5 Things to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Cruise

 

Every year millions of people choose to cruise for their vacation. And why not? You unpack once, someone else does the “driving” and you get to explore fascinating ports of call every day. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? Very simply, it depends on preferences—which explains why there are so many varieties of cruise companies and ships competing for your attention.

Here are five things to consider when choosing your cruise experience.

Where do you want to go?

Choosing the destination is the first step. Are you looking for pure escape with a relaxing program that includes nothing more than sunning by the pool, dancing the night away and indulging in a spa treatment or two? Then a Caribbean cruise aboard one of the mega-ships like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian or Celebrity may be your best bet.

Do you dream of fairytale castles, ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites? A European destination might be the ticket. Consider smaller luxury cruises like Seabourn which has a partnership with UNESCO offering in-depth insight into their many World Heritage Sites.

And then there’s the allure of natural wonders like the fjords of Norway. Chase the midnight sun aboard a cruise with Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise, Viking, Windstar and others offering itineraries in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Breathtaking glaciers, snow-capped mountains and fascinating wildlife await on a cruise to Alaska. Princess Cruises leads the pack in Alaskan cruise itineraries, but there are more than two-dozen mainstream lines to choose from. You might not return with a golden tan, but you’ll certainly return with memories to last a lifetime.

Do you think bigger is better?

For some cruisers, the bigger the ship the better.  If this sounds like you, check out the big boys. Royal Caribbean tops the list with its ship, Harmony of the Seas which holds 5,479 passengers (based on double occupancy). And they’re not finished there; with the launch of Symphony of the Seas in April 2018, Royal Caribbean will break its own record for mega-ship stats. These ships are like floating theme parks with favorite attractions that include a robot bartender, waterslides, rock climbing wall, surf simulator, an Aqua Theater, numerous casinos and much more.

If the sound of slot machines gets on your nerves, consider a smaller more intimate ship. Viking’s ocean liners are limited to 930 passengers providing more personalized attention and a more luxurious experience all around. With a focus on food, culture, people and customs, Viking ships spend more time in each port of call; that means less time aboard the ship. And their itineraries are inclusive allowing for more exploration to discover each destination.

Have you researched the demographics:  Singles, Families or Seniors?

If you’re a parent planning the ultimate family getaway you probably don’t want to spend your cruise covering the eyes and ears of your little ones to shield them from the antics of avid party people. You’ll want to find a family friendly cruise like Disney. Of course if you’re planning to party ‘til the sun comes up and sleep your days away by the pool, you don’t want a Disney cruise with toddlers running around the deck. And while some seniors like to pretend they can still party like they did in college, their grandkids probably wish they wouldn’t.  Find out what the atmosphere is onboard the cruise you’re considering before you go; that way everyone is happy.

Are you ready to get started on booking?

Once you have an idea of where you want to go and what kind of ship you prefer, it’s a good idea to speak with a cruise agent. You want someone with real-world experience who’s been on the specific ship you’re considering. This will give you a better idea about the atmosphere, food and entertainment. You’ll also want to ask what’s included in the price.

Another consideration is whether to book your own flights. Some cruise lines roll the flight costs into the ticket price. If your cruise is one that’s covering them, the ship must wait for you if there’s a flight delay. If you choose to book your own flights, plan to arrive the day before you sail just in case the airline doesn’t get you there on time.

What about seasickness?

Let’s face it, some people just can’t handle the motion of the ocean. If you turn green at the thought of rolling waves, consider a river cruise. Your home for the duration of the cruise is a floating boutique hotel and with a maximum capacity of 150 to 175 passengers, your experience is significantly more intimate. Scenic USA even offers butler service on its luxurious fleet of “spaceships” and its all-inclusive cruise pricing really is all-inclusive: excursions, tips for guides and staff and even unlimited alcoholic beverages. Itineraries range from the rivers of Europe to the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.  You’ll spend more time exploring on land and less onboard the ship. And you’ll barely know you’re moving as you’re sailing.

Whatever cruise you choose, we wish you smooth sailing. Bon Voyage!