How To Choose a Cruise in 7 Easy Steps
Choosing the right cruise can feel overwhelming—especially with hundreds of ships, thousands of itineraries, multiple cabin types, and nonstop promotions everywhere you look.
Whether this is your very first cruise or you’re simply trying something new, picking the right cruise can be the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one.
Below are 7 easy steps to simplify the process and help you find the cruise that fits YOU best.
Step 1: Decide Where You Want To Go
Start by choosing the general area of the world you want to visit. You don’t need to know every port yet—just narrow down the region.
Some popular cruise destinations include:
• Caribbean for warm weather and beaches
• Alaska for scenery and wildlife
• Europe for culture and history
• Norway or Iceland for breathtaking landscapes
• Asia or South America for something more exotic
You may also want to think about:
• Flying vs. driving to the cruise port
• Weather during your travel dates
• Budget differences by region (airfare, hotel nights, transfers, etc.)
Helpful tip: If you want an easier, stress-free vacation, consider cruising from a port closer to home.
2. Choose the Best Cruise Line
Every cruise line has its own personality, atmosphere, and style. Some are family-focused with waterslides and nonstop activities, while others are more relaxed, adults-oriented, or luxury-driven.
Popular cruise lines for families include:
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
The best cruise line for you depends on:
• Your budget
• The age of your kids (or whether you’re traveling adults-only)
• The vacation vibe you want (party, chill, upscale, adventure, etc.)
• The destinations you’re visiting
Helpful tip: The cruise line matters just as much as the destination.
3. Pick the Right Cruise Ship
Not all ships are the same—even within the same cruise line. Think of the ship as part of the destination.
Some ships are massive floating resorts with features like:
• waterslides
• zip lines
• surf simulators
• go-karts
• huge entertainment venues
Other ships are smaller and more relaxed, focusing more on ports and immersive destinations.
Big ships often offer:
✅ More activities
✅ More dining choices
✅ Newer technology
✅ Smoother sailing
Smaller ships often offer:
✅ Fewer crowds
✅ More unique ports
✅ Lower pricing (often)
✅ Easier boarding and getting around
Helpful tip: If you love exploring ports, smaller ships may be perfect. If you love onboard entertainment, larger ships usually offer more.
4. Select Your Travel Dates Carefully
Your travel dates can impact:
• pricing
• weather
• crowd levels
• promotions
• overall cruise experience
Things to consider:
• Hurricane season in the Caribbean
• School holiday pricing and crowds
• Peak summer travel demand
• Cooler-weather cruising (and what you’ll want to pack)
In general:
• Booking early often gives you the best cabin choices and pricing
• Family cabins and lower-priced inside cabins sell out quickly
• Last-minute deals can happen, but availability may be limited (especially for specific cabin types)
Helpful tip: The best time to book many cruises is often 12–24 months in advance.
5. Choose Your Cabin Type
Cruise cabins generally fall into four categories:
• Inside cabins
• Oceanview cabins
• Balcony cabins
• Suites
Inside Cabins:
✅ Cheapest option
✅ Great for sleeping
❌ No natural light
Oceanview Cabins:
✅ Window view
✅ More open feeling
❌ Higher price than inside cabins
Balcony Cabins:
✅ Private outdoor space
✅ Beautiful views
✅ Very popular
❌ More expensive
Suites:
✅ Largest and most luxurious
✅ Extra perks and benefits
❌Highest cost
Helpful tip: Balcony cabins are wonderful for scenic destinations like Alaska or Norway.
6. Decide Who To Book With
You can book directly with the cruise line or work with a travel advisor.
A good travel advisor can often help with:
✅ Better group pricing
✅ Added onboard credit
✅ Extra perks
✅ Refundable deposit options
✅ Cabin selection guidance
✅ Help before, during, and after your trip
They can also help you avoid costly mistakes and save time comparing cruise options.
Helpful tip: The right travel advisor can add value beyond just the cruise price.
7. Find the Best Deals
Cruise pricing changes constantly, and promotions can vary by sailing date, cabin category, and cruise line.
Some deals may include:
• onboard credit
• specialty dining
• drink packages
• kids sail free offers
• reduced deposits
• group pricing
The best deals are not always the cheapest price—sometimes the added perks create the best overall value.
Helpful tip: Before booking direct online, always compare pricing and promotions with a cruise specialist first.
Before You Book
Choosing the right cruise becomes much easier once you break it down step by step.
The key is finding the right combination of:
• destination
• cruise line
• ship
• cabin
• pricing
• travel dates
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. A little guidance can save you time, stress, and sometimes even money—while helping you find the cruise vacation that fits you best.
Choosing cruising holidays should be much simpler for you now. But before you book your cruise, there are some important tasks to tick off. Download a free printable version of the pre-cruise checklist here. Also, request a copy of 100 cruise hacks that will make your cruise more enjoyable without the hassles
— Bob the Cruise Guy
CHN Cruises
“Let the Sea Set YOU Free”