How to Choose the Perfect Cruise: Top 5 Things Beyond Ship Size & Destination

Written By Venturetosee .

Cruising is one of the most versatile and exciting vacation options—but choosing the right cruise takes more than just picking a destination or a familiar cruise line name. Over the years, I’ve chatted with countless travelers, sailed with multiple cruise brands, and learned a lot through trial, error, and a few pleasant surprises.

One thing I know for sure:
The best cruises are the ones that match your lifestyle, interests, expectations, and budget—not just the prettiest Instagram photos.

In this guide, I’ll break down my top 5 most important factors when selecting a cruise, along with practical, real-world tips to help make your next trip smooth, memorable, and fun. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea explorer, these insights will help you navigate the options like a pro.

1. Affordability & Hidden Costs: Budget Beyond the Base Price

Let’s start with the part nobody loves: the money.
A cruise may look inexpensive at first glance, but costs can pile up quickly if you’re not prepared. The cruise industry is a for-profit business—and that’s okay. The goal is to find the sweet spot where the cruise line makes its money and you walk off the ship feeling you got an amazing value.

What to Consider

  • Getting to and from the port: Flights, hotels, parking, Uber/Lyft, and shuttle costs add up fast. Book early and look at different airport options to save.

  • Onboard miscellaneous expenses:
    Daily crew gratuities now average $16–$18 per person/per night (Carnival ~$16, NCL/Royal ~$18, Princess/Celebrity ~$18 as of Nov 2025).
    Drink packages often run $65–$85 per day + 18% gratuity, and some lines don’t honor the drink package at certain venues.
    Photo packages, laundry, arcade charges, and games like Bingo or Deal or No Deal can sneak up on you.

  • Specialty dining & premium experiences:
    The main dining room and buffet are included, but premium steakhouses, sushi bars, Chef’s Table events, and wine tastings cost extra.

  • Excursions:
    Excursions in port vary widely in price—and many local guides expect tips at the end of the tour.

Affordability by Cruise Type

Luxury Cruises

Examples: Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea
Almost everything is included—excursions, gratuities, drinks, and specialty dining—so budgeting is simple. Upcharges still exist for ultra-premium spirits, spa treatments, and personalized experiences.

Expedition Cruises

Small ships, big adventures, higher price tags.
Some standout expedition operators include:

  • Hurtigruten Expeditions – hybrid-electric ships for Arctic and Antarctic sailings

  • Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic – science and wildlife-focused itineraries

  • Ponant – French luxury with strong sustainability focus

  • Silversea Expeditions – premium service with included excursions

  • Seabourn Expedition – luxury gear, expert-led excursions, and immersive itineraries

These voyages often include guided explorations, Zodiacs, park ranger talks, and remote landings you simply can’t get on mainstream lines.

Upscale Cruises

Examples: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess
Tons of activities and amenities, but expect à-la-carte pricing for many premium experiences.

Budget Cruises

Examples: Carnival, Norwegian, MSC
Low fares upfront, but additional charges—drinks, excursions, specialty dining—can add up quickly.

Top Tips for Affordability

1.     Book early—many lines open itineraries 16–20 months ahead with bonus package deals. Early booking = best cabin selection.  In some cases, I’ve seen the best prices from cruises overseas before airlines start offering up flight schedules.

2.     Compare all-inclusive vs. à la carte pricing—the cheapest fare isn’t always the best value.

3.     Look for off-peak or repositioning sailings to save hundreds without sacrificing the experience.

2. Onboard Experience & Entertainment: Match Your Vibe

The ship itself is a big part of your vacation. Some ships are floating theme parks; others feel like boutique hotels at sea. Picking the right atmosphere is everything.

On my very first cruise, I booked Royal Caribbean simply because the dates and price worked for me—but once onboard, I realized the ship experience mattered just as much as the itinerary. Entertainment, lounges, restaurants, and spaces you naturally gravitate toward can make or break your trip.

Here are a few quick comparisons:

  • Royal Caribbean Icon/Quantum/Oasis class – big entertainment, bumper cars, ice shows, skydiving simulators

  • Norwegian Prima Class (The Haven) – “ship within a ship” luxury suites and private amenities

  • Celebrity – relaxing, refined, strong culinary scene; “The Retreat” for suite guests

  • P&O Arvia/Iona – dedicated adults-only areas that actually stay peaceful

  • Carnival Excel Class – fun-focused with water parks, comedy clubs, and roller coasters

Many lines also now offer enrichment programs like mixology classes, cooking demos, port talks, art workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Top Tips for Onboard Experience

1.     Watch YouTube vlogs and Instagram reels to get a feel for the ship’s vibe before booking.

2.     Choose ships with activities that match your personality—thrill-seeker, foodie, spa-lover, introvert, or family-oriented.

3.     Look for themed nights, live music, Broadway-style shows, or comedy clubs that match your interests.

3. Dining Options & Dietary Flexibility: Feast Without Fuss

Food is a huge part of cruising. A good meal can set the tone for your whole evening. And honestly, cruising offers some of the best value per meal you’ll find anywhere.

What to Consider

  • Specialty restaurants & reservation limits

  • Allergy-friendly or vegan menus

  • Upcharges for additional entrées or premium dishes

  • Menu rotation schedules

    • Carnival: 7-night cruises often repeat the main dining room menu after Day 4—great if you want to try a dish you skipped.

    • Holland America: Unique menus every night on longer cruises, often including local or regional specialties tied to the ports.

  • Megaship reservation chaos
    Royal Caribbean’s Icon/Star/Utopia class specialty restaurants often fill up before you even board.

Top Tips for Dining

1.     Consider whether specialty dining is worth the price—often the MDR is excellent and included.

2.     Use menu rotations to try dishes you skipped earlier.

3.     Try locally inspired dishes for a deeper connection with your itinerary.

4. Sustainability & Eco Practices: Cruise With a Conscience

If you love the ocean, you want to protect it. The good news: more cruise lines are adopting eco-friendly practices.

Examples:

  • Hurtigruten uses hybrid-electric ships and removed single-use plastics fleetwide.

  • Ponant Explorers and Swan Hellenic run LNG + battery hybrid ships.

  • Royal Caribbean and MSC use shore power where available to cut emissions in port.

Top Tips for Sustainability

1.     Choose ships with sustainability certifications or eco-friendly tech.

2.     Bring reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics.

3.     Share your eco-conscious travel tips online to inspire others.

5. Health & Wellness Amenities: Prioritize Your Well-Being

A cruise should leave you refreshed—not exhausted. Wellness offerings vary dramatically between lines.

Look for:

  • Fitness centers, thermal suites, and saunas

  • Spa experiences (Princess Enclave, Celebrity SEA Thermal Suite, MSC Aurea Spa)

  • Quiet zones (Celebrity’s Solarium, Viking’s entire ship environment)

  • Medical facilities onboard

Many travelers say they regret skipping a ship with a real spa or adult retreat. A quiet space goes a long way toward creating a peaceful vacation.

Top Tips for Health & Wellness

1.     Check what fitness classes, spa facilities, or relaxation areas are included.

2.     Ensure medical facilities and wellness programs match your family’s needs.

3.     If you want a luxury wellness experience, budget for it upfront.

Bonus Tip: Shore Excursions & Port Accessibility

Shore excursions often define the stories you’ll tell when you get home. But here’s the reality:
Big cruise lines like Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings often visit the same ports—and sometimes on the same day.

That means:

  • Crowded streets

  • Long excursion lines

  • Packed beaches

  • Sold-out tours

Smaller lines or expedition ships often visit quieter, less commercial ports—leading to more personal, authentic experiences.

Top Tips for Shore Excursions

1.     Book popular tours early (especially during holidays).

2.     Mix guided excursions with independent exploring when the port is safe and walkable.

3.     Consider smaller or off-peak ports for a less congested experience.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my personal guide to the five biggest factors that transform a cruise from “pretty good” to “absolutely unforgettable.” By considering affordability, onboard experience, dining, sustainability, and wellness, you’ll craft a trip that matches your travel style.

If you’re ready to book or need help comparing cruise lines, drop a comment or message me on social. I love helping people find the perfect fit.

Follow for more cruise tips—and let’s make waves together!

#CruiseTips #TravelHacks #AffordableAdventures

Disclaimer: Cruise prices, policies, and offerings vary by ship and sailing. Always check the latest information before booking.

Venturetosee .