Choosing a Cruise Ship

With so many different cruise ships and routes available, it can be hard to decide which one is likely to be best suited to your requirements. To help you out, here are a few questions that you might like to ask yourself in order to narrow your search.


Do you want to stay on a large ship or a small ship?

Some of the newest cruise ships can carry more than 3,000 guests. This means that they can afford to have a much wider variety of facilities on board, from mini-golf courses to full-scale Broadway shows, but these mega-ships are not for everyone. Some passengers may prefer the relative tranquillity of a much smaller ship, and are prepared to sacrifice facilities and entertainment for a more intimate atmosphere. Also, smaller ships are able to access smaller ports that larger ships cannot, which may make for more interesting shore excursions.


How many people are you travelling with?

The majority of cruise ship cabins are designed for two passengers. However, some ships feature family cabins with bunk beds to sleep four or more passengers. Generally speaking, these cabins will work out cheaper per head, although you may want to consider whether you want that many people sharing a small space with one bathroom. If you want a cabin all to yourself, you will have to pay a lot more than if you were sharing. If you are travelling with a large group of fifteen or more guests, you may be able to negotiate a group discount or get some amenities exclusively for the use of that group.


Are you travelling with children?

Many, but not all, cruise ships have excellent children’s facilities, such as crèches and supervised activities. Therefore, if you are travelling with children, you should be sure to check on the facilities available on a cruise ship before you book it.


What type of cabin would you prefer?

As with other forms of holiday transport and accommodation, cruise ship cabins come in different forms to suit different tastes and budgets. At the top end, there are suites that have lots of space, feature some top class facilities, and can boast fantastic sea views. Balcony cabins are the next step down, offering great romantic views and the luxury of a private outdoor space. Interior cabins are usually the cheapest, and feature no windows or outside space, but are usually perfectly comfortable otherwise.