Cruise Guide: How to Choose and Plan Your Dream Voyage

Ultimate Cruise Guide

Thinking about taking a cruise?

Whether you dream of river cruising down the Danube, sipping champagne on a luxury yacht or kayaking to glaciers in Alaska, there’s a cruise out there that’s perfect for you!

We’ve sailed on more than 65 voyages – big ships, small ships, deluxe new ships, luxury sailing yachts, river cruises and adventurous expeditions – and we’ve learned a thing or two about life at sea (and yes, how to avoid the rookie mistakes).

This ultimate cruise guide brings together our best cruise reviews, insider tips and destination inspiration so you can plan your perfect voyage.

So grab your imaginary boarding pass and let’s set sail!

🚢 Quick look at some cruises we’ve enjoyed

What makes cruising so irresistible?

Cruising and Cruise Guide
Cruise ships in port… docked today, exploring tomorrow!

Cruising has never been more popular – passenger numbers are soaring, and ships are setting sail fuller than ever.

It’s easy to see so many travelers (us included!) are hooked. Cruises tick all the right vacation boxes – and then some…

  • Convenience: Unpack once, then wake up somewhere new every day – a medieval port in Europe, a palm-fringed Caribbean isle or a glacier-filled Alaskan fjord.
  • Hassle-free planning: Meals, entertainment and onboard activities are all included, so you can skip the travel logistics and just enjoy yourself. Your only “job” is choosing your shore excursions. (We also like book a pre-cruise hotel in the embarkation city for a few days. This lets us shake off jet lag, explore the city at leisure and ensures we literally “don’t “miss the boat”!)
  • Multi-destinations in one trip: See more of the world without juggling of multiple flights, hotel check-ins and border crossings.
  • Cost efficient: Cruises roll your room, meals, transportation and entertainment into one fare – often a better deal than booking each separately on land.
  • Something for everyone: From zip-lining and wine tastings to kids’ clubs and cooking classes, cruises cater to all ages and interests. On our multi-generational Alaska cruises, everyone did their own thing by day, then came together over dinner each night – a balanced blend of shared moments and personal freedom.

Types of cruises

An intimate African river cruise is a world away from the big glitzy ship experience! (Credit: Zambezi Queen Collection)

Ultra-luxury cruises

Think of these as five-star hotels that float. These ships pamper you with spacious suites, gourmet dining, impeccable service, and a near-all-inclusive experience.

With fewer guests on board, crew-to-passenger ratios are high, so service feels genuinely personal. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits? Naturally. Curated shore excursions? Of course.

Every detail is designed for a bespoke exclusive voyage.

Some of our favorite luxury cruise lines

  • Seabourn – It offers five ocean ships (plus two expedition vessels). We sailed with Seabourn, where unlimited French champagne and caviar are just part of the pampered experience.
  • Crystal Cruises – Crystal has two elegant ships, superb service and the only Nobu restaurants at sea. Many guests are repeat cruisers for a reason.
  • Ponant – A chic French line, most of Ponant’s boutique ships carry just 184 to 264 guests. We loved the effortlessly refined French touch!

Other cruise lines in this league include Ritz-Carlton Yacht, Explora Journeys, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Emerald Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.

Affordable luxury cruises

The watersports marina at the stern of Windstar's Star Pride ship
The watersports marina at the stern of Windstar’s Star Pride ship

If you want elevated dining, attentive service and smaller ships without the ultra-luxury price tag, “affordable luxury” lines strike a sweet balance. Expect included perks (some include complimentary wine and specialty dining), longish port stays and a relaxed onboard vibe.

Standouts in the “affordable luxury” category

  • Viking Ocean Cruises – All-suite ships (930 passengers)? A free shore excursion in every port? Delicious dining? Complimentary house wines at lunch and dinner? That’s Viking Ocean Cruises!
  • Windstar Cruises – A small-ship leader (148 to 350 guests), Windstar Cruises has a yachty intimate feel (especially on their tall-sail ships). Their all-suite power yachts, like the Star Pride, offer extra space and comfort. We especially love the retractable watersports platform at the stern for kayaking, water skiing and swimming right from the ship!
  • Oceania Cruises – Food lovers take note. Oceania is legendary as one of the best cruise lines for great food.

Azamara Cruises and Cunard also fit this category.

Premium large ship cruises

Premium cruise lines typically sail large – but not mega – ships.

They’re big enough to have Broadway-style shows, specialty dining and a buzzing nightlife scene, yet still offer a personal touch. And they’re slightly more upscale than mainstream cruises (below).  

  • Celebrity Cruises – With modern ships (2,000 to 3,000 passengers), Celebrity particularly appeals to style-conscious 40- to 55-somethings traveling as a couple or with family.
  • Holland America Line – We’ve cruised with HAL several time, most recently on the new Rotterdam. Ships carry 1,400 to 2,668 guests and feature great specialty restaurants.

Mainstream cruises

The big-name lines dominate the North American cruise market:

  • Royal Caribbean
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
  • Princess Cruises
  • MSC Cruises

Some ships are true floating megaresorts – a specialty of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises. Think rock-climbing walls, ice rinks, surfing pools and go-kart tracks.

These massive vessels can carry 5,000 to 6,000 guests, with Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas topping the charts at a jaw-dropping 7,600 passengers at full capacity.

You can also upgrade your experience with the “ship-within-a-ship concept” – essentially VIP cruising on a big vessel. For instance, The Haven on NCL ships is a private enclave with its own suites, pool, lounge and restaurant, offering a level of luxury that tops what you’ll find on premium lines.

Carnival, the self-proclaimed “fun ship” line, is the most budget-friendly of the bunch, focusing on value-packed vacations.

Sailing and yacht cruises

There’s something irresistibly romantic about traveling under sail.

  • Star Clippers – These three tall ships really sail, their white sails billowing dramatically in the wind! The largest is the 5-masted Royal Clipper (227 passengers). Unlike big cruise ships, they can slip into unspoiled little harbors – like Iles des Saintes (where we anchored on our Caribbean Star Flyer cruise) and Portofino (a jewel we explored on our Nice-to-Corsica sailing). Life aboard is comfortable and casual but not fancy, which is part of their charm.
  • Sea Cloud Cruises – With three elegant yachts (carrying 64, 94 and 136 passengers), Sea Cloud Cruises is more upscale (and bundles more in the fare) than Star Clippers – and the price tag reflects that.
  • Yacht charter – Or go even smaller and charter a yacht – private charters aren’t just for billionaires anymore.

Adventure and expedition cruises

Boarding the skiff to return to our ship on our Costa Rica UnCruise adventure
Boarding the skiff to return to our ship on our Costa Rica UnCruise adventure

Small adventure-focused ships are purpose-built to get you off-the-beaten path and deep into the wilderness – think remote Alaskan bays or the ice-studded waters of Antarctica. Days are filled with kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and Zodiac rides, with excursions usually included in the fare.

Take UnCruise Adventures, which really lives up to its name.

On our UnCruise Hawaii adventure, we snorkeled with manta rays at night! And then there was our Costa Rica UnCruise trip, which had us spotting monkeys in the morning and snorkeling with tropical fish in the afternoon.

The cabins are teeny tiny and simple, but that’s the whole point – the ship is just your launch pad for unforgettable wilderness adventures. (They don’t venture to the Arctic or Antarctica, though.)

And then there’s luxury expedition cruising – one of the fastest-growing segments in recent years.

These small ice-class vessels (with reinforced hulls to handle breaking through ice) carry their own landing craft so you can step ashore in remote regions. Several ultra-luxury lines now blend the comforts of fine dining and suites with the thrill of true adventure.

Of course, these trips are pricey – but everything is included.

High-end expedition cruises

These luxury players are redefining expedition travel:

Expect fine wines, plush suites and expert guides alongside unforgettable polar landings.

River cruises

River cruising through the heart of Bordeaux
River cruising through the heart of Bordeaux (Credit: Scenic)

If ocean cruising is about big horizons, river cruising is about slipping right into the heart of a destination. On our Seine River cruise, we docked just steps from storybook castles, Monet’s gardens, artist studios and fascinating museums.

Ships are small, the pace is wonderfully relaxed and guided tours are usually included in the fare. With fewer passengers, you get a more intimate, culturally immersive experience. Indeed, there are countless enticing reasons to take a river cruise!

If you’re into active adventures, cycling-themed river cruises let you pedal through vineyards and historic towns between ports.

For something more exotic, cruising down Egypt’s Nile, Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong, or Myanmar’s Irrawaddy (when it reopens) is pure travel magic.

Some top-notch river cruise lines

  • Scenic – An Australian-based luxury line, Scenic sails “space ships” with cool sun-room balconies and true all-inclusive perks (drinks, excursions, gratuities and more are all covered).
  • Viking River Cruises – Sleek Scandinavian design, included daily shore excursions in every port, an adult-only experience and complimentary wine at meals are hallmarks of Viking River Cruises.
  • AmaWaterways – Known for excellent cuisine, wine cruises and active excursions like hiking and biking, AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that’s a member of the prestigious La Chaine des Rotisseurs culinary society.
  • Avalon Waterways – Avalon Waterways is famous for its Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that turn into open-air balconies.
  • Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – For ultra-luxurious, artfully designed ships with an elegant boutique-hotel vibe, think Uniworld.
  • Tauck – High-end and award-winning, Tauck offers luxury river cruises with lots of inclusions.

In general, fewer passengers on a river ship usually means a higher level of service and more exclusivity – and a steeper price tag. Expect to pay more for Tauck and Scenic than for Viking.

How to choose the right cruise

What’s this? It’s Seabourn’s signature “Caviar in the Surf” experience! (Credit: Seabourn)

The secret to loving your cruise is picking one that matches your travel style, budget and comfort level. Start by picturing the kind of vacation you want.

Ship size matters

Big ships bring Broadway-style shows, multiple restaurants and water parks (they’re great for families). Small ships offer intimate atmospheres, personalized service and easy access to smaller less-visited ports like Split (Croatia) and St. Barts (Caribbean).

Luxury level

Is your style (and budget) all-out indulgence? Think caviar, butlers and premium wines. Or is it more “affordable luxury” like Viking, where shore excursions and house wine at dinner are still part of the package?

Destination focus

Decide whether your cruise is about where you’re going or how you get there. Some cruises are all about the ports (like a Mediterranean itinerary packed with ancient cities and long days ashore).

Others are centered on the ship experience. Big ships – with everything from cooking classes to pickle ball courts and casinos – are good examples. Their itineraries often feature fewer ports and more sea days to enjoy the ship.

Repositioning cruises (for example, when ships move from Europe to the Caribbean in fall) and Cunard’s trans-Atlantic crossings are also classic examples where the sea journey itself takes center stage.

River vs. ocean

River cruises are almost always about the destination. As they dock right in town centers, sightseeing is a breeze.

But the ships are smaller and usually don’t have the casinos, shops, big nightly productions and multiple dining venues you’ll find on ocean liners.

Personal interests

Foodie at heart? Look for ships with multiple specialty restaurants and culinary programs. (Oceania is a top choice.)

Love nature and adventure? Expedition cruises take you to wild remote places – from Antarctica to the Arctic – with plenty of adventure thrown in.

Prefer poolside lounging or sandy toes? Go for a sunny itinerary with lots of beach and sea days.

Travel companions

Multi-generational trip?

Pick a ship that keeps every age happy – like one with a kids’ club and a teen hangout to an indulgent spa for the grown-ups. (Princess, NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are champs here.)

Want an adults-only vibe?

Viking’s ocean cruises and most river cruises are happily child-free.

We can vouch for the difference. Our Viking Sea Caribbean voyage was a world apart from the lively Carnival cruise we took with our son when he was young!

Best cruise destinations around the world

Where do you want to go? The world’s your oyster – and cruising is one of the best ways to taste it!

From tropical bliss to icy frontiers, we’ve sailed to some of the most jaw-dropping places on Earth, and you can too…

Tropical and exotic places

Alila Purnama
The Alila Purnama – our elegant sailing ship in Indonesia

Caribbean

The world’s most popular cruise destination offers a kaleidoscope of islands, each with their own flavor and ports worth exploring.

In Puerto Rico, stroll cobblestone streets and explore 16th-century forts in colorful Old San Juan – one of the region’s favorite cruise stops.

And when you dock in Philipsburg on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, you can go airplane spotting at Maho Beach, race an America’s Cup sailboat or hang out at beautiful Orient Beach.

French Polynesia

The best French Polynesian cruises are offered by Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises, both sailing small couples-oriented ships.

With its turquoise lagoon and necklace of idyllic motus, romantic Bora Bora is a highlight. Go shopping for pearls, snorkeling with harmless sharks (really!) and bliss out under a palm tree.

You might even combine your cruise with a stay in a dreamy overwater bungalow for the ultimate honeymoon or special occasion.

Hawaii

Island-hopping in Hawaii by small ship is a great way to explore the Aloha State. On our UnCruise Hawaii adventure, we snorkeled with sea turtles, paddled past lava cliffs and hiked to hidden waterfalls.

Fiji

You can cruise Fiji on a small barefoot-and-bikini yacht. The Yasawa Islands, in particular, spoiled us with secluded white-sand beaches and kava ceremonies shared with welcoming locals.

Indonesia

How about sailing on a luxurious 10-guest phinisi? We went diving in pristine waters and saw the famous Komodo dragons on Komodo Island.

Mediterranean

This sun-soaked corner of southern Europe is always alluring, whether it’s soaking up Dubrovnik’s medieval charm (and cooling off at its beaches) or watching the sunset in Santorini.

For fewer crowds and milder weather, consider a Med cruise in the quiet-season – our early November cruise was a winner, with plenty of sunshine and warm days!

Baltic and Northern Europe

A Viking Homelands cruise pulls out all the cultural stops with visits to Stockholm (must-sees include Drottningholm Palace and Gamla Stan) to Bergen, Tallinn, Berlin and Helsinki and more.

Bonus: Enjoy cruising through Norway’s spectacular fjords too – a highlight in itself!

Canary Islands

Go on a Canary Island cruise to taste sweet Malmsey wine, hike in UNESCO-listed parks and visit scenic mountain villages.

Many itineraries also bundle cruise stops in Morocco, where you can browse spice-scented souks in Casablanca, take day trips to Marrakech and explore vibrant medinas.

The Americas

Alaska

Many cruise lines sail Alaska. Witnessing monumental glaciers calve and riding the steam train from Skagway are highlights!

For something adventurous, try an UnCruise Alaska trip – we kayaked to glaciers, spotted humpback whales and hiked remote coastal trails.

If you depart from Vancouver, add a pre- or post-cruise stay to bicycle around beautiful Stanley Park and browse Granville Island’s artisan stalls.

Costa Rica and Panama

Squeezing through the Panama Canal is a bucket list experience on these itineraries. On our Costa Rica/Panama voyage, we also loved spotting all the beautiful birds.

Eastern Seaboard

Fall “leaf-peeping” cruises along North America’s east coast bring brilliant foliage and charming stops in places like Bar Harbor and Charlottetown.

Bucket list cruise destinations

Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the coolest cruise ports!
Antarctic cruise highlight – meeting the locals

It doesn’t get any cooler than cruising to Antarctica! The icebergs are dazzlingly blue, and some are bigger than fallen skyscrapers!

And, oh, there are so many cute and playful types of Antarctic penguins.

Egypt

A leisurely Nile River cruise is the ultimate way to explore ancient temples and tombs – from Luxor’s grand temples to the Valley of the Kings – all while drifting past golden-hued desert landscapes.

Botswana

There’s nothing like a Chobe River safari on the Zambezi Queen. We woke to the sounds of snorting hippos and sipped sundowners on deck as elephants splashed in the shallows right beside us.

Practical cruise advice

Cruise Guide
Couple’s moment at sea

Packing and must-have gear

We never board a ship without:

  • A light sweater, shawl or jacket (ships can be cool inside)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A small daypack for excursions

If you’re cruising somewhere sunny, don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a rashguard (to protect against sunburn when swimming or snorkeling), a wide-brimmed hat and swimwear.

For cooler-weather cruises, bring appropriate clothing, for example, a rain jacket.

Cruise gratuities explained

Most cruise lines add a daily gratuity to your bill – usually between $14 and $20 USD per person per day. It covers your cabin steward, dining staff and behind-the-scenes crew.

Luxury lines (like Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking) typically include gratuities in the fare.

How much should you tip on a cruise? Here’s the scoop on cruise gratuities for many popular cruise lines.

Drinks packages – when they’re worth it

If you enjoy several glasses of wine or cocktails a day, a drinks package can be a money-saver. If you’re more of an occasional sipper, buying drinks à la carte might be smarter.

Shore excursions – ship vs. independent

Booking through the ship is easy and ensures you won’t get left behind if your tour runs late.

But one of our favorite cruise hacks?

We’ve had fantastic (and often less expensive) experiences booking with local guides directly, as well as through Viator and GetYourGuide.

(These are two of the world’s largest day tour companies – offering many excursions designed for cruise passengers, complete with port transfers and guaranteed back-to-ship-on-time service.)

The best choice really depends on your destination, comfort level and time in port. (A longer port day gives you more leeway to book an independent shore excursion and still get back to the ship on time.)

Internet and staying connected

Ship WiFi has improved but can still be slow.

Luxury cruise lines typically include it in the fare. But it can be pricey if you have to pay for it. We’d suggest buying a small package for essential emails and using local SIM cards or free WiFi when ashore.

Travel insurance essentials

We never cruise without travel insurance – ideally a policy that covers trip interruption, medical emergencies and evacuation. Medical care at sea can be expensive, and some ports are far from hospitals.

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Cruise Guide

Our top travel tips and resources

→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.

→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find great discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.

→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).

→ Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)

→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!

→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.

→ Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.

→ eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)

→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.

→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)

→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.

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About the authors

Janice and George Mucalov are award-winning travel journalists who’ve explored all seven continents. They share destination guides, luxury hotel reviews, cultural adventures, cruise insights, travel tips and more on their luxury travel blog, Sand In My Suitcase. See About.