How do you know if your personality matches a cruise? Determining which cruise line is the right fit is one of the most significant parts of a successful cruise holiday.
Cruise lines tailor their activities to accommodate passengers, but each individual line tends to have their own demographics for their average passenger. Nothing could turn somebody off a cruise holiday in the future if the most recent did not meet expectations.
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every niche, interest and personal preference. There are those tailored for special interests. Those specialising in unique destinations or those that are more port intensive will offer less days at sea.
Many cruise lines create special “themes” on board, with the focus on cultural enrichments ranging from cooking side by side with renowned chefs, golf clinics with pros, celebrity talks and murder mysteries to solve whilst at sea. If something like this is not of interest, booking this type of cruise holiday could turn out to be a big mistake.
Are you a people person or someone happy to just spend quality time with a companion or on your own? That can make a difference towards the success of your cruise holiday too.
Examples of cruise holidays can range from luxury yacht style vessels, mega-ships with an array of recreational facilities and entertainment, classic and traditional ships reminiscent of days gone by, river cruises and special interest or exploration cruises heading to Antarctica.
It all boils down to a matter of personal taste. Below is a brief list of some of the more popular lines to see if their personality matches yours.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Party lovers everywhere will enjoy the fun activities and fun, fun, fun that takes place on each of the 24 fleet members. Appealing and designed to a younger demographic, these ships are filled with eye catching décor of neon colours and million dollar Las Vegas styled productions. Night time is when the ship comes alive with plenty of venues of all types pumping out the music.
Cunard Line
This line is perfect for those that want an elegant and British experience. This company has been offering a royal treatment to customers since the 1840s with their names such as Mary, Victoria and Elizabeth being iconic in the cruising industry. It is no surprise, then, that they are well known for their elegant British charm and excellent service, to the extent that afternoon tea is served by cruise members with white gloves. They are also well known for transatlantic crossings from Southampton to New York and back.
Image courtesy of Cunard Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Families looking for a great cruise holiday would do well to look at this line. All of the Disney magic and quality can be seen everywhere on these 4 ships, including the portholes which display animated scenes. Amazing musical productions can be enjoyed, the children’s clubs are top of the range and don’t forget to disembark on Castaway Cay.
Fred.Olsen
Another favourite of the British passenger, Fred Olsen appeals to those couples and singles over 60 and is in line with the traditional cruise ships of the past, where passengers still dress up for dinner. During school holiday times, the Braemar can become a huge family reunion. During this period there are just as many activities for the adults as there are for the grandchildren.
MSC Cruises
MSC has an Italian flavour but has been trying to reinvent itself and in the past attracted retirees. With the number of state-of-the-art enhancements made on their newer ships, they are gearing towards a new market of families with children. Activities onboard include a Formula 1 Simulator and the 4D Cinema on-board the Divina and its affiliation friendly companies such as Chicco® and LEGO®.
Image courtesy of MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Whether you’re a food connoisseur or just someone that likes to go out and eat, Norwegian will be a good cruise line for you. There are over 20 different specialty restaurants that serve everything from Parisian cuisine to a teppanyaki style meal on each of the 11 ships in their fleet. Their ships keep getting bigger and bigger and the amenities are aimed to impress with plenty of ‘firsts at sea’.
Princess Cruises
Romantics are going to be flocking to Princess Cruises, which is popular amongst honeymooners and newlyweds. The 17 ships that make up Princess’s fleet are specially designed to accommodate those that are looking for a beautiful getaway. Princess offers stunning locations, a contemporary look and classy service.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
If you want to be pampered to your heart’s content, try a Regent cruise. All 3 of their ships have complementary goods that are sure to impress, with fine dining, wine and spirit tasting and even complementary shore trips that go off the beaten path. This is six star cruising at it’s best!
Royal Caribbean
Want to have a sporty experience that is sure to leave you exhausted in a good way? If so Royal Caribbean could be the right choice for you. Just a few of the thrilling activities that can be found on their ships include a rock-climbing wall, surfing pool, ice-skating rink, bungee trampolines, a boxing ring and even a zip-line that stretches above the pool deck. There is also an extensive gymnasium in the spa area on all of their ships.
Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruises
Matching your lifestyle and personality to a cruise holiday is the best recipe for an outstanding time. Do some research and speak with others. Before you know it, you will book a cruise holiday year after year.
Written by Veronica Shine
