Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo
Trip Bacon

Older Cruise Ships vs Mega Ships (Why You’re Probably Wrong)

Optimal Cruising
Optimal Cruising
🥈Expert
👁️ 2K views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 8:57
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I'm going to prove mathematically that on these ships, you're paying double for a whole lot less.

I could take two cruises on a slightly older ship for the same price of one cruise on the brand new ship, it's a no-brainer.

On these newer ships, cruise lines are trying to cram as many people as possible on board.

If you've been on both types of ships, did you notice a difference in service?

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book an older ship that has been recently refurbished to get a new ship feel at a lower price.
Look for ships refurbished in 2025 for a fresh experience.
Consider the gross tonnage per passenger to assess space and crowding.
Be aware of itinerary limitations with mega ships at certain ports.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhy might newer mega cruise ships not be better than older ships?
QHow can you save money by booking an older cruise ship?
QWhat are the practical drawbacks of mega ships regarding space and service?

Topics Covered

Value Pricing1½ Sad BaconShip Condition2 Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1 Sad BaconService Crew2 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Tampa Bay2 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Are you considering booking one of the new mighty cruise ships? Stop! This video provides essential cruise ship advice, suggesting that newer ships may not always be better. We mathematically prove that passengers often pay more for less on these larger vessels, offering smart cruise planning strategies and cruise tips for saving money. 🌴 Plan Your Cruise Like a Pro: 🧭 Book with My Recommended Cruise Travel Agent ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11926423 🛳️ Shore Excursions Cheaper and Better with Viator ➡️ http://vi.me/xqeDJ 🛳️ Shore Excursions Group GUARANTEES You Won't Miss Your Ship ➡️ http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1806165&data=garynancyward@gmail.com 🛡️ Travel Insurance I Personally Recommend ➡️ https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101449107-11454010 ⚠️ These are affiliate links, which help support the channel at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve used or truly believe in! 👍 SUBSCRIBE for weekly cruise vlogs, tips, secrets, savings, and reviews from our cruising family. 🎥 Watch more videos from @OptimalCruising — we’re here to help you cruise smarter, save money, and have more fun at sea! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:41 - The Great Cruise Lie 02:51 - The Math Doesn't Lie 04:31 - The Logistics Tax 06:02 - The Service Gap 07:11 - The Sweet Spot Strategy 🔍 Hashtags: #FirstCruise #cruiseship #cruisehacks 🎶 Music Credit: Music by Gary Ward @GaryWardMusic 📢 Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!