If you’ve never taken a cruise before, you might not appreciate the variety that exists when it comes to choosing a ship. You might think that the way to choose your cruise is to pick the biggest cruise line and leave it at that. But you would be wrong.
There are huge differences between the various classes of cruise ships that cruise lines run. Each ship offers a unique cruise experience, with different activities aboard, different dining options, various levels of luxury and pampering, and vastly differing sizes. Each ship also comes with a different itinerary and serves different ports.
When it comes to choosing a cruise, choosing the ship that is right for you is key. So before you pack your bags and set off on your next vacation, take a look at this guide to picking the best ship for your next cruise adventure.
Size
One of the biggest decisions, and one that will have an impact on much of your time spent onboard during your cruise vacation, is what size of ship you want to sail on. Cruise ships range from enormous mega-ships with over 4,000 passengers to tiny boutique craft, with anywhere from one to 500 passengers. Bigger ships tend to have more amenities, as they are essentially floating cities, so if you want your every whim to be catered for at all times, bigger is better. But smaller ships offer a more bespoke experience, with an exclusive ambiance, and the ability to go places that larger cruise ships cannot.
Activities
The activities and amenities available onboard a ship also vary tremendously. It is worth taking a look at things like how many swimming pools are available, and what activities are offered as part of the cruise package on your chosen ship. More adventurous ships might offer rock climbing or even zip lines, but if your tastes are more relaxed then these might be worth avoiding. If you are traveling with kids you will also want to investigate the options a ship has for children’s activities, as some offer comprehensive kids’ programs and excellent playgrounds and waterparks, while others cater to more adult tastes.
Dining options
Dining on a cruise ship used to be slightly disappointing, or at least underwhelming, but now you have an extraordinary range of options, with some of the best chefs in the world plying their trade on the ocean waves. Whatever your tastes or dietary requirements, there will be a ship that offers everything you want, from haute cuisine tasting menus and vegan restaurants to more traditional ‘dinner and a show’ style arrangements.
Luxury treatment
If you want your cruise to be deluxe and lavish, then choose your ship wisely. From onboard spas and luxury suites to specialty restaurants and exclusive activities, there is a huge range of options…but not all ships offer these sorts of choices, and there is a great variety to choose from. If a personal valet, a piano in your stateroom, or a series of couples’ massages and treatments are a deal-breaker, then make sure you choose a ship that can meet and exceed your expectations.
Itinerary
For many people, the ship itself is the most important thing to choose, but it is worth taking the itinerary into account as well. Where you sail, which ports you stop at, and how long you spend at each destination will obviously have a significant impact on your overall cruise experience, and each ship will come with its own separate itinerary. Taking this into account when choosing your ship will ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime!
