My family has sailed on NCL (2x), Carnival (4x), and Disney (11x). Each cruise line will appeal more to some, not so much to others, depending on what you are looking for. My family prefers excellent service, distinct differences between adult and family entertainment, and a feeling of safety (amongst other things), but we really just want to get away sometimes so not every cruise has all that we wish for. But they all rock me to sleep at night!
I tend to worry, and no matter where we are, I always have an escape in the back of my mind for any calamity. Therefore, a cruise line that gives me a good sense of safety from the beginning gets to the top of my list right away. Of the three lines we have sailed, DCL is at the top for sense of safety.
The lifeboat drills on Carnival and NCL were a joke. Neither our Carnival nor NCL cruises had lifeboat drills where I felt the crew really cared about keeping us informed and alive. On my last Carnival, the crew leading the lifeboat drills weren't even checking people in, just telling you to go take a seat, and then looking at things on their cell phones instead of leading the drills. Neither of my NCL cruises had any semblance of order, and my last one on the Getaway, the crew just gave up because no one would quiet down, so the crew walked off to a corner of the room. On DCL, nothing happens until every room is checked in and everyone is quiet. I know it is up to me to get my family to safety, but I sure do feel better about safety if the crew gives the impression of being prepared!
This all makes me wonder how the lifeboat drills and sense of safety are on RCCL and Celebrity? What about MSC? I will enjoy a cruise, no matter the cruise line, because I am on vacation and on the ocean, but will another line take the lifeboat drill as seriously as DCL does? For me, that is what is very important when I choose my next cruise.