Going on a cruise is one of the most luxurious vacations you can take, but don’t make the mistake of thinking they are all created equally. Some cruise lines have great amenities and tons of activities while others have little to offer. When you decide you’re ready to embark on your first (or fiftieth) cruise vacation, make sure you take the time to compare different cruise lines. It could mean the difference between a great vacation and a nightmare.
Determine the Purpose for Your Cruise
Some people take cruises in order to meet people (such as singles cruises) while others want to relax with their families or enjoy a pampered lifestyle. This will have a large impact when comparing different cruise lines because you’ll find varying atmospheres. Some are extremely loud and fast-paced with tons of games and other activities while others are more conducive to relaxation and reflection. To determine the atmosphere on a cruise, you can call the cruise line 800-number or you can talk to others who have been on cruises in the past.
Compare Prices
Obviously, most people need to compare prices in order to choose the best cruise line. Depending on the size of the ship, the amenities available and the length of the cruise, you might be looking at a price difference of thousands of dollars. Experts suggest taking a short cruise that doesn’t leave U.S. waters to cut down on the price, or you might want to choose a cruise line that doesn’t have many amenities. Ships that allow gambling or that have free drinks and food are going to have more built into the purchase price, as well.
Read Internet Reviews
If you want to get the real-deal reviews for comparing cruise lines, don’t go to the cruise website. They’re going to feature only positive reviews and that isn’t what you’re looking for. Instead, try websites that allow consumers to post real-life reviews of different cruise lines. CruiseReport.com is a good example of this type of site as are CruiseCritic.com and CruiseReviewsOnline.com. This will give you an idea of what actual patrons think about different ships and will give you an idea of what to look for — and what to avoid.
Take Passengers Into Consideration
Another thing you should consider when comparing cruise lines is the passengers. For example, you’ll find cruise ships for “singles under thirty” as well as family cruises that encourage passengers to bring children. The type of people on board will have a direct impact on your enjoyment of the experience, so don’t book a family cruise if you think that kids are going to ruin it for you. Further, don’t choose a large cruise ship if you’re bothered by lots of people and stay away from cruises that offer lots of drinking and dancing if that isn’t your thing.
Destination
Let’s face it: Some destinations are a lot of fun while others will be sufficient to bore you to tears. One of the most important things about comparing cruise lines is the destination, especially if you have a desire to see a particular area of the world. As mentioned above, International cruises are going to be more expensive and will generally take far longer than domestic cruises. For your first experience, you might want to stick with a domestic adventure just to see whether or not you like it.
