Cruising 101 – Choices can absolutely make a great vacation

What is it about cruising that so many people are drawn to? I think it likely it has a lot to do with the idea of a floating resort that can keep you fully engaged or let you check out from your worries and stress. You have a lot of choice when it comes to cruise lines and destinations. This cruising 101 – choice will hopefully guide you in the right direction.

All the cruise lines market the adventure, the value, the ‘inclusivity’ of all the features onboard, the ‘something for everyone’. Some of them market the superior cuisine, the social engagement available and how ‘immersive’ their itineraries are.

We cruise for three fundamental reasons:

1. We only have to unpack once

2. We can sample a wide range of destinations of interest to us

3. We can be pampered

But you have to choose the right ship, the right cruise line, and the right itinerary. This means knowing a bit about yourself!

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t book that really inexpensive cruise your agent has emailed you – nor are we saying you have to do a lot of research on cruising before you book one. However, we think you need to know a few things before you click ‘Book Now’.

What to Know

Not all cruise lines are created equal.

There are cruise lines for adults, there are ones for families, for luxury expeditions, for long term adventures, for short term warm weather cruises, for adults seeking fun and for people seeking to just be left alone. And so on. And, within each cruise line, there are further categories based on their age, their typical clientele and where they are seasonally based.

Not all cruise lines are known for the food.

Enough said.

Newer cruise ships have a higher price point/day.

Seems obvious, but, you may be lured in by the sale price as they seek to book up all the new sailings for that ship. While it is great to get on the ships when new (amazing décor, new technology, great vibe), you may be paying a premium for that experience.

Cruise ships are like resorts.

Amenities are important, particularly if you are the type to use them! If a spa, gym, running track, 4+ restaurants, putting range, etc are all important to you when on vacation, then you need to look at the cruise lines and their ships, that have the amenities you want. For example, we aren’t that interested in entertainment/shows onboard so we don’t look for that. But, alot folks want that!

Cruise ships are like resorts – some are large, some are medium, some are small, and some are boutique.

So, the number of people and the type of people at the resort will differ based on amenities, where the ship is seasonally based, the age of the ship, and the ‘hype’ around it. Buyer beware.

Be prepared to meet different types of people.

Obviously, right?! But, you would be surprised how many people who cruise think only people like ‘them’ cruise. Cruising is an equal opportunity method of travel! And, from all over the world. It is still amazing to us to this day how many people we have met from opposite sides of the world who we have found things in common with!

You can do as little or as much as you want.

Remember this when you look at the agenda before you go to sleep in the evening after a very long, active day. You can do nothing tomorrow. Sure, you may miss a wine tasting or a great hike at the next port of call, but, it is your vacation, right?!

As with every vacation, it is what you make of it.

We plan most of our cruises based on what we want to see, do, and experience. Everything else that happens is bonus to us and part of the experience of cruising.

In addition to this Cruising 101 – Choice post, check out our posts on Itineraries, Ships and Shore Excursions for more planning information. For more details on cruise lines, and reviews from other travelers, check out Cruise Critic – a wealth of information.