In part 3 of this series we’ll look at other factors to consider once you’ve got a sense of the different cruise line types—mainstream, premium, luxury, and expedition—the next step is narrowing your options based on budget, destination, and the type of experience you want onboard. These elements will help you zero in on the perfect cruise for your needs.
1. Budget: Know What You’re Really Paying For
Cruise fares vary widely, and while one line may advertise a low base rate, the true cost can rise quickly with add-ons. Be sure to factor in:
- Taxes and port fees (usually always included in your quoted fare)
- Shore excursions (always an additional, but some promos can include a credit for some)
- Specialty dining and drink packages (always an additional, but some promos can include a package)
- Wi-Fi (same as above)
- Gratuities (same as above)
- Pre/post-cruise flights or hotels (some luxury lines can include these but your travel agent can throw a package together that can include it.)
Mainstream lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean offer fares as low as $100 per person per night. For even better deals, look at older ships or shorter cruises (3–4 nights) that still include great entertainment and best in-class dining.
If you’re aiming for premium or luxury, fares are higher—but they often include more: shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining, and even flights. Lines like Viking and Regent offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing, which can sometimes make them better overall value than “cheaper” cruises once everything is added up.
2. Destination & Itinerary: Where You Want to Go Matters
The cruise line you choose will often be dictated by the places you want to see. Different lines specialize in different types of itineraries:
- Mainstream lines focus on high-volume, popular regions like the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean. These cruises often include short port visits and sea days with lots of onboard activity.
- Premium and luxury lines focus more on immersive travel. You’ll find longer stays in port, overnights in key cities, and excursions that go beyond tourist traps.
- Expedition lines like Hurtigruten, Oceanwide Expeditions, and subsets of Seabourn, Ponant, or Silversea for example, reach far-flung destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, or the Arctic.
Want to cruise without a passport? Opt for closed-loop sailings (starting and ending at the same U.S. port), but know that your destination options will be more limited. Also the boarding and disembarking process will be more challenging if you’re just using a birth certificate and government ID.
3. Demographic & Onboard Atmosphere: Who’s Around You Counts
Are you traveling with kids, as a couple, or solo? Your ideal cruise line should match your lifestyle and comfort level.
- Family-friendly: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian are the go-tos. They offer kids’ clubs, family cabins, water parks, and all-ages entertainment.
- Adults-only or adults-preferred: Viking (18+), Virgin Voyages, and certain ships from P&O Cruises (like Aurora and Arcadia) offer grown-up environments with fewer distractions.
- Mature travelers: Holland America, Cunard, and luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent tend to attract older cruisers, thanks to more refined programming, classic music, and lower-energy atmospheres.
The line you choose will shape the crowd onboard—from active families to retired couples—and that makes a huge difference in the vibe of your sailing.
Takeaway: Let Your Priorities Guide the Way
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, prioritize older ships or shorter itineraries from mainstream lines. If destination depth and cultural experiences are key, premium and luxury lines are well worth the upgrade. And if peace and quiet matter most, seek out adult-oriented sailings or lines with mature demographics.
Up next: In Part 4, we’ll explore how ship size—from mega-resorts at sea to intimate luxury yachts—can dramatically change your cruise experience.
Part I: How to Choose the Right Cruise Line for Your Perfect Vacation
Part II: How to Choose the Right Cruise Line: Speciality and Niche Lines
Part IV: Coming Soon