A travel company catering specifically to those over the age of 50 has been recognized as the top cruise line in a recent ranking by the consumer association Which? Saga Ocean Cruises received high praise for its no-fly itineraries, comprehensive all-inclusive offerings, and exceptional customer service. The Which? survey, which queried 2,865 members of the public about their cruise experiences over the past two years, accumulated insights from over 3,800 individual cruise holidays. The ranking process evaluated various aspects, including onboard dining, cabin quality, and overall customer satisfaction, assigning a rating out of five stars for each category. Additionally, each cruise line received an overall customer score based on the responses gathered.
Saga achieved a remarkable five-star rating in several categories, including food and drink, itineraries, cabin quality, the passenger-to-space ratio, the accuracy of descriptions provided, and customer service. Notable benefits included in Saga’s fares, as highlighted in the Which? report, are complimentary transfers from passengers’ homes in the UK to the departure port and an unlimited luggage allowance. The cruise line boasted an impressive customer satisfaction score of 87 percent.
Cruise Lines with Lower Scores
In stark contrast, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) found itself at the bottom of the ranking, closely followed by the British cruise line P&O Cruises. NCL was rated just two stars for several categories including passenger-to-space ratio, onboard facilities, port excursions, entertainment options, the accuracy of descriptions, and overall value for money, resulting in a disappointing customer score of only 66 percent. P&O Cruises received similar low ratings, scoring two stars in the areas of passenger-to-space ratio, port excursions, and entertainment, while achieving three stars for value for money.
Affordable Cruise Options
The research also provided an analysis of price per night for each cruise line. P&O Cruises is positioned at the more affordable end of the spectrum, with a price starting at £162 per night. The allure of P&O Cruises lies in its no-fly sailings, with many itineraries departing from Southampton. For instance, a seven-day cruise exploring Northern European cities in 2027 aboard the Iona starts at just £499. In comparison, Saga’s cruise offerings average around £375 per night, with their most economical seven-night sailing at the time being a “Vistas of Norway” itinerary starting from £2,819 per person.
Among the higher-scoring budget cruise lines, Costa Cruises stands out. The Italian cruise brand, part of the Carnival Corporation umbrella, boasts average sailings priced around £111 per night. Despite its large ships accommodating over 6,000 passengers and offering average cabins and facilities, Costa Cruises is recognized for its exceptional value for money, earning a description of being “truly no-frills, but at a rock-bottom price.”
All-Inclusive Cruise Experiences
Typically, the lowest starting prices for cruises are associated with inside cabins. Saga, however, does not offer these lower-tier accommodations, instead focusing on an all-inclusive pricing model that encompasses cocktails and meals at specialty restaurants. This approach has significantly contributed to its high ratings. Another cruise line adopting an all-inclusive strategy is Marella, which includes sodas, wine, beer, cocktails, gratuities (usually around £160 per person for a week-long cruise), transfers, and meals in its fares. According to Which?, Marella’s typical price per night is approximately £224, while most other cruise lines included in the research do not factor in flight costs.
No-Fly Cruise Options
Fred Olsen emerges as another cost-effective cruise line, earning four stars for value for money. The research describes Fred Olsen as a “traditional all-singing, all-dancing cruise that won’t break the bank.” They offer no-fly itineraries departing from various UK ports including Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Newcastle, and Rosyth. The cruise line operates mid-sized ships accommodating around 1,300 passengers.
To secure a better starting price, travelers may consider opting for cruise lines with larger ships. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, has a passenger capacity of 5,734 and boasts an indicative price of £110 per night, earning four stars for value for money. Additionally, low-cost sailing options are available through Ambassador Cruise Line, which launched in 2021. This line offers departures from eight ports across the UK, with a price point around £116 per night, though it did not achieve five stars in any research category.
