Favorite Adult-Oriented Cruise Line
 

I'm wondering if the cruise experts on this forum would mind comparing the differences between the adult-oriented cruise lines. For first time cruisers, the variety of cruise lines can be confusing. How would you compare Holland America, Radisson, Celebrity and Crystal. Which cruise line is more appropriate for the 35-55 age group? Which one has the most relaxed atmosphere (no formal nights)? Looking for fun, relaxation, casual elegance, not stuffy and country clubby, some activities and a casino but nothing over the top. Also what's your favorite itinerary on these cruise lines? Would love to hear your advice.

My "general rule" is the longer the cruise the older the group sailing; the more expensaive the cruise, the older the group sailing.

The more upscale it is, the more likely you are to run into a bunch of stuffy snobs.

What is an "adult-oriented" cruise line?
Are you talking about one that teenagers cannot afford to go on during Spring Break or what?

Topman: Thanks for your input. When I said adult-oriented, we're just not looking for something overloaded with lots of kids and big partiers. We'd like something a little upscale, but definitely not countty clubby or snobby and we don't care for formal nights. Don't think my husband would be comfortable dressing in a tux or having to worry about a suit and tie. We're more relaxed. We love good food, water activities and casinos but don't want to be in the midst of a big party scene. Was looking for some input for those who have cruised Holland, Celebrity and Princess to get a sense of the diferences in these cruise lines (or any others that we might have overlooked). This would help us to make an informed decision about what would be best for us.

Upscale-Casual-great food-

Windstar cruise lines-definitely ADULT- there are virtually no kids programs--
When we did the WINDSURF ( their largest 4 masted sailing yacht), there were 2 kids-and they were each 21 yrs old..

Windstar cruises definitely targets well travelled passengers--ages 40-60, so you will definitely be OK age wise...

Their entire dress code is country club casual...NO coat and tie for men and NO formal nite at all....

They also have a marina that drops down in the rear of the ship with kayaking,windsurfing etc that is free...

There are NO fancy shows- just a nice lounge with a 3 piece band that can play anything....

The ports tend to be smaller and more unusual ports as the ship is small enough to get places that the big boys can't go....

There is a SMALL casino-but there was plenty of access to gamble...

The best itinerary in my book was the MEDITERRANEAN...we did this cruise 3 years ago and fell in love with the line!! Definitely go on the Windsurf as it is the largest of the ships in the Windstar line...holds only 330 passengers...You will LOVE it!

Celebrity Cruises offers "Celebrity Escapes" -- all adult cruises, with no one under 21 allowed. These occur a few times a year, on different ships. Celebrity is definitely not stuffy, and if you don't like dressing up, you can always opt for casual dining on formal nights. I think you'd enjoy it.
Another cruise line we've enjoyed a lot is Star Clippers. These are real sailing ships (unlike Windstar, which are motorized vessels with sails), and part of the fun is to watch the crew sail the ship. Completely casual. There's lots of beach time in the Caribbean. Enjoy!

Thanks you guys for your recommendations. They've been really helpful. I plan to check them both out.

Radisson Seven Seas is right in the age range you discuss. It does have a formal night, but overall the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.

bosco,
Radisson does have formal night BUT you do not have to participate. Depending upon the ship you're on, you could eat in Don Vito's (Diamond) or LaVeranda which is always casual attire. (there is no charge to eat in any of the alternate dining rooms as there is on some ships).
Another option if you didn't want to leave your suite is to order room service. It is served course by course, with the same menu choices as in the main dining room just as if you were in the main dining room.
I prefer Radisson over some of the other ships (i.e. Crystal) because of the open seating (eat when and where you prefer as opposed to traditional dining where you have an established dinner hour with the same table mates). Based on what you've described, I think you'd fit in perfect on any of the Radisson ships.

As for favorite itinerary...that's tough. It really depends upon your interest. My personal favorite would probably be the Mediterranean but I love them all!

Princess Cruises would be perfect you I would think.

Look into Oceania Cruises. They're new but great. They advertise their dress policy as country club casual, but don't be put off by that. All you have to do for dinner is wear khakis (how do you spell that?) and decent shirt (men) or similar for women. It's fairly casual and not stuffy without being TOO casual. No dress up dinners. Fantastic food and service, good value for the money; only 680 passengers. It IS a fairly older crowd (I'd say perhaps average age might be 55) but reasonably mixed, except very few people under 30. We went to the Med in May and LOVED it.

By the way, I agree with another poster that the longer and more expensive the cruise, the older the passengers!

Do the fares on Oceania include tips and liquor? What is the approximate size of their standard cabin with a balcony?

I can't agree with Derek D that Princess is adult-oriented. Granted, I only sailed with them once (and will not do so again), but I thought there were fhere were far too many children and teenagers aboard for this to count as an adult-oriented line.

I would agree with other posters that a 'clue' as to whether a line is adult-oriented would would be the absence of programs for kids and teenagers!

On Oceania, tips and liquor (and drinks other than juice, coffee, tea, cappuchino, and the like) are not included. Neither are shore excursions. The cabin I was in was the cheapest, and I think it was 160 square feet. The ones with a balcony are a LITTLE bigger. Their web site should give you exact dimensions.

As a P.S., Oceania's staterooms with a veranda are 216 square feet. I assume that includes the veranda!

The operative word was "Princess"

LOL, Derek D - sorry I missed the humour on first reading !

We traveled on the Royal Princess in January around Cape Horn.

That trip was very definitely Adult oriented.

And the food was good but the price of shore excursions was exorbitant:-B

Celebrity is discontinuing their Escapes adults-only cruises for 2006. They just didn't sell well enough, I guess.

If you can afford it, look at SeaDream Yacht Club. Talk about informal! These gorgeous ships used to be the Sea Goddess I & II. Everything is included -- all drinks, all gratuities, everything. This is probably the best cruise line for your age group and your preferences. I think all the rest are going to have an older crowd.

I was 57 the first time I went on a Radisson cruise. This cruise line is not stuff at all. There were some honeymoon couples aboard. As for formal: You may find that some people will dress for dinner every night, and there certainly is a recommended dress code aboard. But the staff is very charming, and will always make you feel comfortable no matter what. All their itineraries are great, but the absolutely best one of call is Tahiti on the Paul Gauguin.

If you go on Celebrity, Princess or Holland America Line when the kids are in school, you have a much better chance of avoiding a lot of kids. These ships are large, and they absorb people. But if you go during the holidays or summer, the ship will be swarming with kids. I was on Celebrity's Infinity during Holy Week last year, and I had to stay away from the the pool deck altogether. It was just pandemonium!

I have sailed with all the lines you mention except for Crystal.

Radisson and Celebrity are adults oriented and I saw few children aboard my six cruises on these lines. Radisson is more casual and offers far fewer options for entertainment, both day and night. I loved it in the Med which is port intensive but was bored in the Caribbean. However, the food, staterooms and service are the best I have yet to experience.

I did not like HAL, found it stuffy with a definite bent towards senior. I was truly bored in the evennings.

I cannot wait to try Crystal, however, they are quite formal. This works very well for me as I could dress black tie each evening and love it!

I really like Celebrity and think this is overall a good bet. But, IME, they do enforce the dress requirements. On my 4 cruises with X, the passengers were amongst the most well dressed I have seen.

If I can throw out another sughestion, RCI's Radiance class ships are very nice, but you will not avoid formal nights.

Oceania has no formal nights but it is pricey and their wine and drink prices are amongst the highest in the industry. Also, the ships are smaller so you may not find the variety of activities you are seeking.

I have cruised 102 times over 40 years so if I can help, please let me know.

This thread is old...but has been resurected to I'll add my vote for Radisson if the original poster is still reading it. The degree of formality will depend on where you're cruising. If you're looking at a place such as Alaska or FP islands, Radisson will have no formal nights. If you're looking at the Mediterranean or Baltics, you will have formal nights unless you opt to eat at La Veranda (Italian Steakhouse) which is always casual. Crystal is the most formal (and also probably the most expensive) of the "adult oriented" cruiselines you're considering. If you're looking for few children, go on a ship that does not have a children's program. HAL and Crystal probably have an older average passenger age than some of the others you're considering.

As for favorite itinerary....Paul Gaughan in the French Polynesian islands. Besides being beautiful, there's complimentary water sports and every night is casual.