Taking a cruise is a terrific way to see a lot of places within a short amount of time, with the added bonus of unpacking just once during your trip. Whether you scoot down to the Caribbean for a sail around the islands, fly to Alaska for the rugged landscape and incredible wildlife, or splurge on a hop across the pond for a Mediterranean cruise, a cruise vacation can be a dream come true, so long as you choose the right one for you.
With more than 350 cruise ships sailing the world’s waterways, not to mention hundreds of global ports of call and ship sizes ranging from smaller yachts to cities at sea, there is a lot to consider. To help make sense of it all, we reached out to an expert to provide some easy guidelines to follow when choosing your next (or first!) cruise.
Bryan Shilling is the managing director of AAA Travel, a trusted travel agency that aids with everything from passport services to cruises to tours to domestic and international trips
Make A Guest List
The first thing to consider when picking a cruise is who will be along for the ride. Will it be a family affair, or just the two of you? A small group of friends, or a large, multi-generational group with grandparents, kids, and extended family? Knowing who will be setting sail will help you chart the right course for your voyage.
For example, if kids of varying ages are attending, you might want to pick a ship that features lots of family-friendly activities and maybe even a kids’ camp or teen hangout. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adults-only cruise might be the way to go.
Learn About Cruise Types And Sizes
Once you know who’s going, it’s time to think about what type of cruise will be the best fit.“River cruises have been very popular, and although Europe is in the biggest demand, new itineraries are being added all the time, including in Asia and even domestically in the U.S.,” Shilling says. “River cruising allows guests to see multiple points of interest without having to pack and unpack at each stop.”
Shilling also notes that ocean cruising, which is what folks think of most often when considernig cruises, continues to grow worldwide. Nowadays, there are itineraries to fit any traveler’s needs. For more adventurous travelers, exploration cruises, which are growing in popularity, may be the way to go. “Antarctica, the Galápagos, and Scandinavian itineraries are the most popular on this type of cruise, with ship sizes that are smaller than regular ocean cruises,” says Shilling.
Speaking of ship size, Shilling says this is another factor that should go into your decision making process. “Today ship sizes vary from a few hundred to over 5,000 guests per sailing,” he says.
If you don’t love being in crowds or just prefer a more intimate experience, you might want to select a ship that’s on the smaller side. One other thing to consider is that the size of a ship can also affect the amenities offered. Larger vessels may have dozens of dining options, while smaller ones could have just two or three. Keep in mind other amenities you might like to take advantage of while onboard—like a spa, fitness center, kids’ programming, entertainment, and shopping—when researching too.
Pick Your Destination
Another factor in finding the right cruise for you is determining where in the world you want to go exploring. When it comes to ocean voyages, Shilling suggests sun and fun destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas for a quintessential beach experience. If culture is more up your alley, he says Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asian destinations fit the bill. And if you’re all about the opportunity to see wildlife and soak in stunning scenic views, he recommends Alaska and Scandinavia.
Another thing to think about when choosing a destination are the types of excursions you might like to do during your cruise. If you’re dying to go snorkeling, a cruise that takes you to a tropical or beach destination might be best, but if you’ve always dreamt of going dog sledding, a cruise through Alaska might be your target.
Decide When To Go
Though destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Mexico welcome cruise ships year-round, not all destinations do. For example, cruises to Alaska set sail from early-spring through mid-fall, and a lot of Mediterranean cruises stop sailing after the summer season, so availability may come into play when planning your cruise. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re considering a voyage over the holidays or during school breaks, it’s best to make plans early as cabins can quickly sell out.
Set A Budget
“Budget is a very important part of the planning process and should be set before you begin the search,” says Shilling. “Short itineraries tend to be best for those on a tight budget, but it also depends on what your needs are for selecting a cabin. Do you need four in a cabin for a family, or do require a balcony for the views? Are you planning on being active where an inside cabin, which will save money, may be the way to go?”
He adds that many ships have luxury or private area options for those who may want a more upscale experience, regardless of the cruise line with which they decide to sail.
With a budget in mind and sailings varying in length from three to 180 days, you’ll also want to consider how long you have to vacation on the high seas. “We suggest that first time cruisers select itineraries between three and seven days for their first time out,” says Shilling.
Once you’ve considered all these factors, there is no doubt that you will find the exact right cruise for you. Bon voyage!
