Decoding the Overwhelming Options of Cruises

When you think of cruising, you likely picture the massive ships of Royal Caribbean, Princess & Norwegian etc. There is more to cruising and it's changing with options as vast as ever. Many non cruisers have started to dip their toes and are coming back for more! There is an option for everyone! From budget cruises to fine luxury to expedition cruises, there is a choice for all kinds of travelers.

Here is a cheat sheet for cruises. Reach out to start planning!

Mainstream Cruises:

These are your typical giant cruise ships with ton of onboard entertainment, activities and dining options. They are mini cities sailing on ocean. Ideal for families, multi generational groups.

Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean:

Royal Caribbean is the ultimate family-friendly cruise line (although there are areas reserved for adults). Expect waterparks, shopping, nightlife, spa days, zip lines, casinos, kids’ and teen clubs and more.

Norwegian Cruise:

Norwegian Cruise Line’s offerings are impressive and vast. There’s a multi-level race track, numerous saunas and relaxation areas, fine dining, entertainment, live music and more. This cruise truly offers something for everyone.

Princess Cruise:

Known for its elegant ships and top-notch service, Princess strikes a balance between luxury and value, offering a variety of itineraries that include everything from Caribbean getaways to scenic Alaskan voyages. While not considered budget, Princess Cruises provides a high-quality, accessible cruise experience with options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Premium Cruises:

Premium cruises dial up the luxury. While they still can pack in a lot of people, the vibe is more intimate and exclusive than what you’d find on a mainstream cruise.

Image Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages:

Virgin Voyages is a fresh and exciting addition to the cruise industry, offering a unique, adult-only experience that caters to travelers looking for a more sophisticated and laid-back atmosphere. With its modern, stylish ships and a focus on design, Virgin Voyages blends luxury with a vibrant, youthful energy. Ideal for couples, friends groups and parents who need a break.

Disney Cruise:

Disney Cruise Line offers a magical, family-friendly experience that combines world-class service, unforgettable entertainment, and enchanting destinations. The company's meticulous attention to detail and contagious playfulness is evident. Ideal for couples, families and Disney fans.

Luxury Cruises:

Image courtesy of Explora

Luxury cruises take things up a notch. These ships are smaller in scale and offer higher-end onboard facilities — spas, restaurants, gyms — compared with what you might find elsewhere.

Explora:

 Explora Journey ships feel more like luxury boutique hotels. The service is hyper-personalized — and personable — the décor is elegant, the dining options are gourmet and onboard wellness is taken very seriously. Ideal for luxury travelers, couples and families with older children.

Silversea:

Image courtesy of Silversea

Silversea Cruises offers an ultra-luxury cruise experience, catering to discerning travelers who seek elegance, personalized service, and exclusive itineraries. Known for its all-inclusive amenities, small-ship luxury, and intimate, destination-focused voyages, Silversea provides an exceptional level of comfort and attention to detail. Ideal for affluent travelers, couples, and those looking for a more refined, peaceful way to explore the world.

Crystal:

Two luxe ships comprise Crystal’s luxe fleet: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Expect butler service, refined sophistication and class. Their cruises are truly all-inclusive, which is incredible news, since onboard restaurants include outlets helmed by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and other notable names in the culinary world. Ideal for luxury travelers, couples and culture enthusiasts.

Expedition Cruises:

Expedition cruises focus on adventure and a deeper appreciation of the natural world. Often, scientists and professional nature photographers will accompany you onboard.

Image courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions:

Lindblad excels at taking you off the beaten path. Their ships are small enough to maneuver into more intimate natural areas untouched by people. The cruise line has also partnered with National Geographic, whose photographers and researchers often join expeditions to educate guests on the world around them. Even better, Lindblad’s ships are carbon-neutral, and the company as a whole is deeply committed to supporting local communities and ecosystems.

Ideal for active travelers, adventure seekers, nature lovers.

HX:

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) was the first cruise line to introduce battery-hybrid ships. They’re big on environmental sustainability, and invest in initiatives meant to protect and support the health of the planet. HX cruises will take you to far-flung destinations like Antarctica and Greenland, while Hurtigruten cruises take you all around Norway. Ideal for active travelers, adventure seekers, nature lovers.

UnCruise Adventures:

UnCruise’s small ships hold at most 86 people. As a result, you’re able to really get close to nature. Fellow passengers begin to feel like friends, and you get more facetime with the crew, allowing you to ask any and all questions to learn more about the destination, whether that be the Galápagos or Alaska. Ideal for active travelers, adventure seekers, nature lovers.

Ponant:

Ponant is a blend of luxury, exploration and great comfort, adventure and refinement, even in the heart of the most remote regions. Ponant Expedition Cruises not only give you the chance to travel on board a luxury ship, but also to enjoy top-quality services and go on a voyage of discovery to far-flung corners of the earth, accompanied by experts on the regions visited. Ideal for active travelers that want a little luxury on board.

River Cruises:

River cruises allow you to see multiple destinations while only having to unpack once. 

Image courtesy of AmaWaterways

Les Bateaux Belmond

Les Bateaux Belmond bring the luxe hotel brand’s signature taste and refinement to France’s waterways. Gourmet food and immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences — truffle hunting in Burgundy, hot-air balloon rides over the countryside — await. Ideal for luxury travelers, couples and families with well-traveled children

AmaWaterways:

Those who like to stay active on vacation will especially appreciate AmaWaterways. Their shore excursions include bike rides, hikes and walks. (There are also dedicated Wellness Hosts who lead group fitness classes on the ship.) Onboard food prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, and many of the off-board experiences center on tasting authentic, local specialties. Ideal travelers are families, multigenerational groups, active travelers, couples and first-time visitors to Europe.

Viking:

Viking caters to adults (guests must be at least 18) who love learning and cultural immersion. Attend a lecture on history or art, grab a book from the curated onboard library, listen to local musicians, attend a local market with the ship’s chef or tour a world-class museum’s private collection. Ideal for couples and the intellectually curious.

Yachts:

Yachting is the new cruising. Luxury hotel brands have ventured to cruising, redefining what a “cruise” can be.

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Yacht

Four Seasons Yachts:

The forthcoming Four Seasons yacht expeditions will travel to the Caribbean, Greek Isles, Adriatic, Mediterranean, Bahamas and “Rivieras” of Spain, Italy and France. Expect sleek, elegant accommodations and Four Seasons’ signature five-star service. If you thought you’d never set foot on a cruise, this may change your mind. Ideal for luxury travelers, couples and families with well-traveled children.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection:

The Ritz-Carlton will take you all over the world in one of their three luxury yachts, the largest of which holds just over 450 people. Everything was designed to make the experience feel residential. You’ll love the crisp, clean décor and private terraces. Ideal for luxury travelers, couples and families with well-traveled children.

SeaDream Yacht Club:

SeaDream is all about personalization. Start the day with a complimentary yoga class, or sleep in. Practice your swing in the golf simulator, or try your luck at the casino. When it’s time to explore a destination, do so via mountain bike on your own, opt for a crew-led tour or hit the market with the chef. You can’t go wrong. Ideal for luxury travelers and couples.

Choosing the right cruise is just the first step—there’s also the task of selecting the perfect stateroom in the ideal location, planning your dinners, and booking shore excursions to make sure you get the most value out of your trip. Cruise bookings can be complex, with hidden fees that can quickly add up. I’ll guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect cruise to booking and planning your onboard experience. With my help, you’ll feel confident and fully prepared for your voyage before you even step foot on the ship!

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