Cruising isn’t one-size-fits-all. The “right” cruise is the one that matches your travel style, budget, and expectations for space, service, and ports. Use this guide on how to choose the right cruise that fits your choices quickly and confidently.
Start With Your Goal
- Relax and recharge with sea days and a resort feel
- See as many ports as possible (culture and excursions)
- Celebrate with family—many activities, kid clubs, casual dining
- Adults-only, serene vibe, slower pace
- Enrichment: lectures, destination focus, small groups
- Expedition-style adventure (Zodiacs, remote regions)
Write down your priority in one sentence. It will be your tie-breaker when choices look similar.
Pick the Right Region and Season
- Mediterranean: spring and fall for cooler temps, fewer crowds; summer for beach time but busier ports.
- Alaska: late May–early Sept; peak wildlife June–July, best value shoulder season.
- Northern Europe: May–Aug; longer daylight in June.
- Caribbean: year-round; best prices late Aug–Oct but it’s hurricane season.
- Asia/Australia/NZ: typically Sept–Apr. Check flight length and one-way vs roundtrip itineraries. If you want immersive time ashore, prioritise itineraries with longer port calls or overnights.
Understand Ship Size and Vibe
- Mega (4,000–6,500 guests): waterparks, shows, many dining options; more crowds, great for families.
- Large (2,500–4,000): lots to do, still busy at peak times; broad appeal.
- Mid-size (1,000–2,500): easier logistics, a bit more space, still lively.
- Small/Luxury (500–1,000): calmer, more staff per guest, destination focus, fewer lines.
- Expedition (100–250): remote regions, lectures, Zodiacs; cabins smaller, excursions central to the experience.
Passenger Numbers and “Space Ratio” Explained (With Examples)
Space ratio is a quick way to sense how roomy a ship feels. It’s the ship’s gross tonnage divided by the number of passengers at double occupancy.
What the numbers generally mean
- ~30–40: Busy, resort-like feel (mass-market big ships)
- ~40–55: Comfortable, more elbow room (premium)
- ~55–75+: Spacious luxury feel
- 80–90+: Exceptionally airy for ocean cruising
Approximate examples (ship-specific; figures can vary by class and refits)
- Princess Cruises (Royal/Discovery-class): roughly 3,500–3,700 guests; space ratio often around high-30s to ~40.
- Viking Ocean (identical 930‑guest ships): about 47,800 GT / 930 guests ≈ ~51–52.
- Regent Seven Seas Explorer/Splendor: ~55,000 GT / 750 guests ≈ ~73–74.
- Crystal Serenity after refit: ~68,800 GT with ~740 guests ≈ ~90+ (noting this is unusually high and helps explain the “airy” feel).
Key notes
- Space ratio is a proxy. GT isn’t “public square meters,” but higher numbers do tend to correlate with fewer crowds.
- Two ships with similar ratios can still feel different due to layout (bottlenecks vs. wide promenades), pool deck size, and how venues are scheduled.
- If you love a calmer vibe, consider lines consistently above ~50; for a lively resort atmosphere and budget value, lines in the 30s–40s can be perfect.
Cabin Choices That Change Your Experience
- Inside/Oceanview: best value; good if you’ll be ashore all day.
- Balcony: private outdoor space; great in scenic regions (Alaska, fjords, Greek isles).
- Suites: extra space, priority services, included perks; especially impactful on premium/luxury lines.
- Location tips: lower/midship for less motion, cabins under public decks can pick up noise, and forward balconies are windier but great views.
Dining Style and What’s Included
- Mass-market/premium (e.g., Princess): main restaurants + speciality venues; beverages, Wi‑Fi, gratuities may be add-ons or bundled in “perks” packages.
- Luxury (e.g., Regent, Crystal): more inclusions—speciality dining, premium drinks, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, often excursions.
- Viking: wine/beer with lunch/dinner, speciality dining included; typically no casino and adults-only vibe.
Decide if you prefer “pay as you go” lower fare or “pay once” higher fare with more included.
Budget and Value: Compare Apples to Apples
When comparing fares, standardise for what you’ll actually use:
- Base fare vs. included drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips, excursions
- Speciality dining costs
- Airfare, transfers, and pre/post nights
- Shore excursions and private tours Luxury can look expensive up front but be close in net cost if you would buy all the same add-ons elsewhere.
Motion, Accessibility, and Wellness
- If you’re motion-sensitive: choose a larger, modern ship, book midship/low deck, and consider calmer seasons/routes.
- Accessibility: verify accessible cabin availability early; ask about tender ports and gangway slopes.
- Wellness: check for proper gyms, walking tracks, quiet areas, and spa facilities if that matters to you.
Booking Strategy and Timing
- Book early for peak seasons, top cabins, and small ships (luxury/exploration).
- Watch shoulder seasons for deals in the Med and Alaska.
- Consider repositioning cruises for value if you enjoy sea days.
- Work with a cruise specialist for extra onboard credit, group rates, or perks.
Quick Comparison Snapshot (Approximate Ranges)
- Princess Cruises: 2,600–4,600 guests; space ratio often high-30s to ~40; family-friendly, broad itineraries, strong value.
- Viking Ocean: ~930 guests; space ratio ~51; adults-only, destination focus, quiet vibe.
- Regent Seven Seas: ~700–750 guests; space ratio ~70+; highly inclusive luxury, spacious suites.
- Crystal: ~700–740 guests; space ratio can be ~90 on Serenity post-refit; refined service, enrichment focus.
Use these as directional guides; check the specific ship you’re eyeing.
Example Shortlists by Travel Style
- Relaxed, adults-forward, destination-led: Viking Ocean; Oceania small ships; Azamara.
- Resort energy, many dining/entertainment options: Princess; Royal Caribbean; Norwegian.
- All‑inclusive luxury, high space ratio: Regent; Crystal; Seabourn; Silversea.
- Alaska wildlife focus with comfort: Princess (wide deployment), Holland America, Seabourn (smaller-ship luxury).
- Culture-heavy port immersion: Azamara; Oceania; Viking.
- Family fun with kids’ clubs: Royal Caribbean; Norwegian; Princess.
How to Compare Two Contenders in Five Minutes
- Write your one-sentence goal
- Check passenger count and space ratio
- Scan 3–5 top ports and time in port
- Tally what’s included vs extras you’d buy
- Look at cabin photos and deck plans for flow and quiet spaces
See our other cruise planning guides here
