Planning a Holiday Cruise--Choosing a Ship
Suppose there are several cruise lines with holiday itineraries that you like. It all comes down to selecting a particular ship. How do you choose?
To Thine Ownself Be True
More than even knowing the ship, the key is knowing yourself and your family or travel companions.
Why are you looking forward to this cruise? Is it to party the night away? Or is it to gain some rest and relaxation? Is it for the sake of adventure? Is it mainly for the kids?
Are you an energetic people person? Does it thrill you every time you make the acquaintance of another soul? You will probably be at home on the ships that pride themselves on getting the passengers as actively involved in as many games and talents shows as possible. You will have plenty of social interaction with like-minded people.
Do you prefer quiet conversation and as little disturbance as possible? Consider one of the smaller vessels that is purposely devoid of the relentless intercom announcements of upcoming activities that plague some ships. The pace is more relaxed. Passengers aboard these ships tend to be closer to middle age and more sedate.
Are you demanding when it comes to food? Read online reviews of the ship's restaurants, so you can choose a ship that fits your culinary standards.
If you’re on vacation for adventure, find a cruise line that not only has onboard sports activities but also provides additional land excursions. For example, you might visit a local golf club or spend a day in the wilderness photographing big game.
How important is intellectual stimulation to you while on vacation? If it’s a priority, look for cruises that provide informative lectures about the history and culture of the lands you're visiting. By the way, these same cruises will probably offer guided tours or at least have great suggestions on constructive ways to explore the area once you make land.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
You'll have a headstart in choosing the ship that is right for you if you get in the habit of analyzing the advertising campaigns used by the various cruise lines. Look at the actors and models used in the ads. They represent either the typical traveler you'll currently find aboard the ship or the type of individual the cruise line hopes to convert into a passenger.
Are the people in the ads dangling from bungee cords? This isn’t the kind of cruise where you can catch up on your reading. Are the couples in the ads grayheaded? There probably won’t be costumed cartoon characters running around on deck.
Google Me, Google You
Next check the cruise line’s web page for a detailed listing of the activities provided aboard the ship. A quick perusal will give you an immediate idea whether this is the ideal ship for your six-year-old granddaughter or whether it's better suited for your aging hippie brother-in-law.
