To Cruise or Not to Cruise? – That Is the Question…

Until about 18 months ago, I had never been on a cruise — of any kind.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to learn as much as I can: going on ship visits when offered, and if I spot a great deal and have the time… I pack and go! It’s pretty much my life motto.

I’ve now experienced a range of cruise lines and ship styles, sold even more to clients, and learnt that cruising is absolutely not “one size fits all.”

Ocean Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Cunard Line

River Cruises
Uniworld on the Rhine

Ship Visits
Holland America Line
Fred Olsen

Cruise Lines I've Sold to Clients
All of the above, plus:
Princess
P&O Cruises
Marella (TUI)

And I’m hoping for many more bookings — and many more personal sailings — in the future!

Every cruise line has its own personality, style and strengths. No two experiences have been the same — which is part of the fun!

Onboard
Exploring the ship
Activities and entertainment
Days at sea
Live shows and evening entertainment
The staff (always amazing!)
The other passengers
The captain’s daily updates
The quiet nooks and crannies you discover

Ashore
Waking up in a new place
Days in port
Exploring new destinations

And of course…
The food
The drinks

1. Use a Travel Agent
Cruising can be a minefield — from choosing the right cruise line to understanding what’s included.
This is exactly why I exist: to advise, inform and support you on your trip.

2. Not All Cruise Lines Are the Same
Some include almost everything.
Some include very little.
Some include the basics, but charge extra for:
Drinks packages
Speciality dining
Shore excursions
Wi-Fi
Various onboard extras

Ask your travel agent (ahem… me!) and I’ll break down exactly what’s included and what you may want to add.

3. Size Matters — The Truth About Ship Size
Bigger Ships
The big ships are entertainment powerhouses.
Many large ships cater strongly to families and can have 5,000–6,000 people onboard, with:
Spectacular theatre shows
Huge entertainment complexes
Waterparks and activities
Sensational programmes for children and families

Disney Cruise Line is a perfect example — magical for families and truly amazing for anyone who loves the brand. They go all-out to create an unforgettable experience.

Smaller Luxury Ships
Size matters in reverse, too.
Smaller luxury ships such as Explora Journeys and Seabourn may carry just 300–900 guests, offering:
A more intimate experience
Exceptional service
Access to quieter, less-travelled destinations
A calmer, more refined atmosphere
These ships can reach unique destinations big ships simply can’t.

Expedition Ships
Expedition ships bring something completely different. Many have scientists onboard, actively gathering data for eco and conservation projects. They help the wider world understand what’s happening in fragile ecosystems.

Places like the Galápagos are perfect for smaller vessels, because the ecosystem is so delicately balanced. Only small ships are allowed, to protect the environment.

4. Looking After the World — Responsible Cruising
Some places cruise ships visit are incredibly sensitive, meaning access is strictly controlled.
Antarctica
A perfect example:
Only 100 people are allowed to step on land at any one time.
This protects the continent from overcrowding and damage.

Over-Tourism Controls
As more of us want to explore off-the-beaten-track islands, many destinations are introducing protective measures:

Several Greek islands now charge a visitor tax to support upkeep and infrastructure.
Places like Mykonos and Santorini have become hugely popular, and these measures help protect their beauty for future generations.

These controls are a good thing — they ensure we can continue to enjoy these destinations responsibly.

5. Family-Friendly vs. Adult-Focused
Some cruise lines are created with families in mind — Disney and Royal Caribbean being the standout examples.
Others are far more adult or luxury focused.

6. Luxury Means Different Things to Everyone
Sometimes luxury means incredible dining.
Sometimes it’s exceptional service.
Sometimes it’s a beautifully designed ship.
Your travel agent can help match the right style to your expectations.

7. Consider Who the Cruise Is Designed For
Cruise lines tailor their experience to their main market:
Sailings from the USA often cater to American tastes — I’ve experienced this twice, and both were brilliant.
Clients who sailed from Dubai found the demographic to be mostly Russian and Chinese.
P&O sailing from many destinations and are very much aimed at the UK market.
Where you sail from can shape who you sail with.

My current wish-list includes:
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Virgin Voyages

And if budget allowed?
An expedition to the Arctic would be a dream come true — absolutely sensational.

A Tip for Expedition Cruises
I’ve been told by several expedition suppliers:
Go as soon as you can.
These trips can be physically demanding. There’s no way I could take my husband now — we’ve left it too late unless I go solo!

Cruising is an incredible way to travel, but it’s not a one-style-fits-all experience. There are ships for families, ships for couples, ships for adventurers, ships for food-lovers, and ships for those who want nothing but relaxation.

If you’re thinking about cruising — whether it’s your first or your fiftieth — I’m here to help you find the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right experience.

Just ask.