How to choose your cruise

There are seven key points to take into consideration when you choose your cruise. We finds out what you need to ask yourself before booking your first sailing.

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Decide on your budget

If you are looking for budget options, the big cruise lines will have better pricing due to the variety of accommodation options. Some lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard boast cabin categories ranging from interior cabins to balcony rooms to suites that cater for up to six people. 

With contemporary and premium cruise lines, you will have to remember that not everything will be included in the price – you will have to purchase drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursions. 

If you lean towards river, expedition and luxury cruise lines, your vacation will be more expensive. But unlike the contemporary and premium space, nearly everything will be included in the price.

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Decide on your style of holiday and what type of first-time cruiser you are

If you are looking for something more relaxed or romantic, smaller ships such as those operated by Oceania Cruises or Paul Gauguin, or larger ships with adults-only areas, will be best suited for you. 

River cruises can be a good alternative option for smaller ships, especially if you are looking for fewer crowds and smaller shore excursion groups. 

For those looking for a variety of different things or people travelling with groups of friends or family members, the larger mainstream ships will have something for everyone.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a holiday that is active and based in the great outdoors, an adventure cruise will be best for you. These itineraries will involve hiking, biking, snorkelling and even scuba diving. 

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Decide how long you want the cruise

If you are looking for a taster to see if you like the ship and its amenities, a shorter cruise is a great way to get a snapshot of life at sea. You will have time to get your bearings around the ship and to experience the activities, the dining and the accommodation. 

For example, a shorter cruise out of Australia will generally depart from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne and will either not make landfall or will sail up or down the east coast. Or if you’re sailing out of Singapore, a shorter cruise may visit islands in Malaysia before sailing back. 

A mid-length cruise might be daunting for some newbies. But if your itinerary includes lots of port stops, there will be a reprieve on land if you don’t enjoy the cruise life.

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Decide if you will cruise locally or internationally

Australia is a wonderful cruise region, with a diverse range of ports. Cruising is a fantastic way to see the country without having to fly or drive around our vast land. Several cruise lines such as Princess offer circumnavigation cruises, meaning the ships will sail around the entire country. You’ll get to see the Top End and the west coast of Australia, as well as beloved destinations such as Kangaroo Island and ports in Tasmania such as Burnie. 

But there are cruise ships sailing everywhere on the planet. If warm weather is important to you, then this will not only dictate the location but also the time of the year. But more on that later. For Australians, our most beloved destinations are in Europe because of the diversity of the continent. You can sail the Eastern or Western Mediterranean, the Greek Islands, or even venture further north to Scandinavia and the Baltics. 

The Caribbean is the heartland of cruising, with many Americans, Europeans and British heading to the region to try out the newest ships. The US is still considered the playground for cruise, with many lines homeporting ships in ports in Florida and Texas. 

But closer to home, Southeast Asia and cruises from Japan are fast becoming popular with mainstream lines. There are also ocean cruises around South Africa and South America, which provide a comfortable and safe setting especially as parts of these areas are still dangerous. 

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Decide what time of year you want to cruise

Are you looking for a warm holiday or to explore the Christmas markets of Europe? Both the northern and southern hemispheres have what they call “Wave Season”, which is when the weather is at its best and the seas are at their calmest. However, this is when cruises are at their most expensive. 

Mediterranean cruising is at its peak from June through to September. In Australia, our peak season ranges from September through to March. These summer periods will also coincide with the school-holiday season – so if you have children, it’s best to book ahead. However, both ocean and river cruise lines are now offering voyages in the shoulder season to avoid the crowds. River cruise lines such as Viking, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways have wonderful Christmas market cruises. If you are cruising to the Caribbean, you may encounter rough weather.

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Decide on your cruise tribe

Who is coming with you on your holiday? Is it just you and your significant other? A group of friends? Your entire family? Or are you cruising alone? The ages and preferences of your tribe will also decide your cruise style and the ships. You will need to ask yourself if there are accessibility needs. Does anyone in the group get seasick? What does everybody like doing? Remember, in a group, you can do as little or as much as you want together.