How to Choose Your Cruise

Picking the perfect cruise for you isn’t always as easy as it might seem at first. There are so many different types of cruises, and the one that is right for you depends on what you want out of your cruise holiday. Here are some top tips to consider when making your decision.

Cruise Destination

One of the big questions to answer is where do you want to go? Have you always wanted to see Alaska? Are you yearning to sail the Greek Islands? Or are you just looking for somewhere warm and reasonably priced? Cruises can take in a number of destination, so you can choose from regions as diverse as the Caribbean, South Pacific or European rivers. Or you may prefer a transatlantic cruise that travels between continents, or something completely different like an expedition cruise in Antarctica.

The Cruise Ship

Choosing the right cruise ship for you is vital to getting the most out of your cruise holiday. Once you have chosen your destination, you could look at which ships cruise there and then pick one that appeals to you, or you could pick your cruise ship first and choose a destination second – it all depends on what is more important to you! There are a number of factors that can affect your choice – budget, onboard facilities, dining, entertainment, service.... the list goes on! Cruising offers a great deal of choice, but if you know what kind of holiday you are after – relaxed, adventurous, family-orientated etc. – you will be able to find a cruise ship that suits you!

Onboard Activities

The onboard activities offered by a cruise ship are important when it comes to picking a ship for your holiday, especially if you are going to be spending a lot of time at sea. All cruise ships have onboard activities and facilities to keep you entertained the whole time you’re on board, but some will offer more that appeal to you than others.

Shore Excursions

Your time on land is just as important as your time onboard, so you should consider what types of onshore activities you would enjoy and which cruise ships offer these. Do you want action and adventure, a good dose of art and culture, or just time to relax on the beach? Whatever you want to do, there are shore excursions that will show you the very best of your cruise destination.

People

Something else to consider is who do you want to share the ship with? If you’re travelling with children or teenagers, you might want to look at family-friendly cruises, which have youth programs and facilities to keep your children entertained. If you prefer an adult-only environment, there are plenty of cruise lines that are geared towards adults, and even family-friendly ones often have adult-only areas and facilities. If you have a passion for food, music or art you may like to go on a special interest cruise with like-minded people. Check out the onboard facilities and activities to estimate the age of your fellow passengers.

Budget

Price is obviously important, as you want to get value for your money. There are ways to get extra value out of your cruise dollars, which cruise specials and early booking deals. Many cruise lines offer great discounts for early bookings, so it may be possible to upgrade to an outside cabin at no extra cost, or save on the overall cost of your cruise. Repeat cruisers can join loyalty programs, which offer fantastic ways to get extra benefits. Also look out for sales offering onboard credit, free upgrades and other cruise extras.

So, now you have chosen your cruise, but are you still at a loss as what to pack? Do you know what you can expect on board? Don't worry - we are here to help! Read our handy tips, or call a Cruise Specialist on 0800 22 11 00 today!