Now that you have decided to take a cruise, the next step is to choose one of the many different types of cruises. I know what you’re thinking, ship types, huh? So there are different types. Just as there are different itineraries, the ships also vary.
mega ships
Do you want a mega ship where you get a great deal but are just another anonymous passenger of the crew? If you don’t mind and are just looking to have a good time, these ships boast multiple swimming pools, rock-climbing walls, and all manner of amenities, including casinos and clubs. They boast of being floating cities. With good reason, considering that they can hold up to 6,000 passengers plus crew.
There is always a lot going on somewhere on this type of ship. The caveat for this type of cruise is that you are just part of the crowd. The rooms are usually very small. The average size is less than 200 square feet. You are competing with what seems like a million other passengers for amenities and shore excursions. Then, just when you thought most everything was free, you quickly find out that it’s not the truth. There is a lot of nickel and browning on these boats.
luxury boats
The second type of cruises are the moderately priced Deluxe Cruises. They offer many of the same amenities as the mega ship just on a smaller scale. The number of passengers on these boats ranges from 1,500 to 3,000. Due to their size, they tend to attract a different type of crowd. Those looking for a slightly slower pace. The cabin size is not much different than the mega ships, just less. These ships are primarily the oldest ships in a cruise line fleet, but are still very well equipped and in good working order. However, just like the mega ships, you are again just one of the crowd. You may get some aspects of personalized service, but don’t expect much. You have to look at it from the point of view that you’re still competing with 1,500 to 3,000 people for the things you want to do. The amenities they offer are just as nice, and many of the cruise lines that use the mid-size ships offer more family-oriented vacation packages.
luxury boat
The third type of cruise is the luxury class. These boats are unique. They offer a more personalized vacation. They cater to a crowd that wants more from their cruise. A crowd that wants to be treated like VIPs, pampered every step of the way. These ships are much smaller, offer low passenger numbers and a low passenger-to-crew ratio, which improves service. They offer rooms that are larger, most with terraces overlooking the sea. Their service is impeccable and their food is usually of much higher quality. One even offers a 24-hour concierge service of champagne and caviar. Almost all of these ships are all-inclusive, some include shore excursions. Shore excursions from these ships are also unique. Zip line tours through the rainforests, dinner in the Namib desert, excursions to penguin colonies and much more. These types of cruises usually offer unusual itineraries. Places like the South Pacific, Nile voyages, Bali, the Galapagos Islands, Baltic Sea voyages, around the world voyages and just about anywhere else you can think of.
What you need to consider besides price when looking for your next cruise should be where you want to go and how you want to get it. Just remember that not all types of cruises are created equal.
