Chart Your Course: How to Choose A Cruise Adventure Perfect For You! With so many possible options, I am sharing smart tips on how to find the cruise to fulfill your want list!
As the calendar pages turn, we find ourselves in the heart of vacation planning season. Whether you’re floating on a wave of tax season refunds or syncing calendars for that much-needed summer retreat, the allure of the open seas calls. Choose a cruise and enjoy the fun that follows.
Today, I am going to share the many ways you can choose a cruise, ensuring your vacation hits the high seas of satisfaction (see what I did there, lol) Bon Voyage
Table of Contents
How To Choose A Cruise: Helpful Suggestions For Every Vacay Planner
There’s no universal fit when it comes to cruises. Reflecting on my conversations with other cruisers, it’s clear that choosing the perfect cruise involves much more than a spontaneous decision.
Choosing a cruise is all about aligning your desires with the right options – from the cruise brand to the destination options.
While the idea of picking a random cruise on a whim might seem thrilling to some, remember that the power to choose is in your hands.
I created this guide to help you make informed choices, to find a cruise that delivers your style and preferences, your bucket list for cruising.
After all, you’re the star of your life’s journey, so take the lead, delve into the details, and then confidently book the cruise that resonates with you.
1. Choose A Cruise: For the Detail-Oriented 🚢
For those who relish in the details (yes, Type A’s, we’re looking at you), here’s how to conduct a thorough cruise line investigation:
- Google Reviews: Start with a Google search for unbiased customer feedback.
- BBB Reviews: Check the Better Business Bureau for red flags or commendations.
- Cruise Industry Articles: Read the latest trends, reviews, and insights for cruising from trusted industry sources.
- Newsletter Insights: Subscribe to newsletters from various cruise lines for exclusive updates and deals.
- Reddit Revelations: Head to Reddit for a treasure trove of uncensored passenger stories and experiences.
- Yelp and TripAdvisor: Don’t overlook these classic review sites for additional insights.
- Deep-Dive Searches: Use specific search phrases to unearth detailed reviews and complaints, like “Norwegian Cruise Line Complaints and Reviews” or “Carnival Reviews TripAdvisor 2023”. Substitute the cruise line name as needed to tailor your search (these were just used for examples)
2. Want to Really Dig Deep and Learn More About Cruises?🚢
For those who thrive on details and want every scrap of information before they choose a cruise, you can use specific search phrases that can be incredibly revealing.
I’ve compiled a list of some prime search phrases, and I have used NCL as an example only, so you get an idea of what I am suggesting to do.
Hopefully, this list of search terms will unearth a wealth of information about a cruise you are searching for so that you can choose a cruise with confidence.
Remember, you can replace “Norwegian” with any cruise brand you’re interested in, like Carnival, Princess, or Royal Caribbean.
- Norwegian Cruise Line Complaints and Reviews: Uncover what past travelers have criticized or praised about their experiences.
- Norwegian Reviews: General reviews can give you a broad overview of what to expect.
- Norwegian Yelp: Yelp reviews often contain candid opinions and real traveler photos.
- Using NCL instead of Norwegian Cruise like NCL Reviews: You’ll find more specific insights, as different platforms may use different abbreviations or names.
- Norwegian Review for Families: If you’re cruising with family, these reviews can be crucial for understanding the family-friendliness of the cruise line.
- Norwegian Reviews TripAdvisor 2023/2024: TripAdvisor reviews are frequently updated, giving you the latest information.
Taking on this level of detailed research can significantly enhance your understanding of what each cruise line functions like when at sea, etc. and it will help those with a deep-dive need to make a confident and more informed choice. It’s like being a maritime detective, piecing together clues to uncover the true nature of your potential sea journey!
3. Choose A Cruise: Social Sleuthing ❤️
This is my favorite way to choose a cruise, it’s quick, easy and so telling. Plus, I am a social media person so it works for my style. I get a feel of what I like fast and it is how you can choose a cruise too.
To truly gauge what a cruise line offers, dive into social media, and here is how just in case you have never done this before.
First Go To The Cruise Brand’s Site: Look for their suggested hashtags (they often share these for contests, onboard). In fact, while onboard a cruise I won a towel and some other fun cruise stuff for posting a photo-winning moment with a hashtag we were given!
You can simply use the hashtag you find at each social to search the social platforms (I share more below ↓↓)
- Follow The Cruise Brand: The cruise ships each use their hashtags including dedicated Brand ones as well!
- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: Follow past cruisers and browse their posts. Look for insights about the crowd, atmosphere, and onboard experiences. Use the hashtag you found on the website of the cruise and put it in the Search bar, which will bring up all the instances it was used in any of these platforms, then read, look, repeat!
- Hashtag Hunt: Search for hashtags related to the cruise or ship for unfiltered, real-time content. It’s like a sneak peek into your potential cruise life.
- Look For This: vacation snapshots onboard, dining room experiences, etc. They speak volumes about the onboard fun, dining quality, and overall vibe.
Remember, I said search NOT Stalk, very different. Searching a hashtag for trend volume, Likes, and view images is very different from creeping on personal content, don’t mix words here! Light looks, give a good or a bad vibe!
4. Do You Need To Choose A Cruise That Is Seeking Kid-Friendly?
Here’s a list of cruise lines that cater wonderfully to families, ensuring a fun-filled voyage for kids to teens:
- Disney Cruise Line: A magical journey where kids (and adults!) can immerse in a world of fantasy and fun.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Offers a variety of family-friendly activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its energetic and entertaining environment, ideal for family adventures.
- Royal Caribbean International: Boasts innovative ships with activities like rock climbing and surfing simulators that are great for kids.
- MSC Cruises: Offers a family-friendly experience with dedicated kids’ clubs and family cabins.
- Celebrity Cruises: Provides a more upscale family experience with educational and fun programs for kids.
Each of these lines offers something unique for families, so it’s worth exploring what specific amenities and programs they provide that align with your family’s interests and needs.
5. Choose A Cruise by Days of Voyage
Picking the right length for your cruise can profoundly impact your vacation experience.
I’ve personally never been able to justify taking a cruise for less than 8 days, but that is my personal preference. I feel that the days at sea are peaceful and allow me to really experience crucial.
Feeling like I got to learn the cruise ship as well as the destination is big on my list, what’s on yours?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on which cruise to choose and why:
- 3 to 5 Days: These are perfect for first-timers or those looking for a quick getaway. Typically, these cruises visit nearby destinations or offer a sampler of the cruising experience.
- 6 to 7 Days: The most common cruise duration, offering a balanced mix of at-sea relaxation and port explorations. Ideal for those who want to unwind but also have some adventure.
- 8 to 10 Days: These cruises allow for more in-depth exploration of regions like the Caribbean, Alaska, and parts of Europe. You’ll find a longer cruise allows you to learn the ship better and relax a bit more!
- 11 to 20 Days: Suited for those who want to thoroughly explore destinations like the Mediterranean or embark on more extended journeys, including Alaskan adventures and Panama Canal transits. Truly a more immersive experience IMO and much needed so that nothing is rushed!
Remember, the right duration depends on what you’re looking for in your cruise experience, whether it’s a short rejuvenation or a lengthy exploration.
6. Choose A Cruise by Destinations
Taking a cruise is like opening a gateway to the world’s wonders, with each cruise line offering a kaleidoscope filled with destinations.
From the serene waters of the Caribbean to the rugged beauty of Alaska, the options are as vast as the oceans themselves. You can choose a cruise to so many different places, it is a challenge on its own!
- Caribbean: A perennial favorite, Caribbean cruises are offered by almost all major lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Carnival, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. These cruises feature sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures.
- Mediterranean: Step into history and experience the allure of ancient cities, charming coastal towns, and culinary delights. The Mediterranean is a popular destination for cruise lines and they truly offer a great chance to explore, then return to your home base, the cruise ship!
- Alaska: For breathtaking glaciers and wildlife, Alaska is a top destination. Cruise lines such as Carnival, NCL, and Holland America, provide voyages that bring you up close to the untamed wilderness and scenic beauty.
- Hawaii: Shares its unique culture and natural beauty, island-hopping adventures, and volcanic landscapes.
- Europe: A broad canvas of cultures awaits in Europe. Discover everything from the fjords of Norway to the romantic streets of Paris. Major lines like Carnival offer itineraries that include the British Isles, Iceland, and Western Europe.
- Asia: Cruises to Asia provide a glimpse into ancient traditions and modern wonders. Destinations like Japan, Southeast Asia, and the vibrant cityscapes of Singapore are part of the itineraries offered by Carnival.
- Australia and Pacific Islands: From rugged beauty to the idyllic islands of the South Pacific, it’s like a storybook opening to adventure, and culture.
- Special Itineraries: Looking for something unique? Some lines offer less-traveled destinations and longer, more immersive sailings. Carnival’s expanded “Carnival Journeys” for 2024, for example, includes unique itineraries to destinations like Greenland and Hawaii, as well as transpacific and transatlantic voyages that promise adventure on a grand scale.
7. Additional Ways To Choose A Cruise
- Price Range: You may prioritize cost-effectiveness, looking for the best value or luxury within your budget. Look for sales and special add-ons during booking that come at a discounted cost which is sometimes an option.
- Cabin Offerings: For many, the choice of cabin is pivotal. From cozy inside cabins to luxurious suites with balconies, the range varies widely across cruise lines. This choice significantly affects both comfort and overall experience.
- Onboard Amenities: The variety of amenities can be a major deciding factor. This includes entertainment options, dining varieties, wellness facilities, and special activities like culinary classes or adventure sports.
These options might be for those looking for specific things as mentioned, but they also might add to how to choose a cruise. If you can’t find it on one cruise line brand go to the next!
Which Cruise Will You Choose?
In the voyage to select your ideal cruise, each choice – from the price bracket, and cabin type, to onboard amenities – crafts a different sea tale. It’s about aligning these choices with your travel script.
Whether you’re looking for an economical journey across the seas or a lavish voyage in the lap of luxury, the perfect cruise is out there.
Take on your role as the captain of your holiday choices, navigate through these considerations, and set sail towards a journey that resonates with your personal story.
Remember, in the vast sea of options, your perfect cruise is waiting to be discovered – choose wisely and take that journey of a lifetime when you choose a cruise ~ DANA XO
About Dana
An award-winning travel writer, I’m your go-to guide for uncovering the best in every destination. My passion is to explore, experience, and share gems from around the world, offering insights and tips to inspire and assist in planning your adventures. I am always working to make your trip seamless even if mine had hiccups! Every share is a tried-and-true slice of my journey, tailored to elevate yours.