Choosing A Cruise Line and Booking Tips

Choosing and booking a cruise can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the industry and the destinations served. However, it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you decide what you want from a cruise vacation, how to pick the best cruise line for you, and how to go about making your booking.

Where Do You Want to Go?

The first decision to be made is where do you want to go? These days you can cruise just about anywhere in the world, so your options are nearly endless. Read our Cruise Destination article for location ideas, and our What to Do in Port article for excursion recommendations.

Which Cruise Line Matches Your Travel Style?

Your second decision is the cruise line and ship that matches how you want to travel. Are you looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or do you just want to escape the daily grind? The type of vacation you’ll have will depend on two things: the cruise line and its itinerary.

There are plenty of cruise lines to choose from, with fleets of large mega ships or smaller intimate, luxurious vessels. The more exclusive lines offer a whole different class of cruising from the mainstream, more commonly known companies, and are generally more expensive.

 

• Royal Caribbean’s ‘Freedom of the Seas,’ sails past Lady Liberty.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Onboard amenities cover everything from the spa, salon and fitness centers, to art auctioneers, casinos, bars, specialty restaurants, photo centers, shopping and more. Ships are floating hotels and besides the fact that you are sleeping in a cabin, it is pretty much the same. Every year newer and bigger ships hit the high seas as the cruise lines compete to be the biggest and best in the industry. Their fleets usually consist of a few older and smaller ships, with the newer ones being the most recent additions. Currently the largest ship afloat is Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, however she won’t hold the title for long as newer and larger ships enter into service.

No matter which cruise line you choose to sail with, be sure to research the itinerary, ports of call and shore excursions offered. The most popular cruises last seven to 10 days, while the more exotic one last anywhere from 12 days or longer. Check what onboard amenities are offered and be sure to budget for your optional shore excursions. Either way you are bound to enjoy your voyage on the high seas.

Next: A Cruise Line Guide