Definitely.
Cruise lines continue to expand fleets with state-of-the-art ships, refurbish older vessels to incorporate features of their newer ships and increase amenities.
No matter which cruise a newbie embarks on, you can be sure that it is better in some way than a new passenger would have boarded twenty years ago.
In addition to choosing based on itinerary, cruise line philosophy, specific ship, stateroom category and ship location, most lines now expand the palette with offers featuring the lowest price or added amenities to fit your personal preferences.
You probably feel like a kid in a candy store trying to choose the best one.
However, notice that the initial question ends with "or worse?"
I'm sorry to note that some experienced cruisers return without feeling completely thrilled by their vacation.
Why is there a satisfaction gap between new cruisers and some experienced cruisers?
Our level of expectations naturally increases with every wonderful experience.
Rather than appreciating a cruise for what it is we tend to see it relative to our favorite cruise in the past.
What's the solution?
Keep choosing better cruises!
An itinerary that includes dream destinations on your bucket list will excite you, and that's a major factor in enjoying your sojourn.
Often, that will include a long flight, but unless you're going to do a world cruise, it's necessary, and it's still a lot better than walking across the desert like Kwai Chang Cane.
Some people like to return to the same itinerary again and again. Usually, it is a cruise that leaves from close to home, avoiding airport hassles.
If that is you, then perhaps you can choose a different ship, but don't expect that choosing a cheaper one will make you happier. Most times, supply and demand work efficiently, although if your personal tastes differ from most travelers' perceptions, we may be able to exploit that.
There may be only one cruise that suits your travel plans, at which point you still have options.
Taking a suite would definitely alter your experience, or you can add new, better shore excursions.
Rather than attending shows you've seen before, seek out alternative entertainment throughout the ship. Some cruise lines, particularly Princess and Norwegian count on guests having diverse tastes and so have undersized showrooms relative to more upscale lines like Celebrity and Azamara.
The smaller showrooms are intended to keep the excitement level higher, because empty seats inevitably drain energy from the crowd and subsequently the entertainers, but because of inconsiderate passengers flaunting seat-saving bans, crowded theaters can be an area of dissatisfaction for repeat cruisers. Instead, look elsewhere, and you'll undoubedly find amazing talent other places on your floating resort free from the maddening crowds.
When you contact me regarding a cruise, I will always first share my best recommendations to meet your desires based on many years of experience taking vacations myself as well as researching cruises on a daily basis.
If none of those initial recommendations meet your criteria...and most of the time, that seems to mean targeted budget...then I will continue to delve into possibilities until we find a match, at which point I will offer a couple of other possibilities, just to be sure you are making the best choice from those most likely to lead to a better trip.
Surprisingly often, however, I must say we will end up back at one of my first offerings, because I do my best to find what will work for you from the outset based on what I know about your plans.
In the final analysis, cruise offerings are better, but the choice is yours.
Taking a suite would definitely alter your experience, or you can add new, better shore excursions.
Rather than attending shows you've seen before, seek out alternative entertainment throughout the ship. Some cruise lines, particularly Princess and Norwegian count on guests having diverse tastes and so have undersized showrooms relative to more upscale lines like Celebrity and Azamara.
The smaller showrooms are intended to keep the excitement level higher, because empty seats inevitably drain energy from the crowd and subsequently the entertainers, but because of inconsiderate passengers flaunting seat-saving bans, crowded theaters can be an area of dissatisfaction for repeat cruisers. Instead, look elsewhere, and you'll undoubedly find amazing talent other places on your floating resort free from the maddening crowds.
When you contact me regarding a cruise, I will always first share my best recommendations to meet your desires based on many years of experience taking vacations myself as well as researching cruises on a daily basis.
If none of those initial recommendations meet your criteria...and most of the time, that seems to mean targeted budget...then I will continue to delve into possibilities until we find a match, at which point I will offer a couple of other possibilities, just to be sure you are making the best choice from those most likely to lead to a better trip.
Surprisingly often, however, I must say we will end up back at one of my first offerings, because I do my best to find what will work for you from the outset based on what I know about your plans.
In the final analysis, cruise offerings are better, but the choice is yours.
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