Travel Blog

Cruising 101: Not sure where to start?

Written by New Dawn Vacations | Dec 13, 2024 4:14:25 PM

New to cruising?

Below I've outlined the different types of cruises and examples of cruise lines for each category.
 
This can give you a better idea of what's out there and what you might be interested in.
 

Ocean Cruises

These are the traditional cruises that sail on large ships across oceans and seas. They offer a wide range of amenities, entertainment, and dining options.

Cruise Line Examples:

  • Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Carnival, MSC

 

River Cruises

River cruises navigate inland waterways, such as rivers and canals. They often visit cultural and historical sites in cities and towns along the river route.

Cruise Line Examples:

  • Viking, American, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera, Scenic, Uniworld

Luxury Cruises

Luxury cruises provide upscale amenities, gourmet dining, personalized service, and often visit exclusive ports of call. 

Cruise Line Examples:

  • Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Windstar, Cunard, Crystal, Explora, Paul Gauguin, Scenic, Variety

 

Expedition Cruises

Expedition cruises focus on exploring remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations, including polar regions, the Galápagos Islands, and other wilderness areas. They offer educational opportunities and adventure activities like kayaking and wildlife watching.

Cruise Line Examples:

  • Seabourn, Viking, Atlas, Celebrity, Silversea, Scenic, Aurora, Costa, Hurtigruten,
  • Lindblad, Quark, Swan Hellenic

Adults Only Cruises

These cruises are tailored for adults aged 18 and older who prefer a quieter, more sophisticated environment. They typically offer upscale amenities, gourmet dining options, and entertainment geared towards adults, such as wine tastings, spa treatments, and evening shows. 

Cruise Line:

  • Virgin Voyages

Family Friendly Cruises

Family-friendly cruises are designed with amenities and activities suitable for children and adults alike. They may include kids' clubs, family cabins, and entertainment options for all ages.

Cruise Line Examples:

  • Disney
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Carnival

I hope that this was helpful, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!