How to determine your cruising style
Never cruised before? Here’s how to decide what style would work for you.
Ocean
Ocean cruising is usually the first port of call (all puns intended) for novice cruisers. The big white ships you see pulling into Sydney Harbour every day in the season are a great introduction to the world of cruising. Carrying from 1,000 up to 6,000 passengers (plus crew) they are floating cities on the ocean with something for everyone. Their size means they can offer fares at a great price and there are plenty of cabin types to choose from. Onboard facilities will be fantastic, with everything from swimming pools and tennis courts to sky diving simulators and bumper cars.
Is it for you?
- You’re a first time cruiser and want to test the waters.
- You want lots of different facilities and dining options.
- Value for money is important.
- You’re travelling with different generations of family or friends.
River
Things move at a slower pace in the world of river cruising, so it’s a great choice if you like to watch the world go by. You’ll be cruising with no more than 150 people (and sometimes as few as 12) along inland waterways from Paris to Phnom Penh. River cruising is more destination focused and, while there are some facilities onboard, don’t expect all the bells and whistles you would find on an ocean ship. Dining is a highlight and often incorporates fresh ingredients from local markets or will focus on the region you’re sailing through.
Is it for you?
- You like the idea of slow travel.
- You’re a couple or solo traveller (kids’ facilities are limited).
- You’ve cruised before and want to find something different.
- You enjoy authentic dining and cultural experiences.
Adventure
You can now cruise, quite literally, to the ends of the earth with small expedition vessels built for adventure cruising. Incredible destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon or the Kimberley are all easily accessible. Ships range from basic to luxurious, but the real focus is on getting off the ship to explore rugged destinations. You’ll want to be reasonably physically fit for this type of cruising as you’ll often be climbing into inflatable Zodiacs or walking across rough terrain. Don’t forget your camera – the wildlife and scenery are second to none.
Is it for you?
- You want to go off the beaten track.
- You are an experienced cruiser or adventurer looking for something new.
- You are keen to get off the ship and explore the ports.
- You enjoy learning about the destination, wildlife or environment from experts.
Luxury
Get ready for five-star fabulous. On a luxury cruise, the sky is the limit with huge suites, Michelin-star quality dining, butler service and endless champagne. Ships will be small, usually carrying less than 500 passengers, and you’ll find there’s plenty of space and a very high crew to passenger ratio. These smaller ships can sail to unique destinations, so you’ll be able to avoid the crowds associated with megaliners. The best part is, once you step on board (almost) everything is included in your fare, so you won’t have to be reaching for your wallet.
Is it for you?
- You like the finer things in life and money is no object.
- You place a premium on top quality service.
- You want to travel in a spacious cabin stocked with little luxuries.
- You want an all-inclusive fare that includes food, top alcohol and tips.
What type of cruising style do you think works best for you? Have you been on a cruise before, and how did you find the experience? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.
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