Zagat recently released result from their 1st cruise line survey to 2,379 cruise lovers that had taken an average of 9+ cruises each. The survey included question on more than 22 major cruise lines. We could fine no details on the average age of these cruisers, which could strongly influence their vote. Older cruises seem to want small ships and a more upscale experience.

The top cruise lines, based on overall scores were Cunard (large ship), Regent Seven Seas (mid-sized ships) and SeaDream Yacht Club (small ships.)

When asked for their personal favorites, the surveyors chose Royal Caribbean (large ship,) Crystal (mid-size) and Windstar (small ships.)

Setting Course: When choosing a cruise line, 88% of surveyors say that Ports of Call is their principal consideration, with Past Experience (81%) and Ticket Price (80%) following close behind. Other major issues are Cruise Duration (72%), Dates (69%) and Balcony/Deluxe Room Availability (64%). Departure Ports are cited by 61% of surveyors, with Ship Size and Activities tying at 58%.

Staying Afloat: As a result of the recession, many lines lowered their prices. The three named as “best for budget cruises” are Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line in that order. When asked how the economy has affected their cruising, 47% say they’re looking for better values, while 23% report cruising less. Surveyors report these alternate ways to be cost-conscious: 20% are limiting their excursions, 19% are choosing cruises that depart closer to home, 15% cut back on what’s included in their packages, 10% choose less expensive rooms and 5% take shorter cruises. A lucky 18% say the recession hasn’t affected their cruising habits, while an unlucky 19% say they “don’t cruise enough to have habits yet.”

Choppy Water: Although cruising is all about feeling good and relaxing, we asked surveyors about their top complaints: crowds/lines (23%), embarking/disembarking (15%), other passengers’ behavior (12%), bad food (11%), poor service (11%), room sizes (5%), smoking (4%) and extra charges (3%). Surprisingly, bad weather, motion sickness, ship size and fixed dining times were not serious concerns.

Other things surveyed ranged from top live entertainment, top fitness centers, top nightlife and top spa services. Here is a quick over view of some of these interesting results:

Best for Families: #1 Disney, #2 Royal Caribbean & #3 Carnival Cruise Line
Best for Seniors:  #1 Holland America, #2 Cunard Line & #3 Celebrity Cruises
Best for Expedition Cruises: #1 Celebrity Cruises, #2 Princess Cruises & #3 Holland America Line
Top Itinerary Choice: #1 Cunard Line, #2 Holland America & #3 Celebrity Cruises
Top Nightlife:  #1 Disney Cruise Line, #2 Royal Caribbean & #3 Cunard
Best for Romantic/Honeymoon:  #1  Cunard Line, #2  Celebrity Cruises & #3 Princess Cruises

I found the nightlife results quiet interesting, as Disney does not offer a casino, so what type of nightlife were those surveyed talking about? Cunard also seems more “stuffy” if you will, so again I am curious as to what nightlife people were referring to.

About Zagat Survey, LLC

Zagat Survey is the world’s most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries and has been lauded as the “most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published” and as “a necessity second only to a valid credit card.” Zagat content is available in print, on the web, on the mobile web, iPhones, BlackBerry and on TV.