What is best for you?

Last week I wrote a post about when and where to go on your next cruise holiday. For arguments sake let say you have now decided on a springtime Fjords cruise. So now you know where you want to go, it should now be straight forward, right? That is until you realise that Cunard, P and O, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity etc. are all offering very similar voyages at the same time, so how do you pick?
This blog is aimed at cruise beginners, so I will start at the basics. Every cruise line can be a very different experience to the next. So it is always best to do your research, and see what is best for you . Let’s take Fred Olsen and Royal Caribbean for example. Fred Olsen is a traditional brand, where you get two dinner sittings, 3 course meals. Entertainment on board, may be in the form of lectures, Watercolour lessons, comedians and Classical musicians. If you are a family of four with two young children then maybe this is not for you. However Royal Caribbean on the other hand has sports courts, water parks, ice rinks, surf machines, night clubs, kids clubs, burger bars and more. So great for the kids, but maybe not for your elderly great aunt.

If you are stuck for choice and unsure what ship to choose, then have a look at the below as a general guide.

If you’re a family group, need lots to entertain the kids, or just like the idea of a huge ship, with lots of facilities then you can’t go too wrong with Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC (Splendia, Fantasia, Magnifica, Opera,Poesia) P and O ( Ventura, Oceana, Azura) and Celebrity (Solstice Class Vessels). All of these offer huge amounts in terms of choice of dining, entertainment, kids clubs and facilities.

If you are after a more relaxed option or maybe just a trip for 2 for a special anniversary. Why not try Fred Olsen, Cruise and Maritime or P&O (Adonia and Arcadia). The entertainment on board will not be as big and Broadway style as above, it will be similar but on a smaller scale. The ships are a lot smaller. A typical night will probably consist of a 3 course Gala Dinner followed by an evening in the Piano bar. Activities on board will be, talks and lectures held by guest speakers, Water colour lessons, Wine tasting and more. If you are into cards, then Bridge is played a lot on board (Optional).

Finally, If you are after a bit of both, maybe something that is good for young, old, active or relaxed. P&O (Oceania, Aurora), Celebrity and Princess all have ships that offer the best of both worlds. If you would like a safe bet, then maybe you should look at these brands. You have the fixed formal dining if you like, or the freedom of eating anytime. You can have a game of shuffleboard, or play basketball on the sports courts. Whatever ship you decide I am here to help so, if you would like any further information, or have further questions please let me know.