There are so many different cruise lines, ships and destinations, that choosing the right cruise can be confusing. Year after year, it amazes me how some clients love a particular ship, and another will take the same cruise a few weeks later, and not like it at all. It is a reminder that although you may get opinions from your family and friends, you should also seek the knowledge of a cruise expert who can give you the hard facts about each cruise line and ship to determine if you are making the right choice for your individual wants and needs.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a trip. What you need to determine is what is most important to you. Here is a useful list of some of the things you should consider before making your decision:
- How much time do you have?
- Are you trying to stay within a certain budget?
- Are you willing to fly, or do you want the port to be driving distance from your home?
- Are there particular places that you want to visit?
- Do you enjoy certain activities such as scuba diving, hiking or shopping that you want to be able to do while on your trip?
- Are you looking to experience history or another culture?
- Do you have a particular interest or passion in something such as art, architecture, wildlife or cuisine?
- Do you have children traveling with you, where you would be looking for family friendly activities?
- What type of accommodations are you accustomed to? Do you normally stay in a W or Four Seasons, or a Marriott or Hilton, or perhaps a Comfort Suites or Residence Inn? When you stay at these hotels do you normally book a regular room, or do you book a suite with concierge services?
- Are you looking for a large ship that has a variety of onboard activities, or are you looking for a smaller, more intimate experience?
Once you have answered these questions, then you should consider which are your top priorities. I had clients recently who wanted an upscale cabin for their 10th anniversary. A suite on a 7 day cruise exceeded their budget, so they booked a suite on a 4 night cruise instead. They were not willing to compromise the accommodations for a longer trip on this special occasion. Many senior citizens in our area have been to the Caribbean 10+ times on various different ships. They want inexpensive to be able to go and gamble, play bridge and spend time with friends. The cheapest inside cabins are usually fine. They also usually travel in groups, so they say they spend little time in their cabins, where the anniversary couple clearly wanted time alone and to be pampered. So you see how everyone’s idea of a perfect cruise is quite different.
This list is a great place to start, and then consult an experienced travel agent. Cruising has always provided a great value, and I have found in the past year that many premium and upscale cruise lines have dropped prices to stimulate business, so you may be able to enjoy a cruise line or an upgraded cabin you normally wouldn’t even consider, since the prices are much more reasonable than in years past. A cruise specialist can present you with the latest promotions and give you everything you need to compare your options, and pick the right cruise.
Popular mainstream cruise lines: Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises
Popular Premium cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Cruises
Popular Deluxe cruise lines: Oceania Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Cunard Cruises
Popular luxury cruise lines: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruises
Popular river cruise companies: Amawaerways, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways
