How to Choose the Right Cruise for You

There are a lot of cruises out there. Different ships, cruise lines, destinations, lengths, departure ports, and prices can make choosing one feel more complicated than it needs to be.

aerial photography of white and blue cruise ships during daytime

Where do You Want to Go
How Much Does the Ship Matter
Who is Going With You

Find Your Cruise Line Style
Choose a Cruise Length
Consider the Departure Port

IN THIS GUIDE

Instead of looking for the best cruise, start by thinking about what you want your vacation to feel like. A relaxing week in the Caribbean and a three-night getaway on a ship packed with activities are both cruises—but they're very different vacations.

Start With Where You Want to Go

For some people, the destination is the whole reason for taking a cruise. For others, the ship is the main attraction.

Cruises can take you to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Mexico, and plenty of other places.

Think about whether you want beaches and warm weather, scenery and wildlife, historic cities, or simply a few relaxing days somewhere tropical.

And don't just look at the destination listed in big letters. Check the actual itinerary and individual ports.

Decide How Much the Ship Matters

Some cruise ships are destinations themselves.

You might find waterparks, go-karts, surf simulators, theaters, dozens of restaurants, huge pool decks, kids clubs, nightlife, and enough activities that you couldn't possibly try everything.

Other ships put more emphasis on relaxing spaces, dining, service, traditional entertainment, or the destinations you're visiting.

If you're excited about spending time onboard, pay close attention to the specific ship, not just the cruise line.

Think About Who's Coming With You

A great cruise for a couple isn't necessarily a great cruise for a family with young children—or a multigenerational group traveling together.

Think about what everyone actually enjoys.

Families may care about kids clubs, water attractions, family activities, and flexible dining. Adults traveling without children might care more about quiet spaces, nightlife, dining, entertainment, or adults-only areas.

For a group, look for a ship with enough variety that everyone can find something they enjoy.

Find Your Cruise Line Style

Cruise lines don't all offer the same experience.

Some are known for lively ships and lots of activities. Others lean toward a quieter or more traditional cruise experience. Some put a strong emphasis on families, while others appeal more to adults, couples, food lovers, or destination-focused travelers.

Even within the same cruise line, ships can be very different.

Don't choose a cruise line based on reputation alone. Look at the actual ship you'll be sailing on.

Choose a Cruise Length

Not sure whether you'll like cruising? A shorter sailing can give you a taste of the experience without committing to a full week.

Longer cruises give you more time to settle in, explore the ship, enjoy sea days, and visit more destinations.

But don't assume longer automatically means better. Think about how much vacation time you have and the pace you want.

Consider the Departure Port

Sometimes the easiest way to narrow your choices is to look at where you can sail from.

Driving to a nearby cruise port can eliminate airfare and make the trip much simpler. Flying opens up many more itineraries but adds transportation, potentially a hotel stay, and another moving part to the vacation.

When comparing prices, include the cost of getting to the ship, not just the cruise fare.

Look at the Cabin Choices

Your cabin doesn't have to be the star of your vacation, but it can change the experience.

An interior cabin may let you spend less on the room and more elsewhere. An ocean-view gives you natural light. A balcony gives you your own outdoor space. A suite can offer considerably more room and sometimes additional perks.

Once you've narrowed down a ship, take a look at its deck plan too. Cabin location can matter almost as much as cabin type.

Compare the Real Cost

That attractive starting price isn't necessarily what you'll spend.

Depending on the cruise and cruise line, you may also need to budget for things like:

Gratuities
Drinks
Specialty dining
Wi-Fi
Shore excursions
Transportation or airfare
Pre-cruise hotels
Parking
Onboard activities or extras

Two cruises with similar fares can end up costing very different amounts once you add the things you actually want.

Don't Try to Find the Perfect Cruise

There's probably more than one cruise you'd have a great time on.

Once you've found an itinerary you like, a ship that has what you want, a cabin you're comfortable with, and a total cost that works for you, you've narrowed things down considerably.

At that point, don't let endless comparisons take the fun out of choosing.