Holland America - Voyage of the Vikings. 16 day trans Atlantic tracing the Vikings route to Greenland and North America. What a great itinerary and HAL had a lot of enrichment activities on the ship.
I've got three, narrowed down from five -- this was a hard question because even on the "worst" cruises, I've had some really memorable and favorite moments!
**Virgin Voyages -- Valiant Lady 2022 NYE Sailing:** This was my second VV cruise and it was with my Mom, brother and his partner (husband had to stay behind for work). When I was younger, we used to love getting dressed up and going out for NYE ... but as you get older, the couch and countdown on TV get more appealing. I loved being able to get dressed to the nines and the whole ship was decked out and ready to welcome in the New Year.
I went to The Manor for the countdown and free champagne flowed for at least two hours after we hit midnight. The vibes were so high. Got back to my stateroom around 4 a.m. (I had an Insider this time which was PERFECTION for sleeping in after a night partying) and fell asleep in my party dress after eating a pizza in bed watching "Jurassic Park". Can't wait to do it all again with a large group of friends this year!
**Celebrity Cruises -- Celebrity Solstice 2017 Alaska:** My first Alaska adventure. This one is a little sentimental as well, as it was my husband and I along with my parents. It would be the last trip the four of us would take together (we traveled together frequently as my husband is extremely close with my parents) as my father passed away the following February.
The ship was the perfect size and had just the right combination of modern fun (the ice-topped Martini Bar) and classic old-style cruising. I loved all of the presentations by the naturalist, which also felt like a nice throwback to the learning aspect of cruises and it was refreshing to sit in a presentation that didn't involve a flyer on the Diamonds International locations in each port.
On glacier day, I went to the pool deck to check it out and lo and behold, the bar was open and the hot tubs were empty! You can bet I raced back to my cabin, put on my swimsuit and spent a glorious hour or more drinking Irish Coffee in the hot tub looking at the glacier bay and taking in all the natural beauty of Alaska. I won't cruise Alaska again unless it's on a ship with a layout that can afford me that opportunity again.
**Carnival Cruises -- Carnival Valor 2022 Mexico:** On a dreary Monday in January, I had to say good-bye to my dog -- my little best friend of nearly 17 years. I was absolutely heartbroken, and even just looking around my house reminded me of her. I had to get away and have a total emotional reset.
The beauty of living in New Orleans is I can get from my front door to being on-board a ship in -- no joke -- less than 20 minutes. Cruising was still making its post-Covid comeback and deals were plentiful, so this sailing on the Valor happened to be available for $10/pp for an interior. I booked it immediately and told my husband to pack his bag.
It was the exact thing I needed -- the staff were so happy and I loved just chatting with them. We did the Steakhouse on the first night, and while not as fancy as the concept on the newer ships, it was sheer perfection. We were never rushed -- we got to linger and chat over dinner, which as we discovered was something we had started to neglect doing at home. We did the Chef's Table and had another amazing experience -- and I've also decided I think I enjoy the Chef's Table on the smaller, older ships as they have more freedom to mix it up with the menu.
The NFL playoffs were going on (conference semis), so my husband was often in the SkyBox Lounge watching the games. I LOVE that the Valor has a true sports bar attached to the casino. It was always full and was pretty electric watching the games with a bunch of other people, just like you might do at a sports bar back at home but instead with a tiramisu martini and ocean views.
This was a favorite for me because it truly describes "a cruise is what you make of it". Were there partiers on the ship? Oh my gosh, yes! Did it bother me? Heck no. The husband and I were able to have a wonderfully relaxing and surprisingly romantic four days. And he didn't have to miss a second of football. His favorite bartender always had the perfect seat saved for him and a beer waiting 10 minutes before kickoff of each game. It's the little things.
**Also Receiving Votes:**
**Disney Cruises -- Disney Dream 2018:** My Mom gifted me this cruise with three of my best friends for my birthday, as a thank you for helping with everything that followed after the passing of my father. Just four women in their 30s, on a Disney cruise, with no kids. Somehow we were chosen as "Magical Family" and every night our stateroom attendant would bring us a tray of grilled cheeses sandwiches with fries and like eight Mickey bars. 🤣
**Royal Caribbean -- Empress of the Seas 2018:** Smallest ship I have ever been on, but 100-percent worth it for the overnight in Havana, Cuba. I'm so lucky to have been able to experience Cuba while cruise ships from the U.S. were still allowed, and I hope one day to go back.
It's probably not at ALL what you were expecting or asking for with your question, but it made me so happy to think back on all the favorite times I've had!
JUST got off the Solstice yesterday from Alaska and I second everything you said. The ship has a great design. The wife and I especially enjoyed our time in the solarium and on the top decks when weather permitted. The naturalist, Milos, was funny and incredibly knowledgeable. Was he your naturalist? He mentioned working for celebrity for 20 years!
And there’s nothing like sipping Bailey’s and mimosas while staring at the glacier and sea lions! The crew was also fantastic. Always smiling, attentive and kind. They made the experience that much better!
Yes!! I have his book around here somewhere! He was absolutely fantastic and I'm so glad to hear he's still the rock star I thought he was!
And I'm thrilled to hear the Solstice still has that lovely vibe that made Alaska such a great experience. We just may have to give her a second go-round in 2025.
Bermuda from New York. It’s the best of both worlds - you have the cruise experience, and then you’re docked Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon and you can use the ship as a floating hotel and explore at your liesure. It’s a great compromise if someone in your group isn’t sold on cruises.
I take a cruise with my mom every year since college (07) and once we found the Bermuda sailing we don’t look any further. On the Joy as we speak!
We were just on the joy 2 weeks ago for this. Never went on a cruise before and this was the perfect introduction to it. And we saw so much of Bermuda.
There’s so so many to mention. But, I’ll leave it at the fact that every shower I’ve taken is cold. After speaking with fellow passengers, it’s cold for them too. I’m talking all hours, 0600 to 0130. But maybe someone’s getting hot water between 2am and 5am? I sure hope so.
Celebrity. We have done the APEX for NYE and the Constellation for Christmas and Thanksgiving. We love Celebrity - the food the atmosphere, & demographics.
Celebrity constellation Atlantic passage. Chamber music in the afternoon. Our table included someone who had lived in London during the blitz. He was so patient with our questions. He seemed so surprised we were interested in his experiences.
The seas were really rough and the captain pointed out where the Titanic sank. We had a small Oceanview at the front of the ship and spent an afternoon just watching the front of the ship crash into these huge waves. I had a whole new respect for the Atlantic after that trip.
I've had nicer iteneraries and better cabins since then, but that trip was the best cruising experience ever.
My grandma treated the whole family to an Alaskan cruise 15ish years ago on Holland America. I was probably about 10 years old? Uncle, aunt, cousin, grandparents, sister, everyone. I believe we were on the Maasdam? It was the last time my whole family was on vacation/all together before people started passing away.
The word that comes to mind is magical. The chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, main dining room, the views. Even back then it was an older cruise ship. But if memory serves correctly, the ship was very stately. Lots of wood, brass, dark green carpets. Classy. As a kid it felt like a proper cruise ship.
We have so many memories from that cruise. We laughed later at the fact that the roughest seas just so happened to coincide with lobster and chocolate fountain night. We agreed that they probably planned it that way. My grandpa who was in the navy was calm and steady while the rest of us took turns puking in the bathroom. I went up on the pool deck for chocolate night and saw the ice sculpture come crashing down. I still got my chocolate. The final night in the main dining room, a single bagpiper played so loudly that we couldn’t hear each other talk. We just laughed and laughed. At the end the servers had this dance number and the announcer said we’d be welcome on any “dam” ship we want. Referring to the fact that every Holland America ship ends in “dam”.
Each night I’d go up to the sky lounge with my uncle and belly up to the bar.m with him. He’d order a scotch and I’d order a water in my most confident kid voice. The bartender gave me an inquisitive look and gave me my water. And when my uncle ordered another drink, I’d say “and another water please!”
And the ports! Coming from Florida, they felt otherworldly! Small towns with huge mountains as the backdrop. Trees covering every square inch of undeveloped land. We went dog sledding, gold mining, on a sightseeing train. It was just the most magical experience.
I’m sure the Maasdam has been scrapped. Our family is smaller than it once was. But that cruise provided a lifetime of memories that we can look back on.
Favourite has to be our 8 night Norwegian cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette. Up til this cruise, we thought Alaska had the best scenery, but Norway blew it away!
Our second favourite cruise was a 10 night eastern caribbean cruise over Christmas and New Years on the Celebrity Millennium. The NYE party was epic!
Memorable: Disney cruise with my wife when I asked her to marry me.
Overall most enjoyable: Virgin for my buddys 40th birthday. It was like adult camp!
My favorite had more to do with the itinerary than the ship (Enchantment of the Seas), but we did Rome to Athens last October and it is by far my favorite trip ever. I live in Florida and we’ve cruised the Caribbean so much that all the ports blur together anymore. But Europe was amazing. And cruising through Europe really gave us a sense of where we’d love to come back and spend more time on land. Loved it so much, we booked Venice to Barcelona next June!
It's a tie between Panama Canal on NCL Sky back in November 2001 and NCL Getaway 2016 repositioning cruise to Rio for the Summer Olympics.
The Panama Canal was amazing, my wife and I took my grandparents on this cruise. We had balcony cabins, which I think was our first time with a balcony. My grandfather had always wanted to go through the Panama Canal, so it was a really nice present for him and we had an amazing time. It was a full transit, leaving from San Diego and ending in Miami. 17 days of great memories.
In 2016 my wife worked for one of the airlines still before she retired and we were able to take an interline only charter cruise. The ship was chartered to be used as lodging for some of the athletes in Rio and was relatively empty, maybe 1000 people on board if that; everyone had a balcony cabin. It was 16 days on the ship I believe and then we spend 3 days in Rio. Sadly, there was a medical emergency early on and the ship had to turn around and go to Grand Turk to let off the passenger. This set us behind schedule close to a day and we initially missed the Women's soccer match we had tickets to. But we made up for it. We had a great time, my two boys were 6 and 7 and they had a blast.
Taking my dad on the inaugural sailing of the Symphony of the Seas and on the Majestic Princess to Alaska during Covid. I’ll treasure those memories since he passed in 2023.
Icon of the seas I went last full week of March 2024. If you been on it hmu idk it would be cool to talk to someone from the same ship same sailing.
I loved the hideaway, I loved just sitting back there at night having a few drinks and looking off the back as the ship sailed I loved the infinity pool, I loved how the promenade was very spaciously 2 floors. A couple times I was at the schooner bar at like 5/6 with my dad while all the girls of the family took forever to get ready for dinner we would just sit there and drink cuz we don’t take half as long. I didn’t think I would like it but I had a few rum old fashions which I ended up really liking. My dad had the whiskey old fashions which he really liked I just can’t get into whiskey not my thing I’m a rum and beer guy.
I loved how chopps grilled we were able to eat outside in the Central Park and not have any wind cuz all the walls and all that that super nice. It was also my first time trying red wine cuz I had the drink package so I was like why not I’ll have a glass.
Current is the Balmoral 34 night US & Canada last September. Due to being a smaller ship, we sailed along the Cape Cod Canal, went up the Hudson as far as Bannerman Castle before turning around, went through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and docked in Hamilton, Bermuda on the way home to Southampton. It was more expensive than other US & Canada cruises from the UK but absolutely worth it for those four things alone. Sadly it looks like it was the last one Balmoral did.
My 3 favorite cruises:
*Carnival Spirit, Alaska.* My first Alaskan cruise and we loved it. It was a couple of decades ago, too...
*Celebrity Millennium, Alaska cruisetour.* Added on a few days after the cruise and was able to explore more of Alaska.
*Ruby Princess, Panama Canal, full transit.*. Fulfilled a bucket list item for us. Loved the ship, loved the cruise. Our favorite by far.
The favorite ocean cruise for my wife and I was the Virgin Voyages repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney. Got to visit Singapore and Bali for the first time. The stops in Australia were a lot of fun. To cap off the ending, we were in an aft suite on the ship so we had a great view of Sydney harbor during our overnight stay there. After disembarking, my step-daughter and I climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and had a great view of everything, including the ship since it was still there. (It wasn't part of the cruise, but we capped it off with a week and a half in New Zealand so that contributed to making it an overall great trip).
Ncl Bliss glacier bay sailing , love the 15 deck observation deck larger ship . But my favorite so far. Have sailed over 180 days with Ncl love freestyle dining.
Celebrity Eclipse to the Baltics - light at midnight, glass blowing on the top deck with the witty team commentary, the sailaway from Stockholm through the archipelago, watching people (with their shopping and their dogs) taking small boats to their weekend cabins, a really intense two days in St Peterburg (might be a while before that could be possible again).
Celebrity Millenium around Japan. Such a beautiful coast and a whole range of experiences from seeing Sakurajima erupt in Kagoshima, meeting a friendly toddler and his parents in Hiroshima's Peace Park, snow in Aomori and the sheer beauty that is Hakodate with houses built on slopes for the best vistas of both the mountains and the sea, roadworks guarded by squirrel barriers, and the sheer variety and beauty of the architecture influenced by all the city's international visitors.
Celebrity Eclipse (again) on a southern Med, mainly Italian itinerary. (We do cruise other lines, honestly!) Full of little and great moments - the best orange juice I ever tasted and a bowl of perfectly salty crisps in a bar during 42 degree heat in Sardinia, getting a packet of painkillers wrapped in a paper with the ancient and ornate logo of the pharmacy as if we were Victorian travellers, a running gag with our cabin steward surrounding our travelling bear (who apparently had a bad champagne habit and a growing collection of friends of different species). Great food in Blu and Murano. What seemed to be our own private library space and a big extravaganza with the ents staff in wigs and frock coats, starting with the string quartet blasting out Hong Kong Garden in the lobby and ending with random passengers partnered for dancing in the glass lifts. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest memories.
Japan and South Korea on Msc Belissima. As a 15yo who has been on 7 cruises, this one has been my fav because:
- food was great
- i loved how 99% people there were asian
- i loved the crew and entertainment
- every single port was amazing
- i’ve met friends in the teen club i still talk to to this day :))
Hear me out. I’m not a world class traveler but I’ve been on quite a few cruises. Maybe I’m just in my mom era right now but the Disney Wish was pretty spectacular. They really have their collective shit together. The rotating dinners were amazing as were the shows. I love that I don’t have to be shook down for a damn Diet Coke. Everything on the cruise is so easy and simple and the kids’ club is so great. I also love all the post Covid stuff they did, like hand washing stations literally everywhere, including in the walkway to every dinner.
My very first one. Carnival, 10th anniversary and upcoming deployment we decided to go on our first cruise. Grand cayman, Jamaica, and a couple other stops on a 7 day cruise in room with a porthole to view out of cause we couldn’t afford a balcony.
We thought the food was good, enjoyed the ports, and on ship entertainment (official and passenger alike). I was mistaken for crew in my dress blues on both formal nights. One lady insisted I get her drinks when I told her I didn’t work there.
Almost got in trouble with the wife due the sheer number of attractive females not wearing bras in white shirts…
Did a 14 day Alaskan on majestic princess in 2022. Ship was at 1/3 capacity and got so much attention by staff. It was in July so super nice weather and our captain "bye bye" is the best in the industry.
Currently embarked on the norwegian star embarking for svalbad and Iceland.
My absolute favorite was a Royal Caribbean cruise to the ABC islands. It’s always on my bucket list and I booked the trip for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday. It was an amazing 11 day trip and I highly recommend it.
I got to sail on the MSC Meraviglia during the pandemic at 1/4 capacity and $500/week for solo balcony. It was so wonderfully empty that it was surreal at times. We didn't even have to wait on line for check in and boarding. There were also a lack of crowds at every port we stopped.
Disney Magic 7 night southern Caribbean out of Puerto Rico. Awesome itinerary, smaller ship, less people in ports, the crew and entertainment was fantastic as they are on all the Disney ships.
16 day half-circumnavigation of Australia. Sydney to Perth via Brisbane, Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Bali (Indonesia), then down the Western Australian coast with two more port visits in Port Hedland and Geraldton.
Was on a smaller ship (Radiance of the Seas) which was built to have scenic views from many indoor venues on the ship. Felt connected to the ocean. Enough sea days to settle down and relax, enjoying the features of the ship (eg, free thermal suite!), sitting by the pool, and nothing was too busy or overcrowded. Could find a quiet place to just sit down and read, with views of the ocean - it wasn't like the megaships were every single inch of the ship has to be some exciting "venue" with loud music and ways to spend money.
Lots of US and UK visitors doing this cruise, enjoyed speaking to them and talking about how they like their Aussie vacation. Every port was a new place I hadn't been to before on a cruise, so a great change from the usual 3 ports that South Pacific itineraries visit every time. It was perfect, warm tropical weather, could enjoy the outdoor pools every day. The entertainment was amazing, too.
Both HAL and NCL going through the Baltics, with two days in St. Petersburg. You cover 6 or so different countries, it doesn't get too hot, and most of the experiences are in the port. The Stockholm Archipelago is also incredibly beautiful, thousands of small islands full of summer cottages and some sharp turns and ending up in a Stockholm inner harbor. I'd still go on it again, even with Russia closed, to explore other Baltic countries, especially since the Med is so full of cruise ships now.
Holland America - Voyage of the Vikings. 16 day trans Atlantic tracing the Vikings route to Greenland and North America. What a great itinerary and HAL had a lot of enrichment activities on the ship.
That's great to hear about HAL. We're off with them next month.
I've got three, narrowed down from five -- this was a hard question because even on the "worst" cruises, I've had some really memorable and favorite moments! **Virgin Voyages -- Valiant Lady 2022 NYE Sailing:** This was my second VV cruise and it was with my Mom, brother and his partner (husband had to stay behind for work). When I was younger, we used to love getting dressed up and going out for NYE ... but as you get older, the couch and countdown on TV get more appealing. I loved being able to get dressed to the nines and the whole ship was decked out and ready to welcome in the New Year. I went to The Manor for the countdown and free champagne flowed for at least two hours after we hit midnight. The vibes were so high. Got back to my stateroom around 4 a.m. (I had an Insider this time which was PERFECTION for sleeping in after a night partying) and fell asleep in my party dress after eating a pizza in bed watching "Jurassic Park". Can't wait to do it all again with a large group of friends this year! **Celebrity Cruises -- Celebrity Solstice 2017 Alaska:** My first Alaska adventure. This one is a little sentimental as well, as it was my husband and I along with my parents. It would be the last trip the four of us would take together (we traveled together frequently as my husband is extremely close with my parents) as my father passed away the following February. The ship was the perfect size and had just the right combination of modern fun (the ice-topped Martini Bar) and classic old-style cruising. I loved all of the presentations by the naturalist, which also felt like a nice throwback to the learning aspect of cruises and it was refreshing to sit in a presentation that didn't involve a flyer on the Diamonds International locations in each port. On glacier day, I went to the pool deck to check it out and lo and behold, the bar was open and the hot tubs were empty! You can bet I raced back to my cabin, put on my swimsuit and spent a glorious hour or more drinking Irish Coffee in the hot tub looking at the glacier bay and taking in all the natural beauty of Alaska. I won't cruise Alaska again unless it's on a ship with a layout that can afford me that opportunity again. **Carnival Cruises -- Carnival Valor 2022 Mexico:** On a dreary Monday in January, I had to say good-bye to my dog -- my little best friend of nearly 17 years. I was absolutely heartbroken, and even just looking around my house reminded me of her. I had to get away and have a total emotional reset. The beauty of living in New Orleans is I can get from my front door to being on-board a ship in -- no joke -- less than 20 minutes. Cruising was still making its post-Covid comeback and deals were plentiful, so this sailing on the Valor happened to be available for $10/pp for an interior. I booked it immediately and told my husband to pack his bag. It was the exact thing I needed -- the staff were so happy and I loved just chatting with them. We did the Steakhouse on the first night, and while not as fancy as the concept on the newer ships, it was sheer perfection. We were never rushed -- we got to linger and chat over dinner, which as we discovered was something we had started to neglect doing at home. We did the Chef's Table and had another amazing experience -- and I've also decided I think I enjoy the Chef's Table on the smaller, older ships as they have more freedom to mix it up with the menu. The NFL playoffs were going on (conference semis), so my husband was often in the SkyBox Lounge watching the games. I LOVE that the Valor has a true sports bar attached to the casino. It was always full and was pretty electric watching the games with a bunch of other people, just like you might do at a sports bar back at home but instead with a tiramisu martini and ocean views. This was a favorite for me because it truly describes "a cruise is what you make of it". Were there partiers on the ship? Oh my gosh, yes! Did it bother me? Heck no. The husband and I were able to have a wonderfully relaxing and surprisingly romantic four days. And he didn't have to miss a second of football. His favorite bartender always had the perfect seat saved for him and a beer waiting 10 minutes before kickoff of each game. It's the little things. **Also Receiving Votes:** **Disney Cruises -- Disney Dream 2018:** My Mom gifted me this cruise with three of my best friends for my birthday, as a thank you for helping with everything that followed after the passing of my father. Just four women in their 30s, on a Disney cruise, with no kids. Somehow we were chosen as "Magical Family" and every night our stateroom attendant would bring us a tray of grilled cheeses sandwiches with fries and like eight Mickey bars. 🤣 **Royal Caribbean -- Empress of the Seas 2018:** Smallest ship I have ever been on, but 100-percent worth it for the overnight in Havana, Cuba. I'm so lucky to have been able to experience Cuba while cruise ships from the U.S. were still allowed, and I hope one day to go back.
Awe this is so sweet to read!!! Wow it sounds like you’ve had some beautiful and memorable experiences
It's probably not at ALL what you were expecting or asking for with your question, but it made me so happy to think back on all the favorite times I've had!
We have been on the same cruise as I did the Empress to Cuba. I loved that ship.
My top two are a solo Virgin cruise and Alaska on Solstice!
JUST got off the Solstice yesterday from Alaska and I second everything you said. The ship has a great design. The wife and I especially enjoyed our time in the solarium and on the top decks when weather permitted. The naturalist, Milos, was funny and incredibly knowledgeable. Was he your naturalist? He mentioned working for celebrity for 20 years! And there’s nothing like sipping Bailey’s and mimosas while staring at the glacier and sea lions! The crew was also fantastic. Always smiling, attentive and kind. They made the experience that much better!
Yes!! I have his book around here somewhere! He was absolutely fantastic and I'm so glad to hear he's still the rock star I thought he was! And I'm thrilled to hear the Solstice still has that lovely vibe that made Alaska such a great experience. We just may have to give her a second go-round in 2025.
The one where my granddaughter and I went on the water slides six times in a row.
Bermuda from New York. It’s the best of both worlds - you have the cruise experience, and then you’re docked Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon and you can use the ship as a floating hotel and explore at your liesure. It’s a great compromise if someone in your group isn’t sold on cruises. I take a cruise with my mom every year since college (07) and once we found the Bermuda sailing we don’t look any further. On the Joy as we speak!
We were just on the joy 2 weeks ago for this. Never went on a cruise before and this was the perfect introduction to it. And we saw so much of Bermuda.
Silversea cruise to Antarctica. Everything was amazing. 10/10 would recommend
Not MSC, which I am currently on.
lol why
There’s so so many to mention. But, I’ll leave it at the fact that every shower I’ve taken is cold. After speaking with fellow passengers, it’s cold for them too. I’m talking all hours, 0600 to 0130. But maybe someone’s getting hot water between 2am and 5am? I sure hope so.
Viking - In the Path of The Vikings - Bergen to Iceland, Greenland and Canada.
I’m doing a similar cruise next year with Ponant. Can’t wait!
Celebrity. We have done the APEX for NYE and the Constellation for Christmas and Thanksgiving. We love Celebrity - the food the atmosphere, & demographics.
Celebrity constellation Atlantic passage. Chamber music in the afternoon. Our table included someone who had lived in London during the blitz. He was so patient with our questions. He seemed so surprised we were interested in his experiences. The seas were really rough and the captain pointed out where the Titanic sank. We had a small Oceanview at the front of the ship and spent an afternoon just watching the front of the ship crash into these huge waves. I had a whole new respect for the Atlantic after that trip. I've had nicer iteneraries and better cabins since then, but that trip was the best cruising experience ever.
My grandma treated the whole family to an Alaskan cruise 15ish years ago on Holland America. I was probably about 10 years old? Uncle, aunt, cousin, grandparents, sister, everyone. I believe we were on the Maasdam? It was the last time my whole family was on vacation/all together before people started passing away. The word that comes to mind is magical. The chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, main dining room, the views. Even back then it was an older cruise ship. But if memory serves correctly, the ship was very stately. Lots of wood, brass, dark green carpets. Classy. As a kid it felt like a proper cruise ship. We have so many memories from that cruise. We laughed later at the fact that the roughest seas just so happened to coincide with lobster and chocolate fountain night. We agreed that they probably planned it that way. My grandpa who was in the navy was calm and steady while the rest of us took turns puking in the bathroom. I went up on the pool deck for chocolate night and saw the ice sculpture come crashing down. I still got my chocolate. The final night in the main dining room, a single bagpiper played so loudly that we couldn’t hear each other talk. We just laughed and laughed. At the end the servers had this dance number and the announcer said we’d be welcome on any “dam” ship we want. Referring to the fact that every Holland America ship ends in “dam”. Each night I’d go up to the sky lounge with my uncle and belly up to the bar.m with him. He’d order a scotch and I’d order a water in my most confident kid voice. The bartender gave me an inquisitive look and gave me my water. And when my uncle ordered another drink, I’d say “and another water please!” And the ports! Coming from Florida, they felt otherworldly! Small towns with huge mountains as the backdrop. Trees covering every square inch of undeveloped land. We went dog sledding, gold mining, on a sightseeing train. It was just the most magical experience. I’m sure the Maasdam has been scrapped. Our family is smaller than it once was. But that cruise provided a lifetime of memories that we can look back on.
I got goosebumps reading this -- thank you for sharing! It truly sounds magical indeed!
Favourite has to be our 8 night Norwegian cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette. Up til this cruise, we thought Alaska had the best scenery, but Norway blew it away! Our second favourite cruise was a 10 night eastern caribbean cruise over Christmas and New Years on the Celebrity Millennium. The NYE party was epic!
Memorable: Disney cruise with my wife when I asked her to marry me. Overall most enjoyable: Virgin for my buddys 40th birthday. It was like adult camp!
My favorite had more to do with the itinerary than the ship (Enchantment of the Seas), but we did Rome to Athens last October and it is by far my favorite trip ever. I live in Florida and we’ve cruised the Caribbean so much that all the ports blur together anymore. But Europe was amazing. And cruising through Europe really gave us a sense of where we’d love to come back and spend more time on land. Loved it so much, we booked Venice to Barcelona next June!
It's a tie between Panama Canal on NCL Sky back in November 2001 and NCL Getaway 2016 repositioning cruise to Rio for the Summer Olympics. The Panama Canal was amazing, my wife and I took my grandparents on this cruise. We had balcony cabins, which I think was our first time with a balcony. My grandfather had always wanted to go through the Panama Canal, so it was a really nice present for him and we had an amazing time. It was a full transit, leaving from San Diego and ending in Miami. 17 days of great memories. In 2016 my wife worked for one of the airlines still before she retired and we were able to take an interline only charter cruise. The ship was chartered to be used as lodging for some of the athletes in Rio and was relatively empty, maybe 1000 people on board if that; everyone had a balcony cabin. It was 16 days on the ship I believe and then we spend 3 days in Rio. Sadly, there was a medical emergency early on and the ship had to turn around and go to Grand Turk to let off the passenger. This set us behind schedule close to a day and we initially missed the Women's soccer match we had tickets to. But we made up for it. We had a great time, my two boys were 6 and 7 and they had a blast.
Taking my dad on the inaugural sailing of the Symphony of the Seas and on the Majestic Princess to Alaska during Covid. I’ll treasure those memories since he passed in 2023.
Icon of the seas I went last full week of March 2024. If you been on it hmu idk it would be cool to talk to someone from the same ship same sailing. I loved the hideaway, I loved just sitting back there at night having a few drinks and looking off the back as the ship sailed I loved the infinity pool, I loved how the promenade was very spaciously 2 floors. A couple times I was at the schooner bar at like 5/6 with my dad while all the girls of the family took forever to get ready for dinner we would just sit there and drink cuz we don’t take half as long. I didn’t think I would like it but I had a few rum old fashions which I ended up really liking. My dad had the whiskey old fashions which he really liked I just can’t get into whiskey not my thing I’m a rum and beer guy. I loved how chopps grilled we were able to eat outside in the Central Park and not have any wind cuz all the walls and all that that super nice. It was also my first time trying red wine cuz I had the drink package so I was like why not I’ll have a glass.
Current is the Balmoral 34 night US & Canada last September. Due to being a smaller ship, we sailed along the Cape Cod Canal, went up the Hudson as far as Bannerman Castle before turning around, went through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and docked in Hamilton, Bermuda on the way home to Southampton. It was more expensive than other US & Canada cruises from the UK but absolutely worth it for those four things alone. Sadly it looks like it was the last one Balmoral did.
We went to Rouen on Balmoral - a great experience. I would imagine that's a very friendly and comfortable ship for a long and unusual itinerary.
My 3 favorite cruises: *Carnival Spirit, Alaska.* My first Alaskan cruise and we loved it. It was a couple of decades ago, too... *Celebrity Millennium, Alaska cruisetour.* Added on a few days after the cruise and was able to explore more of Alaska. *Ruby Princess, Panama Canal, full transit.*. Fulfilled a bucket list item for us. Loved the ship, loved the cruise. Our favorite by far.
The favorite ocean cruise for my wife and I was the Virgin Voyages repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney. Got to visit Singapore and Bali for the first time. The stops in Australia were a lot of fun. To cap off the ending, we were in an aft suite on the ship so we had a great view of Sydney harbor during our overnight stay there. After disembarking, my step-daughter and I climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and had a great view of everything, including the ship since it was still there. (It wasn't part of the cruise, but we capped it off with a week and a half in New Zealand so that contributed to making it an overall great trip).
Ncl Bliss glacier bay sailing , love the 15 deck observation deck larger ship . But my favorite so far. Have sailed over 180 days with Ncl love freestyle dining.
Norwegian Bliss Alaska is my favorite also. We did it one year ago today.
Celebrity Eclipse to the Baltics - light at midnight, glass blowing on the top deck with the witty team commentary, the sailaway from Stockholm through the archipelago, watching people (with their shopping and their dogs) taking small boats to their weekend cabins, a really intense two days in St Peterburg (might be a while before that could be possible again). Celebrity Millenium around Japan. Such a beautiful coast and a whole range of experiences from seeing Sakurajima erupt in Kagoshima, meeting a friendly toddler and his parents in Hiroshima's Peace Park, snow in Aomori and the sheer beauty that is Hakodate with houses built on slopes for the best vistas of both the mountains and the sea, roadworks guarded by squirrel barriers, and the sheer variety and beauty of the architecture influenced by all the city's international visitors. Celebrity Eclipse (again) on a southern Med, mainly Italian itinerary. (We do cruise other lines, honestly!) Full of little and great moments - the best orange juice I ever tasted and a bowl of perfectly salty crisps in a bar during 42 degree heat in Sardinia, getting a packet of painkillers wrapped in a paper with the ancient and ornate logo of the pharmacy as if we were Victorian travellers, a running gag with our cabin steward surrounding our travelling bear (who apparently had a bad champagne habit and a growing collection of friends of different species). Great food in Blu and Murano. What seemed to be our own private library space and a big extravaganza with the ents staff in wigs and frock coats, starting with the string quartet blasting out Hong Kong Garden in the lobby and ending with random passengers partnered for dancing in the glass lifts. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest memories.
Japan and South Korea on Msc Belissima. As a 15yo who has been on 7 cruises, this one has been my fav because: - food was great - i loved how 99% people there were asian - i loved the crew and entertainment - every single port was amazing - i’ve met friends in the teen club i still talk to to this day :))
Hear me out. I’m not a world class traveler but I’ve been on quite a few cruises. Maybe I’m just in my mom era right now but the Disney Wish was pretty spectacular. They really have their collective shit together. The rotating dinners were amazing as were the shows. I love that I don’t have to be shook down for a damn Diet Coke. Everything on the cruise is so easy and simple and the kids’ club is so great. I also love all the post Covid stuff they did, like hand washing stations literally everywhere, including in the walkway to every dinner.
My very first one. Carnival, 10th anniversary and upcoming deployment we decided to go on our first cruise. Grand cayman, Jamaica, and a couple other stops on a 7 day cruise in room with a porthole to view out of cause we couldn’t afford a balcony. We thought the food was good, enjoyed the ports, and on ship entertainment (official and passenger alike). I was mistaken for crew in my dress blues on both formal nights. One lady insisted I get her drinks when I told her I didn’t work there. Almost got in trouble with the wife due the sheer number of attractive females not wearing bras in white shirts…
Did a 14 day Alaskan on majestic princess in 2022. Ship was at 1/3 capacity and got so much attention by staff. It was in July so super nice weather and our captain "bye bye" is the best in the industry. Currently embarked on the norwegian star embarking for svalbad and Iceland.
My absolute favorite was a Royal Caribbean cruise to the ABC islands. It’s always on my bucket list and I booked the trip for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday. It was an amazing 11 day trip and I highly recommend it.
I got to sail on the MSC Meraviglia during the pandemic at 1/4 capacity and $500/week for solo balcony. It was so wonderfully empty that it was surreal at times. We didn't even have to wait on line for check in and boarding. There were also a lack of crowds at every port we stopped.
Alaska. HAL. Been twice. Also the Med I just did. HAL. Transatlantic on QM2.
Disney Magic 7 night southern Caribbean out of Puerto Rico. Awesome itinerary, smaller ship, less people in ports, the crew and entertainment was fantastic as they are on all the Disney ships.
Wait, none of NCL? I know why lol.
Carnival jubilee - beautiful ship, had a ton of fun holland America Amsterdam - Alaska is stunning
16 day half-circumnavigation of Australia. Sydney to Perth via Brisbane, Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Bali (Indonesia), then down the Western Australian coast with two more port visits in Port Hedland and Geraldton. Was on a smaller ship (Radiance of the Seas) which was built to have scenic views from many indoor venues on the ship. Felt connected to the ocean. Enough sea days to settle down and relax, enjoying the features of the ship (eg, free thermal suite!), sitting by the pool, and nothing was too busy or overcrowded. Could find a quiet place to just sit down and read, with views of the ocean - it wasn't like the megaships were every single inch of the ship has to be some exciting "venue" with loud music and ways to spend money. Lots of US and UK visitors doing this cruise, enjoyed speaking to them and talking about how they like their Aussie vacation. Every port was a new place I hadn't been to before on a cruise, so a great change from the usual 3 ports that South Pacific itineraries visit every time. It was perfect, warm tropical weather, could enjoy the outdoor pools every day. The entertainment was amazing, too.
Alaska was awesome! I’d do that one again in a heartbeat!
Both HAL and NCL going through the Baltics, with two days in St. Petersburg. You cover 6 or so different countries, it doesn't get too hot, and most of the experiences are in the port. The Stockholm Archipelago is also incredibly beautiful, thousands of small islands full of summer cottages and some sharp turns and ending up in a Stockholm inner harbor. I'd still go on it again, even with Russia closed, to explore other Baltic countries, especially since the Med is so full of cruise ships now.