Guide to Cruising

Cruising is no longer “one size fits all”. Today you can choose from large resort‑style ships, intimate small ships, ultra‑luxury yachts and relaxed river vessels. You can opt for big‑name lines like Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises, more premium brands such as Celebrity Cruises and Princess, refined experiences with Cunard, or ultra‑luxury journeys with the likes of Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.

So how do you find the one that fits you? Here are five key things to consider, with practical tips to help you decide.

1. Decide: is it about the ship or the destination?

First, be clear about what you really want from your cruise.

• If you love non‑stop facilities and entertainment, you might be drawn to the big resort‑style ships with multiple restaurants, theatres and pools. For example, some of the newest Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line ships are like floating resorts with activities from day to night.
• If you are more interested in immersive itineraries, think about lines and ships that focus on the destinations themselves. Smaller ocean ships and some premium or luxury lines are designed so that the cruise is the most comfortable way to explore a particular region, rather than the main attraction in its own right.
• If you want slow, scenic exploration, river cruises on lines such as Emerald Waterways, Viking River Cruises or similar are ideal. You glide right into the heart of cities, often docking just steps from the old town, which is perfect for travellers who enjoy culture, food and gentle sightseeing.

Tip:
Ask yourself: Would I be happy if a port was missed but I still had a great time on the ship?

• If yes, the ship is your focus.
• If no, look for itineraries and lines known for destination depth, overnights and longer stays in port.

2. Choose your onboard atmosphere

Every ship has its own personality. Think about how you want to feel on board:

• Fun and entertaining:
  You like plenty going on, with the option of big shows, live music, maybe waterparks or activity zones and a sociable, upbeat atmosphere. Many family‑friendly lines and larger ships cater brilliantly for this style.
• Relaxed and comfortable:
  You prefer stylish spaces, quieter lounges, good dining, spa time and an unhurried pace. Lines with a more classic or contemporary‑premium feel work well here, with elegant but not stuffy surroundings.
• Curious and connected:
  You are drawn to guest speakers, destination‑focused talks, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more time spent understanding the cultures you visit. Certain ocean and river cruise companies put a real emphasis on enrichment, local experiences and educational elements.

Once you know whether you are drawn to fun and entertainment, relaxed comfort or a more curious and connected experience, it becomes much easier to filter the options.

Tip:
Describing your perfect evening on board in three words. For example, “lively, social, music” versus “quiet, cosy, reading” gives you instant clues about the right style of ship.

3. Think about ship size

Size is one of the biggest factors in the onboard experience.

• Large ships:
  Ideal for clients who like choice and variety. Expect multiple dining venues, shows, pools, bars and activities for all ages. These ships suit those who enjoy a resort atmosphere and appreciate plenty of options. They are often the best value for families and mixed‑age groups.
• Mid‑sized ships:
  A happy middle ground for many. Enough facilities to keep things interesting, but easier to navigate and generally a little calmer. This is often where you will find a balance between choice, service and atmosphere.
• Small ships and yachts:
  Perfect for a more intimate, personalised feel. These ships can often access smaller harbours and lesser‑visited ports, giving you a more exclusive itinerary. They tend to appeal to those who value service, space and a quieter onboard environment.
• River ships:
  Much smaller again, typically carrying under 200 guests. The focus is very much on scenery, culture and easy access to towns and cities along the riverbanks. They suit clients who prefer a more relaxed, land‑like pace with the convenience of unpacking once.

Tip:
Link ship size to personality type:

• Big‑ship people usually like choice and buzz.
• Small‑ship and river‑ship people usually like calm and connection.

4. Match the cruise to who you are travelling with

The right cruise feels different depending on your travelling party.

• Families:
  Look for ships with kids’ clubs, family cabins or interconnecting rooms, splash areas or waterparks and flexible dining. Big‑ship family‑friendly lines are well set up for children and teens, with plenty of supervised activities so adults can enjoy some time to themselves.
• Couples and honeymoons:
  Consider ships with adults‑only areas, intimate dining venues, spas and quieter bars. Some lines have dedicated adults‑only ships or adult‑focused zones which can transform the onboard feel for couples wanting a more romantic or relaxed atmosphere.
• Friends and groups:
  A good mix of bars, entertainment, casual dining options and perhaps a lively nightlife helps keep everyone happy. Larger ships or mid‑sized premium ships work well for groups who want to share experiences but also do their own thing.
• Solo travellers:
  Look for ships that offer single cabins, hosted gatherings or solo‑traveller meet‑ups, and a friendly, easy‑to‑join atmosphere. River cruises and some ocean lines are increasingly popular with solo guests, particularly for those who want company without feeling out of place.

Tip:
Ask: Who needs to be happiest on this cruise for it to feel like a success? If the answer is “the kids”, “my partner” or “my mum”, prioritise the line and ship that best serves that person first.

5. Be clear on your “must‑haves”

Once you have considered the big picture, narrow it down by listing your non‑negotiables. For example:

• Cabin type:
• Balcony for private outdoor space and views
• Suites for extra space, butler service and added perks
• Avoid inside cabins for anyone prone to claustrophobia or motion sensitivity
• Inclusions and value:
  Do you prefer a more all‑inclusive style, with drinks, Wi‑Fi and gratuities wrapped in, or are you happy to pay as you go? Some cruise lines position themselves as more inclusive, while others offer “add‑on” packages that can be worth it for peace of mind.
• Dining and dress code:
  Are speciality restaurants, chef‑driven menus or flexible dining times important? Do you enjoy a formal night, or prefer a consistently relaxed dress code?
• Wellness and activities:
  Spa facilities, a decent gym, fitness classes, walking tracks, or perhaps enrichment such as cooking classes, lectures and wine tastings.

Tip:
Create a wish list and select the top three:

• Balcony or suite
• All‑inclusive feel (drinks / Wi‑Fi / gratuities)
• Kids’ clubs and family focus
• Adults‑only areas or ships
• Spa and wellness
• Food and wine experiences
• Cultural and educational focus
• Scenery and wildlife

This instantly guides you toward the right style of cruise.

6. Think beyond the ship: the full journey

Finally, remember that a cruise holiday is more than just the days at sea.

• Pre‑ and post‑cruise stays:
  Arriving at the port city at least one night before the sailing massively reduces stress and the risk of missing the ship due to delays. A few days after the cruise is a lovely way to explore the final destination properly and unwind before travelling home.
• Transfers and logistics:
  Private or shared transfers to and from the port, luggage handling and clear embarkation information can make a world of difference to the overall experience.
• Insurance and documentation:
  Make sure you have suitable travel insurance that covers cruising, and check visa and health requirements for all ports of call.

Bringing it all together

Choosing the right cruise is not about chasing the lowest fare or the newest ship. It is about matching the line, ship, itinerary and onboard atmosphere to the way you genuinely like to travel.

By asking whether your focus is the ship or the destination, deciding what onboard mood suits you, choosing an appropriate ship size, thinking carefully about who you are travelling with and being honest about your must‑haves, you can find a cruise that feels perfectly tailored, rather than a compromise.

If you would like expert, personalised advice, share your preferences with me and I will create a bespoke shortlist of cruise options to match your style and budget, then arrange everything for you from start to finish.

Contact me today to start planning your perfect cruise holiday.