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My husband and I have been on cruises we have loved, and we have been on cruises we have hated. Time and money spent finally proved that the love/hate line was not dependent on itinerary, cruise length, time of year, price, or any of the things you might imagine. Instead, satisfaction rode on matching our particular needs and wants with the ability of the specific cruise line to match our desires. The difference between love and hate was what cruise line we chose.

Watching the ads of the different cruise lines can tell you the demographics to which each line appeals and caters. For instance, Royal Caribbean, with it's "Get out there!" slogan definitely tries to garner the action- adventure crowd. Its ships come complete with rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks and wave pools. These are not exactly the amenities someone looking for a romantic honeymoon might choose. On the other hand, for a family reunion with all age groups, Royal Caribbean might offer just the right mix of full blown activities for the teenagers in the group, a total childcare arrangement, as well as casino and nightclub entertainment for the adults.

Our first cruise experience was with Royal Caribbean in just such a family reunion type get- together. It was convenient and a nice introduction to cruising. It was not, however, what we would have chosen as a couple. When vacationing alone, we would look for a much quieter and private venue with far fewer guests per ship. Escaping crowds is our idea of the perfect getaway and our cruise on Royal Caribbean made us feel as though we were thrust into a crowd instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line seemed like a nice alternative so that was our next attempt at cruising perfection. Unfortunately, while satisfactory and accommodating with the flexible eating arrangements, we found the experience to have much the same drawbacks as the Royal Caribbean cruise, without the benefit of family members there for amusement and distraction.

It was not until we found Holland America that we found a truly relaxing and rejuvenating cruise experience. Granted some would say this was a much older, grayer crowd, but we did not want the noise, the bar scene, the crowds. We just wanted to be with one another, in our own little world, and be catered to and accommodated. And we were. It was done gracefully and elegantly. We felt pampered. Everything was just perfect from the stateroom to the food to the excursions. Our definition of perfect, however, no doubt differs from someone else's.

The trick in cruising is to define what you want and then match your desires to the cruise line. If you want peace and quiet, look at Holland America. If you want to party until you can't party anymore, then look at Carnival. If you want to please the kids, then look at Disney. If you want gourmet food, then look at Celebrity. Ask your travel agent for advice and remember that you spend a lot more time onboard ship than you do in port. Choose your cruise line wisely and you will find the magic of enjoying a cruise you love.

Learn more about this author, Susan Mcdaniel.
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