Cruise Connoisseur: Navigating the Diverse Seas of the Cruise Industry

When cruising is brought up in conversation, it often conjures images of cruising the Caribbean on a Carnival ship full of party goers and families alike. For decades this has been the image of the cruise industry. The image was somewhat rightfully earned but very outdated today.

Cruising today has turned into a $72 billion a year industry with more variation and ports of call than ever. There is something to suit every travel style and taste in the industry. From family friendly lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival to luxury river cruises with Viking and AmaWaterways, the industry has never been as robust as it is today.

This all brings up a major question. Which cruise package is the right one for your travel style? How do you sort through it all to find the best fit for you or your group?

There are many considerations to cruising that you will find with any type of trip planning. Destination, budget, cruise line, itinerary, cabin type, and amenities. Let's discuss each of those briefly.

First, let's talk budget. This is the most important piece because it will determine which cruises will fall within your budget. There are many ways to save money or splurge when it comes to cruises. Many people choose to splurge on a balcony cabin for the views. Some find that upgrading to a premium cruise line is more in line with their values for the trip. Others will insist that no trip is complete without a little zen time in the spa. Whatever you decide is perfectly fine. Just know your number going in so that you can adjust priorities accordingly if needed.

Destination is a loose term in cruising. You are not choosing a specific place so much as a cluster of several places in a region of the globe. You can choose from Europe, Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Asia, The Danube, Greece, New England, Canada and so much more. Often, cruisers will pick an area that they are wanting to see several pieces of so that they can choose one of the ports of call for a later trip. This can be especially true in island destinations like Greece or the Caribbean. This is where the itinerary may be an important piece. Does it contain a bucket list destination for you? Is that the time of year you want to visit that destination?

Now that we have a budget and a destination in mind, let's look at the cruise line. Each cruise line has its own personality and its own specialties. For example, Viking is famous for their river cruises. If you are wanting to visit the Caribbean or Hawaii, this is not the cruise line for you. Furthermore, cruise lines like Viking and Virgin are adults only and not the right fit for that family vacation. All cruise lines have their own distinct personality. Some of them draw a young, vibrant party crowd. Others will draw a more quiet and relaxed traveler. Still others will attract that adrenaline junkie looking for their next adventure or the explorer thirsty for knowledge. Know what type of trip you want and shop accordingly.

Now you have determined where to go, on what cruise line, and how much you are going to spend. Next, you will need to pick your cabin category. This piece is even more diverse than the multitude of cruise lines. For the budget savvy traveler, they may want to choose an inside cabin and save money for excursions. Many travelers will tell you that their cabin type doesn't matter because they are only in there to sleep. However, if you are the type of traveler that likes to enjoy solitude from time to time, perhaps the balcony cabin or a suite is more suited to your style. Just be aware that the more amenities that you choose to have in your cabin, the higher the price tag. I can personally say that the balcony cabin is absolutely worth it for me. There is no better place on the ship for morning coffee than your own balcony.

Once you have chosen your cabin type, it is helpful to know a little bit about your ship so that you can choose your room location. The preferences for this can vary wildly and for various different reasons. Some want to be close to the action. Some want to be far away. Some prefer the front of the ship, some prefer the back. This is the part where a Travel Advisor will be your best bet.

A Travel Advisor has the expertise and knowledge of the ships, cabin locations, and what the pros and cons are of each one. They can help to ensure you are getting the cabin best suited for you, the most onboard perks, and the best prices. The most valuable perk of a Travel Advisor is that you have someone to support you should something happen during your travels. Flight cancelled? Call your Travel Advisor and then go about your day while they call the airline and straighten everything out for you. Want to know the hidden gems at your ports of call? Your Travel Advisor has the inside scoop. Sure you can book on your own, but why wouldn't you want that assurance that you get with a Travel Advisor?

I hope this has inspired some to get out there and experience cruising. It truly has something to offer for everyone. Toss away your preconceived notions about cruising and find one that fits your personality. There is a reason why this type of travel has become so popular all over the globe. Bon Voyage!

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