When people ask what I do for living (Vacation Travel Planner) one the first questions they nearly always ask is. "What is the best Cruise Line?" and depending on what you are looking for in vacation, you may substitute Resort or Tour Company for Cruise Line in this question.
And I always reply, buying a Vacation is bit like purchasing a new car. What is the best car on the market for you, is dependent on your needs/wants and budget. And just as cars come in wide range of choices, Sub-compact, Compact, Mid-size, Sedan, Cross-over, SUV, two-door, four-door, hatch-back, well you get the idea.
So it is with Cruise Lines, there are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. Most cruise lines start with sharing the following common characteristics. While on the ship, you will be supplied with accommodation, transportation, meals, entertainment and actives. How each cruise line delivers these items, is what makes them different and unique.
The first thing that you want to think about is, who is going to be joining you (if any) on the vacation.
Will it be a family vacation with small children, teenage children, grown children, grandchildren?
Will it be a multi-generation gathering?
Ttraveling with a group of friends or people you know who share a common interest?
Or maybe you are you just looking for a romantic vacation for two?
Next I suggest setting a budget, this will serve as a guide for the rest of the process.
When do you want to travel?
Which areas/regions/cities to you wish to visit?
How long to you want to travel for?
What level of service are you looking for?
How important is the quality or variety of meals/entertainment/actives and how would you rank them?
Which actives/tours/sights (if any) are you looking for?
Armed with this information, your travel planning partner and you will be well on your way to locating that "BEST" Cruise Line for you.
