Cruises – An Adventure on the High Seas
Since my first cruise in 2011 with the Costa Victoria, I have discovered the fascination of traveling at sea. By March 2025, I had taken a total of 11 cruises.
Cruises offer the unique opportunity to discover many places in a short time - without constantly packing your suitcase. Particularly fascinating destinations can be visited again later and in more detail to experience them even more intensely
My Cruises
Mediterranean (6 cruises)
- Costa Victoria (2011)
- Costa Atlantica (2012)
- Costa Favolosa (2013)
- Mein Schiff 3 (2014)
- Costa Mediterranea (2015)
- Harmony of the Seas (2016)
Caribbean (3 cruises + planned for 2026)
- MSC Divina (2017)
- Anthem of the Seas (2018)
- Norwegian Encore (2023)
- Enchanted Princess (geplant für 2026)
Pacific (1 cruise – Hawaii)
- Pride of America (2022)
Arabian Gulf (1 cruise)
- MSC Euribia (2024)
Cruise-Lines Overview
Not all cruises are the same! The question of the best ship is a very subjective one and everyone has to judge it for themselves based on their own ideas and expectations. Over the past few decades, a large number of providers have entered the market. Each provider can be seen as their own product within a framework of a few key points that are always the same. Each shipping company focuses on different target groups, different priorities, different highlights. This allows as many people as possible to be enthusiastic about cruises. It is definitely a good idea to get as much information or advice as possible in advance in order to achieve the best holiday experience in the end.
| Cruise Line | Origin / Location | Style & Atmosphere | Target Group | Highlights | Possible disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Cruises | Italy | Mediterranean, sociable | Price-conscious travelers, Italy fans | Reasonable prices, good Italian cuisine | Often loud, many Italian guests |
| TUI Cruises | Germany | Quiet, high-quality | couples, those seeking peace and quiet | largely all-inclusive, plenty of space per guest | Less action, board language German |
| MSC Cruises | Switzerland (Italian touch) | Modern, international | Price-conscious, international guests | Vmany new ships with new concepts, successful variety, MSC Yacht Club | Lots of extra costs for extras |
| Royal Carribean International | USA | Action und Familys, US-Fans | Families with children and young action-loving guests | Many new ships with new concepts, many special offers for young and old | comparatively higher prices in the mass market |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | USA (origin in Norway) | Action and US-Fans | families with children and young action-loving guests | lots of special offers for young and old, but also enough relaxation areas, The Heaven Suites | Subjectively no major criticisms |
Environmental aspect – a much discussed topic
The environmental impact of cruises is often questioned. While ships cause emissions, they can have a lower environmental impact per passenger compared to individual air and car travel.
Many shipping companies rely on sustainable measures:
- Use of LNG (liquefied natural gas) to reduce emissions.
- Introduction of shore power connections in ports.
- Modern wastewater and waste treatment systems.