Image credit: Uniworld
Picking the best cruise line can be overwhelming regardless of whether you’re a first-time cruiser or seasoned sailor. Cruise offerings have expanded tenfold over the past few decades and whittling down your options is no small feat.
Jeff Dimand, an FBI Travel Professional Travel Advisor, counts cruising as his favourite kind of holiday and has taken five cruises in the past two years. He says that while it’s great to fly to a specific country and spend a week visiting the sites, it can be exhausting travelling from city to city every two or three days.
‘You have to consider checking in and out of hotels, arranging flights, trains and transport between each destination. If that sounds like too much, a cruise might be for you too.’
These days there’s a cruise line to suit every kind of traveller and we have the expertise to help you decide. So, if you’re in the mood to set sail but aren’t sure where to start, these are the questions you should be asking to help you choose the best cruise line for you. And if you’re still not sure? Our team of cruise experts is here to assist.
Why are you going on a cruise?
People cruise for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps you have an anniversary approaching and want to celebrate in style, or maybe you’re keen to visit an adventurous destination that’s best accessed by boat. Understanding your primary motivation is going to help you narrow down your options.
Every cruise line comes with its own blend of onboard activities, dining options and shore excursions, so it’s worth unpacking what you hope to get out of your cruise. Is it all about sunshine and cocktails? Leaning into local culture? Or is the top priority ensuring the whole family has as much fun as possible?
‘Each cruise is different for separate reasons,’ says Jeff, whose family travelled on a Disney ship earlier this year. ‘I promise it [Disney] doesn’t disappoint – there are themed restaurants and every guest has a chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and friends. Plus the shows are as good as you’d get at Disneyland or on Broadway.’
Last year, Jeff and his wife opted for a journey on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth instead – a spectacular ocean-going cruise line. ‘It’s elegant and very special,’ he explains. ‘You dress up in black-tie or a tuxedo at night and the service is five star. The cabins are extremely comfortable and those wanting a large-ship experience without hundreds of children won’t be disappointed. The English high tea is an event in its own right and there are excellent lecturers and entertainers. We had Julie Bishop, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, speaking to a full house for over an hour.’
These experiences fall at opposite ends of the cruising spectrum. In between the two, you’ll find everything from laidback, adults-only cruise lines to European river cruises and expedition cruises that will take you to the far reaches of the world.
For family fun, try: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line.
For something special, try: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal.
What is your cruising budget?
Though money may not buy you love, it will certainly impact which cruise line is best for you. But it’s important to remember that inclusions and add-ons make all the difference when it comes to cruising. Our advice is to look for value, not overall cost. Cruise lines offering five-star, all-inclusive journeys may appear to be more expensive, but they may actually offer better value.
This year, Jeff spent time visiting a number of cruise lines including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking, Oceania Cruises and Seabourn. ‘These five-star cruise lines really do look after the high-end market,’ he says. ‘They all offer beautiful rooms and cabins, luxurious suites and penthouses, and magnificent food and entertainment.’
With shore excursions, alcohol packages and restaurant inclusions differing not only from cruise line to cruise line, but also from ship to ship, talking to an FBI Travel Professional Travel Advisor is the best way to ensure you find the best cruise line, itinerary and price for you.
For great-value cruises, try: Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival.
For all-inclusive (or mostly inclusive) cruises, try: Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
What style of cruise are you interested in?
Not everyone is interested in immersing themselves in the magical world of Disney; likewise, not everyone enjoys the formality of black-tie dress and a captain’s dinner. Some prefer travelling on ships that are essentially floating resorts, with lots of swimming pools and entertainment options, while others are after a more intimate small-ship experience.
With cruising, there’s no right or wrong. Are you in need of a personal butler? A kids’ club? Or do you happen to prefer rivers to oceans? Rest assured there’s a cruise to suit your style.
‘I’ve been on very large cruise ships in the Caribbean that take over 5,000 people and offer everything from ice-skating rinks to go-kart tracks,’ says Jeff, ‘but personally, I prefer the smaller ships. At the end of the day, each cruise line offers something for everyone while giving you a wonderful holiday and a chance to see the world.’
And if you want to not only see the world, but also learn about it, an expedition cruise to far-flung destinations like the Arctic, Alaska, the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica could be a fantastic option. The spectacular landscapes will be made even more special thanks to the host of marine biologists, environmental scientists and polar experts giving lectures throughout the journey.
For expedition cruising, try: Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent, Hurtigruten Expeditions.
For river cruising, try: Viking, Uniworld, Tauck, Riviera Travel.
What kind of atmosphere are you after?
A cruise line’s atmosphere can make or break your holiday. Michelle Adler, another of our Professional Travel Advisors, happily recommends Virgin Voyages having spent a week cruising the Mediterranean (ex. Barcelona) with her 22-year-old daughter. They both loved that there were no kids, no buffets and no formal nights, all of which made for a relaxed atmosphere.
‘I’d definitely cruise with Virgin again,’ Michelle says. ‘The staff and service were brilliant, there was a nice pool and bar area, and most ports were close enough to walk into town so we could do our own thing.’
FBI Travel’s team of experts have tested a whole range of cruise lines over the years and will be more than happy to talk you through what to expect in terms of atmosphere. From adults-only cruising to formal affairs and laidback escapes, we’ll help you find the best cruise line for you.
For adults-only cruising, try: Virgin Voyages, Viking
Choosing the best cruise line for you
As you’ve no doubt discovered, many factors come into choosing the best cruise line for you and/or your family. And the sooner you decide, the more choice you will have when it comes to destinations and cabins, which is why the FBI Travel team is here and more than happy to assist.
Now that you’ve had a chance to think about your motivation for cruising and consider what you’d like to get from your holiday, our team can help narrow down your options and ensure you have the best experience possible.
Call or email our experts to help choose the right cruise line for you.
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