Today, each cruise ship is a miniature floating destination in itself. Complete with outstanding dining, entertainment and accommodations, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable vacation full of relaxation, adventure and incredible experiences. Constantly evolving, new ships of every caliber have set sail with advanced technology, luxurious designs and even record-breaking features to meet the growing list of passengers’ needs and desires. When choosing your ship, it’s important to factor in your lifestyle, priorities and vacation expectations, as each ship will have a different variety of features that will enhance your cruising experience. It’s also important to factor in ship size when selecting your next vacation. For instance, a larger ship may have more entertainment for families, while a smaller ship may be able to reach different ports-of-call. Certain companies specialize in providing adventure and activities for younger families, whereas others feature relaxation and educational aspects for adults. Explore these marvels with us, as we help you decide the ideal ship for your next getaway.
Who’s Coming?
In your search for the cruise ship that fits your dreams, it is important to keep in mind who’s coming with you and their interests. For example, bringing young children aboard a ship with limited or no accommodations for them may spell out a less than stellar experience for everyone. Research is vital in this stage of planning to ensure success. Many ships cater to families and groups of people, offering exciting entertainment to keep kids and thrill-seekers busy while also providing adult-only zones with relaxing pools and drinks for others. These lines include Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines. Other lines market specifically to adults looking for a sophisticated getaway with optional educational lectures, wine tastings and more. Options that fit this type would be Regent Seven Seas, Seaborn and the adults-only Virgin and Viking cruises.
Where and When?
Where will your next journey take you? Ocean or River? Caribbean breeze or Arctic exploration? Picking where to go can be one of the most difficult parts of your cruise vacation. With options reaching to almost every corner of the world, you have thousands of itineraries to choose from ranging from a few days to the majority of a year. A number of cruise lines offer exclusive perks if you book your cruise on one of their ships to certain destinations. For example, you can gain access to private islands in the Caribbean or exclusive rail rides and lodges in Alaska by choosing one line or another. For a bit of adventure, certain companies specialize in expeditions to limited access destinations like the Galapagos or Antarctica. If you have a certain time frame or destination in mind, go to OnlineVacationCenter.com to filter your options of which ships are sailing during that time.
Large, Extra-Large and the Largest Ever
This is no understatement—these ships are huge! They are perfect for travelers craving impressive amenities and a lively onboard atmosphere fit for royalty. Considered to be the most innovative in the world, they carry anywhere from 1,800 to 7,000 plus passengers, and that number is expanding as more and more megaships are being added to cruise fleets. Some distinguishing benefits are non-stop activities, Broadway-worthy shows, Michelin Star-rated restaurants, multi-story water slides and more. Some examples of these majestic megaships are Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond and Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Icon of the Seas, which boasts a record-breaking max capacity of 10,000.
Mid-sized Marvels
Expect relaxation, personalized service and enriching entertainment on these smaller, but no less satisfying cruises. Carrying between 400 to 1,700 passengers, they are the optimal atmosphere to disconnect, unwind and enjoy the voyage. On these ships you can generally expect welcoming pools, spas and casinos—however not as extravagant as larger ships. Dining is a pleasure, as there are more opportunities to experience high-quality cuisine and socialize with other travelers. The most upscale medium ships have a high passenger-to-space ratio, which allows you to grab a chair on the deck with ease. A few examples of these attractive mid-sized ships are Oceania Cruises’ Riveria, MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia and the newly refurbished Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity.
Small and Spectacular
Ideal for explorative travelers that wish to spend more time in the region they are visiting, these yachts and smaller sailing vessels can accommodate between 70 to 500 passengers and reach exotic ports of call that their larger counterparts cannot. River cruise ships and most luxury liners have some form of ship that fits into this category. The ships are often thoughtfully designed and intimate, with elegant staterooms and expansive verandas. Delectable dining options call to culinary connoisseurs. However, the exclusive destinations and the onboard education enrichment are what truly set these cruises apart. Some examples of this size class are Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Beyla, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Origin and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager.
Overall, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the ideal ship for your next dream vacation. The cruise industry and its ships are constantly expanding and evolving, and no matter where you explore, when you go or who you bring, there’s certainly a ship out there for you. For more information on which ship would be the best for you, call a Personal Vacation Manager today at 800-709-9507.
