This is the #1 question we are asked.  And we honestly like them all; but for very different reasons.  We have our favourite mega ships, midsize ships, small ships, yachts and river cruises.  The best thing to do is sit down with a friend who cruises or a cruise specialist and discuss your likes and dislikes.  By going through your criteria, budget, itinerary preferences – you will be able to zoom in on the type of cruise.  Then it’s a matter of finding the best fit.

During our travels, we have met so many cruise fans, but we’ve also met some people who didn’t like cruising (and for many different reasons).  So much of it depends on the type of traveller you are. We always answer with the same story. Very early on, we found ourselves on a cruise where we encountered a storm.  I should point out that this was the only cruise we have ever been on where the seas were very very rocky (generally a captain has ample time to maneuver away from a storm (a luxury that land-based resorts cannot offer). 

Jim and I were in the main lobby heading to dinner when we crossed paths with two first-time cruisers.  A gentlemen came off the elevator, an angry scowl on his face and proclaimed in a very loud voice for all to hear “this is the first and last cruise I will ever take! I hate this!”.  At the same moment, another first-time cruiser threw open the doors from the promenade deck. He was disheveled and dripping wet; but grinning from ear-to-ear. “You have got to go outside.  It’s amazing – the waves, the wind, what a thrill! This is my first cruise but I am definitely doing this again!”.  

Same cruise, same rain, same waves – two completely different viewpoints.  So if you’re an Elevator guy you probably won’t enjoy cruising (or travel in general for that matter).  BUT if you’re the Promenade guy, then cruising is a great way to see the world.

There will be times when long lines are unavoidable on most cruise lines. Embarkation day, waiting at the buffet, meeting up for shore tours and disembarkation day are just a few examples.  The best course of action is to show up early, wait for crew members instructions and above all – be patient.  Assuming you are on time, you will not miss the ship, a show, a tour and definitely NOT a meal.

Most cruise lines offer repeat passengers shorter wait times once they reach certain loyalty levels; such as expedited embarkation and disembarkation as well as priority tenders.  Some cruise lines allow you to purchase these benefits even if you have not reached the necessary loyalty levels.  And finally, higher suite categories often come with VIP service allowing you to avoid any lines.

Historically, cruise dining meant specific times for the main dining rooms or more casual dining at the buffet.  If you had a big enough group, you would be assigned a table of your own.  Smaller groups would be placed at a larger table with strangers.  Many passengers did, and still do, enjoy meeting new people.  If you didn’t enjoy your new found friends, you could ask to be reassigned.

Many cruises still offer fixed dining. One of the benefits is that you have the same wait staff each evening which can be a very enjoyable part of your experience; as they quickly learn your likes and dislikes.  

However, more and more cruise lines are offering flexible dining options. Examples are Norwegian’s FreeStyle Dining, Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining and Carnival’s Anytime Dining. With these programs you can dine anytime during the evening. You can reserve ahead of time or just show up at the restaurant of your choice (but prepared for a slightly longer wait).

Most cruise lines stay in port for a single day. Although it’s becoming more popular for cruises to stay overnight in some destinations.  This means you can book extended tours or you can enjoy the night life in port, or both.  One of the complaints that we hear from non-cruisers is that you never get to really immerse yourself in the culture of destination.  Well, that’s true but we make a point of adding pre- and post-cruise add ons in cities where we want to soak up a bit more atmosphere. That way, you get the best of both worlds.