Choosing a Ship by Experience
Pick the experience first, then the ship.
Match Me With the Right ShipThe quickest way to the right cruise is to pick the experience first and the ship second. Here is how the main styles of ship compare on board.
Ship Styles by Onboard Experience
| Ship style | What there is to do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Large resort ships | Water parks, rides, several theaters, many restaurants and bars | Families, groups, first-timers who want variety |
| Mid-size premium ships | Good shows and dining, spas, fewer thrills, more space | Couples and mixed-age groups wanting polish |
| Adults-only ships | Grown-up nightlife, fitness and dining with no children aboard | Couples and friends wanting a lively adult vibe |
| Small luxury ships | Fine dining, lectures, intimate lounges, much included | Travelers who value service and calm |
| Expedition ships | Naturalist talks, landings, kayaking and wildlife | Nature lovers bound for remote places |
Turn Your Wish List Into a Short List
- Write down the three things you most want to do on board, and the one thing you most want to avoid.
- Rule out ship styles that miss your top three.
- Compare itineraries only among the ships left.
- Check the onboard extras you will pay for, and add them to the fare.
- Look at deck plans before you choose a cabin location.
For side-by-side comparisons of lines, ships and fares, visit our sister site Cruise Compares. Watching for the season’s best offers? Wave Season gathers them.
Who Wants What
Families with young children
Splash zones, kids’ clubs and casual dining with long hours.
Teens
Their own clubs, slides, sports courts and freedom to roam.
Couples
Adults-only spaces, specialty dining, spa time and good live music.
Retirees and slow travelers
Lectures, classes, libraries and longer itineraries.
Groups of friends
Plenty of bars, shows and things to do together.
Multi-generation groups
Big ships where everyone can find something, then meet for dinner.
When the Cabin Becomes the Experience
On some ships the best experience is the suite itself: a private lounge, a reserved restaurant or a sun deck only suite guests can use. If those perks matter to you, compare the suite programs line by line, and read how cruise upgrades really work before counting on a free move up.
Check the Experience, Not Just the Brochure
Ships change. Venues are renamed, refitted or replaced during dry docks, and a feature promoted on one ship in a fleet may not exist on its sister. Before you commit, confirm that the specific ship and sailing you are booking has the attractions, restaurants and programs you care about, and whether any of them need reservations or carry a fee. Ask, too, about the season: pools, outdoor venues and some activities may be limited on cooler itineraries. Our advisors check these details for you as part of every quote.
Get a Short List of Ships Built for You
Tell us the experiences you want and the ones you want to avoid. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will narrow the choice and send free quotes.
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