Lanya

My husband and I are planning on taking our first cruise this year. We are in our late twenties and were wondering if anyone could recommend an appropriate cruise line. I have read on this forum that the Holland America is for "80" year olds. This is something we are definetly not interested in. We were thinking of a European cruise. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Starfish

80's is taking it too far, but about 85% are over 50/60 on Hal

xxx

If you are really seeking more of a laid back party atmosphere I would choose Carnival. There is more of a mixed crowd on that line, but choose a newer ship. That is important. RCCL would also offer a more mixed group.

Tricia

Before everyone is too critical of HAL, I sailed the Caribbean on HAL 2 years ago while on spring break with 3 college friends. We had a great time....I actually met my fiance during this cruise (I was from U of Fla. and he is attending Med school at U. of Michigan)We're getting married in July. I for one LOVE HOLLAND AMERICA. Not sure about this older crowd thing, this was my first cruise so I don't have a basis of comparison but my cruise friends had cruised before and said it was great! Maybe because it was spring but there were lots of people in their 20's on our sailing. I wouldn't hesitate to go on this again as a married couple (am looking into HAL ships for our honeymoon).

Laura

we're 31 (not too far off from your age) and have cruised on Princess and Holland America (in Europe). Of the two we preferred Holland America (food seemed a little better and we liked the casino and our cabin better). There were some older people on both of these lines but they certainly seemed in good health. They kept up with everyone else and were quite active. We actually enjoyed talking to the older cruisers and hearing some great stories! There were also lots of people our age too so I think you will find a good mix of all ages. This is my preference, I don't think I'd want to be with all people in their 20's or all people in their 60's. I will say this though, if you start off with a line like Holland America, it is nicer than the RCI or Carnival line and you'll get spoiled! Maybe it's better to start off with a ship that isn't quite as nice and work your way up. In our case, I don't think I'd ever want to go backwards and settle for less. Now I'm spoiled. I think the people that chose to cruise Europe are usually more educated and "cultured" than those that cruise the Caribbean...We loved it! (Actually, thinking back to our first cruise in Europe, I was 29 like you!)

lanya

Thank-you all very much, we will def. check out more information on HA. The idea of a mixed crowd does appeal to us. Has anyone been in August - if so, is this a good time of year to go to Europe?

Janice

We're 41 and love HAL. Sorry, never been to Europe on a cruise though so can't help you there. We have been to Europe in both August and September before on seperate land trips. Mid to late September is our favorite time to visit Europe. Early October would be nice too...much less crowded. It's still quite hot in most of Europe in August, but better than July.