How to choose the cruise that’s right for you

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By all accounts, cruise tourism is booming.

Vanessa Lee, cruise expert and publisher of Cruise & Travel Lifestyle, said: “The cruise industry as a whole is showing strong growth in all categories – ocean, expedition and river, small and large ships, and cruise lines are also showing a buoyant atmosphere. Not only are many guests booking cruises for 2024 and 2025, but bookings for 2026 are also showing good early signs, especially for long-haul voyages and expedition cruises. … Many brands have also ordered multiple new ships for delivery by the end of the decade.”

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Once considered the exclusive domain of seniors, cruising is changing as more families choose to go sailing.

“Post-pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in multigenerational cruising and ‘revenge travel’ as people decide they need and want to reunite with family and friends and reconnect with the world,” said Lee, whose consumer magazine is the only one in Canada focused on cruising.

“Small ship expedition cruising and bucket list trips have also grown in popularity in recent years, with many guests wanting to visit the Poles and other far-flung and exotic locations with like-minded people. And of course, river cruising continues to be a big hit, with many new ships sailing the rivers every year.”

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With approximately 2,000 ports around the world, choosing the right cruise line can be confusing. To help you navigate, here are a few things to consider:

Where in the world?

Start by asking yourself, “What type of traveler am I?”

Consider who will be on the cruise (couples, singles, families, friends?) and their ages, interests, fitness levels, allergies, etc. Research weather patterns in potential destinations. Many European countries are sweltering in the summer but pleasant and less crowded in the spring and fall. Other places have rainy seasons or are hit by floods or hurricanes at different times of the year. For beach lovers, a cruise to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Tahiti is a smart choice. For those interested in history, culture, and architecture, Europe may be the answer. If you love nature and wildlife, Alaska will not disappoint. Other considerations: number of ports visited, number of days at sea, cost of airfare to get to your embarkation point.

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Big and small matters

If you like big, lively spaces and exciting activities, a mega-cruise ship (3,500 to 5,000+ passengers) might be for you. Add in a few thousand crew members, and the ship’s population is the equivalent of a small town. For energetic travelers and families, mega-cruise ships and large cruise ships (2,500 to 3,499 passengers) are packed with activities—everything from roller coasters, water parks and zip lines to children’s programs, nightly entertainment and a wide variety of dining options. Looking for something a little less exciting? Midi-cruise ships (1,500-2,499 passengers) and small midi-cruise ships (800 to 1,499 passengers) typically have enough activities to entertain most guests, while small cruise ships (799 passengers or less) have fewer attractions but are perfect for adults who prefer exploring a destination rather than ziplining. Small luxury expedition ships sail to must-see destinations and are staffed by expedition teams that specialize in studying local flora, fauna and geography. River cruises are designed for adults who want a relaxing experience. These vessels typically carry fewer than 220 passengers and take you right into the heart of your destination.

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Going ashore

Budget for shore excursions. If you plan on taking a cruise-provided tour, book early, as popular tours fill up quickly. Consider travel time. For example, a cruise line may offer a trip to Paris during a stop in Le Havre, France, but the trip is 2.5 hours each way, and you spend as much time en route as you do in the City of Lights. Longer trips also cost more. That being said, an expensive trip I took in Alaska was one of my most memorable—flying over glaciers by seaplane to a remote lodge, enjoying a salmon barbecue, and unexpectedly spotting bears. Private tours with local operators are sometimes cheaper. During a port stop in Sicily, friends hired a car and driver for half the cost of a cruise trip. A key element of independent travel is returning to the ship on time. Many readers may have heard stories of passengers on private trips to Africa arriving late and being forgotten. Wherever you go ashore, take the ship’s emergency contact information with you.

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Arrive early and leave late

In this age of flight delays, it’s wise to arrive at your embarkation port a day early. Also, on a cruise from Venice to Athens, you typically won’t see much of these beautiful cities if you arrive by plane on the day of embarkation and fly home immediately after disembarking. Most cruise lines offer both pre- and post-trip itineraries, but you can also easily arrange your own itinerary.

Pack wisely

I once sailed from Buenos Aires around Cape Horn and along the coast of Chile. Packing for the 14-night trip was a lesson in dressing in layers, as it was 28 degrees Celsius in Buenos Aires, 3 degrees Celsius in the Falklands, and warm and cozy in Chile. Unfortunately, two colleagues’ luggage never arrived. The cruise line generously provided them with shopping credits, free laundry service, and clothes left behind by others. This reminded them to pack a change of clothes and potentially hard-to-find items (such as swimsuits) in their carry-on luggage. As for formal evenings, most cruise lines have either eliminated or relaxed their dress code. Some cruise lines still hold evening parties and have a “high dress code”, but not necessarily evening gowns or tuxedos.

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