A Super Inexpensive & Eco-Friendly Cruise Line

(MSC Seashore)

An Inexpensive Cruises does not have to mean Cheap!

30 years ago the 'Fun Ship,'  Carnival Cruise was the low cost cruise company to most families and first time cruise goers.  Today, MSC Cruise Ships is dominating this space thru a strategy of scale.  Like Royal Caribbean, MSC is using Mega Ships like their  MSC Seaside and Seashore to pack in thousands of passengers at inexpensive rates in hopes of stealing business away from competitors like Disney.  But, inexpensive does not have to mean 'cheap,' or cutting corners, and when it comes to protecting our environment, MSC is doing their part.

 

Is MSC right for you?

MSC is in the same 'Contemporary' class of cruise companies as Carnival and Royal Caribbean but you will find MSC prices to be even more competitive.  With their mega-ships each offering dozens of pools, bars and restaurants, they are clearly casting their net wide for everyone's business, but if you are interested in environmentally sustainable tourism, then MSC is right for you and their Seaside and Seashore ships are engineering marvels you must experience!

(Everything for all ages aboard the MSC Seashore)

Eco-Friendly Facts about MSC!

• MSC is on target of reaching it's net-zero decarbonization by 2050, and as of 2008 had already reduced it's carbon footprint by 40%

• The Seaside and Seashore each pump more than 250,000 gallons of water daily from the oceans, that is then filtered and purified and used to fill their more than 400 pools and hot tubs each

• Over 10 tons of refuse such as plastic bottles, paper and other solid waste is produced daily on each of the Seaside and Seashore mega-ships.  This refuse is hand sorted by an army of workers, and over 80% is then recycled!

• Each of these mega ships produces over 1,500 tons of left over food daily from their more than 5000 passengers each.  The mega ships use automation, to grind the left over food into puree which is then safely discharged into the oceans as 'fish food.'

• More than 30 tons of human waste is produced aboard each of the MSC epic sized ships.  This waste is moved thru super engineered high pressure systems that separates the solids from the fluids.  The fluids are then further treated to saving more than 2000 tons each of almost drinking quality water that are then used to cool the massive 80,000 horse power engines.  The rest is safely discharged into the seas

• Ship hulls are specially designed with non-toxic surfaces to help improve fuel efficiency, and special under water radiated noise management systems are designed to minimize acoustic sound impact on marine life

 

(Above Left: Shopping Plaza, Right: Adult Pool Deck, MSC Seashore)

    
(Above Left: Central Park, Right: Grand Atrium, MSC Seashore)

Final Thoughts:

While MSC is not the first, nor the only Cruise company to take responsible steps toward Environmentally Sustainable tourism, MSC is certainly one of the fun, affordable cruise lines that everyone, especially environmentally conscientious travelers can enjoy guilt free holidays aboard.  If you would like to know more about either MSC Cruises Environmental actions, or the Cruise Industries Environmental stewardship, please see (MSC Cruises Environmental Commitment) or the (Cruise Lines International Association) in which I subscribe to.

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Comparing Cruise Lines: Which one is Right for You?

 

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways and packages.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money. 

Cruise Line Comparisons:

There are important differences in cruise lines.  There are several classes of Cruise Lines, each of which are competing for your money.  For example, there is the contemporary & premium tier which you will find names like; Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity, and there is the Deluxe & Luxury cruise lines like Cunard, and Viking. 

To maximize your cruise enjoyment it is important to understand differences between major cruise lines.  

For more detail on some of these, just click a name you see hyperlinked to jump to the full story, or you can view my entire library with the below 'Cruise Lines' hyperlink.

Most Economical Cruise Lines-    MSC, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Costa

Cruise Lines with Best Food-   Virgin Voyages, Holland America, Celebrity, Oceania, Norwegian

Best Cruise Lines for Families-    Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC

Best Cruise Lines for Onboard Entertainment-    Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian

Best Cruise Lines for Couples-    Princess, Celebrity, Virgin Voyages

Best Luxury Cruise Lines-            Seabourn, Oceania, Cunard, Regent

Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers-    Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, Holland America, MSC 

Best Party Cruises-            Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean

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Cruise Lines: List & Reviews of Popular Adult Choices

(above: Princess Cruise Destination Weddings)

Cruise Companies: What you should know

There are important differences in cruise lines.  There are several tiers or classes of Cruise Lines, each of which are competing for a specific audience.  For example, there is the contemporary & premium tier which you will find names like; Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity, and there is the Deluxe & Luxury cruise lines like Cunard, and Viking. To maximize your cruise enjoyment it is very important to understand the differences between the cruise lines, their ideal client, itineraries, excursions, as well their ships and even the seasonal changes called 'repositioning,' that you can take advantage of.

Cruise Reviews: Cruise Companies 

Comparison of Major Cruise Lines
                             
Virgin Voyages    
                                                                                                             
Celebrity Cruise Lines     
                                                          
Princess Cruise Lines   
                                         
Holland America   


Royal Caribbean     

            MSC

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best Travel Packages.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Vacations that remain the top adult picks for the money.

Did you miss a post or know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. Don't forget to start booking your own getaway now.

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Royal Caribbean: Go big or Go Home?- Why not both !

 

Owned by the same parent company as 'Celebrity Cruise lines', Royal Caribbean Group has disrupted the cruise industry with mega-sized ships stealing your tourism dollars from Hotels and other land based tourism.  

Is Royal Caribbean Right for you?

When you think of Royal Caribbean you probably think of epic size ships that are a destination all by themselves with never ending fun for the entire family.

• Royal Caribbean Group owns three brands, and it's Royal Caribbean International brand falls into the contemporary tier, where you will find it's mega-sized ships and entry level pricing being perfect for family vacations and groups traveling with children

• With offering something for everyone from kiddie pools and parks to casinos and entertainment for adults, these mega-sized ships are absolutely perfect for those who may either not desire to get off board for excursions or have special needs making staying aboard preferable

• As it's name implies, Royal Caribbean extensively cruises throughout the Caribbean with over 300 destinations; Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico just to name a few of the most popular destinations are within it's itineraries, making Caribbean vacations easy and accessible

• As a getaway for couples, the cabins are sophisticated, contemporary and there is plenty of night life, casinos, live entertainment and bars available to provide you with just the right break you need

(Radiance of the Seas Cabin)

Is Royal Caribbean's Service good?

Yes, you will receive great service with Royal Caribbean from the start of your cruise at the terminal and baggage handling, thru disembarkation.

• The  contemporary tier of Royal Caribbean International is an entry level service which means more 'reactive' service from crew members

• Royal's 'Celebrity' brand offers a bit more proactive hand holding (Full Story) that comes with the pricing of it's premium tier, however many of the same Celebrity Crew members often 'jump ship' and work aboard the newer Mega Ships bringing their white glove service with them

Is Royal Caribbean's Entertainment & Dining good?

• The overall dining experience is very good, however the quality of food ranges directly with specific venues as follows;

• Casual & Buffet dining quality- 'Very good quality and variety'
• Main dining quality- 'Better'
• Speciality dining quality-'Great !'

• Tip: It will be impossible to resist the endless free ice cream!  The free beverages are limited to; Coffee, Iced Tea, Water and Fruit Punch. Better products will be available by upgrading your beverage or amenities package

(Royal Caribbean: Unlimited Free Ice Cream)

• The overall quantity and quality of entertainment with Royal is excellent and everywhere

• Live Music - 'Very good'
• Variety Shows- 'Excellent'
• Comedy -'Good'

Are the lounge and public spaces of Royal Caribbean nice?

With miniature cities of endless pools, slides, restaurants and casinos aboard the epic ships of Royal Caribbean, even Carnival Cruise lines is no longer safe calling itself the 'Fun Ship.'

• This is another aspect where Royal Caribbean has disrupted the cruise industry with adding onboard parks, and rest areas for it's busy and tired families to relax during those full days at sea!

• Even Royal's older and smaller ships such as 'Radiance of the Seas' built in 2001 with a capacity of just under 2,500 passengers offers incredible public areas to enjoy, including the classic stair case for those photo ops!

  

(above: Symphony of the Seas: 'Central Park' & Pool)

 

(above: Radiance of the Seas: Grand Atrium Left, Right: Pool & Bar)

Do people like Royal Caribbean's Shore Excursions?

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with.

• All Royal Caribbean Destinations are amazing, they do an excellent job with coordinating tour operators and in some locations it has even made major investments such as in Falmouth, Jamaica, where Royal Caribbean jointly owns the port with the Jamaican Port Authority (PAG) giving it's ships priority access.  

• Tip:  The Caribbean is heavily touristed by the rest of the Cruise industry, speak with your Travel Advisor especially about peak travel seasons.  Reserve early and then pay very close attention to changes.   Finally, be very early at the designated excursion meeting queues

 

(Royal Caribbean Excursions: Left Mayan Ruins, Belize  Right Cozumel, Mexico)

Final Thoughts:

Because of Royal Caribbean's mega-sized ships, genius public spaces, excellent coordination with shore excursions, and entry level pricing, the International Brand is a perfect budget friendly Line for Families, and Groups traveling with Children or cruisers who just want the cruise experience without getting off the ship.  Royal Caribbean mega ships are floating islands of travel pleasure and entertainment competing for your tourism dollars against even popular land destinations like Las Vegas. 

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Princess Cruise: Make a Destination Wedding at Sea!

 Princess Cruise is the Original and Definitive 'Love Boat'

In this Princess Cruise Review see how onboard chapels, unlimited great food, and excellent entertainment, Princess clearly offers the best Destination Wedding Packages for the money and you will save yourselves and your wedding party a lot of time and stress by marrying at sea.  

Is Princess Cruises right for you?

Princess began it's legacy as a backdrop to Aaron Spelling's hit T.V. series 'The Love Boat' in 1975.  By 2020 Princess had broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for the largest multi-location vow renewal after 1,443 couples reaffirmed their love for one another during simultaneous ceremonies onboard three ships.

• Princess is owned by the Carnival Corporation and is also categorized as being within the Premium Class, which places it's pricing and quality a little above an entry level experience

• With 15 ships, 330 destinations and 170 itineraries, Princess is available everywhere especially the most romantic destinations such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexican Riviera

• Princess welcomes SINGLES, SOLO and LGBTQ Travelers with Mingle and Get-Together events, making everyone's wedding planning even easier (no one is excluded!)

• For those travelers who must bring along the kids, Princess offers an amazing Kids Camp at sea, and has smartly divided up it's lido deck between Kid and Adult Friendly areas with kiddie pool and slides nicely tucked away from the music and and adult conversations

Is Princess Cruise Line's Service good?

• Princess Service is 'Reactive,'  meaning crew members do not approach guests. This may be welcomed if you desire a low key experience.  You may feel a little abandoned if you expected a more personal experience.  The crew is however very helpful when they are approached.

Is Princess Cruise Entertainment & Dining good?

• The overall dining experience is very good, however the quality of food ranges directly with specific venues as follows;

• Casual & Buffet dining quality- 'Good'
• Main dining quality- 'Better'
• Speciality dining quality-'Best'

• Tip: The free beverages are limited to; Coffee, Iced Tea, Water and Fruit Punch. Better products will be available by upgrading the Princess Medallion giving greater onboard amenity selections

• Formal Nights !  Princess still holds formal night, so be sure to pack a pair of nice clothes for your opportunity to dress up, and take those pics !

(above video:) Caribbean Princess Main Dining and Buffet 

• The overall quantity and quality of entertainment with Princess is excellent

• Live Music - 'Good'
• Variety Shows- 'Better'
• Comedy -'Best'

(above video: Caribbean Princess Entertainment)

Are the Princess Cruise Ships nice?

• The 'Caribbean Princess' was built in 2004 and after thousands of guests have enjoyed this ship, it remains in superior condition, giving credit to Princess and her hard working maintenance staff

• Hard Wood, Glass, Brass and Chrome of the classic cruising experience are found throughout these ships as well as bars being located within only a few foot steps of every lounge area, making alcoholic consumption a very strong temptation

• Although the 'Caribbean Princess' is now more than 20 years old, it's layout is smart; all shops, dining, lounge, and theaters are easy to find.  I personally enjoy the classic decor and I immensely appreciate the 'Hands-Off' service approach around lounge areas giving me a comfortable, uninterrupted place to work or relax for a few hours

(above photo: one of many lounge areas of Caribbean Princess)

Do people like Princess Cruise Excursions?

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with.

• The Princess Destinations are amazing but also very popular by most cruise lines, and some of the methods used in coordinating and communicating excursions with Princess feel outdated, and result in delays that seem to be avoidable if newer technology and planning are applied

• Tip:  Read and understand the excursions very well, speak with your Travel Advisor especially during peak travel seasons.  Reserve early and then pay very close attention to changes.  You may need to ask customer service for updates as some changes may not be electronically posted.  Finally, be very early at the designated excursion meeting queues

(above photo: Cozumel Mexico, Princess Cruise Lines)

Final Thoughts:

Overall, travelers can expect the consistent quality, service and value from the parent Carnival brand and the 50 year onboard Destination Wedding experience of Princess, making this combination a definitive choice to anyone interested in an affordable, simplified destination wedding or getaway for couple.  You will save money, time and stress in making Princess your Destination Wedding.

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Holland America: Mediterranean Cruise

Holland America is where Premium meets Value

Most European and Mediterranean cities grew along coastlines where transporting was easier by ship.  This left the world with beautiful destinations perfectly accessible by Cruising.  Read in this Holland America Cruise Review how this company with 150 years of experience has mastered the waters of cruising.  

Is Holland America right for you?

• Like Celebrity, Holland America is also a premium tier cruise line, however there are surprising differences.  For example, the parent company to Holland America is the Carnival Corporation, which infuses incredible value to this Premium Line.

• While Holland America does offer cruises throughout most major destinations of the world, with being based out of Rotterdam, Netherlands, it has established an incredibly strong presence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, making it one of the most notable cruise lines in this part of the world.

• Because of Holland America's value, premier quality, and overall European presence, this cruise line is perfect for cheap vacations to Europe.  And with ports of call like Venice, Italy, this is an easy choice for couples to Romantically celebrate their most important Anniversaries together thru one of the Europe Cruises. 

Is Holland America's service good?

• Again, the combination of Holland America's 150 year experience and 'no-nonsense' European approach to cruising with Carnival's 'Fun-Ship, value offer' is masterfully infused throughout the experience.  From the glamorous Holland American Dining Rooms (picture below), to the famed Carnival Cabin service of towel animals (see pic), the pair noticeably play off one another strength's of; Fun & Tradition.

                                      Fun 'Carnival' style Cabin Service aboard Holland America

Is Holland America's Entertainment & Dining good?

• Aboard Holland America, you can expect to find the perfect balance between the generous buffet style dining and fun shows that Carnival has set the standard, and the fine European Restaurant experience where reservations and dressing up are still the expectation of Holland's European tradition.  

Holland America Eurodam: Fine Dining

Are the Holland America Cruise Ships nice? 

• In a previous post about Celebrity Cruise Lines, I said the Eden Room of the APEX was one of my most favorite public Cruise Spaces.  While the Eden room will always remain one of my favorite public spaces, Holland America's public spaces will be my first most favorite.  These warm, inviting yet traditionally decorated spaces wrap you like a blanket and you never want to leave.  This is perfect for longer cruises, where a break from noise, and activity is needed.

                                                    Holland America Eurodam: Public Space

• Tip: While public spaces of Holland America ships are impeccably traditional, you may find the 'no-nonsense' Netherland mindset taking over in the cabins and you should anticipate less glamor and to be decorated with only the basics.

Holland America Eurodam: Decor 

Do people like Holland America's Excursions?

• When it comes to excursions, with Holland America's enormous presence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, you simply cant go wrong.  You will find a wide variety of carefully curated day trips, tours, and self-guided options available, with each port of call having at least one or more unique attractions.  

• Tip: Europe continues to be heavily over touristed, and many of it's walk ways and streets are very steep and/or uneven.  This means if you either have special needs, walking difficulty or even a fear of heights, some sights throughout Europe and the Mediterranean may not be appropriate for you, and you should first either speak with your travel advisor or carefully read the description before purchasing one of these.

Holland America Mediterranean Excursions : Mont Serrat (above), Monte Carlo (below)

Tip:  Due to European over tourism you should book early and work with your travel advisor for the best Months to most enjoy your Mediterranean holiday.

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '