Why I Disagree with Which's Worst Cruise Line Choices

[@louislandi938]

That survey did a disservice to the entire cruise industry. I couldn’t disagree with them more. Our favorite lines are Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival. We’ve sailed alone and have also taken special groups.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@ErnieGamezOfficial]

@@EmmaCruises For a video try the new discovery princess on Dec 17, 2022 and I'll subscribe and possibly see you onboard

[@californiacurt]

Love that you define a British word to non-British viewers.with another British word. "codswallop" = load of "rubbish".

[@stewkatz0]

Well said! I just stepped off the new Norwegian Encore this passed Sunday morning and everything was excellent! My only complaint would have to be the people reserving the pool deck lounge chairs, then disappearing for hours leaving many people unable to find a chair to relax on. The was a HUGE message on the outdoor giant screen asking passengers not to do so, and staff did nothing to ease the situation regardless. Otherwise, for the moderate price, it was a great cruise. I couldn’t possibly justify paying 4-5x more for another cruise. This was already an excellent experience. This was our 2nd vacation with NCL and I would definitely recommend them.

[@jimbay5509]

Nailed it, Emma. Sounds like a poor survey. Love your “Toast to apples” analogy.

[@stephencoogle2732]

Thank you for setting the record straight when they come out with these warped surveys. Good work Emma

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@robertewalt7789]

Any such ranking is SO subjective! Age, nationality, family vs. singles, itinerary, many other categories can lead to drastic differences in preference.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep! 😂❤️

[@katdenning6535]

Carnival is my personal least favorite cruise line so far, but I have friends who swear by it and have made it their primary to build points with. My sister cruises Carnival as well. We are all in our late 30s/early 40s and travel with a small group on friend-based cruises (family ones we do individually with our families), but our cruise styles are completely different. My friends often sleep 4 people in an inside stateroom, dress up for all dinners, party on the lido, play in the casino, and bar hop. Whereas my group goes for balcony cabins, only dresses up for 1-2 meals, avoids the lido and casinos, and visits the spa. My sister’s group is all about the shows and events and does only short 3-4 day trips. Both of the other groups cruise annually so the affordable options really allow that for them. Just comparing potential ships for our three different styles would be hard, because what experiences we are looking for. Best and Worst is highly dependent on individual preferences!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep soooo true! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@patricebetts6531]

2000 people aren't enough for an ideal survey when millions of people have cruise experience. I have crossed on Holland America and RCL. I liked them both very much.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I said the exact same thing when they came out with their list last year as well I agree Emma :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Maybe that's why I made this video. I had you in the back of my head sub consciously! Somebody sent me a photo the other day of them learning about cruising on KZbin and it was you, I said THATS DON!!! Ha ha...

[@pamelahowell6225]

@@EmmaCruises I totally agree. Each line has a different personality, appeals to a different type of cruiser. What we are attracted to is different than what others like. We are older, like more traditional cruising on traditional ships with strong learning components. So Princess is our first choice. Younger more active cruisers would make different choices. Price is important to us, so I do not need the expensive level of service found on premium lines, but I do like tablecloths.

[@EmmaCruises]

@@pamelahowell6225 Haha! Princess are a brilliant mix. I love them too. Not too busy and loud but also not boring, good food, good service, can't go wrong! :)

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

@@EmmaCruises lol

[@nugnfndjdndhziks5954]

@@Donsfamilyvacations 5

[@timlewis1956]

We've been on both Viking and MSC, and we had a great time on both!

[@timlewis1956]

@KATHY MC allister We found the food to be typical of cruise food, so not horrible but not Ruth's Chris either

[@funicats]

If you're here watching this video then you're half way to selecting your best cruise experience. Research is key, and Emma has done a cracking job (again), this time analysing the 'Which?' survey findings. I haven't read that particular review, but like other reviews you need to check very carefully what is being compared and breaking it down into comparative elements. I never rely solely on Which? reviews, I always use multiple sources to narrow down things before making my final choice, including real world reviews from cruisers on sites like Cruisecritic. Fantastic 'rant' Emma, keep up the great work - you're one of my three go-to YT reviewers (Tips for Travellers and Don's being the others).

[@EmmaCruises]

So true! Honoured to be in that group of 3 love Gary and Don 😀❤️

[@SuperVidtech]

Been on 5 Norwegian cruises and have no complaints... Getting ready to book my 6th..

[@jamesk8922]

I'm a solo traveller in his mid 30's and i just got off my first ever cruise on Norwegian Jade. I loved every minute of it. Maybe it was just first cruise excitement, or maybe it was the cute bar server who always made sure my Merlot was never empty?? I have another NCL booked for August as well as Virgin. That will be interesting to do those back to back. You do great work Emma, keep it up.

[@burningblue1254]

Being in passenger services with a cruise line, I often talk to guests about their experiences on other cruise lines. The question best and worst cruise lines is like asking what are the best and worst cars. To me there are no bad cruises only the right cruise for each person. Some people want cars, suvs, trucks etc. Some are ok with a Kia or Ford and some want a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce. Also, you pay more, you get more just like everything in life. The variety of cruise lines gives the consumer a tailored choice for what they want and want to pay. Competition is good for all of us!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep!! I agree 😀👏🏼

[@ychaps]

I'm in the 60 plus crowd, and although I enjoy Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for instance, I love the fun n young vibe on Carnival..always have a good time with them. So I agree with you, you can't possibly compare these different cruise lines. I don't like "stuffy" ships. I went on a river cruise and was bored to tears.. its such a personal choice.

[@suejames3208]

I have to agree with you. Same age group and I hate anything formal and stuffy. And I hate having to get dressed up to eat a meal. It's really a case of finding the right type of cruise for you.

[@rh4267]

Absolutely correct. I just got back from an MSC cruise, my 3rd with that line and we had a great time.

[@miketackabery7521]

Emma I really like what you do! And I'm probably never going to take a cruise. It's just that you are so clear and obviously honest... and your videos are so well put together... you are pretty freaking awesome! Thank you SO MUCH for what you do!

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Mike! Thank you so so much. Appreciate this 😀

[@Kaitydid74]

You are super balanced in your assessments, truly refreshing, great stuff

[@georges5400]

I love your KZbin videos. When I cruise I want value for money. I also want lots of activities, great food options and I want to feel comfortable. I don’t like stuffy formal nights. So every thing you said here clicks with me. I live in Texas and enjoy the ease of driving to a cruise port and hopping on a last minute cruise. That makes Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean my favorite cruise lines.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Guy! 😀❤️

[@barrydavies2977]

Totally agree Emma. It's like comparing a Ford fiesta to a Mercedes S class. Of course, one is better than the other. I have cruised with Thomson/ Marella, RCI, P&O, Fred Olsen, and loved them all. But they are all different. For anyone who is contemplating their first cruise, get advice from someone who has cruised with different cruise lines to get the right one for you. We are all different and have different wants and needs.

[@dogcrazy25]

Great point. Superlative lists are always based on the requirements and criteria. Consumer reports used to rate less expensive cars worse than more expensive even if it met all an individual buyers criteria. Weights and measures are important to know before agreeing with the resultd.

[@jsouthwell79]

A bad day of cruising on the worst cruise line on the oldest ship in their fleet, is still better than the best day at work.

[@catbriggs8362]

PERSPECTIVE! An important consideration omitted by the survey.

[@brentea65]

I went on an MSC cruise a few years ago, a friend who cruises regularly said they were the cruise equivalent of Pontins. However I go to 3 dancing weekenders a year at Pontins and have a blast, despite the terrible press they get.

[@EmmaCruises]

💕💕💕

[@happytraveller2122]

Absolutely correct. I’ve been on premium lines and budget lines. Enjoyed all. My expectations were based on my research done on each ship before booking. I knew what I was getting. I can’t believe people don’t know what they are getting for their $$$

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes! Exactly 😀

[@TitoTimTravels]

I love cruises but am more of an Orlando/amusement park kind of vacationer. We had a resort that was so spectacular we went back for 8 years. It was so amazing we had to schedule vacation days at the resort, away from the parks. We also stayed at some roadside motels in the old tourist part of town. Both accommodations got the job done - but there is no way to compare the 2 fairly. That is what this "survey" sounds like to me. 😎

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha!! Yeah!!

[@mightyrover76]

I totally agree with you. For me Marella is my company of choice, great destinations, smaller ships but totally all inclusive. Never left with a cabin bill at the end of the cruise (unless for excursions or photos ie luxuries). If which were looking at whole cruise market, why exclude certain cruise lines from their survey, that makes the whole survey pointless. Your videos are articulate and full of thought. Thank you so much for all your content.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh yes Marella are one of my favourites too. It makes cruising SO easy. I'm cruising on the 90s cruise again this year and bringing two newbie cruisers. :D

[@kencarp57]

“Surveys” are ALWAYS highly subjective, and they are often very biased towards the viewpoint of the people conducting the survey. Comparing Viking with NCL or RCCL is more like comparing a Michelin 3-star restaurant to your neighborhood pub. They are totally different things, each with their own charms. I’m American so we don’t really have pubs - but you get the idea. We’re RCCL people, and we love the RCCL approach to cruising. #HudsonROCKS 🐱

[@propitiationed]

I completely agree with you! My favorite is MSC!

[@EmmaCruises]

WOOP WOOP 🥰🥳✌️

[@robertbeaty4088]

I agree with you. They cater to two entirely different audiences. Personally, I think you get what you pay for. If you want to cruise with people who pay $100 a night vs those who pay $500, then the Carnivals, MSC's, etc. are for you. Personally I like to cruise with adults on a ship where they don't constantly try to sell you drinks, charge you to eat at the upscale restaurants ( if they have them). You will probably call me an eletist, snob,etc. but I dont like to cruise with kids, 20-somethings and others who look at the cruise as one long drunk. I personally like Viking, Oceania, and Tauck. I am perfectly capable of entertaining myself and do not need to be "entertained" 24 hours a day. There are definatley Bottom line, I agree, you cannot compare cruise lines that target completely differ3ent demographics.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep exactly! 😀👋

[@aussiejohn5835]

Emma!!! This is why I love your channel. You are the only person that I have seen to challenge this non-transparent survey. WELL DONE!!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! Thanks John. I did worry they'd tell me off but if anybody should be getting told off it's Which by the cruise lines that they were mean to... 😂😂😂

[@aweller605]

Well said Emma, you can’t objectively compare a Ferrari to a Volvo estate, yes they are both cars but have a totally different price point, function and purpose! Keep up the good work Emma😊

[@arronmillsymills]

Well said Emma. I cruised with Royal Caribbean last year and hands down was the best holiday I've had yet.

[@irenedownie6559]

We cruised with NCL a few months ago and we couldn’t fault it at all. We had a wonderful time and would cruise with them again.

[@robertasoggiu2304]

Thank you so much Emma! I think that you can compare MSC yacht Club with Viking, but not so many people have the money to go on neither of them !I’m Italian and love Msc 💓

[@fantasticvoyages-sg8sw]

Totally agree with all you've got to say here! Yes - we splash out for our main summer family cruise but for a second cheap option at half term then MSC and Costa are the go to companies for great value for money. This is like comparing a jaguar car with a nice comfy family Ford.

[@DinaCruisingThruLife]

I'm in the US. These surveys are usually subjective based on what the cruiser wants. This survey is completely off scale. No way to compare these cruise lines against each other. I enjoyed Norwegian very much. I haven't had a bad cruise yet!

[@richarddavis4954]

I saw the survey , and have to agree comparing Luxury to Budget, of course the more expensive are going to perform better. To small a survey sample to really give a decent result, 2000 people that is one cruise ship. Maybe if they split it between the cheaper ones and the expensive ones.

[@rogerfleury9759]

Have only cruised on NCL. 25+. Loved every cruise except The Pride of America in Hawaii. Terrible service, never again! I get so many perks, and love every ship, except one, and they go to all the places I want to visit. I like to relax on a repositioning cruises. Many days at sea. Roger in Pierre South Dakota

[@liamparish3854]

I honestly think MSC is a great cruise line I like there design and detail lovely cat BTW

[@adam3049]

Great video Emma but I have to disagree with you on one thing. You said that you have never seen a Royal Caribbean cruise cheaper than MSC. But I feel that over the past year MSC cruise prices during peak seasons have increased alot. For example in June 2020 Allure of the Seas (one of the biggest and best ships in the world) are offering sailings for around £700 which I'm booked on 😀😀. While the MSC Grandiosa (a similarly sized and facilitated ship) is offering sailings from £900. They are both 7 night med sailings. Although you can find great deals like a £300 sailing on MSCs biggest ships in the winter months around the med I just feel that recently their summer sailings have increased alot.

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Adam! That's really interesting to hear. I think I need to do some better Royal Caribbean hunting! I really want to cruise with Royal Caribbean again but I've always found them to be more expensive. I'll keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for your comment :D

[@adam3049]

@@EmmaCruises yeah they seem to be doing some good deals. I'm going on 28th of June for £732 which is not as cheap as my last cruise but it looks like a great ship

[@andyb2706]

Well said Emma, I think you should forward this to Which? They are definitely inadvertently misleading people with not putting caveats in their results.

[@maxamx234]

Well said Emma. The survey seems to compare the likes of a Skoda (of old) with a Bentley. We have cruised withe NCL, Celebrity and Celestyal!! and we get what we pay for! One of our NCL cruises was a relocation (I just watched your video on those) and it was great value. If people would only realise, that if they book an economy air fare, don't expect a first class seat. Thanks for your insight and views. They are really enjoyable. Take care and keep them coming. Hopefully cruising will come back soon too.

[@matthewrichards8497]

"I've cruised on the best, and I've cruised on the worst, and I completely disagree" ~ Emma Cruises, 2020. AND now I have a word to add to my British confer, thank you very much! No codswallop here, no sir or madam!

[@cmrog20]

Well said Emma!!! Totally agree with everything you say. Well done!! Maybe you should advise Which next year....

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! 🤣🤣🤣

[@cmrog20]

Totally serious....

[@EmmaCruises]

@@cmrog20 I don't think they're interested in actual facts, just things that will get attention ;)

[@matthewwindisch9449]

My family and I absolutely love Royal Caribbean and have no interest in booking with anyone else. Food,entertainment and ships are amazing.

[@CJWJR]

I think the data is skewed. I've never been on a Carnival cruise (thanks to numerous people deterring me from going on one), but based upon the consensus of what I've heard about Carnival it should be at the bottom of the list.

[@David.M.]

Thanks for the British words! I love watching just to hear you talk. We Americans are fascinated by British accents.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@frankrotondo3771]

Thank you we r sailing with MSC this May first time we have done 44cruises on other lines ,we were scared after this reviews this week from English news paper you made us feel better about booking MSC we sail pretty cheaply from our home in Florida n couldn’t afford Viking anyway

[@kontzel]

Emma using her maths degree to argue statistics and market research about cruising is all I needed this morning. (See what I did there? I sounded British as in the USA we wouldn't say "maths degree" it would be "math degree.") ;) I would love to try Viking someday, but it's going to be a LONG time coming. I also want to do a Great Lakes (USA) cruise, but we're not going to see it anytime soon because I'm not willing to save my vacation budget over multiple years to make it happen yet! As I've learned more about cruising and the cruise industry I've come to understand that there are positives and negatives to every cruise line and that no cruise line can be everything to all people.

[@lizdyson3627]

Hi Emma, I think I agree with you about almost everything you say. Disclaimer: I have not cruised before but am fully intending to change that in the next few years. As you say cruise line choice is completely subjective based on your preferences and personal needs. I too am on a low budget but worry when you say budget cruise. I think I think I would rather pay more upfront even if it takes me a couple of years longer than I would like than only pay a couple of hundred as you could potentially pay for the cruise 3x over whilst on board. I am leaning towards Princess or Celebrity. In an ideal world i'd love to go with Holland America but can't commit to such long itineraries or flying anywhere.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes!!! Very sensible I think. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@KristeeHinton]

Good for you Emma to tell it like it is. Thank you, we don't need this kind of confusion from invalid surveys.

[@steinskotmyr2194]

We Set sail on our 10th RCCL cruise on October 3. All cruises are in a junior suite. Absolutely nothing to complain about, just amazing altogether. We have also been on TUI “Carousel” years ago, even that old ship was ok. So I totally agree that the survey and comparisons should be based on the price and what you get for your money. Love your videos……….

[@thefatdingo82]

I have only cruised once on Princess Cruises around New Zealand. I had an awesome time. The Sun Princess doesn't have all the novelties that NCL, Carnival or RC but it was good to try and traditional style cruise. I would definitely cruise with Princess again but I would like to try the other mentioned cruise ships as well.

[@jeffprose3500]

Love it, you are absolutely right, comparing apples to oranges. A true pictures of MSC would be to compare it to those lines that offer a similar experience and value. Eventually I would like to try MSC just to see. Great video :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep! If they compared family cruise lines, or luxury cruise lines, that makes sense. This however does not. Ha ha! Thanks for your comment :)

[@MikeJones-nu4sd]

Hi Emma. I never heard of Which. If you haven't already, I suggest you send them your review of their poll. Sounds like their editor made a complete mess of it. Although we've only been on 3 cruise lines, we do agree with you completely. I think it's funny you mention Royal Caribbean as great for kids - we have sailed a lot on RC and have routinely heard how few, if any, children there were on board. On our last transatlantic cruise with RC (a repositioning cruise of course) the Cruise Director (a Welsh lady) mentioned we had 4 young children on the cruise. We've been on another that had none. As we're an older couple who don't particularly enjoy sailing with young children, that has been fine with us. On our first cruise, Cunard's QM2 back in '04, we heard there were 11 children on board, but we never say ANY of them. We avoid Carnival and Disney specifically because we want to let the children enjoy their cruises without a couple of fuddy-duddies.

[@EmmaCruises]

They might tell me off… ha ha! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@christineguise689]

Hi Emma as I cruise solo I wish the cruise line didn't charge double or more ,I love cruising so I pay the difference or I don't go .love seeing Hudson again 😻

[@sammartindale8123]

After cruising with RCI on Independence of the Seas, I would definitely say RCI are the best of the best.

[@AHAproductions712]

Fair enough

[@johnpretty4905]

To explain, I watched your next video before this one! I grew up with the Witch guides and believe they give us the best choices from their research. However I recommend to anyone who reads this comment please watch Emma's next post before choosing your cruise. She does an excellent job of guiding us novice, gullible, potential first time cruisers to the cruise company that may be the best for us! I hate to admit it but I think I have to check out Saga first then Cruise and Maritime. There is a link to the next post in the description to this video (the KZbin one.?!.) 😁

[@AdventuresofDavidandAaron]

We totally agree with you Emma. Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Adventures of David and Aaron

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks guys! 🥰♥️

[@skylineuk1485]

Just back from our second NCL cruise and was great, sailing with Azamara for first time on Sunday and so far their customer support for the UK has been awful (broken web site no clear direction and charged us over £100 for support calls to the USA!) compared to NCL/MSC/RCCL/CMV and many river cruises we have been on, disappointed so far and the cruise hasn’t even started yet lol.

[@palimpalim5291]

I have always relied on Douglas Ward. He may get details wrong, but his testers seem to know what they are doing. And Douglas Ward is the godfather of all ship testers. In that sense, the best Cruise Line is Hapag Lloyd because they embrace German perfectionism at an incredible level. However, the Europas have a rather boring design (also very German) and they are - as most ships in that market - "old peoples" ships. The two new expedition ships are absolutely gorgeous however. Having said that, Hapag Lloyd is not the best cruise line for me because it is way out of my budget. I love the extremely innovative ships of Royal Caribbean, I always loved Celebrity because it is the successor of the legendary Greek Chandris line, that ignited my love for passenger shipping when I first traveled on the equally legendary Patris. However my favorite cruise line now is MSC for a multitude of reasons. Since my first travels on Greek Ferries of Minoans Palace Class I have been a big fan of the elegant designs of De Jorio who are the exclusive design studio of MSC. Imagine ferries with Carrara Marble floors. Second of all, the American cruise lines may offer a lot of entertainment for children, but they do not create an atmosphere for families and children that comes even close to Italian ships. Kids are kings on these ships, I suspect on Costa as well. MSC however is far ahead on providing a great experience for entire families. AFAIK only MSC offers activities not only to drop your kids and forget them but also for the entire family to enjoy. I love Italian food, I especially love fish and the head chefs on MSC are really good on those two things. Germans tend to be disappointed because they miss a big variety of "meat in sauce" dishes ("Fleisch in Tunke"). I am also very fond of Celestyal because the continue the long tradition of Aegean island cruises very, very well. I did my honeymoon on Orient Queen and I was amazed on the perfect condition Louis (at that time) had kept her. The crew was also fabulous.

[@gregthomas2654]

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT,Absolutely fantastic clip, about time someone said it how it is, l can relate entirely to what you are saying, Thank you Emma. And when we start cruising here down under in Aussie, l will be on P&O because l can afford it, and can do numerous cruises on them for the price of one Silversea. Very very good video.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Greg 😊

[@grossermichl]

First of all: the sea gull can be happy not to have met you today - the outcome would have been totally different, haha. After trying some other cruise lines I now only cruise on VIKING and no survey would ever change that. Seem it's the same with you. Whatever categories Which's surveyed, you are right - they don't compare apples with apples. But I think three of their categories really show what (at least 2,253) passenger felt: - Description matching reality - Value for money - Customer score Those three are independent of how much money you spend, who you travel with or what kind of cruise you're on. Love your videos! Michael

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha! Maybe it was the seagull that made me so passionate about this one 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lesonline2268]

Silversea and Viking FTW. I know the recent seacations on Viking worked out when taking all things into account, that MSC worked out more expense than Viking.... Which is exactly what Ben and David's video shows. No point in mentioning £62pn... It's not available. My 11 night Viking trip to Malta coming up in September is costing me £1490, includes flights and transfers too. Cheaper than MSC and a bit like comparing a Bentley with a more expensive cheapo Fiat. I've had 3 cruises on MSC. I'm fine with them.... Though I really wasn't impressed with the food on Virtuosa which the best I could compare was school dinners. Point taken though, it is unfair comparing MSC with Silversea. They shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. But I also think it's pointless suggesting a cruise costs X amount per night when nickel and dimeing soon adds up with mandatory extras or things most people consider necessary.

[@EmmaCruises]

So true, thanks for watching! 😀❤️

[@mikeeno104]

I agree, you need to at least break the cruise lines into at least three categories, Family, Premium, and Luxury. Then add in the cost to value component. Lastly, as you talked about you must include a large demographic population of at least 10 thousand people who have cruised more than once and with at least two or more cruise lines. Otherwise the report summary would not accurately reflect the best to worst cruise lines. My favorite cruise line is Holland America. Service quality, relaxing, fine food, variety of music options, great shows and having a traditional cruise experience is more important than just cost of the voyage. I want to try Cunard because I feel it is in the same category, both in experience and cost. Although I am 60 years old, I have been cruising for 20 years with my family. My twins were 5 years old when we started cruising and they agree with me that they love Holland America. I have a Caribbean cruise in December with Holland America and another cruise scheduled with Norwegian leaving England to the Fjords and Iceland the summer of 2022. Sorry for the long winded reply...

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep!!! Soo true. I haven’t tried Holland America yet but I’d love too 😀❤️

[@tonythiele2941]

I agree with you I am 68 and enjoy family cruises were I can chill out and do my own thing, I don't want a cruise were I to be dressed up all the time I agree with you.

[@EmmaCruises]

♥️♥️♥️

[@smc130]

Disney is excellent cruise for families. It’s a little more expensive but they have paid more attention to cleanliness since long before Covid. I don’t think Disney had any Covid cases when so many others did. They wipe down the elevator buttons, hand rails and pads out hand sanitizer wipes to people as they wait in line for the restaurants to open for dinner.

[@dave1001]

Being a pommie Emma and now living in Australia i agree Which ? can be at times biased on some topics where as on other topics they can be fantastic. Silversea i would say is fantastic, followed by Royal Caribbean, followed by Celebrity followed by Marella (Thomson/TUI), followed by P&O Australia. I cant comment on the other lines as ive not sailed with them. I chose the cruise lines based on the itinerary and select a cabin within my price bracket. What you get for your money on each ship again depends on the cabin type but ive never had a bad cruise

[@johank9161]

Well Said Emma! Also - this is a reminder of your great strenght as beeing independent from any crusise line, making u completly free to share your mind whatever it is! Perhaps you could use some more patreons? (However that is spelled) 😁👍

[@EmmaCruises]

You got it right! And yep can always do with more Patreons. 😂❤️ For anybody wondering it’s Patreon.com/EmmaCruises 🥳🎉

[@Star-Boarder]

I've never heard of #2,3,4 ...surveys are like polls, statistics but more importantly, can be set up to get the outcome that you want. If they surveyed people who are luxury cruisers, then you are going to skew the results toward luxury cruisers. When I worked on my masters, my statistics professor required us to read a book called "how to lie with statistics" and do a project using one of techniques used in the book. Enlightening. We pick a result, then fashioned a stastictical model to test but used a sample to support the predetermined result.

[@russpjohns]

Emma, I agree with many of your views, and sadly, such surveys are often skewed by personal experiences rather than objective views, but some of your own comments are not consistent - especially pricing comparisons. For example, beyond the basic package, unless there is an offer, MSC is very expensive for drinks and speciality restaurants. And yes, Viking is more expensive, (although I haven't paid anywhere near the £400 or £500 per night you quoted, and your videos 'sold me' on trying Viking!) but it is a different experience which some want. You should also point out that the Viking fare in the UK includes flights and most 'extras' (as you know) such as drinks at mealtimes, unlimited use of the speciality restaurants, use of the spa and many excursions - all of which cost loads in the 'lower ranked' cruise lines. Flights can be a huge extra cost. What about comparing the consistency and level of service on the cruise lines? Does MSC consistently offer a superb level of customer service? Maybe service isn't important to many, but is is a measure, and where is Costa on the list? They must be ranked lower than MSC! As you said it is horses for courses and lots of people cruising on a budget would have a great experience on MSC or any of the cruise lines, I know I have.

[@rreichar1]

“Codswallop” is going to be my new go to comment. Nobody here in Texas will have a clue what I am talking about but I’m sure they will understand the sentiment. I couldn’t agree more about Which. Value should be a huge part of the equation. We have only been on “budget” cruises. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival. All have been great experiences. Some greater than others. I have no significant complaints about any of them. We’ve done a 4 people in a balcony cabin on Carnival to the 2 of us in a penthouse suite on Norwegian and mini-suite on RC. I don’t really rank them as I feel we had decent value with each. I preferred the suite but it cost a good chunk more. Would I like a luxury cruise line? Probably but I wouldn’t directly compare it to something that cost dramatically less.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ooo that sounds amazing. Definitely use the word! It's so fun to say if nothing else 😂😂😂♥️

[@coralgwyn-williams9933]

am looking into trying an MSC cruise, have done a Viking river cruise and loved it but it was very pricey...worth it to be sure, but I am looking for the experience of cruising without the price tag. Not a foodie or particularly interested in shows or shipboard games etc. so I think MSC makes sense. Love your videos and follow them faithfully!

[@jennyhacking1289]

I always take reviews from places like Which etc with a pinch of salt, I work selling beds, and like cruises there are so many varibles but Which will state what the best and worst mattress is. Unfortunately people will blindly follow these recommendations rather than considering if the mattress is what is best for their particular needs. Like you said Emma, its better to consider what is going to work best for your needs, and use that to narrow down your choices, rather than just rely on genralised reviews.

[@markevans9188]

I've sailed on Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, and Holland america. I can't believe Holland America is rated second worst. I've found them to be a joy to be traveling with. sure, there have been problems, like getting stuck in the mud on the amazon for five hours, and bad tendering issues, and i've never done a short cruise with them, but I would , and am sailing with them again. I didn't care for Norwegian nearly as much. I agree, you have to poll based on the people sailing, and their expectations and preferences. For kids, Disney always polls number one in the USA. And I think I'd avoid Carnival just because they seem to be just booze cruises.

[@EmmaCruises]

I’d loveeeee to try Holland america! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@alisonsmith4060]

I agree on Holland America. I went on a 4-day cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale very recently and had a blast!

[@DasIglu]

I think it's wrong to say what is the best or worst because cruising is such a subjective experience that we need to have for ourselves.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep exactly! :)

[@dgk42]

From a purely economic point of view, any cruise line that is actually bad will quickly go bust. But, they don't go bust so one has to question the survey. So I agree with your codswallop description.

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha! So true. 😂👏🏼

[@1992zg]

There is not a "best" or "worst" cruise line! It is about finding the right cruise line for you/your family. The onboard experience & amenities are so vastly different.

[@bobmoyer8569]

My wife and I have cruised to Alaska on both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean in an inside cabin, ocean view, and balcony and had a good time every time, I would book a cruise on again

[@dawnpowers7626]

2000 people???? That's not even the population of a Royal Caribbean ship! Not a fair sample.

[@EmmaCruises]

So true 😀🤣

[@Dangic23]

I agree....cruises have to be compared with equals. Cat 1...Carnival, MSC, AIDA Cat 2...RCCL, NCL, Costa Cat 3...HAL, Princess, Celebrity, P&O Cat 4...Disney Cat 5...All luxury cruise lines

[@RoyalCaribbeanFan123]

i love royal caribbean and sail with them the most but when it comes to kids I think the cruise line is quite restrictive to what kids can do

[@krsteeg]

I appreciate your assessment on this cruise line guide rating - however I don't think that Carnival was mentioned? I know that Carnival has its fans and its haters - but you can't say that Carnival makes cruising approachable cost wise. We just booked a cruise for next summer, and while I wanted to choose Royal Caribbean - it was about $2k more for the same cruise than what we ended up booking on a new Carnival ship.

[@krsteeg]

Just wanted to add - no complaints for what you are presenting - love your channel and your content!

[@form76]

The survey definitely seems a shitload of crap, especially when NCL is my favorite cruise line. Bad for their own reputation (Which).

[@rickthibodeau9172]

It basically comes down to do your own research. Before booking, check out the cruiselines, the ship itself and the ports. Make sure what they offer fits your lifestyle.

[@ljones6767]

Which witch is which? (Not talking about you Emma) What is W...ICH??? I have only been on Royal Caribbean ships. I wouldn't know about others.

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha! It’s a big survey company 😀🥳

[@bertsimmons1756]

I have been on 12 different Holland American (HAL) cruises and already planning another.

[@EmmaCruises]

Sounds good! 😁🥳

[@Glock2201]

Have only been on 3 cruises so can't tell you which line is best but with over 20 million people cruising annually surveying 2,000 to see which line is best is laughable to say the least.

[@EmmaCruises]

It is mad isn't it! Simple maths haha.

[@timpetr]

I would find it more interesting to serve, Viking cruisers vs MSC Yacht Cub, or NCL Haven level of service, amenities and total cost. and, would Viking cruisers care about the savings?

[@DebYman62]

I love your input and so agree with you. Love Hudson's response, lol. Thank you so much for this post!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for your comment Debbie! Hudson says a lot without saying any words... ha ha.

[@amyjohnson2000]

Thanks Emma I'm glad I saw this before I saw there's I'll stick to you for my opinion reference and thanks for all you do!

[@johnnolan5579]

Was just on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam. I would compare it to a Marriot or Westin hotel. Excellent I would say. Does that make a Viking ship a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons?

[@tcmw779]

Stuff like this is extremely subjective. We were on the Carnival Triumph in 1999 and enjoyed it. Our son was born 2 years later, so cruising was out for awhile. We were on the NCL Dawn in 2020 and loved it; especially "Free at sea" and "Freestyle dining" (our son was away at college). We will likely sail NCL most of the time in the future. Folks need to find what works best for them.

[@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247]

Emma you nailed this one. So well said. Concise and accurate. Might be your best work.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! Why thank you. 😂♥️ Not too British for ya? My British came out 😂♥️

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

best for us by far is Disney Cruise Lines. But this summer we'll be on Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas. We've been on Royal before and enjoyed it. This is the first time we'll have the whole family with us (kids and grandkids). Fingers crossed.

[@EmmaCruises]

That sounds amazing!!!! 😀❤️

[@bobcole612]

Never been on a cruise, by my wife and I might try next year. We really want to see Alaska (we're Americans in Kansas). I am getting so much good info from the Hat Trick (ice hockey reference) of cruise experts; You, Gary on Tips for Travellers and Lucy from Cruising As Crew (never plan on actually WORKING for a cruise line, but Lucy is just a delight to watch).

[@Thetravelingmoes]

Thank you for this. I check reviews but I also consider what are they actually ranking. I see this report as completely useless to frugal travelers. Yes, we wouldn't go on a cruise if it cost us 500 a night etc. There are 5 in our family. Median salary, and we want a cheap but fun cruise. Thank you from a brand new subbie

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much! My goodness if all of 5 of you did a week on Viking that would be so expensive ha ha! I'm the same. Very frugal. ♥️😁✌️

[@SciFi2285]

It is all preference. Personally I have loads of fun on ultra casual lines like NCL and RCI. And if you are going on a Cunard or Viking cruise you know exactly what you are getting. I tend to have the most issues with "middle class" cruise lines (e.g. HAL) that try to please everyone. I find them rather schizophrenic tonally. Flip-flops and shorts one night. Tuxedoes the next. But again this is my personal preference for having a consistent vibe throughout the entire cruise. Others might enjoy switching it up from day to day.

[@diegovasquez4009]

you nailed it, that survey with only 2000 people is not a fair representation of the other cruise lines and their products

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Diego! 😍😍

[@lisa1446]

I was going to book MSC as I have young children but I kept reading the cabins stink of smoke even non smoking ones and that people don’t regard the non smoking areas and just accept a fine? Is it true? Obviously don’t want smoke around in general but not around little kids. Was hoping if it’s from Southampton would mostly be English people who don’t smoke as much as Italian counterparts but the trip advisor and cruise critic reviews weren’t reassuring so ended up booking with another line!

[@EmmaCruises]

Never heard this before and definitely never noticed smoke. You can’t smoke in the MSC cabins and never have been able to. You can on some lines but not MSC... :)

[@jakeg2575]

Well said Emma totally agree with you