As I've never been on a cruise before, I'm trying to figure out which line would be best to take first cruise with. My wife and I (ages 29 and 30) are looking to take a cruise in early February down to the Caribbean. We want a boat that is both classy, but also fun to be on with good offers for excursion as well as onboard activities.
So far have come across the following that might meet our expectations and price range (around $1000 each for 7 night cruise).
1- Royal Caribbean
2- Celebrity
3- Holland America
4- Princess
I've read the review sites (cruisecritic.com, etc), but was hoping to hear from some people in this forum. Thank you.

Your choice of cruiselines is quite o.k.
Royal Caribean probably has the youngest crowd of them, followed by Celebrity.
Only try to avoid springbreakvacations etc. Or you might have many kids on board.
Let the itinary make the decision.

First, you want a ship. If you're on the boat, you're in trouble. LOL! Early Feb (not President's week) is great because you don't have hordes of kids or Spring Breakers yet. We're sailing on the Caribbean Princess in 2 weeks, because we've done most all of the RCCL ships and are waiting for the Freedom. We both loved the Mariner of the Seas. As far as excursions, do some research on cruisecritic and ask questions. Most ship excursions are overpriced and way overcrowded. Think sardines in life jackets crammed on a boat.It's possible to do many of those (Dunn's Falls, Stingray City, etc) through highly reputable locals. They get good press; they are easy to deal with.

There can be variance on any cruise line. My suggestion is to go to: www.cruisecritic.com and read the many passenger reviews for yourself. Have fun!

Forgot to mention, try to book the newest ships. They have the best amenities and usually have better staff.

As an avid sailor, I wish I had the tine and money to charter a nice boat and sail down to the Caribbean myself
thanks for the replys, and keeping them coming as I am still trying to make up my mind.
thanks again.

We had a great time on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. We're not gamblers or spa types but always found plenty to do. The climbing wall and ice rink were fun - lots of little clubs w/ a variety of musical styles for dancing. We thought it was very lovely and we had great service.

We've been on two cruises to the Caribbean- one on Royal Caribbean and one on Celebrity. We are taking Princess to Alaska this summer (Holland & Princess are known to be the best large lines to see Alaska, as they have rights to go into Glacier Bay... and more experience than RCCL, Carnival & Cel there). Here are my suggestions to you when trying to choose:

Check out Cruisecritic.com as they will have a professional review for all ships in addition to reviews from passengers (I find those most helpful). I found Celebrity & RCCL very similar as for the kind of passenger(don't let the brochures fool you... most people don't look like they're wearing CRUISE WEAR from Sak's or Bloomingdales 'round the clock - MOST people seem to be realistic, getting dressed for touring on an island in perhaps a jeep... or hiking in a rain forest.

As for the ships themselves, I thought the RCCL ship we were on (Enchantment - when it was about 3 years old - was much prettier than Celebrity's Galaxy - also about 2-3 years old when we were on her. All lines will differ, ship to ship! All lines have ugly looking, ships, all of them have pretty ships. Also, food was actually better, in my opinion, on RCCL (although legend has it otherwise). Don't expect fine dining on any ship! While the assortment and presentation is usually wonderful (on all lines)... keep in mind they are serving for a LOT of people... it is not the little gourmet restaurant in NYC! We were always very pleased, however!!!

I think that itinerary is very important... figure out which islands you'd like to see.. then see what ships/lines are going when you would like to travel. The bigger ships tend to go to fewer ports (I hate days at sea...I find them boring and end up eating too much & spending $ on stupid things like the casino - but some people love them, enjoying laying by the pool, etc.). The biggest (newest) ships usually have less space per person and have longer lines... which to me makes for a less classy ambiance. The biggest ships don't really necessarily have better ammenities and are not necessarily lovlier...I think the look of the ship is VERY IMPORTANT... I must have a lovely ship!!!!

I have to say, that each of the big lines are very similar - although from what I've read, Holland seems to have an older, more sedate crowd. Many people say that Carnival is most like a party atmosphere, Celebrity supposedly more low key, better food... and RCCL & Princess somewhere in between... but I think it really varies by individual ship... My cousin and friend were on two separate cruise ships (newer ones) on Carnival and both said they were spectacular! Both these people are classy and refined - and not partiers. Another friend went on Carnival's Inspiration and enjoyed it very much because it went to a lot of islands, which they wanted to see... but I would NOT like that ship... it was too old and very dark and not tastefully decorated (in my opinion)... So... LOOK at the brochures and check out the pictures if that is important to you!!! There are also plenty of people posting photos on line which I find very helpful...
Well, that's all for now... hope I wasn't too verbose... feel free to ask any additional questions you may have

You've already received considerable assistance here, so I'llj ust add my two cents briefly. Most cruise evaluation sites rate Holland-America and Celebrity higher than Royal Caribbean and Princess. Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity and supposdely puts more quality in Celebrity. Carnival owns both Holland-America and Princess, but again seems to have slightly higher standards for Holland-America. Another thing to consider is the size of the ship. Royal Caribbean and Princess are massive in general with some exceptions. Celebrity and Holland-America are somewhat smaller. If price is the same, therefore, I would take one of the latter two lines, but if you want a floating hotel with lots of activities that you have to pay extra for, the first two will do you fine.

Have you booked yet? (If you're going in February, you should have!) I agree with everybody ...that ships vary, not only from line to line, but within a line. I've been Celebrity, RCCL, NCL, Carnival, and Princess. Princess and NCL are my least favorite. We sailed in July on the Golden Princess from London, and I hated it. I kept comparing it to everybody else. I was so upset with the service, I actually wrote a letter addressing several issues. This was my first complaint letter in 20 cruises. Princess chose to answer the complaint with a form letter that never bothered to address anything I had written about. It was my first Princess cruise, and my last.

I like M class on X and Radiance class on RCI. Both are classy and elegant with great fitness centers (the edge goes to RCI), very good entertainment and plenty of activities.

Food is better on X as is the level of personal service. RCI is friendly but X is more polished. Cabins are larger on X.

It has been a long time since I cruised on HAL so I cannot comment.

I do not agree that larger and newer is necessarily better. It depends what is important to you. HAL has some smaller ships that are noted for personal service. From what you describe as your preferences, I would suggest RCI Radiance class or M class on X.

I am not a fan of Princess.