JenTen1585
Active Member
My first cruise ever was on my honeymoon 15 years ago, on Princess Cruise Line. It was a Mediterranean Cruise and I was blown away! I loved every single day and every single moment. We did anytime seating so we didn't have a close waiter/passenger relationship, but we had nothing to compare it to at that time, and were pleased with the food and service. We enjoyed the shows; although they seemed a little cheesy, I am easily pleased. The itinerary was AMAZING! My first time out of the country, and I loved touring Europe, especially Italy. I loved the whole cruise experience - unpacking once, playing in the casino, eating and sleeping peacefully while travelling from port to port rather than being stressed trying to find another bus, car, train, or plane. Cruising is for me. Period. We went on two other Princess cruises after that. Then we threw in a couple of Norwegian cruises and a Royal Caribbean long weekend cruise. The quality definitely went down on those cruises, but the price was right. THEN ... we tried Disney. Our first was a 7 night cruise on the Disney Magic in the Norwegian Fjords. The itinerary was magical and so was the cruise. Everything is better - the rooms, the entertainment, the food, and the service. I still love Princess Cruise Line and their feel as well, but Disney is magical for my little girl (and for me and my husband) and I do appreciate their extras (little things add up - like free soda, a movie theater, and the character experiences). Our second Disney cruise was a 12 night British Isles cruise on the Disney Magic again and I fell in complete love. We had the BEST server we have ever had. He took such amazing care of us - providing us with good advice, humor, and exceptional food. He knew the best thing on the menu and was always encouraging us to try new things. He charmed my little girl and kept us all smiling. the shows were amazing and I loved the itinerary! When we pulled into Liverpool, they had planned a celebration just for the Disney Magic coming into town. There was a big screen playing Disney movies and thousands of Liverpool residents all crowded near the wharf just to see the boat and take pictures of it. The Magic sent down characters who were taking pictures with the locals. I pointed out the crowds to my daughter from the 7th floor deck and said "Just look how lucky we are. Those people are out in the cold and rain just to take a picture of the boat you get to sleep on and eat on and see shows on!!!" I really felt blessed. It was an amazing experience and my best trip yet. After that I took a 7 day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. It was a fabulous itinerary. The price was certainly right. It was a ladies trip with my family and we shoved 4 people into an inside room, so part of it was my fault. But ... I forgot how different the non-Disney cruises were - from food, to service, to shows, to bed, to room ... everything. BUT, I always say, there is no such thing as a bad cruise! And any day I'm on a cruise ship on any line is a good day. I just had to keep repeating to myself "You get what you pay for. You get what you pay for." We're booked on the Disney Wonder for Alaska this June and I look forward to returning to it's magical atmosphere! LONG story short. I'm sure I will still continue to cruise other lines, especially my favorite non-Disney cruise line, Princess, if the price is right ... however, Disney is the best, and when I can find money to splurge on it, I will enjoy every second of the extra!
