Hi Jeannie, 1st. :)

I used to really enjoy cruises, not so much anymore.
Of course they are still a great vacation for many people,
don't get me wrong.
Reasons I don't cruise anymore:
Ships too big for my taste. I used to choose ships with
800-1000 passengers, those are not what's out in the mass
market nowadays.
Less classy and special: Personally now I prefer a
casual dress vacation, so I go to all inclusive resorts. But
when I did cruise once or twice every year from the 80s on to
the millenium, I enjoyed the dressing up for dinner every
night, and being with others who were appropriately dresssed,
and dressing nicely for a true 'tea time'...also it was
special to have your own table and your own waiter every night
at your appointed dining time.
Now it's mostly all open seating and dress codes are
nonexistent or ignored.
Less inclusive product now it's pay extra for an ice
cream, for a coffee "with", for a darn bottle of water.
Pay extra to get to eat dinner in a 'better' restaurant.
more inclusive? many lines now 'include' prepaid tips
because they are dealing with passengers who are so low class
that they'd stiff all the people who served them all week.

NOw, that said, IN THE PAST I had wonderful cruises on HAL,
Princess, and many other cruise lines.
More recently, I traveled by ship with the Semester at Sea
program, much more to my liking now; and I took a one week
cruise with Royal Caribbean to give those huge mega monster
ships just one more chance to win me over. Result? Had a great
week despite the aspects of the ship which I personally don't
care for. :)

I may book a European river cruise one of these days, have not
done that particular type of cruise, and would like to give it
a try.
As to your recommendation for which line, sorry I can't help
much. I think you'll get pretty much the same kind of product
with just a few details differing whether you choose Holland
America (HAL), Princess, or Royal Caribbean. In fact, since
the destination is "European", even Carnival has pretty much
the same product.
A European cruise is more port intensive and less time at sea,
unless you do an ocean crossing. So the details on the ship
are not quite as important as with a Caribbean type cruise.
A lot has to do with luck, too, such as who happens to be on
the ship with you, nice traveling/dining companions add a lot
to a cruise.
I'd select by itinerary and price if it was up to choosing
between those major players.
Worst cruise ever (of about 25)? Cunard.
One of the best? also with Cunard.
Often has little to do with the cruise line chosen. :)

On 11/05/09, Jeannie wrote:
> Hubby and I are thinking of doing a cruise in the future of
> the British Isles. We are considering Princess because we
> like the schedule. We have had good luck with Royal
> Caribbean. Holland was a huge disappointment. Carnival
> had just taken it over and it didn't offer what I know was
> provided before the take over. Yet Princess is owned by
> Carnival too. I did a sister's cruise with my sister and a
> girlfriend's and her sister. That was a short mini cruise
> via Carnival and it was great.
>
> Our experience with Carnival-Holland is that we paid a
> premium price for a low rent cruise. It was a huge
> disappointment.
>
> If you have had good luck with Princess I would love to
> hear. If you haven't send your comments too.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeannie

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