pilgrim1951 Loc: New Jersey

Just did our first cruise and it was the Rhine Getaway with Viking. Four countries in eight days with one "hotel room." Wonderful. Only 190 passengers, so it feels more like a neighborhood than a floating city. Because of the smaller sized ships they usually dock within walking distance of the towns every day. We even returned to eat almost all of our lunches on board (since they were included) and then disembarked into town again. Excellent service all the way around. Highly recommend Viking.

Virgil Loc: The Hoosier State

Small ship cruising is the way to go! It is for sightseeing and NOT partying. Get up 'close' to everything. Informal and friendly. Check out "Uncruise.com".


Virgil

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I've been on several cruises, but I must admit I prefer ones that make frequent port stops. Days of just ocean water do not appeal to me.

Beard43 Loc: End of the Oregon Trail

My first cruise was on a fleet oiler, courtesy of Uncle Sam.

canarywood1 Loc: Sarasota,Florida

My first cruise was on CV 12, and i'd hate to think of going through customs from one of those 15/18 story jobs, can't even guess how long that would take.

Beard43 Loc: End of the Oregon Trail

We unrepped the Yorktown many times.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

After being in the navy. Korea Vet. Ive had enough time in the water.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

And then there is always something like this to add to your cruising enjoyment and amusement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQzs_bzHuAY

--Bob

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

It wouldn't be very amusing it it poked a hole in the ship and it sank....

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

No, it wouldn't. But, they were close to shore. In fact, so close they hit it.
--Bob

Keven Loc: Grandview, WA

Been on 2 cruises with the smaller Disney ships (the Wonder) and loved them both have signed up for another next year. The number of passengers are about 1,500.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

My second tour of Alaska (2014) had a cruise on a small ship--the Baranof Dream. It has only 25 cabins and can handle up to 49 passengers. The cabins are small, but adequate. I enjoyed that cruise a lot. The smaller ship can go to a lot of places the larger ones cannot.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

We have been on more than a dozen cruises covering a variety of cruise lines. NCL Escape does offer 7 types of evening entertainment. Two have surcharges, one because it is a wine tasting venue and the other because of the entertainment offering. Some cruise lines offer inclusives on everything, including unlimited food and beverage. Nothing is free. The cost of the cruise is commensurate with the benefits. NCL is giving its passengers the option to partake. They are not forced. Just like many of the cruise lines offer "specialty" restaurants at a premium cost. Don't want to pay it, don't go in. There is plenty of food and entertainment.

If you haven't been on a cruise, or were on the wrong cruise, you should have used a better cruise travel agent. I am not a person who would go on a Carnival Cruise. They are structured for a younger and "wilder" drinking crowd. I started with Royal Caribbean and find they do a great job. Celebrity, which is affiliated with RCCL, also does a very nice job. I have cruised on a Greek cruise line, and a specialty cruise line for the Great Barrier Reef. Yes folks, I was a travel agent. I always qualified my client before booking a cruise. I made sure they fit with the cruise line so they would have a great time. Gone are the days of all day eating, midnight buffets and the ever popular Chocolate Buffet. If you went during hurricane season, you probably had rough seas and a lousy time. I would not allow anyone to book a cruise through us for that time. I know the price was so low, but I didn't want to have to deal with someone who had a lousy time because it rained and the ship was banging around. They quickly forget that they insisted on going during that time.

For those who haven't had the pleasure, consider making a cruise vacation someday. I found it helps me make a decision on returning to a particular destination for an extended vacation easier. There! I hope some people have heard the message and might change their minds about cruising. The information is out there for you to research or tap into a Cruise Specialist's knowledge. You might be surprised.

Sprocket Loc: Upstate New York

I've been on many Cruises. About a dozen or so. You truly have to do your homework. Some cater to children. Some to the partying younger generation with many bars/bands and all night dancing. Then some for the older generations with fine dining, art shows, and bingo. The bigger ships try and do it all.

First-time cruisers should speak with a travel agent or at least experienced cruisers. The first question to ask yourself is, "Do I want more stops for excursions and site seeing or more leisure and boat time? Do I have to keep kids entertained or only worry about me and my other half?" An agent can help with that.

First reporting to a Muster Station upon castoff is mandatory. But some are now letting you report to a lounge and watch an instructional video.

It sucks what your friends went through. I've had those experiences as well. However, most of my experiences have been positive. So tell your friends not to give up. Just find the right cruise line for them. My personal favorites for the big ships are Royal Caribean and Norwegian. I haven't been on enough small ones to give my two cents.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I've cruised on several of the big name fleets, and enjoyed most of them. I will not use Carnival again--a "party ship" is not for me.