How to Choose the Right Cruise: Ocean, River, Expedition & Luxury Cruising

17 minutes ago

5 min read

There is a reason cruising has become one of my favorite ways to travel—and one of my favorite vacations to plan for my clients.

But after attending a recent cruise conference, I was reminded of something even more important:

There isn't one "perfect" cruise. There is a perfect cruise for YOU.

During the conference, I had the opportunity to learn more about a variety of cruise lines and cruise styles, from large ocean ships and luxury cruising to river cruises and expedition adventures. I also had the chance to experience Royal Caribbean firsthand, including a stay in a Sky Class suite and a visit to the beautiful Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

It was a wonderful opportunity to experience cruising both as a traveler and as a travel advisor.

Cruising Has Changed—And There Are So Many Choices

When many people hear the word "cruise," they picture a large ship, a pool deck, buffets and tropical ports.

And while that certainly can be part of cruising, today's cruise industry offers so much more.

You can sail through the Caribbean with your family, explore Alaska, cruise the Mediterranean, travel Europe's rivers, venture into remote destinations on an expedition ship, or enjoy a more intimate luxury experience at sea.

And that's one of the things I love most about my job.

I get to help clients figure out which type of cruise experience actually fits them.

Viking: More Than Just River Cruising

Viking has long been known for its river cruises, and learning more about the brand reminded me why river cruising can be such a wonderful way to experience Europe.

Instead of simply visiting a city for a day, river cruising allows you to travel through the heart of a destination, often docking close to the places you want to explore.

But Viking isn't just about rivers.

Their ocean and expedition offerings provide completely different experiences while maintaining the brand's focus on destination-focused travel.

For travelers who want a more immersive, culturally focused experience, Viking offers some fascinating possibilities.

Princess: One of My Favorites

I have to admit—Princess is one of my favorite cruise lines, so I always enjoy learning more about what they are doing.

Princess offers a wonderful balance between the classic cruise experience and the things today's travelers are looking for.

I especially appreciate the variety of itineraries and the ability to create a vacation that can be as active or relaxing as you want it to be.

Whether you're dreaming about Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean or another part of the world, Princess is a cruise line I frequently consider when matching clients with their ideal vacation.

And as a travel advisor, continuing to learn about a cruise line I already love makes me even more excited to share it with my clients.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line brings something different to the table with its approach to Freestyle Cruising.

For travelers who don't want to feel tied to a rigid vacation schedule, that flexibility can be a huge advantage.

Dining when you want, choosing from a variety of entertainment and activities, and creating your own rhythm onboard can make Norwegian a particularly appealing option for travelers who value flexibility.

It's another great reminder that choosing a cruise isn't simply about picking a destination.

It's about choosing the style of vacation you want.

Celebrity Cruises—and a New Way to Experience Europe

Celebrity Cruises was another exciting part of the conference for me, particularly learning about Celebrity's new river cruise offerings.

I've always loved the idea of combining the style and service associated with Celebrity with the intimacy and destination immersion of river cruising.

For travelers who aren't sure whether they want an ocean cruise or a river cruise, this creates another option worth exploring.

And that's really what stood out to me throughout the conference: the cruise industry continues to expand the ways we can experience the world.

My Own Royal Caribbean Experience

While the conference gave me the opportunity to learn about many different cruise lines, I also had the chance to enjoy Royal Caribbean firsthand.

I stayed in a Sky Class suite, and it was a wonderful opportunity to experience the additional benefits that come with suite-level cruising.

There is something special about having a little more space and those extra touches that make your vacation feel even more relaxing.

And then there was Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

I spent part of the day at the Coco Beach Club, a quieter, more upscale beach experience that I found to be a fantastic extension of the Sky Class experience.

After enjoying the amenities of the suite, having a more peaceful place to relax on the island felt like the perfect complement.

It was a great reminder that sometimes the little details can completely change the way you experience a vacation.

So...Which Cruise Is Right for You?

That's where I come in.

With so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries, cabin categories and styles of cruising available, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.

Do you want a large ship with endless activities?

A relaxing luxury experience?

A destination-focused river cruise?

An expedition adventure?

A family-friendly sailing?

A cruise where the ship is just as important as the ports?

Or perhaps you're looking for something in between.

There isn't one right answer.

The right cruise is the one that fits the way YOU like to travel.

Why I Love Being a Cruise Travel Advisor

One of the biggest benefits of attending conferences like this is being able to continually expand my knowledge.

I'm not just learning about cruise lines from brochures or websites. I'm talking with cruise line representatives, learning about new ships and itineraries, experiencing ships firsthand and discovering details that can help me make better recommendations for my clients.

And I'm always looking for those little details that aren't necessarily obvious when you're simply searching online.

Because when you're spending thousands of dollars—and precious vacation time—on a trip, I want to help you choose an experience that feels right from the moment you book it to the moment you return home.