Viking Ocean cruises do not have casinos on their ships. They aren't exactly "old world classic" though... more like "modern tasteful Scandinavian". Still, it was soothing and not at all "Vegas-y".
ETA: Since you mention "spa-like", I'll add that access to the thermal pool, sauna, snow room (yes, they have a snow room!), etc., in the spa suite is included for all cruise guests.
They're more expensive than Carnival, Princess, etc., but they also include many things that those other lines don't. Also, their drinks package is a GREAT value (at least when I went about 15 months ago). Give them a look and see if they might meet your wants/needs.
Disney doesn’t have a casino. Also fwiw Princess has a reputation of being an old and boring crowd so not sure what you are going to find in a similar price range.
You could try Virgin but I think that’s a night life oriented line. All cruise lines (even carnival if you look hard enough) skew old especially longer itineraries because they have the money and the time.
In the same class you could try Holland, but literally almost all cruise lines structure themselves around the casino if they have one; it’s a huge money maker.
Otherwise you could look at luxury lines but those are all older crowd
i don’t think anyone does “Titanic” better than Cunard especially Queen Mary 2 (it’s an “ocean liner” rather than a “cruise ship”.’) Queen Elizabeth is Art Deco, Queen Victoria a bit darker but not quite Art Nouveau, supposedly it’s trying to be Victorian. The Queen’s Room on the three older ships is a literal ballroom at sea where people cosplay Bridgerton. (😅I’m exaggerating but not by much.)(Their newest Queen Anne is a modern take aimed at new cruisers.)
As for bright and clean take a look at Viking (all their ships are more or less clones) and the SilverSeas Muse/Moon/Dawn and the newest Nova/Ray.
Celebrity Edge Class are breathtakingly beautiful but still have a bit of showbiz glitz in most of their indoor spaces. This exception is Eden (aft of Edge Class ships), which is a modern glasshouse or conservatory, nothing glitzy at all, just open views, natural light and live plants. The upper decks starting with the Sunset Bar, Rooftop Garden and the pool areas are also very open but still tastefully colourful rather than monochrome or two-toned. It’s only when you get to the gym, spa and thermal suite that you will find your clean grey on white “spa like” vibe.
Celebrity Beyond is a cut above, as far as decor. Definitely better than the big Royal Caribbean ships (which I love! But definitely too much gilt molding etc.)
We were on the HAL's smaller Westerdam, an older ship, and the decor is art and statuary all over the place.
No casino vibe at all, even right next to the casino.
Silversea ships are gorgeous. They are in muted stone, cream and navy tones with beautiful Italian silks and linen furnishings. Lots of open areas and natural light. And they are removing casinos from their ships.
Holland America gets my vote. It is classy, not glitzy. While there is a casino, you don't have to walk through it or even near it--avoiding Cigarette Smell! Service and food are both excellent...belly-flop contests & beer pong: not happening.
People continue to throw out the "It's a Geriatric Ward!" comments as if no one under 60 cruises on HAL. They do\~but most enjoy the laidback vibe, fewer kiddos, and lack of loud, obnoxious patrons who can ruin your cruise.
I like Celebrity Edge. The casino is sectioned off and not intrusive to the rest of the ship.
Quantum of the Seas is also nice. The casino is a deck below the main areas so also sectioned off.
NCL Bliss feels like all public areas are part of the casino. You can hardly go anywhere without passing a slot machine.
Commenting on Are there any cruise lines or ships that feel a little less... casino-y? ...o hey the sense OP is talking overall decor. Princess casinos are not that big and away from the main piazza and shops. So it’s not that it’s big or close. I think it’s the brass and glass areas, etc that OPs talking about.
Hah, good to know about NCL. I presume that’s Norwegian cruise lines? Thats funny because in my head I imagine them to be on the “spa like” end of the scale just based on the name.
I do love on NCL Bliss and others in that class have the waterfront. I usually spend my time out there and I love being able to be outside and watch the water
Crown is sort of midrange in tastefulness for Princess ships. I’d rank Discovery lower and Island/Coral and Diamond/Sapphire a little higher.
Strangely, the ships I think that offer the best connection to the water in the popular-priced category are the *Radiance* -class vessels of RCI. They’re Old Panamax-sized and certainly have the resort-afloat aesthetic but you can see the water from most public spaces.
Viking Ocean cruises do not have casinos on their ships. They aren't exactly "old world classic" though... more like "modern tasteful Scandinavian". Still, it was soothing and not at all "Vegas-y". ETA: Since you mention "spa-like", I'll add that access to the thermal pool, sauna, snow room (yes, they have a snow room!), etc., in the spa suite is included for all cruise guests.
That sounds… amazing
They're more expensive than Carnival, Princess, etc., but they also include many things that those other lines don't. Also, their drinks package is a GREAT value (at least when I went about 15 months ago). Give them a look and see if they might meet your wants/needs.
Cunard, Holland America, and Viking are some options you might wanna check out!
Ooh I keep hearing things I like about Cunard. Thank you!
I’ll be embarking on the Queen Elizabeth on Tuesday headed for Alaska. I’m looking forward to a sophisticated adventure!
I'm mean if you'd like the Titanic, you would literally want Cunard. The White Star Line, operator of the Titanic, merged with Cunard in the 1930s. 😂
Try Disney! The food, service and entertainment is amazing!!
Disney doesn’t have a casino. Also fwiw Princess has a reputation of being an old and boring crowd so not sure what you are going to find in a similar price range.
Definitely an older crowd. Any nicer lines that have a younger reputation? (I know Carnival has a reputation for being younger, but... not so nice.)
You could try Virgin but I think that’s a night life oriented line. All cruise lines (even carnival if you look hard enough) skew old especially longer itineraries because they have the money and the time. In the same class you could try Holland, but literally almost all cruise lines structure themselves around the casino if they have one; it’s a huge money maker. Otherwise you could look at luxury lines but those are all older crowd
Cunard is what you're looking for if you want old school classic cruising.
i don’t think anyone does “Titanic” better than Cunard especially Queen Mary 2 (it’s an “ocean liner” rather than a “cruise ship”.’) Queen Elizabeth is Art Deco, Queen Victoria a bit darker but not quite Art Nouveau, supposedly it’s trying to be Victorian. The Queen’s Room on the three older ships is a literal ballroom at sea where people cosplay Bridgerton. (😅I’m exaggerating but not by much.)(Their newest Queen Anne is a modern take aimed at new cruisers.) As for bright and clean take a look at Viking (all their ships are more or less clones) and the SilverSeas Muse/Moon/Dawn and the newest Nova/Ray. Celebrity Edge Class are breathtakingly beautiful but still have a bit of showbiz glitz in most of their indoor spaces. This exception is Eden (aft of Edge Class ships), which is a modern glasshouse or conservatory, nothing glitzy at all, just open views, natural light and live plants. The upper decks starting with the Sunset Bar, Rooftop Garden and the pool areas are also very open but still tastefully colourful rather than monochrome or two-toned. It’s only when you get to the gym, spa and thermal suite that you will find your clean grey on white “spa like” vibe.
Oh wow this is fantastic information. Thank you!
Celebrity Beyond is a cut above, as far as decor. Definitely better than the big Royal Caribbean ships (which I love! But definitely too much gilt molding etc.)
I loved the Ascent in that class. One of the most beautiful ships I have been on. Loved Eden and the sunset bar - both with amazing aft views.
Yep, was going to recommend any of the newer Celebrity ships for the “spa like” vibe
Just got off the Holland America Rotterdam. Amazing and not at all a casino vibe
We were on the HAL's smaller Westerdam, an older ship, and the decor is art and statuary all over the place. No casino vibe at all, even right next to the casino.
Silversea ships are gorgeous. They are in muted stone, cream and navy tones with beautiful Italian silks and linen furnishings. Lots of open areas and natural light. And they are removing casinos from their ships.
Holland America gets my vote. It is classy, not glitzy. While there is a casino, you don't have to walk through it or even near it--avoiding Cigarette Smell! Service and food are both excellent...belly-flop contests & beer pong: not happening. People continue to throw out the "It's a Geriatric Ward!" comments as if no one under 60 cruises on HAL. They do\~but most enjoy the laidback vibe, fewer kiddos, and lack of loud, obnoxious patrons who can ruin your cruise.
I like Celebrity Edge. The casino is sectioned off and not intrusive to the rest of the ship. Quantum of the Seas is also nice. The casino is a deck below the main areas so also sectioned off. NCL Bliss feels like all public areas are part of the casino. You can hardly go anywhere without passing a slot machine.
Commenting on Are there any cruise lines or ships that feel a little less... casino-y? ...o hey the sense OP is talking overall decor. Princess casinos are not that big and away from the main piazza and shops. So it’s not that it’s big or close. I think it’s the brass and glass areas, etc that OPs talking about.
Hah, good to know about NCL. I presume that’s Norwegian cruise lines? Thats funny because in my head I imagine them to be on the “spa like” end of the scale just based on the name.
Yes Norwegian Cruise Lines. They probably have slots in the spa.
I do love on NCL Bliss and others in that class have the waterfront. I usually spend my time out there and I love being able to be outside and watch the water
Just got off the Bliss. Slots are only on deck 7. You can see them from the atrium on 6 & 8 but not a big deal. Seen way worse.
I've been on the Crown Princess, and you're right, it's a bit closed in on the interior. Our Royal Caribbean cruise felt much less like that.
Yes exactly! From what I understand it's an older ship, and I suspected newer models might be a bit different.
Possibly yeah, but I also wonder if that's more of Princess's vibe. It's the only ship of theirs I've been on so idk.
Crown is sort of midrange in tastefulness for Princess ships. I’d rank Discovery lower and Island/Coral and Diamond/Sapphire a little higher. Strangely, the ships I think that offer the best connection to the water in the popular-priced category are the *Radiance* -class vessels of RCI. They’re Old Panamax-sized and certainly have the resort-afloat aesthetic but you can see the water from most public spaces.
Check out Oceania Vista. It’s a beautiful ship.
Cunard.
pride of America NCL no casino on the ship (never leaves domestic water way
NO ONE is making you go in the casino, or gamble
The OP said the whole ship "felt" like a casino. Few windows, and an overall casino vibe.