The art of cruising: how to choose the right cruise

You may love the idea of a small ship, but find that the fare is beyond the budget you had in mind. Or you may want plenty of entertainment without spending all your time in the busiest parts of the ship. Those are useful things to work out before you book.

Big ships: entertainment and plenty of choice

Big ships offer a wealth of entertainment and dining options. They can work well for families and for travellers who enjoy having plenty to do on board. Depending on the ship, that might mean waterslides, bumper cars, live shows, a choice of restaurants and bars, or a casino.

Some also offer a “ship within a ship” experience: a suite category with areas reserved for those guests. You can enjoy the wider ship, then return to a quieter lounge, restaurant or pool. Butler and concierge services may be part of the package, but the facilities and inclusions differ between ships.

These ships can carry several thousand guests. That does not mean every space feels crowded, but pool areas and popular venues can be busy. If a quiet retreat matters to you, the suite category and the spaces you can use deserve as much attention as the itinerary.

Mid-size ships: food, comfort and time ashore

There is a broad middle ground between the largest resort-style ships and a small expedition vessel. Viking, Oceania and Explora Journeys are examples worth considering, depending on the particular ship and the holiday you have in mind.

These cruises may appeal if you put more emphasis on dining, the atmosphere on board and exploring the destinations. Look at how long the ship stays in port and whether the itinerary includes overnight calls. Ship size alone does not tell you how much time you will have ashore.

Age policies matter too. Viking is for guests aged 18 and over and has no casinos. That might be exactly what you want as a couple, but it rules it out for a family travelling with children.

River cruises: the places along the way

A river cruise is another way to explore, particularly if you enjoy visiting towns and cities with the same ship as your base. The river and itinerary shape the experience. Look at the time in each place, the excursions and how much walking is involved, as well as the cabin and the atmosphere on board.

Compare what is included rather than assuming every river cruise is the same. Excursions, drinks and transfers vary between operators and fares. High or low river levels can also change the sailing arrangements, so it is worth understanding how your operator handles disruption. I can help you compare the options and plan any stays before or after the cruise.

Discuss a river cruise with Carolyn.

Small ships: a more intimate experience

On a small ship, the experience can feel more personal and immersive. Some carry a few hundred guests, while others take only a few dozen. The atmosphere, facilities and places they can reach are very different from a large cruise ship.

Destinations such as Alaska, the Kimberley and Croatia have small-vessel options that put the focus on the coastline and the places you visit. They are not for everyone. If big shows, a wide choice of restaurants or an extensive spa are important to you, check what is actually on board.

Expedition cruises: the destination comes first

Expeditions are for people who want to explore remote places, see wildlife and learn about the environment. Depending on the voyage, there may be hiking, kayaking, photography and talks from the expedition team. Some operators also offer citizen-science activities, where guests can contribute to research. Check what is available on your particular sailing.

You do not necessarily have to give up comfort. Some expedition ships combine specialist guides and small-boat excursions with spacious suites, personal service and excellent food. What matters is finding the balance of exploration and comfort that suits you.

In Antarctica, passenger numbers affect how landings are organised. IAATO’s rules limit visitors ashore at a landing site to 100 at a time, with lower limits at some sites. Ships carrying 201–500 passengers have additional landing restrictions; ships with more than 500 passengers do not make landings. There is no universal limit of 200 guests on Antarctic ships.

If you have mobility requirements, discuss them before booking. Zodiac boarding, steps and uneven landing sites can be demanding, and each operator has its own requirements. Skipping a hike does not automatically make every expedition suitable. I can help you ask the right questions about the ship and activities before you commit.

Explore expedition cruise planning with Carolyn.

Compare the whole holiday, not just the cruise fare

Smaller ships often cost more per person, but size is only part of the picture. Compare the suite, dining, excursions and other inclusions, then allow for the flights, transfers and any stays before or after the cruise.

A lower fare can be attractive. It is less attractive if the ship does not suit you, or the arrangements around it make the holiday harder work than it needs to be.

What I would ask before choosing a cruise

• Do you want plenty of entertainment, a quiet retreat, or a destination-led expedition?
• Who is travelling, and what will each person enjoy?
• How much time do you want ashore, and how active would you like to be?
• Which suite location and facilities matter to you?
• What is your comfortable budget for the complete journey, including flights?

When you are considering a cruise, ask yourself: is this the right ship for me? Choosing the wrong one can put you off cruising altogether. A cruise specialist can help you compare the details that make a real difference to your holiday.

You do not need to arrive with a ship already chosen. Tell me what you enjoy, where you are thinking of going and roughly when you would like to travel. We can start there.