CONSIDERING TAKING A CRUISE FOR your next vacation? You’re not alone. According to the Cruise Line Industry Association, 25.8 million people cruised in 2017. With more than 50 cruise lines, each offering distinct styles and features, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time cruisers.
“First-time passengers often have preconceived notions about what they will and won’t like,” says Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales, Crystal Cruises. Research echoes Roig’s observation: many services passengers say are important—such as child care—are underused, while onboard entertainment and shows, a deciding factor for only about 36 percent of passengers, draw roughly 70 percent of guests by the end of a cruise. So how do you choose the right line? Start with your budget and destination, then compare each line’s specific offerings to determine what matters most to you. Once you’ve narrowed your options to two or three lines, consult an experienced travel advisor who can refine your choices with practical, firsthand knowledge. “A client recently booked top-tier lodging on a middle-market cruise line,” says Sandra Sparks, advisor, Pro Travel International. “She assumed a big suite would include priority boarding. It didn’t, and she was disappointed. A travel advisor would have known that and steered her to a different line.”
Scenic Azure exterior PHOTO: © SCENIC LUXURY CRUISES
Michela Bisciglia, travel planner at Specialty Cruise and Villas, emphasizes deciding early whether you prefer more inclusions—or fewer. Inclusions are the activities and amenities bundled into the cruise fare. “Some travelers love not receiving bills at the end of their vacation or enjoying drinks without worrying who pays,” she says. “Others dislike feeling like they’re funding everyone else’s extras. In practice, total costs often balance out, so it largely comes down to personal preference. Value is subjective.”
Consider how much independence you want, too. Lauren Frye of Scenic Cruises recommends evaluating how much freedom versus guided experiences you prefer. “Included excursions make it easy to explore without adding to your cost,” she explains. “If you’d rather go solo, choose a line that supports independent exploration—Scenic, for example, offers complimentary bikes so you can see a town on your own.”
Before dismissing a line because you aren’t interested in planned excursions, examine the destination and the unique experiences offered. Some excursions—such as a behind-the-scenes tour of a Sri Lankan tea plantation or a meal in a local family’s home on certain river cruises—are difficult or impossible to arrange independently. Also check docking locations: river ships often dock in town centers, enabling easy solo exploration, while ocean cruises may use ports several miles from town.
Ship size affects the onboard atmosphere. If you want nonstop entertainment and family-friendly features, consider large-ship operators like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, which field some of the biggest vessels at sea. Carnival, Celebrity and Disney also offer large ships packed with activities—from water slides to zip lines and surf simulators—making them top picks for families. Luxury can exist on big ships as well: Cunard and Princess sail large, service-oriented vessels, and booking a concierge-level suite on lines such as Disney, Norwegian or MSC can provide private pools, relaxation areas and exclusive dining while still allowing access to the ship’s broader entertainment. For multigenerational groups, this approach lets family members with different budgets travel together comfortably.
One of cruising’s best advantages is visiting multiple places without daily packing. But cruises follow set itineraries. Some lines prioritize daytime port stays so passengers can explore cities during daylight, while others plan late departures or overnight stays so you can experience a city by night. Make sure a line’s port times match how you want to see each destination. Azamara, for example, schedules overnight off-ship excursions that let passengers take safaris, tour the Kremlin or visit remote regions of Myanmar. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are also known for overnight port calls, particularly in the Caribbean. If a ship doesn’t offer late-night enrichment but you want to explore a specific city, verify the itinerary allows sufficient time there.
Certain itineraries are offered by only a handful of lines. Norwegian Cruise Line is notable for a Hawai‘i-only circuit that begins and ends in the islands rather than a mainland port. CroisiEurope uses specially built ships for unique routes like the Loire River, and a few operators explore the Croatian archipelago. In Norway, Hurtigruten stops at many small towns between Bergen and the Norway–Russia border, allowing passengers to disembark and reboard later as they continue their journey.
Adventure travelers seeking luxury should consider the new generation of expedition ships from Ponant, Silversea, Celebrity and Seabourn. These vessels combine five-star comfort with opportunities to hike, kayak, snorkel and explore remote destinations such as the Galápagos and Antarctica. “People travel today with a sense of purpose,” says Navin Sawhney, CEO, Americas, Ponant. “Expedition cruising attracts travelers who may not previously have considered cruising.”
Remember to factor in loyalty programs when choosing a brand. These programs can provide access to exclusive onboard events, shipboard credit, cabin upgrades, booking discounts and priority boarding—and some lines include perks for kids as well.
Modern cruise dining has evolved past the era of stiff dining rooms and bland buffets. Today’s ships offer diverse, high-quality options ranging from tasting menus to kid-friendly character meals. Consider how flexible dining schedules need to be: some lines require set seating times, while others provide open dining. Food enthusiasts should explore specialty restaurants, which range from casual fleet favorites like Johnny Rockets and Guy’s Burger Joint to collaborations with celebrity chefs. Some venues are complimentary, while others charge supplements or limit visits per cruise—so check details before you go.
Bottom line: no cruise line is flawless, but most offer enjoyable, convenient vacations that let you see multiple destinations with less hassle. With some research into inclusions, ship size, itinerary timing and dining, you can pick a cruise that fits your style and expectations—and likely have a memorable trip.