Best Cruise Ads of All Time
Over the years, there have been too many cruise ship ads to count -- in newspapers, on billboards and even inside subways. None, though, are more memorable than the ones you've seen on TV. Below, we've compiled our favorite cruise ads, including oldies, more recent spots and even one from the Super Bowl.
Return to the Sea (Carnival Corp.)
Aired during Super Bowl XLIX, this cruise line ad, sponsored by Carnival Corporation, left viewers with mixed emotions. John F. Kennedy's evolutionary theory was a sticking point for the creationists in the crowd, while others found it refreshing and powerful.
Leave Me (Royal Caribbean International)
Part of Royal Caribbean's former "Lust for Life" campaign, this one tickles our fancy with its satirical opening and subsequent montage of adventurous pursuits, both onboard and ashore.
In the Summertime (MSC Cruises)
Who doesn't love a catchy tune and lots of sunshine? The stunning videography and cutesy methods of spelling out "MSC" are enough to win our vote.
Better Than Last Year (Carnival Cruise Line)
The reactions of these cruisers to their vacation, sans bugs and bears, are almost as priceless as their reactions while camping. "Never again."
Bad Flight (Princess Cruises)
This vintage gem, for which we can find no definitive air date, had us laughing out loud as we watched it on repeat. We're sure anyone who's ever flown can relate. We just hope the gentleman in the middle seat lives near the port of disembarkation, or he'll find himself the victim of snot and screaming children all over again.
King and Queen on Vacation (Celebrity Cruises)
The couple in this cruise commercial are the king and queen ... of optimism. Their take on everyday life as "temporary exile" is as uplifting as it is amusing. Talk about a silver lining.
Beach Ball (Carnival Cruise Line)
What better way to bring the beach to unsuspecting 9-to-5ers than to blow up a couple of gargantuan beach balls and unleash them in the middle of a work day? We bet the people watching from their offices returned to their desks and immediately booked a vacation.
The Sea Is Calling (Royal Caribbean)
We all need a little reminder to stop and enjoy the little things now and then. This commercial features ringing "shellphones" that lure passersby into chatting with the sea, which urges them to imagine warm sun, a cold drink and salty sea air. We like where they're going with this.