FAQ - Cruise Line Information

1. Which cruise line is right for me?
2. What's the difference between a "traditional" and "nontraditional" cruise?
3. What is the average age group for the cruise lines?
4. What's normally included in my cruise fare?
5. What's NOT included in my cruise fare?
6. What is Freestyle dining?

Which cruise line is right for me?

This is a great question. Different cruise lines and ships appeal to different people. Those wanting an upscale, casual environment with few passengers often turn to Regent or Crystal, while those looking for a "traditional" cruise experience often enjoy Holland America or Celebrity sailings. Cruisers in search of an active, fun atmosphere may wish to sail on Carnival, while Norwegian is tailor-made for travelers seeking a customizable, flexible cruising experience. Royal Caribbean is a cruise line that leans toward a more active cruiser looking for lots of things to do onboard. Their ships are floating resorts that take your breath away. The good news is whatever interests you, we have a cruise line that matches your needs. Spend some time looking around the site, watch our famous CruiseNow.com videos. You can always call and speak to one of our CruiseNow personal cruise guides and they will always spend the time needed to get you on the right ship.

What's the difference between a "traditional" and "nontraditional" cruise?

A “nontraditional” cruise may be one with open dinner seating (eat when you want, where you want, and with whom you want) and casual attire at all times. Cruise lines offering relaxed dining options include Norwegian (with its signature “freestyle dining”), Windstar, and some Royal Caribbean and Princess ships. Disney Cruise Line® also offers a nontraditional experience, especially for families.

A “traditional” cruise may be one with pre-assigned dining times and table mates, and with formal nights (men wear suits or tuxedos and women wear pantsuits or cocktail dresses). Cruise lines still offering a large selection of “traditional” cruises include Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean.

What is the average age group for the cruise lines?

This is a loaded question. While the demographic will potentially vary with each sailing, there are some general patterns. Carnival Cruise Line - 0-35 years of age, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 25-54 years of age, Celebrity Cruise Line - 35-64 years of age, Crystal Cruise Line - 60+ years of age. Holland America Line- Mixed, 40-60 generally, with some younger guests. Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age, Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age, Windstar Cruise Line- 40-50 years of age, with some honeymooners as well. Keep in mind that the above information involves rough averages. Typically, on any cruise, you will find a mix of all age groups. Spend a few minutes watching our CruiseNow.com cruise videos for more details on a specific cruise line or cruise ship. Those will give you a little more detail on the features and benefits of each.

What's normally included in my cruise fare?

In most cases, your cruise will include your stateroom, meals in the buffet restaurants and main dining room, entertainment, 24-hour room service, and drinks such as milk, juice, non-specialty coffee, and tea.

What's NOT included in my cruise fare?

Discretionary items, such as specialty restaurants, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, carbonated soft drinks, photographs, gratuities, medical treatment, casino expenditures, spa treatments, shop purchases.

What is Freestyle dining?

Norwegian Cruise Line introduced this concept and unlike traditional dining arrangements where you receive either the early or late seating and are assigned to a particular table for the duration of the cruise, with freestyle dining there are no fixed seating times, assigned tables, or set dining companions. You can dine when, where, and with whom you like. Because you will not have the same wait staff each night, gratuities are usually automatically charged to your shipboard account, to be distributed to the appropriate crew members. Although the concept of freestyle dining allows for a less formal atmosphere, many people still enjoy getting dressed up for the formal nights, even on a freestyle cruise. Many of the newer "freestyle ships" also offer specialty restaurants, which require reservations and for which an additional fee is charged. Norwegian Cruise Line is the cruise line that has started this concept and so far has perfected it.