Are you planning for a cruise vacation? If so, you might be looking for the perfect cruise. You are at the right place; let’s break down how to choose the perfect cruise for you.
Cruises offer something for every type of traveler—whether you’re seeking luxury, embarking on your first cruise, traveling with family, looking for affordability, going solo, or as a couple. Choosing the right cruise is key to having the best possible experience on your journey.
Types of Cruises
To choose the perfect cruise, you must first learn about the types of cruises. Each cruise caters to different travelers. These are the types of cruises:
Expedition Cruise
This type of cruise has smaller, more intimate groups that take on particular expeditions like the Arctic, Japan, Australia, etc. They will be loaded with activities, and an expert guide will be present to guide you.
Single Cruise
As the name suggests single cruise is especially for single people and majorly for older travelers. You can make new friends or enjoy some well-needed ‘me time’ on this cruise.
Themed Cruise
Themed cruises are filled with fun. Disney is among the top cruises that offer themed cruise trips with Disney characters. It offers a magical experience with movie soundtracks, films, and more. Other themed cruises are the ultimate disco cruise, a cruise for cat lovers, a 70s rock and romance cruise, etc.
Luxury Cruise
Luxury Cruises or VIP cruises will have more refined dining and amenities. They will have smaller ships with personal butlers and other personalized services and offer exotic destinations. Most of them are also all-inclusive.
Mega Cruise
They are the biggest cruises that can accommodate more than 5,000 people with a wide range of amenities, entertainment, and dining options. They have a resort-style, bustling atmosphere.
River Cruise
These are smaller ships with fewer passengers. They might also have less amenities. There will be great dining, entertainment, and activities. As they cater to smaller crowds, you can expect fewer queues and sea sickness. They are also mostly all-inclusive. The ports of call can be more interesting compared to the cruise itself.
Ocean Cruise
These are big cruises that can carry more passengers and have restaurants, pools, fun, entertainment, and activities. These gigantic cruises offer cheap base prices compared to other cruise types. The downside is that they can be quite crowded and packed and might charge for extras.
Yacht
The yacht is luxury-oriented and focuses more on elite travelers. It can carry 6 to 12 passengers, and crew is not necessary.
Family Cruise
These cruises are family-friendly, offering programs and fun activities for kids. You can find cruises that have appropriate activities for kids. Some also provide babysitting. Be aware that some cruises will set a minimum age limit when it comes to traveling with babies.
Adults Only and Couples Cruises
If you want to enjoy a more adult atmosphere on the cruise, you can opt for the adult cruise. They offer more romantic, adult-only activities and entertainment options.
Adventure Cruise
Adventure and thrill seekers can opt for this type of cruise. They are smaller ships that help them access remote destinations. Popular adventure destinations include Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, etc. Shore excursions will be more adventure-oriented, like rafting, climbing, etc.
Small Cruise
They are more private and less crowded. They are also able to access secluded places larger ships cannot access. It’s also a good option for eco-conscious travelers.
Additionally, some cruises are for vacations. Weekend, Holiday, Tropical, Glacier, VIP, Repositioning, Fall Foliage, Fjords, and Anniversary Cruises are some of them.
How to Choose the Perfect Cruise Line for You
Choosing the perfect cruise depends on various factors. Consider these things while you are choosing a cruise:
Know Yourself
It’s better to know your personality and preferences before you choose a cruise. Different cruises are catering to different types of travelers.
Cruise Experience
Decide what experience you want to have on the cruise. Some cruises give you personalized experiences, like themed cruises, expedition cruises, and luxury experiences.
Cruise Destination and Itinerary
Cruise destinations are important. Just like choosing the cruise line, choosing a destination is important. It all depends on your travel goals, time of the year, duration of the cruise, departure ports, etc.
Cruise Amenities
Check out the amenities offered by different cruise lines. Cruises offer activities, shows, casinos, and other amenities. Choose the cruise that gives you the amenities you are looking for.
Demographics
Different cruises are oriented towards different age groups.
Duration of the trip
There are short and long-duration cruises depending on how long you are planning your trip.
Cruise fare
Cruise line comparison can be done to check the cruise packages and their prices, along with what all are included in the fare. Moreover, you can also check cruise line reviews and cruise line ratings to find the best cruise that aligns with your needs.
Top Cruise Lines
Choosing a cruise that meets your needs can be challenging. Hence, we have gathered the top 5 picks for the best cruise lines for first-timers, as well as luxury, family-friendly, and affordable cruises.
Best Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Beyond
- Delfin II
- Ritz-Carlton Evrima
- Oceania Marina
- Trollfjord
Best Cruise for First-Timers
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Silversea
- Hurtigruten
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Top Luxury Cruise Lines
- Evrima
- Viking Osiris
- Crystal Serenity
- Seabourn Pursuit
- MSC World Europa
Best Family-friendly Cruise lines
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
Best Affordable Cruise Lines
- Virgin Voyages
- Princess Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival Cruise Line