Cruising offers a unique way to travel, combining the excitement of visiting multiple destinations with the comfort of a floating hotel. There are so many reasons to cruise! With a variety of cruise types available, there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste. Let’s dive into the different types of cruises and what makes each one special.
Ocean Cruises
Ocean cruises are the most common type of cruise, taking passengers across vast seas and oceans. These cruises offer a wide range of itineraries, from short trips to the Caribbean to extended journeys around the world. Ocean liners, like those from Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, boast numerous amenities, including pools, theaters, and diverse dining options. This is one of the most common types of cruises available and there are several major cruise lines.
Set sail from your nearest home port, or hop on a plane to London, Rome, or Athens to experience Europe and beyond. These types of cruises are a great way to visit the major ports of the world.
River Cruises
River cruises provide an intimate and scenic travel experience. Sail along picturesque rivers like the Danube, Nile, or Mississippi. Dock right in the heart of historic cities and charming towns. Companies like Avalon Waterways and Viking offer luxurious riverboats with smaller passenger capacities and truly all-inclusive service. They typically even include shore excursions in the rate!
River cruises a known for their personalized service and immersive cultural excursions. Check out the tulips with a cruise from Amsterdam to Belgium. Or visit the major Christmas markets of Europe with a sail down the Danube. No matter what time of year you go, you are sure to enjoy a rich cultural experience on these types of cruises.
Expedition Cruises
Adventure seekers will love expedition types of cruises. Venture to remote and exotic locations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, or the Arctic. These cruises emphasize exploration and learning. They often feature expert guides and naturalists. Companies like Lindblad Expeditions and Hurtigruten offer thrilling activities such as kayaking, wildlife watching, and guided hikes. Hurtigruten even offers a Northern Lights Guaranty!
Adventure Cruises
For the active traveler, adventure cruises provide a mix of thrilling activities and exploration. Destinations often include Alaska, Columbia, Patagonia, and New Zealand. Activities might involve zip-lining, scuba diving, or mountain biking. Lines like UnCruise Adventures and Aurora Expeditions focus on getting passengers up close and personal with nature and wildlife. They take guests into areas inaccessible to large ships and on excursions that are exclusive and unavailable to most travelers.
Family Cruises
Family cruises offer a many different types of activities for all ages. Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean provide kid-friendly amenities. Enjoy everything from character meet-and-greets and water parks to teen clubs and family-friendly shows. These types of cruises ensure that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, has a memorable experience.
These types of cruises are perfect for family reunions! There is truly something for every age group to enjoy.
Themed Cruises
Themed cruises cater to specific interests and hobbies, creating a unique community of like-minded travelers. Themes range from music and dance to food and wine, and even fitness and wellness. There is even a cruise with entertainment delivered by Comic-Con stars!
I love the idea of music themed cruises! What fun to enjoy concerts and meet-and-greets with some of your famous artists while sailing the high seas. Whether you like country, jazz, reggae, disco, rock, or pop, there is a music cruise for you in the coming year!
Adults-Only Cruises
Adults-only cruises offer a unique vacation experience tailored exclusively for grown-ups. These cruises feature elegant dining options, vibrant nightlife, and serene relaxation areas free from the bustle of families and children. Passengers can enjoy a variety of activities, from wine tastings and gourmet cooking classes to upscale entertainment and wellness retreats.
Virgin Voyages with their “Lady Ships” offer adults-only itineraries across their fleet. They have a very unique atmosphere tailored just for adults. Their dining and entertainment options are top-notch, if a little risqué at times. These types of cruises provide an unparalleled opportunity to unwind and indulge. Check out this post to see if Virgin Voyages is the Right Cruise Line for You!
Luxury Cruises
For those seeking an opulent experience, luxury cruises deliver exceptional service, gourmet dining, and lavish accommodations. Small ship cruises offer a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger ocean liners. With fewer passengers, these cruises can access smaller ports and less-visited destinations.
Lines such as Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are known for their all-inclusive packages. These often include shore excursions, fine wines, and even butler service. These types of cruises focus on providing a refined and pampered journey. Lines like Windstar and Azamara emphasize cultural immersion, unique itineraries, and high-quality service. These types of cruises are ideal for travelers seeking a more exclusive journey.
Transatlantic Cruises
Transatlantic cruises offer a classic and serene travel experience, sailing between Europe and North America. These types of cruises, offered by lines like Cunard with its iconic Queen Mary 2, typically have several sea days. This provides ample time to relax and enjoy onboard activities. Transatlantic crossings harken back to the golden age of ocean travel, combining luxury with a sense of adventure.
Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises occur when ships relocate from one region to another. Ships will often move from US ports sailing the Caribbean to the Mediterranean for the summer season. These cruises are often longer and offer more sea days at a reduced cost, providing a relaxed pace and a chance to explore multiple destinations. They’re perfect for travelers who enjoy leisurely days at sea and discovering new ports.
What Types of Cruises Are Your Favorite?
With so many types of cruises available, there’s an option to match every travel style and interest. Embark on your ideal voyage and create unforgettable memories on the open seas.
Plan your trip! Tell us what you think below in the comments. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
