Hello all,

New member, first post soon after our first cruise.

We're a mid-40's married couple who cruised for the first time recently but have travelled extensively.

We very very much enjoyed many aspects of our cruise and I think we're hooked - IF we can change just a few things about our cruises.

In particular, what, for lack of a better word, might be called "style".

We're imagining something witha little more 'old world' class and style than what we saw this time. Cruises where people don't show up in the beautiful, formal dining room in t-shirts and shorts. We don't mind a buffet lunch, but there shouldn't be such crowds that you're standing there searching for a seat after getting your food. Where the main pool deck enjoys calm, pleasant music wafting along with the ocean breezes, not booming teen-tunes assaulting your ear drums.

Looking at the "general public" lines' advertising like RCL, Carnival, etc., I get the impression they are not where we're going to find what we're looking for.

So - my question finally - to mature, experienced cruisers - where does one go to get this kind of classy old-world cruise experience?

Thanks.

Welcome to cruise chat. Cunard comes to mind when you say "Old World Style".

Hi abcruisin,

Cunard is indeed a good choice for a more mature cruise experience and also Holland America would be a line with more itinerary choises that may be a good place to look. Third option, in my opinion, would be Celebrity. Between the three lines you should be able to find something perfect for your needs.

Cheers, Neil

On the pricier side, there is "The Yachts of Seabourn" 100% class all the way. But if all you are looking for is a more mature crowd then yes, HAL, Celebrity or Cunard.. you probably can't go wrong with any of those. But if the crowds bother you, Seabourn is the choice.

Silversea Cruises is another option. When I think of Cunard, I get the image of a bunch of David Niven types standing around in tuxedoes, harrumphing and saying "quite", "by jove", and "jolly good" with some frequency. Not my cup of tea. (Oops. Bad analogy!)

We enjoy Oceania
No formal nights but no shorts or T's in the dining room either.
More mature well travelled crowd, limited smoking areas (2) no children's program (limited children) the most I have seen on our cruises is 4 max. holiday season may have more.
Port intensive cruises, small ships (684 passengers)
www.oceaniacruises.com

Another line that comes to mind, although pricey, is Crystal. As for the more mainstream lines, I agree with the assessments of HAL and Celebrity. Note that the choice of a particular ship within a line is also an important distinction.

For that reason, I suggest that you find a travel professional that is well-versed in the cruise industry and who can translate your wants and needs into the perfect ship and itinerary for you. I always recommend that a travel agent who has earned aCertified Cruise Counselor designation through CLIA. You may search for one here.

Possibly Azamara. Cunard for sure. Silverseas, Seabourn, and Crystal. As Lisa said, a cruise specialist is your best choice.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:
....When I think of Cunard, I get the image of a bunch of David Niven types standing around in tuxedoes, harrumphing and saying "quite", "by jove", and "jolly good" with some frequency. Not my cup of tea. (Oops. Bad analogy!)

Then this sounds perfect. Thanks.

quote:

Then this sounds perfect. Thanks.

Of course I was joking, but generally Cunard is more dressy.