USD
How to Pick the Right Cruise for You
Written by Emily Jacobs
Forget what you know about cruising – 2024 is the year to discover something new about travelling by ship.
From intimate expeditions along scenic rivers, to larger adventures across multiple countries with the whole family, there truly is a cruise for every type of traveller.
Cruising takes the stress out of an escape – with the itinerary and transport sorted, there’s plenty of time to relax, recharge and truly enjoy your valued time away. Whichever part of the world you’re looking to explore, and however you’re looking to do it, there’s a cruise adventure waiting.
Whether an Alsakan expedition or a gentle European river route, read on to discover your cruise style.
River cruising
Not all cruise ships are made equal – some are built specifically for the river cruise experience. Most popular in Europe, these smaller ships allow for an up-close and personal look at the surrounding landscapes, as you wind your way down iconic waterways such as the Rhone, Danube or Rhine rivers. The rolling hills, medieval villages and vibrant vineyards make for picture-perfect moments with every kilometre you sail. Most itineraries include a stop every day, allowing you to cover more of your chosen country (or countries), with offshore excursions often included in your package. For an opulent French countryside escape from Avignon to Lyon, there’s no beating Riverside Luxury Cruises – the exclusive seven-day voyage uncovers the beauty of southern France in the best way possible, with an all-inclusive drinks package and a 24-hour butler service.
Expedition cruising
For those looking for once-in-a-lifetime adventure, an expedition cruise uses Zodiacs and kayaks to access remote locations not reachable by larger ships. Intrepid explorers can combine a sense of adventure with true luxury, with itineraries that go that little bit further to uncover marvels of the natural and modern world. Look to cruise lines such as Silversea and Hurtigruten for out-of-this-world expeditions followed by exquisite comfort onboard.
Discover Antarctica’s wildlife, including penguins and whales, across 12 days on Hurtigruten’s Highlights of Antarctica cruise, admiring imposing glaciers and icebergs as the hybrid ship navigates through the frozen continent. Join the Expedition team on landings and ice-cruises and deepen your knowledge of the southernmost continent with lectures on glaciology, wildlife, climate change and polar exploration.
Family cruising
Forget the pressure of getting from A to B with little ones when on holiday – family cruises are all about taking the stress out of travelling, with plenty of entertainment for little and big kids alike. These floating playgrounds have everything you need to create new memories, while also whisking you to some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Explore the Mediterranean onboard Sun Princess, a brand-new ship built with families in mind, with a three-level entertainment space including the first ever Rollglider hang glider on a cruise ship. There’s something for every generation at Park19, with a multi-level climbing structure leading to an open-air observation deck, a hammock area for rest and relaxation and a whimsical splash zone with jets for cooling down. Paired with the Youth and Teen Centres, there’s no chance of boredom.
Adults-only cruising
Social butterflies can flutter their wings with adults-only or solo cruises, where new cities, new people and new adventures come standard. Virgin Voyages are experts at adults-only adventures, offering the young-at-heart a chance to explore all corners of the world while enjoying all its modern ships have to offer. Ship parties and facilitated onboard meetups mean you can easily make new friends, should you wish: you can even share your itinerary with acquaintances through its mobile app. For more traditional luxury, opt for Silversea or Seabourn (while families are permitted, the majority of passengers are adults, as there are few child-friendly facilities onboard).
Additionally, cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean are increasingly adapting their offering to solo travellers, making it easier than ever to meet likeminded travellers onboard. Click here to discover more about solo cruising.
Ocean cruising
Experience a much-loved country – or countries – with a curated ocean cruising experience. Offering in-depth adventures along famous coastlines, stopping at hidden gems and celebrated cities along the way, ocean cruising is a great way to tick off multiple bucket-list destinations in style. Ships like Azamara Onward mean you get the best of both worlds: it can cross oceans, but dock where other larger ships can’t, offering access to towns and cities that you otherwise wouldn’t get to. Japan remains perennially popular and you can see it all with a 13-night Azamara cruise that covers both major cities and local favourites. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and feast on sushi, ramen and other traditional treats as you circumnavigate the island country.
Ready to go? Explore our selection of cruises.
