep you busy at night.
   
8. All of their shows were also outside contractors so there are not repeating shows on their other ships.
9. Have a private Island