Are you one of the 6.5% of Americans who are scared of flying? Or maybe you just want to start your vacation as soon as you set foot off the ground. Whatever the reason, planning a cruise vacation this summer is the way to go.
But with a vast array of cruise line options out there, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out how to choose a cruise line you’ll love.
Budget
First things first: cruises are charged per person, with the average being $214.25 per passenger per day. Of course, when comparing cruise costs, budget liners will cost less, and luxury liners can cost up to five times the average. So, take into account the size of your traveling group and multiply the cost accordingly.
Destination
The next port of call (excuse the pun) is your destination.
Where do you want to spend your vacation time? Will you be island hopping, jumping on and off your cruise ship? Or is your cruise just part of your itinerary?
Whatever the answer, choosing a destination will help refine your choices. You can now narrow down the cruise line options to those that’ll sail to where you want to go.
Embarkation Point
All destinations for cruises start with an embarkation point, which is your next decision. Once you’ve decided where to go, you’ll need to find out which port will get you there. For example, visit cruisehive.com for a list of ports from which to sail.
There are over 320 ocean cruise ships to choose from. So, once you’ve found those that head to your destination, choose a convenient embarkation point. Bear in mind your nearest port might be a flight away.
Size of Ship
You can narrow your choices down even further by deciding whether you want a big ship or a small one. Big ships are exciting, busy, and hold a lot of passengers – well over 6,500, in fact. Smaller ships are cozier and quieter, but can still hold up to 1,000 passengers.
It’s good to bear in mind that large ships don’t really require ‘sea legs’ – you won’t really notice you’re riding the waves. Smaller ships can be a little bumpier, but a great choice if you love feeling the ocean beneath your feet.
Party Requirements
How big is your traveling party? Are there small children in your group? What do you want to do onboard?
When planning a cruise vacation, you might want to pick a cruise line provider that’ll keep the kids entertained. Liners have ships that cater to different age groups. Some have themed areas and activities for smaller children, and family activities for older ones.
Cruise Amenities
Common cruise amenities include all-inclusive dining, bars, and entertainment for all. There will often be a swimming pool onboard, libraries, and a dance floor.
Other liners have movie theatres, spas, water parks, and even Broadway-caliber shows aboard the ship! So think about your preferred amenities and choose a cruise line that will cater to your needs.
How to Choose a Cruise Line for Your Family Vacation
A summer cruise is the perfect family vacation, but it can be hard to know how to choose a cruise line to suit your needs.
Start with a budget, pick a destination, and choose a port that will get you there. And then get to the good stuff – your entertainment and amenities. Armed with your requirements, you’ll find just the cruise line for you.
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