I am fairly new to cruising and want to have a "classy" yet fun cruise!! We are in our early 30's and really like Cunards Queen Mary but we were warned we would be the youngest passengers?? Any truth in that..traveling to the Caribbean is always a younger crowd than Europe..What can veteran cruises recommend??
I sailed the Queen Mary to the Caribbean this past December, a 10-night cruise from New York. Cunard tends to attract an older demographic in general, and longer cruises such as the 10-day also typically attract an older crowd. I'm a generation older than you, and although there were some young people and even some families with young children, in general the crowd was my age and older. But that doesn't necessarily mean you won't have a good time. The QM2 is classy, upscale cruise line with formal nights like the "Black and White Ball" and the "Masquerade Ball." The food and service were excellent. The Planetarium was terrific, and there were concerts, enrichment classes and lectures, etc.
If you're looking for more of a lively crowd, with a disco that rocks until dawn, this isn't the right cruise line for you. You probably will be among the younger cruisers on the ship, but you won't be the only ones. If you're looking for a more mass-market cruise line with a younger crowd, take a look at Royal Caribbean or Princess.
Have you sailed a cruise line already that you enjoyed a lot?
Hi Sunny32, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Can't add much to what Sandy said. I can tell you that Princess is a great line, they are our favorite, so far. I would love to experience the QM2 or the Queen Victoria as it is a true ocean liner experience. SonnyV loves Royal, they are a great line, but to me Princess is still a bit above. You may also want to check into Regent, Celebrity, or Crystal. You are correct that a Caribbean itinerary will draw a slightly younger crowd. As Lisa said, you won't be the only ones in your 30s on board the QM2. My best suggestion would be to consult with a cruise specialist. They would be able to match your requirements to a ship that would meet them. Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!
We have recently returned from a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Having travelled on the same ship in Europe, I can confirm that passengers are generally younger in this cruise. Of course the majority remain always of an older age, nevertheless we felt very comfortable - and we are 40 years old - not that old folks (smile). If you want an upscale and more sober and cerebral experience, don't miss the QM2. People dress elegantly even in casual nights. The sense of spaciousness is unparalleled - the ship carries less than 1,000 people than similar ships, and never felt crowded. The ceilings of the main public spaces are very high compared to all other ships. Lectures from knowlegeable people were the norm every day. Definitely not the average fun ship, nevertheless I feel one should travel on the Queen Mary 2 at least once.
