Jun 8, 20233 min read

Not All Cruises Are Created Equal: 10 Things to Consider When Booking Your Next Cruise

Updated: Jun 25

A large cruise ship, possibly Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, sailing at night on a calm ocean. The ship is brightly lit with white lights on its decks and superstructure. There is a clear blue sky with stars above the ship.

1. Ship Size

In the cruise industry, “bigger and better” has become the trend.

The bigger ships allow for more bells and whistles, beckoning to guests to experience new and improved features.

However, bigger isn’t always better.

Big ships may offer more fun activities, but their size prevents them from approaching many smaller ports. The bigger ships also pull larger crowds on the pool deck (there’s only so much space on the top decks!) and more guests at check in, on tenders, etc.

Therefore, don’t assume bigger is better.

Be sure to weigh the features for the trade-offs they provide.

A group of people toasting with a variety of colorful drinks in tall glasses. The drinks include a pink cocktail with a mint garnish, an amber-colored drink, a reddish-pink drink with a lime wedge, and a light yellow beverage. The scene suggests a celebratory or social gathering at a table with food in the background.

2. Inclusions

The basics are always included in your cruise fare: your room, meals, and entertainment onboard.

However, what about the other aspects of your cruise? Wi-fi, gratuities, beverages?

Many cruise lines are now offering ways to add those in at a savings in advance. But what about other components such as shore excursions, transfers, and flights?

Some cruise lines include those as well, providing a great value for the price tag.

Group of four people , two women and two men, dining outside. Pictured is also the male crew serving them food and drinks

3. Dining Options

How many restaurants are included?

Will you enjoy having one main dining room and 1 buffet to eat at each day, or would you prefer more variety?

How about specialty dining venues for an even more refined experience? Are they included, or at an additional cost?

For foodies, are the restaurants Michelin starred, or at least offer menus curated by top chefs?

A living room with a convertible sofa bed, two armchairs, and a coffee table in the center. The room has light colored walls and wooden floors.

4. Stateroom Size

Not all inside staterooms are created equal, for sure, nor are all balcony rooms.

Having 10-30 more feet in a stateroom can make a world of difference.

Is there one bathroom, or a split bath, for when multiple people are getting ready?

A large sailboat with white sails cruising on a blue lake. Snow-capped mountains are in the background. There are logos on the sail that say “Wind Spirit”, “Windstar Cruises”, and “Wind Star”.

5. Ship Vibe

Is it casual or formal, budget or luxury, geared toward active families or escaping in intimate luxury?

Is the ship geared toward a certain age group?

Each cruise line, and vessel within it, has its own personality, so it’s important to find the one you will enjoy most.

This may change from cruise to cruise, based on your travel party and goals, so don’t be afraid to switch up your cruise lines.

A large theater auditorium with red plush seats in rows. The seats slope down towards a large stage in the center. There is a black backdrop on the stage and a large screen hanging above it. The text "SYMPHONY SLO" is written on the side of the stage.

6. Entertainment Offerings

What are the shows like onboard the ship?

Family friendly, geared towards adults, classical music or Broadway style productions?

Are there even mainstage shows at all, or smaller performances by local artists?

Do the activities feature educational sessions, cooking demonstrations, or dance lessons?

Does that matter to you?

A colorful and extensive water park situated on the deck of a cruise ship, featuring numerous water slides in vibrant hues of green, pink, blue, and yellow. There is a large slide descending into a pool, multiple twisting and turning slides, and several smaller attractions and pools. In the background, the ship sails on a calm blue sea under a clear sky.

7. Ship Features

How would you like to spend your time onboard, and will the ship offer those features?

Are there pools, waterslides, rock climbing walls, a lawn club, submarine (yes, submarine!), test kitchen, comedy club, casino, escape room, art studio, surf simulator, sports court, pickleball (the newest cruise trend) …. the list goes on.

A harbor with a large cruise ship docked in the distance. The cruise ship is white with multiple decks and rows of balconies. Several smaller boats are also visible in the harbor.

8. Ports of Call

Will the majority of ports be anchored, or will some tenders be required? This is especially important if someone in your party has mobility issues, as tenders can be tricky.

Would you like to hit the big cities, or more off the beaten path destinations?

Will the ports allow you to relax and unwind or have you hustling to see and do it all? (Both are good, but the proper expectation for a particular vacation is important.)

How many sea days are there for relaxing onboard the ship and enjoying its features?

A group of penguins standing on a rocky, snow-covered shoreline with large chunks of ice scattered around. In the background, a large cruise ship is seen sailing near a towering glacier and snowy mountain range.

9. Traditional Vs. Expedition Cruising

How about getting away from the traditional ocean cruise and take an expedition cruise instead?

The focus is on immersive experiences and education, rather than entertainment. Learn about the flora and fauna from a guest lecturer then explore a destination up close in zodiacs.

An aerial view of Budapest, Hungary, showing the Danube River cutting through the city center. In the foreground is the Hungarian Parliament Building, a neo-Gothic landmark with a long, symmetrical facade.

10. Ocean vs. River

When many folks hear the word cruise, they automatically think of ocean cruises.

However, river cruising has soared in popularity in recent years. It has expanded from the Rhine and Danube to all around the world. I’ll dive deeper into that subject another time.

But for now, remember to keep it as an option when considering which option might be the best fit for you.

Clearly, there is much to consider when booking your cruise vacation. Thankfully, you’re not alone.

As a cruise specialist, it’s my job to help find the right fit for YOU based on all of these factors.

I begin any vacation search with a dialogue about what is most important to you on your voyage, so we match up your dreams with the best cruise line, vessel, and itinerary for you.

When you’re ready to begin planning your next cruise adventure, let’s work together to make it the best experience possible.

Click here to set up a free call to get started planning your cruise vacation.

I’ll look forward to it!