Thinking about your first cruise? Here’s how to choose one

There’s no such thing as a bad cruise, but research wisely, or a cruise might clash with your personality, expectations or travel style. Just like hotels, cruise ships vary widely in luxury levels and ambience. You wouldn’t book a budget urban hotel and expect swish resort-like amenities. Nor should you book a cruise ship that simply doesn’t suit.

Consider what sort of cruise ship would suit you. Illustration: Greg StraightCredit:

Know what you’re after and can afford: old-world formality, top-notch luxury, rugged adventure cruising, an easy family holiday. Do you want to dress up or dress down, party or read? Would you rather have enrichment programs and cultural lectures, or Broadway-style shows and water slides?

Once you’re clear on what you want, a good travel agent can direct you to a suitable cruise line, or you can research the wealth of cruise information and reviews online.

The style of the graphics, photos and text on cruise line websites will indicate who they wish to attract.

Ship size is a good first way to winnow your options, as this generally indicates cruise style and budget.

Mega-ships (over 4000 passengers) from the likes of Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are akin to resorts. Expect sports and water-park activities, big shows and other entertainment, kids’ clubs and multiple dining options. Although many have adults-only areas, cruises are aimed at families and fun.

Wonder of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships.

The cost per day is low but covers only basics, so budget for add-ons such as shore excursions, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, alcohol and gratuities.

Luxury ships have more inclusive pricing; you could sail and (almost) not spend another cent.

Small luxury ships (under 1000 passengers) from the likes of Ponant, Seadream, Scenic and Silversea have a quieter, boutique-hotel atmosphere, high service levels and gourmet dining. You’ll still find a pool, spa and small theatre shows, but no kids’ clubs or raucous entertainment. Passengers are mostly older couples who favour destination over on-board excitement.

In between these two categories you’ll find a sliding scale of balance between the two. Bigger ships from Celebrity, Cunard and Holland America are considered premium and have more amenities; smaller ships from Azamara and Viking offer a quieter, luxury feel. Oceania is small and luxury, with a particular reputation for dining.

Another key decision is where to sail. If your aim is sightseeing, chose destinations where ports are close together, such as the Mediterranean, and itineraries that focus on single regions rather than entire seas or continents. You’ll get more time ashore.

The Pacific and Caribbean provide tropical-island-style holidays, days at sea, and child-friendly destinations. Europe and Asia are city and culture oriented, Alaska all about landscapes.

To get into places such as the Kimberley, Patagonia, Arctic and Antarctic, or to see more remote parts of mainstream destinations, look to expedition cruising. Ships are usually luxury or premium category with limited on-board amenities but active shore excursions, often by Zodiac. This is as far as you can get from the stereotype of big-ship cruising, and allows you to explore places otherwise inaccessible.