Cruise lines work hard to develop and maintain their own brand, carefully crafting food, drinks, activities, and amenities to cater to their clientele. If you are considering a trip, it is helpful to understand the many different ways to set sail. Once you’ve set a travel budget, and know what kind of itinerary interests you, it’s time to select which cruise line best fits your travel goals.

River Cruises vs. Ocean Cruises
River cruises prioritize cultural immersion and port-intensive itineraries, while ocean cruises focus on resort-style amenities and diverse global destinations.

Ship Size and Atmosphere

• River Cruises: Generally carry fewer than 200 passengers on smaller vessels. This creates an intimate atmosphere with minimal crowds and no “sea days,” as sailing typically occurs at night.
• Ocean Cruises: Accommodate thousands of guests on massive floating resorts. These offer extensive amenities like large pools, theaters, spas, and multiple dining venues, along with leisurely days at sea.

Itineraries and Activities

• River Cruises: Focus on history and culture, visiting a new destination daily (often in city centers). Shore excursions are typically included in the fare.
• Ocean Cruises: Offer diverse destinations spanning continents with shorter stays in ports. They provide a wide variety of onboard entertainment and paid excursion options.

Cost and Inclusions

• River Cruises: Have a higher upfront cost but are often more inclusive, covering Wi-Fi, drinks with meals, and most shore tours.
• Ocean Cruises: Generally have a lower base price but frequently incur additional charges for excursions, specialty dining, drinks, and gratuities.

Popular options for river cruise lines:

Viking River Cruises:
The largest fleet, offering Scandinavian-inspired design and culturally focused itineraries. It is best for first-time cruisers and those seeking consistency, with a per diem of $325–$475 per person. It includes guided tours, Wi-Fi, and beer/wine with meals but lacks gyms or bikes on board. Travelers must be 18+.

AmaWaterways:
Focuses on active travelers and wellness, featuring bicycle rentals, hiking programs, and pools. It offers a warmer service style than Viking with a per diem of $375–$525 per person. Excursions are offered at either active or relaxed pace. Ideal for wine lovers and those wanting flexible activity levels.

Avalon Waterways:
Known for spacious Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies. It appeals to those who prioritize views and cabin space over structured touring, with a per diem of $350–$500 per person.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises:
Delivers boutique ultra-luxury with unique, museum-like ship decor and high-touch service. It is the most all-inclusive option, covering gratuities, premium drinks, and excursions, with a per diem of $550–$750+ per person. Cabins can be smaller due to the design focus.

Tauck:
A guided tour-focused luxury line with a high staff-to-guest ratio and curated cultural access. It includes pre/post hotels and premium beverages, with a per diem of $600–$800+ per person. Best for travelers wanting a seamless, guide-focused experience.

Scenic River Cruises:
Offers all-inclusive premium cruising with butler service and unlimited drinks. It appeals to luxury-minded travelers who prefer larger, modern ships (Scenic Space-Ships), with a per diem of $500–$700 per person.

Celebrity River Cruises:
Debuting in Summer 2027 on the Rhine and Danube rivers. The inaugural ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, will bring Celebrity’s Edge-class design to the river market with the capacity for 172 guests, all-inclusive fares covering a Classic Drink Package, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and six dining venues, with a per diem of $430–$1,300 per person.

Popular options for Ocean cruise lines:

Budget and Mass Market Leaders

• Carnival Cruise Line: Best for budget-conscious first-timers and families, offering low base fares and a casual atmosphere.
• Royal Caribbean: Ideal for adventure seekers and families; features large ships with amenities like water slides and ice skating.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Suited for independent travelers with “Freestyle Cruising,” featuring no fixed dining times or dress codes.
• MSC Cruises: Provides a European-style experience with strong value deals and Italian-inspired dining.

Premium and Luxury Options

• Celebrity Cruises: A top choice for couples and foodies, offering modern luxury and exceptional cuisine.
• Princess Cruises: Preferred by mature travelers; known for classic cruising, Alaska expertise, and enrichment programs.
• Disney Cruise Line: The premier choice for young families, featuring character dining and immersive themes.
• Virgin Voyages: An adults-only, trendy option with unique amenities like tattoo parlors.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: An 18+ option known for budget-luxury, high-quality food, and attentive service.

The world of cruising has plenty of options for every kind of traveler, whether you are seeking adventure on the open seas, relaxation on sun-drenched decks, or exploring exotic destinations. From family-oriented liners with activities for all ages to luxurious ships that cater to couples and solo travelers, there truly is a cruise experience to fit every preference and budget. Take the time to research the itineraries, amenities, and onboard activities each line offers, as this will help you pinpoint which cruise line is perfect for your next getaway. With so many exciting choices at your fingertips, your dream vacation awaits!

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With endless options available, selecting a cruise can often feel overwhelming. To help you cut through the social media hype and marketing, I’ve broken down a few key steps to help you find the perfect fit.

The first place to start is by determining the budget you’re comfortable with. Selecting a cruise you can’t afford won’t get you any closer to your travel dreams. If you’re unsure of how to set a budget, check out this article for my top tips. Don’t forget to factor in any additional costs above the base fare for the cruise you select. Drinks packages, activities, excursions, flights, and pre-cruise hotel stays are all additional expenses that can add up quickly.

In my experience, cruisers generally fall into two categories:

  – Destination Cruisers: These travelers view the ship as a floating hotel—a convenient way to travel while they sleep. The primary goal is to spend as much time as possible exploring the ports of call.
  – Ship Cruisers: These travelers focus primarily on the ship itself and its specific amenities. While they may still explore the ports, the onboard experience is the main priority.

You might find that your preference changes depending on the specific trip. If you aren’t sure which category fits your next vacation, consider these questions to narrow down your options:

• Who is traveling?
• By river or by sea?

• What atmosphere are you looking for?
• What amenities are you interested in?
• How long would you like the cruise to be?
• What ports do you want to visit?
• Are there any specific shore excursions, or activities you’d like to experience?
• How many “sea days” would you like to have?

Here is how these factors work together to help you reach your goal:

Who is traveling?
If you’re traveling with children, note that some lines (such as Viking and Virgin) are adults-only. Solo travelers are often charged a “single supplement” fee; look for itineraries with designated solo cabins to save on costs.

River vs Sea
If you do not have specific port destinations in mind, you might consider the differences between river and ocean cruises. River cruises generally carry fewer than 200 passengers on smaller vessels. This creates an intimate atmosphere with minimal crowds and no “sea days,” as sailing typically occurs at night. These itineraries prioritize maximizing time in port. In contrast, ocean cruises accommodate thousands of guests on large floating resorts. These offer extensive amenities such as large pools, theaters, spas, and multiple dining venues, along with leisurely days at sea.

Atmosphere
Each cruise line has a unique tone. Sophisticated lines may not be ideal for families, while a party-centric vibe might not suit a romantic getaway. It is important to select a line that matches your specific goals.

Amenities
Even ships within the same cruise line offer different amenities. If the ship itself is your priority, start by searching for individual ships that match your needs and then choose from their available itineraries.

Duration
Itineraries range from weekend getaways to several months. A common recommendation for first-time cruisers is to select a trip of eight days or less. For experienced cruisers, the only limits are your schedule and preference.

Ports and Destinations
River cruises often travel between different port cities, while ocean cruises can be round-trip or one-way. If specific destinations or shore excursions are high on your priority list, use those to narrow your search first.

Sea Days
Unlike river cruises, which typically travel at night and stay in port during the day, ocean cruises often require full days at sea to reach the next destination. Because all passengers remain on board, these days can be the busiest. However, they offer a great opportunity to unwind and rest between port visits. Many cruise lines also host formal nights in their main dining rooms during sea day evenings.

Repositioning Cruises
For those interested in longer itineraries, unique ports of call, and multiple days at sea, a repositioning cruise is an excellent option. These sailings occur when a ship moves from one region of the world to another—for example, transitioning from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. This type of cruise offers travelers the opportunity to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, all while enjoying the comforts and amenities of a cruise ship. With fewer ports to visit compared to traditional cruises, passengers can relish extended time onboard, participating in onboard activities, culinary classes, and entertainment options that enhance the overall cruising experience. Repositioning cruises are not just about the destinations; they also provide ample time for relaxation and reflection as the ship sails through open waters, making them a favorite among seasoned travelers seeking a unique adventure on the high seas.

Once you have answered these questions, you can determine whether the ship itself or the destination of the cruise port(s) is your higher priority and find an itinerary that supports your travel goals. Many different cruise lines offer similar itineraries. Once you’ve decided which itineraries appeal to you, it’s time to select which cruise line will best suit your goals for your next dream vacation!

Choosing a cruise itinerary doesn’t have to be stressful. I am happy to help you navigate these choices to find the perfect experience for you! Click here to get started!