Which Cruise Best Fits You?

Cruising offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and convenience — all while waking up to a new destination every morning. But with so many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, here’s how to find the perfect cruise that fits your style, budget, and travel dreams.

1. Decide What Kind of Experience You Want

Cruises aren’t one-size-fits-all. Start by thinking about what kind of vacation you want:

 Do you want relaxation & luxury? Virgin Cruise Line offers a touch of luxury for a higher cost.

 Do you want family fun?  Try Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC, or Carnival for endless onboard entertainment.

Are you looking for culture and history? River cruises through Europe with Viking or Ama Waterways let you explore historic towns and cities up close.

2. Pick Your Destination and Season

Your destination will shape your entire cruise experience. Some top choices include:

• Caribbean – Perfect for first-timers, with sunny beaches year-round. Most cruise lines stop at their private islands with incredible beaches and beautiful blue water.

• Mediterranean – Rich in culture, food, and history, best from May to October.

• Alaska – A nature lover’s dream, sailing from May to September. 

• Northern Europe – Ideal for scenic fjords and charming cities. They also offer Christmas Market cruises and stop at several cities for guests to experience the holiday season in these wonderful cities.

• Asia or South Pacific – Exotic itineraries offering cultural depth and tropical beauty.

Pro Tip: Consider the season and weather — for example, hurricane season in the Caribbean (June–November) can affect itineraries.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Cruise prices vary widely depending on the ship, cabin type, and destination. When budgeting, remember to include:

• Base fare - This includes your room and meals.

• Gratuities - you can prepay these or, if you go on the Virgin Cruise Line, the gratuities are included in your room price.

• Excursions - the cost of these can vary. Keep in mind you may want to walk off of the ship and find a cheaper option at the dock. The only thing to consider is that the cruise lines will not hold the ship if your excursion is not booked through them and they don't get you back in time. The excursions booked through the cruise line may be more expensive, but they guarantee the ship will wait for you to get back on. 

• Beverage packages - these can be very pricey and may not be worth the price. If you expect to consume a lot of drinks every day (e.g., multiple cocktails, wines, specialty coffees) then you’ll reach or exceed what you’d pay a la carte, so the package can pay for itself. If you drink 5–6+ beverages a day the break-even point is reached. 

      Not all drink packages are what they are cracked up to be. Norwegian, for example, makes you pay for water bottles even with a 

      drink package. Royal Caribbean sells insulated cups to fill at drink stations where you can fill them as much as you want, BUT....

      the drink stations are very, very busy and frequently run out of ice and soda. It is hard to find employees to fix the problem, so you

      may not be able to drink as often as you want.

• Wi-Fi and onboard activities - Wifi packages can range from $15 per device per day to $40. Some cruise lines offer a better deal if you purchase it in advance. As far as extra onboard activities, they include a variety of options. Norwegian offers race carts. The cost to race around the Speedway track costs an additional $15.00. Some Royal Caribbean ships offer the iFLY sky-diving simulators. All spa services are available for an additional fee. An extreme onboard activity can be found on Virgin Voyages where you can get a tattoo on their ships for a fee.

• Flights and transfers - If you have a flight that leaves later on your departure day, most cruise lines offer city tours and store your luggage on the tour bus for you. Then, they drop you off at the airport after the tour. 

Luxury cruises may appear more expensive, but they often include extras like drinks, excursions, and gratuities, which can make them a better value overall. The Virgin Cruise Line includes wifi, gratuities, and most beverages with it's price. So even though the cost may seem higher, it includes extras that add up quickly.

4. Choose the Right Cruise Line and Ship Size

Each cruise line has its own personality.

• Mega ships (3,000+ passengers): Packed with restaurants, shows, and activities — great for families and social travelers. If you don't mind fighting for a table at the buffet, a lounge chair at the pool, or standing in endless lines to get on and off the ship, the massive amount of things to do will be for you. When you board one of the big “mega” cruise ships, you will find  that there’s far more to do than just sit by the pool. These floating resorts are packed with activities for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the standout options you’ll find onboard. These mega ships offer:

• Broadway-style shows in large theatres onboard: some mega ships have 1,400-seat theatres or more.

• Several of the cruise lines off outdoor “movies under the stars” by the pool. The Princess ships provide popcorn, blankets, and ice cream. 

• Several of the Royal Caribbean ships have outdoor water aerial/acrobatic performances, ice-skating rinks, a merry go round, high-flying zip lines across the deck, surf simulators, and rock climbing walls.

• The Royal Caribbean ship - Icon of the Seas has six water-slides and one of the largest water-parks at sea.

• Mini-golf, basketball courts, pickle ball courts, and full-size sports courts to keep active.

  Mega ships are like floating theme parks. Kids and teens never get bored, even on sea days. There’s something for every age, from toddlers to teens.

• Mid-sized ships (1,000–2,000 passengers): Offer a balance of amenities and intimacy. The Celebrity ship the Silhouette is an example of this. It offers three pools, a walking track and a gym, but it offers entertainment for children and teens. So it has an older clientele and less kid centered chaos. There are kids' activities because it is not a child-free ship, the emphasis is more on relaxation and cultural enrichment.

• Small ships (<1,000 passengers): More personalized service and access to off-the-beaten-path ports.

5. Select the Ideal Cabin Type

Cabins range from cozy inside rooms to lavish suites with private balconies.

• Inside cabins: These rooms are the most affordable and are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring, not enjoying your room view. 

• Ocean-view cabins: Offer natural light and a view at a moderate price. If you opt for a cheaper rate, the cruise line will assign you the best available ocean-view room, but beware, they sometimes come with an obstructed view - like a post or a life raft.

• Balcony cabins: These cabins are great for private relaxation and scenic sail aways. Some ships allow you to open the divider between rooms if you are rooming next to family and friends. Periodically MSC offers free balcony upgrades if you purchase an inside or ocean-view room and add on the drink and wifi packages for an additional price.

• Suites: Include extra perks like priority boarding and butler service. I have stayed in the Norwegian Cruise Lines Haven rooms as well as in the MSC Yacht Club rooms. The MSC Yacht Club offers wifi and the drink package included with the cost of the upgraded room. Norwegian Cruise line charges extra for wifi and your drink package if you choose to stay in the Haven. The Yacht Club pool area is a private, dedicated area exclusively for Yacht Club guests. There is a small buffet offered for breakfast and lunch in the pool area. It usually sits towards the front or upper decks of the ship with ocean-facing views. The design features include a pool flanked by lounger chairs with padded cushions, shaded cabanas, and adjoining whirlpools/hot tubs. The spaces are more tranquil and refined compared to the main‐ship pool areas. All of the MSC cruise ships give you a bracelet for your room key. Some of them work as a way to have priority use of the elevators as well. 

   

  An extra perk that is offered on the Virgin Cruise line, is that it offers private transfers to and from the airport with their Mega Rock Star Suites.

6. Book Early (or Very Late)

Booking early often gives you the best cabin choices and prices, especially for popular itineraries. On the other hand, last-minute deals can be a steal — if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

Final Thoughts

The “best” cruise is the one that matches your travel style — whether that means lounging by the pool in the Caribbean, exploring ancient ruins along the Mediterranean, or watching glaciers calve in Alaska. By understanding your preferences, doing a bit of research, and planning ahead, you’ll be ready to set sail on a voyage that’s truly unforgettable.

I a graduated from the Virgin Cruise Lines Seacademy with a Gold Certificate as well as I am a graduate from the College of Disney Knowledge which includes the Disney Cruise line. I have traveled on many of the MSC, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships as well, so I can help you plan your best cruise! Contact me and we will find your dream trip to sail away!

Every adventure tells a story - thanks for being part of mine.

Always Exploring,