BEST CRUISE LINE? 8 Major Cruise Lines Compared [2025 Ultimate Guide]

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@lynne6638]

@@LifeWellCruised I have your book and used it on my last cruise. I just want to know the excursion company that you spoke about in one of your videos. It was a company which could price out better than those offered by the cruise ship.

[@andramiller6664]

Just downloaded the planner. Have watched you for many years. I've learned a bunch. I'm not sure how much I'll use it, but it's my way of saying thanks for the time you put into this channel. 😊

[@laurieharelick487]

I was a first time cruiser recently & found the cruise planner to be a huge help.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@lynne6638 that’s great! The company I’ve been using is Shore Excursions Group :) www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1422218

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@andramiller6664 I hope you find it helpful, even if for a few things. Thanks for your purchase and support! ☺️

[@jfminton54]

I have cruised on Royal, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival and HAL. Once I took a HAL cruise, I stayed with them. Great destinations, smaller ships, food, service--all top notch.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@dianephelon6981]

Been on 24 cruises...All with HAL..❤❤

[@neutrino78x]

and no flag of convenience! Netherlands flag is a major plus imho 🙂 (I have not cruised yet, just want to someday. I was USN for one enlistment (4 yrs) on subs. 🙂)

[@geraldkelman9268]

HAL is amazing for several reasons 1) itinerary 2) food and drink , have it all 3) the music walk 4) the Crows Nest and most of all 5) the staff which are absolutely amazing.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!

[@MeCB2012]

The crew had incredibly memories, remembering our names, even on two different cruises

[@neutrino78x]

What draws me to them is that they are not Flag of Convenience. Netherlands is a good flag 🙂

[@eastwestpicayune8200]

We had bad experience with HAL. Our boat was so far from Glacier bay that we can't even appreciate the beauty. The staff were awesome.

[@lauriestrong9972]

I appreciate how you stay positive while also being honest in your reviews

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks - I always hope this comes across

[@danielboen4923]

I really liked this review! I have fallen in love with HAL over the years, but your honorable mention of Virgin, kind of have me intrigued. My wife and I will be going on an HAL next Saturday around the Caribbean. And for our honeymoon/1st anniversary, we will be sailing around Norway, which we are very excited for. Thanks again for your videos!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s amazing!! Congratulations 🥂

[@melodeekistner2936]

This was one of your best videos ever! Thanks for the thoughtful comparisons. We've done more Princess than any other line but have tired Carnival (too much of a party cruise for us), Celebrity, HAL, and Disney when the kids were younger. Except for our bad experience on Carnival, all were fine. We are going to Alaska in late June on HAL and are looking forward to the smaller ship for that itinerary. Also booked on Princess in Japan in 2026. We did LOVE the medallion on our last 2 cruises. Thanks Ilana!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@melodeekistner2936 that’s great! Thanks for sharing your experiences & glad you enjoyed the video

[@Hawkeye2001]

20+ cruises. We've been on several lines over the years but keep coming back to HAL. I love the itineraries and the music walk. I appreciate the more civilized atmosphere. With the destinations my biggest draw, I have no problem with calling bedtime early, as the excursions often begin early in the morning.

[@madchatteress]

Yes ... I rarely stay up late to enjoy the parties because I want to be rested for my excursions the next day. It's all about the itinerary for me.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good point

[@michellnav]

Great video. I've been on Carnival, Princess, Viking Ocean & Celebrity. All great cruises, but our favorite and now standard line is Celebrity. I think there is a cruise ship for everyone, you just have to find it!

[@JeremySmith-k6n]

I'm a big Princess fan and I think your review was spot on in all aspects!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad to hear! Princess is one of my faves too. 🛳️

[@beefancy3292]

I agree - my whole family is platinum with princess and we absolutely love it. Cunard is my favorite, but my teenager would rather die than go on a Cunard voyage- lol

[@blissfuljoy6049]

Would elementary aged kids have fun on Princess? I've been on Royal in the past but it seems like they may be losing the classy touch they had. I'm torn 😢 whether or not I would like their big ships. I want to see the sea! I also don't want my kids to be bored to death 😂.

[@JeremySmith-k6n]

@@blissfuljoy6049 Not sure Princess, much as I love their ships, would be my first choice for elementary age. They have activity rooms for various ranges, e.g. 3 -7 and 8-12, with games and activities but that's about it. With the caveat that I don't have any experience with those facilities, I've not cruised with young kids. But you won't find water parks, go-cart tracks, laser tag arenas, rock climbing walls, extensive arcades (though some Princess ships have replaced their cigar lounges by throwing a handful of video games into the space), and so forth.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

@JeremySmith-k6n maybe the newest ship would be ok l. It seems like it's a little more lively. I just don't like over the top parties. My kids might like laser tag and definitely the pool. Small slides would be great but I don't need the big ones. I feel like the pools get so crowded on main lines that it might be frustrating with them. Where we go matters a lot too.

[@DonaldHuisjen]

This lady is somebody that I feel very comfortable with. No wonder she gets so many high reviews.

[@melissavick3071]

I took my kids to Alaska on HAL at 13 yrs & 9 yrs. When planning a cruise 7 yrs later, they wanted to go with HAL again. ❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@melissavick3071 awe!!

[@dbenadon]

What a fantastic summary! Thank you for the time and effort that went into this video!

[@mariannegolway7030]

Tried Margaritaville at Sea- Islander (out of Tampa) 5 night. Very positive, surprised by previous negative responses. Beautiful decor, 3 pools/spas, bigger rooms (feels like more storage - or what it USED to be- we had a balcony). Im comparing to RC/Princess/larger Carnival ships.

[@mariannegolway7030]

Was the first casino seen with no smoking and minimal noise. 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad you had a great time! Honestly I find extremely negative reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt

[@connieledford1745]

I agree! I was on it last month and was very nervous based on reviews but we had the best time and are booked again in May. We are starting to see a lot of positive reviews now. I think early on people may have been confusing Islander with Paradise which are very different experiences.

[@shelliwood5220]

First time cruiser! Will be sailing on Holland America for their country music cruise in January. Have appreciated your informative videos.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds amazing!

[@ruff113s]

I have cruised on NCL, Azamara, Carnival, Virgin, and Celebrity. Each was different and I enjoyed each one. My only negative experiences have been embarkation on NCL (Alaska) and Virgin (maiden voyage in Australia), long pushy lines on Carnival, and in the spa on several lines, which is outsourced. Each line has it’s unique brand and I try to go with the flow and enjoy what they do best. I chose NCL and Azamara for their free style cruising. Carnival for the price. Virgin for the food. Celebrity when I had to take a vacation or lose leave, didn’t want to fly, and it was cheaper than my other option of Princess). I will be going on my second Celebrity cruise this week and think it is currently my favorite. I will be on Carnival in June and Azamara in October, so my favorite may change.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@ruff113s very nice!! Enjoy 🚢

[@Wintersbite]

1st time cruiser, sailing on NCL escape end of April for our 25th anniversary. 7 day itinerary through the carribian with an aft facing balcony. Your videos have been a guiding light for us. The content is always relevant and informative. Thank you so much for your continuous content.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Wintersbite happy anniversary!

[@chris25johnston]

Great post Ilana, you really nailed the comparisons pretty much bang on.

[@bryansipes3601]

My wife and I have only ever done Carnival, years ago, and we had the teenage kids with us. I am researching for our next cruise, for just her and I. Something relaxing, with good food, and good entertainment, and not crowded. We are in our 60's and active, but for a cruise, we are not into the party scene or the Active Exercise scene (i.e. Virgin). We want comfort and to be pampered some. My wife likes her specialty coffees and lots of bottled water for both of us. I've been watching these comparison videos of yours and other vloggers, just to get different perspectives.

[@LisaBodenberger]

Thank you so much for your informative videos. I learned so much from you before our first cruise last Christmas, 2023 to Cabo and Ensenada Mexico on the Norwegian Bliss. It was such an amazing trip that we came home and immediately booked an Alaskan cruise on Norwegian Encore for summer 2025. My husband and I, cousin and husband, another cousin and his wife, and their couple friends went on our first cruise. Such a fun family reunion. Next summer to Alaska the same entourage AND my son and hopefully our new daughter in law will join us all. Yay cruising! And thank you again for the wonderful content.

[@madchatteress]

I did Cabo and Mexican Riviera on the Bliss April 2023... REALLY enjoyed the experience on board.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s amazing!! So glad my videos have been helpful

[@markg3380]

I've been a fan of your videos for a couple of years now. This is such a comprehensive, excellent, honest piece of work. You really should be on PBS following Rick Steves on Sundays. Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! Truly appreciate your kind words - I also love Rick Steves so that’s quite a compliment 😊

[@markg3380]

@@LifeWellCruised You're the best and an absolute professional! You really should/could be on "regular" TV. If I ever ran into you on a cruise, I would go fanboy and ask for a selfie, embarrassing my wife. Thanks again.

[@russellvoth5161]

Been on three cruises , two with HAL and one on Princess Regal ( The Love boat) part 2 . Like you we perfer the Holland America line . Last on was Koningsdam from Vancouver to Hawaii , what an amazing ship and staff . Will be using them on our next cruise. Great video showing the difference in the cruise lines.

[@lborg960]

Our first cruise was RCCL, Symphony of the Seas in Sept 2022. Good service from beginning to end. We loved it. We were also on the the MSC Seascape, Sep 2023 and the Carnival Horizon, Apr 2024. We liked them both but really enjoyed the Symphony of the Seas more. Our last cruise was the Icon of the Seas with and again we loved our cruise with RCCL from beginning to the end. We will be sailing on the MSC World America on 12 Ap 2025 and the RCCL, Star of the Seas in Sept 2025. We will be trying the Celebrity in Arp 2026. We love your review of the different cruise lines. They are very well done and pretty truthful.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow! You’ve done a lot of cruises since 22! Thanks for sharing your experiences. Royal has a great product

[@ThomasandCristinaBullock]

Thanks! Great review! We are loyal Princess Cruisers. I agree with your positive and negative comments as they relate to Princess. We are scheduled to board one in just a few weeks and have 6 more scheduled in the next 18 months. We'll also be experiencing an Oceania cruise this year for a shot at another cruise line. Love your videos. You've saved me countless hours of research with your helpful hints.

[@cindyt987]

Nailed these reviews Ilana! ❤

[@nancycrawford9584]

My husband & I are going in late Jan on Sky Princess to Western Caribbean. We are first timers! And wanted to celebrate our 36th anniversary a little different. Very excited! I’ve listened to many many of your videos and the information I’ve gleaned is amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@lynnkongkham7655]

Sky is one of my very favourite ships. I am sure you will have an awesome cruise.

[@LindaBarnes-t4i]

Hi Ilana, thanks for your videos. I'm very excited to be taking my very first cruise next September. We're going on HAL's Niew Statendam through the Mediterranean, Egypt and Turkey. Your information has filled me with confidence that I've made a good choice.

[@pennyglass420]

Each of your videos is so weĺ done. Always enjoyable. Thank you for all the pertinent tips and information. You are assuredly the best cruise you-tuber!😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your kind words ☺️

[@kasniquesariawn4694]

I asked for this! Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

You are very welcome!

[@2Kimberley]

My husband and I are in our mid 50s. We just got off our 2nd HAL cruise and have no desire to try another. Very relaxing, great food, and service. ******* Thank you for your essentials lists.... we have bought a ton of those items. Clothes, magnets, and lots more. Thank you for the great tips!

[@MisterWheelzProductions]

I’m going to be a first time cruiser in May 2025. Sailing on Celebrity Beyond to Bahamas St Maarten, and St Thomas. I’m going with family but will have my own cabin and hope to meet some young solo cruisers in their 20s and 30s.😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@MisterWheelzProductions that’s great! We really enjoyed this ship & love St. Maarten. Enjoy!!

[@michellnav]

I hope Captain Kate is your captain. She was our Capt. on our Greece cruise. It's a beautiful ship. If there's only one specialty restaurant you eat at, I recommend Eden. It's an awesome venue & the food is amazing.

[@shellyvangroll7756]

We recently took our first cruise, a 5 day Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Firenze out of Long Beach, CA. Thank you so much for your videos and information, it made our vacation! The ship was beautiful, entertainment was awesome! Ports at Cabo and Ensenada were okay, and a December cruise is quite chilly, but we can’t wait for our next cruise! Already doing the research, love your content, thanks again!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@shellyvangroll7756 so glad to hear!

[@JohnFleming-b6g]

I did my first cruise, years ago, on HAL. I liked them, so I've done all eight of my cruises with them. Because they are my only experience, I can't compare them with anyone else. So, it's nice to get some comparisons with what other cruise lines have to offer.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@donnahoffman8973]

Thank you for your honest reviews, they help so much.

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad! Thanks for watching

[@scottmacintyre7385]

My wife and I are going on our very first cruise. We chose Holland America line nieuw statendam 7 night Bahamas and Carribean cruise out of fort Lauderdale in early February. I appreciate your helpful tips and very detailed description of the Holland America cruise experience. Hoping for a great time.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@scottmacintyre7385 we loved that ship! I think you’ll find a video about it if you’re looking (was our first HAl cruise)

[@davidhurwitz2291]

We will be on that ship the week before you. It will be our first HAL cruise after 50+ cruises; 27 on Celebrity. Hesitated to sail on HAL because of the benefits we get on Celebrity, but decided to try something new. Ilana’s review helped our decision to sail on the Nieuw Statendam.

[@kathryncashner3294]

This was very well done. I can't say I fully agreed with all you said, but some of your cruises were more recent than mine and things change. There is a HUGE difference between 3 and 4 night cruises vs. 7 nights or longer. We made the mistake of once booking a 3/4 back to back because we couldn't get flights out for the 7 night that left a day earlier on a sister ship. I remember us standing on an interior balcony as the 3 night people were boarding and made a comment about the behavior, speaking to my cruise companion. A crew member was behind me and overheard...she basically said that it was only going to get worse, and she was right. On the list of things I am VERY unlikely to ever do again are a 3 night cruise, a "kids sail free" promotion, and a few others. I apply these to all lines. I'm not trying to be a grump, and cruises are our favorite vacations. Most have been amazing. It is maybe worth noting that my "favorite" line has changed a couple times based on the stage in our lives and changes the cruise lines have made. Do check offers carefully--most cruise lines have made changes as to what is included in cruise fares, upgrade packages, and loyalty packages over the last year or two. I totally agree with you on Virgin. There are a lot of things included, and the exclusion of a drink package works very well unless you are a heavy drinker. They also have a loyalty program that has quite a few benefits at the higher level. The absence of a drink package is replaced by a "bar tab" which you can purchase in advance and/or get as a perk on some cruises. You choose the amount that you want to spend and get a bonus added based on the amount you choose. The drink prices are lower than on many lines AND the posted price includes the gratuity. In addition, you can share your bar tab with anyone you wish, whether in your cabin or not. So, if only one member in the cabin drinks alcohol, it isn't like other lines where you buy 2 drink packages. Another advantage is that you rarely see people trying to max out a package (like other lines) or use up their bar tab. OK, there are some people trying to use it up on the last day, but not many. One disadvantage to Virgin on long cruises is that with the exception of a daily special in The Galley and some restaurants, the menu in the restaurants is the same each day. With 6 restaurants, that's OK for about a week, but it can get old on 14-15 nights.

[@travelswithscott339]

We have done 7 Celebrity cruises. To date, we have not done any other cruise lines. We just got off the Beyond in an Edge Villa and the experience was fantastic. Celebrity has beautiful ships! We booked the Enchanted Princess for April 2025 after talking to people who had a great time on Princess. After seeing this video and reading the comments, we will try Holland America after that. I like the idea of smaller ships. Great video!

[@conniebrierly3778]

I went on my first cruise last month, 8 days on Freedom of the Seas, and it was wonderful! Of course I don't have anything to compare it to, but I loved everything about it. The entertainment and food were great. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. I could not have asked for a better experience! Thanks to your informative videos, I felt prepared. That definitely helped me enjoy the cruise.

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing

[@patticulver]

Excellent video Ilana! Many people will find this extremely helpful! I agree with you on your rankings! I’m a Princess fan, it just suits me! Blessings ❤️

[@LifeWellCruised]

I agree! Princess is definitely a great option 🛳️

[@gaillthompson]

This was a great review! Thanks so much.

[@theresabuford9680]

I’m going on my first Virginia voyage cruise on Scarlet Lady April 27- May 3, 2025. I’ve sailed on Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Can’t wait to experience this all adult cruise.

[@leezalotte1615]

Excellent run through! We’ve only sailed on Carnival and NCL, but want to sail more. We’ll keep these tips in mind for future cruises!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope it helps with your future plans

[@rhondalyn100]

My first cruise ever this year was on Virgin and I loved it so much I came home and booked three more VV cruises in 2025. While I am open to trying another cruise line I honestly believe I've found my home at sea with Virgin. Loved this video of comparisons...thank you so much! 🙂

[@LifeWellCruised]

When you find what you really like, why make a change? Sounds fantastic

[@eastcoastguy_0803]

You really need to try other cruise lines to find out what you have missed. I have done almost 20 cruises and I have to say VV is my least favorite.

[@rhondalyn100]

@@eastcoastguy_0803 I don't need to. Your least favorite is my favorite. Vive la difference!

[@kathysmith2741]

My first cruise was 37 yrs ago on Royal Viking through Panama Canal. Best ever. Since then have done carnival (boo) and Hal and NCL. We are doing the Haven on NCL to Alaska 9/25. Can hardly wait!

[@christelklinko7683]

You do your job very well😊. You choose your words,which is nice.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching & I appreciate your comments 😊

[@andreagreco4203]

This was a very very good video! Thank you so much!

[@Elaine-hr9ps]

I agree with you about the dining room food with Celebrity. I was disappointed on my last cruise when I compared it to experiences I had in the past with Celebrity.

[@terrymurphy9054]

Also, Celebration Key is Carnival 's. Great information. You are so great at what you do.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Fantastic!! I’m looking forward to checking it out when it opens

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Very good and informative post, thank you.

[@michelleohare8801]

My husband and I are going on our first cruise in Feb on Scarlet Lady with Virgin. we've been watching alot of your videos in the last few weeks and we appreciate all the tips.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome! Just an fyi, I have a video about what to pack for Virgin that might be helpful :)

[@manalsheena4394]

My favorite cruise!

[@TheHaylp]

First time cruiser! Booked on MSC Virtuosa next summer with family, a multi generational trip and cannot wait, it looks amazing, if a little crowded

[@kurtbooth6111]

This video was super helpful!!! I’m a Carnival cruiser (18 cruises) and your opinion on carnival was exactly our thoughts as well. Our favorite class is Excel and Vista. We love all the food options. We are wanting to experience other cruise lines and have been exploring Celebrity, HAL, RCCL and MSC. Your video was incredibly helpful!!!!

[@SamSitar]

my first cruise is on Holland America. where are they on the list?

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful & thanks for your comments 😊

[@BethRatliff-i5t]

Love watching your videos. Very informative. We are very excited about our first cruise in June. Royal Carribean wonder of the seas.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!! Enjoy 🛳️🎉

[@buttonsbug]

This is one of your best videos ever, thank you for sharing your views! I’m a relative newbie, having been on 1 NCL and 2 Princess cruises. Much preferred the NCL ship as it had more focus on the ocean, while Princess had better live music and service. Didn’t find the theater shows amazing on either. Will be on the NCL Prima in 2025 and the Sun Princess in 2026 and, despite some negative reviews, both ships sound like they’re right up my alley.

[@Ddrews-nf4gq]

Just finished my first Princess and I'm ready to book another. The technology of the medallion was mind blowing. It was awesome not having that 'silly" cruise card in my pocket all the time plus ordering food or dinks right at my location was top notch. The service was excellent with some good food choices in the main dining room. I've sailed on a few other cruise lines such as Carnival RC Celebrity NCL and just like the video there's pro's and cons with each one but for now i'll stick with Princess.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@Ddrews-nf4gq great to hear your experience

[@carlhokanson4879]

First time cruiser. We are doing the Baltic cruise on the prima in October. We are excited.

[@madelinesuszko9286]

Great job with video. Really enjoyed it and your opinions

[@LifeWellCruised]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@joedougherty2852]

Love this video Alanna

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad!!

[@Maxineingham]

Going on Hal in April

[@joedougherty2852]

We going to Australia 🇦🇺 in 80 days going on Carnival Splendor for our 40th anniversary cruise 🛳

[@JoeHartman80]

Loved this video. Very thorough. Sailed NCL most. First Disney this year and wasn’t blown away. Sailing celebrity next year and cannot wait!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome!

[@LC-ot1is]

I live in New Zealand and took my first cruise last year. There are not that many lines that offer cruises from NZ or our closets neighbor, Australia, so it's this video is great to help me work out which lines might be best for me. For my first cruise a group of us flew to LA for a Royal Caribbean cruise to Mexico, and loved it. In January, we're going on another RC cruise to Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) out of Brisbane. The next cruises will be to Alaska, and the Mediterranean and I think NCL and Virgin will be firmly in the mix.

[@Cruisegirl1968]

Great vlog! I am so in agreement with your take on these lines!

[@LifeWellCruised]

lol seems we think the same on this

[@willcooper6980]

Hi there Ilana. Thanks for this summary. It confirms what I pick up from watching vlogs. I want to try Celebrity and Holland. I like Royal Oasis class for the many options and Princess for the music and other activities.

[@LadyKrae72]

First time cruiser! Will be on the Celebrity Silhouette Nov 15-23 heading to the ABC islands! Can’t wait 😜 PS I got your ultimate cruising guide too!

[@LadyKrae72]

First time cruiser! Will be on the Celebrity Silhouette Nov 15-23 heading to the ABC islands! Can’t wait 😜 PS I got your ultimate cruising planner too!

[@Bonnie-mn5sk]

Re-watching from New York. I have done 3 Norwegian and I have to say I was spoiled on my first one on the Joy. Such a beautiful ship. Then we were on the Pearl which was to small for me. Last one was on the Joy and we had taken my mom on her first cruise ever, we had picked the Joy because it was my first cruise and I just loved it. We were very disappointed and will not be cruising Norwegian again for awhile. We are now looking to book a MSC cruise so I'm hoping this will get me back into loving the cruise life. After seeing this video I really want to try the Virgin cruise line. Thanks for the info loved loved this one very much.

[@madeleinebastion6014]

First time cruiser!! Going through carnival to Alaska in the end of April!

[@ClaudeDemers-d6s]

Great video!!

[@maddieblake6565]

First time cruiser here. I'll be on carnival celebration in March

[@patsigurdson2351]

In March we are going on our 14 th. cruise on NCL been on another line did not enjoy it as much as we like NCL. We like the freedom to dine where and when you want. We have been on their med size and some of the small ships and enjoy less people. In March we are going on the Encore looking forward to see the difference. Thanks for the Video's I really enjoy them and love some of your tips. Take Care safe Sailing

[@veeda67]

Really great reviews! I've been with Carnival and will make Diamond by this time next year, but I am going on the NCL Aqua in April. Looking forward to experiencing other ships, especially the newer, larger ships. Have you ever cruised Solo? Can you do so Solo reviews?

[@madchatteress]

That would be an awesome review. I sail exclusively solo. My next cruise (9th) will be the first time I'll have someone on the ship that I know personally (she's the motivating reason why I booked that particular sailing). I really hate how much more expensive it is for solos.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Your cruise sounds amazing! I haven’t cruised solo but will see how I can share more info

[@debbief2882]

I totally agree about the Rotterdam. It was my last 2 cruises. Will be trying her sister ship, Neiuw Statendam in Feb. ❤

[@daisysmom75]

Thank you for your reviews. We have only ever sailed with Royal and are now Diamond members. So we've decided to branch out and do one cruise a year with Royal, and another with a cruise line we've not tried. Our first up is Celebrity.

[@theresabrown6789]

I’m 70, I travel alone with my grandkids. I’ve taken them on every Disney cruise ship. The 14 year old likes the activity on NCL now. The 8 year old autism child loves the Celebrity Reflection because it has 15 or less children, it’s quiet and he has one on one if he needs it. When I travel with my friends (no kids) I really like Celebrity. I’ve cruised 4 times with them various ships, 12 Disney cruises and RC. With friends we chose according to destination and perks offered at the time of booking. I love your show and I take your advice ❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@theresabrown6789 that’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing:)

[@patti1044]

Thanks for the overview - found it fair and balanced. I was glad to hear about your Virgin cruise - I saw the pictures of the furniture and knew it would not be a fit for us. We are headed out on your favorite Navigator for a couple weeks of Mexican sun in January. Would love to see you sail higher end lines.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Have a wonderful cruise! Regarding more higher end lines, that’s the plan to try to get that in this year hopefully. If there’s interest from viewers that’s always helpful

[@beachs7210]

Our favorite is RC for the last 21 years. But we only had Carnival to compare to (didn’t like Carnival). We have an MSC cruise coming up in a few days that we’re really excited about and another RC in May. Looking forward to trying out the Yacht Club experience on MSC!! Might have to look at Norwegian too based on your video here. My husband is all about the very casual relaxed vibe!

[@jcshaves]

Thanks. We have only been in one cruise on Royal and loved it. Had some sticker shock when shopping for next year as prices pretty much doubled. So we’re giving MSC a go which was still more but not as bad but does include drink and WiFi package. Hope we enjoy it. My main concern is lack of casual eating besides the buffet.

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’ve got a point. You’ve got to be a bit creative by varying the food you eat at the buffet. They do change up certain items at breakfast & lunch

[@lindseye9760]

Very informative video! I really appreciate the overviews and pros and cons. I agree that people have to find the cruise line and ship class that is right FOR THEM and, that might change in different stages of life.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Totally agree!

[@StephanieHargrove-of7kb]

This was incredibly informative!!!

[@Fredbrot]

70 years old. We have traveled on 12 cruised over the years. Went the kids were young we traveled on Disney. Loved it. We've done Princess most of the time with and without your kids. We have found it has everything for the family. The last ship it has been just wife and I. Celebrity Beyond has been our choice. We love the Veranda cabins. Choice of 4 different Main Dinning choices was the main thing that won our over.

[@corrinaterry3758]

Thank you for this video! I really appreciate the information. We have sailed on 2 Carnival Cruises & are going to try Princess next. I think it will be more our style! 😊

[@CarboneCat]

I’ve been on three cruises so far, one with Celebrity and two on HAL, I absolutely enjoyed them. We look at the itinerary and not overly large ships. We might try Princess as well as we are curious about the ship and they do offer interesting itineraries.

[@koc4787]

Doing our first cruise in April on NCL to Alaska. Really looking forward to the week of relaxing and taking in new scenery!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Amazing cruise!!

[@miketodd6654]

Having done an Alaskan cruise with NCL a few years ago, they dock further away from the ports and often requires a shuttle bus to the town. This cuts down on time in port. That was our experience anyway and we are frequent NCl cruisers

[@francesgill8621]

However Holland has some of the best itineraries and great enrichment so I will probably sail with them again 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

👏👏

[@LMFuqua]

My Teens love itinerary cruises. We love going places like Iceland, Greece, japan, and the like, but they aren't water slide kids. We Love Celebrity and princess for that reason and find them comparable.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Amazing!!

[@lbreck1114]

I really appreciated all of your information about these cruise lines..gives me alot to think about. Thank you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So glad!

[@JulieThompson38]

We have done (1) Carnival, (1) Royal and (3) Holland. Holland is our favoriate so far. We are taking our first Celebrity cruise in a few weeks!

[@PUFFFIRE]

We have just done NCL and we really like Norwegian our next cruise is on the new Norwegian Aqua in November out of Miami , we are thinking about Virgin Voyages in the future we truly love your videos keep up the excellent work.

[@cindylynch9266]

Great video as usual!! I appreciate hearing your views on all these cruise lines. ❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching Cindy!

[@davis9971]

My favs in order MSC, Viking Ocean, Royal Caribbean. Honorable mention to Carnival (only cruised them once). Least fav, one and done, HAL.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@davis9971 very interesting! Thanks for sharing

[@barbaraalexander4715]

We are in our 70’s and cruised with Virgin Voyage last year. We had fun, loved the food and are returning to one in Jun. our very first cruise was on Regent in Alaska so we were spoiled. Are trying different lines in 2026.

[@elainlangley1183]

The best review so far, thank you so much.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching

[@salliestewart4713]

Great video. You really covered it all

[@ShannonCooper-q1r]

Not a 1st time cruiser, but have only done 1 short cruise in 2010 with Carnival. Older ship & not great itinerary but was still a fun experience. Really looking forward to 1st cruise with Royal coming up in April on SOS with husband🎉

[@CarolBoshaw]

I have been on 42 cruises 22 of them with my husband when he was alive. My favorite cruise line is Carnival because they offer me the most perks and the best free cruises that I can take a family member with me and we can enjoy everything.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s fantastic

[@aragorn318]

1st time cruiser and will be doing the MSC Seascape in April.

[@brucefrytz8611]

Your review of Princess is spot-on, based on our first cruise with them last December. We're going with them again on the Sun Princess next May, looking very much forward to it. But your recent review of the MSC Yacht Club has me very much interested in them also!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful! I have to say we really enjoyed YC 😂

[@wondrafuladventures]

Great review. Celebrity is my current fav, NCL is the best value with stuff included, and I can't wait to try MSC, especially if I can get in the Yacht club.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!

[@NicholasPyers]

I'm very happy with Princess... love the new Plus and Premier packages. I've been aboard a Celebrity ship and a Royal Caribbean ship (both as "Inspection Tours" organised through a local travel agent) I am very interested in doing a Celebrity cruise (probably a Hawaii to Sydney repositioning) This video has made me interested in looking at Virgin and Holland America -- yes very different styles... but keen to compare

[@bobbywagner1113]

I've been on NCL and Carnival, and just scheduled a cruise on MSCs Yacht Club.

[@quentonatebelman9122]

I’ll be going on my 1st cruise on the carnival celebration in March🎉 I watch your videos faithful to help me prepare

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome! I’ll have a review with info soon

[@bobettern]

I really appreciated this lengthy video and your reviews of each ship. While I have cruised on Royal Caribbean and Princess, I have cruised mostly on Carnival and have 2 more 8 day cruises booked with them. As a senior, I was happy that you answered my question of the diverse ages on Virgin Voyages! Any thoughts on taking a cruise on the new Margaritaville at Sea ?

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great question! I’ve had requests for this cruise so likely will try to make that happen in 2025