Features — Uniworld

For the novice passenger embarking on their maiden voyage, selecting a cruise can be a daunting experience. It’s easy to feel all at sea when you’re faced with dozens of operators and an armada of ships, each catering to a different taste and budget. But by doing your homework and with a little expert advice, you can set your course for an unforgettable adventure.

So where to start? The first and most obvious question to ask is just what kind of passenger are you? Are you travelling on your own or with a partner or family? Are you the social type who loves to party or is time to yourself top priority? Then there’s your choice of destination. Do you prefer to island hop or catch a rare glimpse of some of the world’s most spectacular and inaccessible places?

As the trend toward niche cruising continues to gather momentum, there is literally a cruise for everyone, featuring everything from celebrity chefs, rock concerts and singles cruises to eco adventures. 

Cruise ships range in size from small luxury liners with less than a hundred passengers to 6,000 passenger behemoths. Smaller ships can provide a quieter, more intimate cruising experience, while the mega liners of Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International are brilliant for families. With multiple pools, kid’s clubs, climbing walls and even full scale water parks, there’s enough to keep the kids busy all day but you’ll need to be prepared for queues, frequent public announcements in multiple languages and staggered dinner sittings. 

Even similar sized ships have their individual quirks, particularly in the passenger to staff ratio, amenities, entertainment, dining options and onboard activities. Onshore excursions may or may not be included in your package so it’s a good idea to check before you decide. 

Cabin sizes can also vary. Family-oriented cruises, such as Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines usually have larger standard staterooms designed to accommodate children, while some newer ships also offer family suites. Luxury brands like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn feature suites exclusively. 

If the sky’s the limit, there’s always Norwegian Cruise Line’s 460m², three-bedroom Garden Villa Suite, complete with a sauna and hot tub, as well as your own butler and private elevator.

The position of your cabin on the ship can also make a difference. Generally, the lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel, so it might be worth trading a better view for a more comfortable journey. If you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you may be perfectly happy with a standard berth without a balcony. Those who like their own space will prefer their own verandah. 

For novice and seasoned cruise shoppers alike, Fodor’s Cruising Guide is an indispensable resource, giving you side-by-side comparisons of the many cruise lines, along with the pros and cons of each. The golden rule for planning a successful cruise is to do the research and work with an experienced travel agent. YOU Travel have a dedicated team of cruise specialists who have sailed with virtually every cruise line.  

An ocean of choices

Today’s cruise market literally offers something for everyone. Here are a few of our top picks: