While many cruise lines will try to persuade you that they can offer all things to all passengers, that isn’t necessarily the case. Choosing the perfect cruise line and ship doesn’t have to be a daunting experience.  

I’ve sailed on many different cruise lines over the years and can offer some tips and advice on how to select the line that is right for you based on your cruising goals, stage of life, and personality. In addition to doing your own research, a travel agent specializing in cruises can provide you with recommendations and help ensure the best travel experience possible. 

     Here in Part One, we will cover cruises that are ideal for families. In Part Two, next month, we will cover cruises that are perfect for Adults. And finally, in Part Three, we will cover Luxury Cruising.

      If your children are preschool or young school-age, it’s no surprise that you would want to consider Disney Cruise Lines sailing from the US out of Port Canaveral, near Orlando, as well as Ft. Lauderdale, Galveston, New Orleans, New York, and San Diego. Disney ships feature themed play spaces for preschoolers and school-age kids, and plenty of Disney character interaction – did anyone say Mickey and Minnie?  They also include dress-up princess teas and private parties, as well as cabins that cater to families, featuring split baths with tubs, extra berths, a room-dividing curtain, and childproof balcony locks, all of which are very appealing to families.

     Those with tweens and teens will want to consider Royal Caribbean.  This line has some of the world’s largest ‘mega ships’ that are as much of a destination in and of themselves as any of the ports they may visit. Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in August and will be the newest of Royal Caribbean’s mega or ‘Icon’ class ships. Star of the Seas will offer experiences for every type of family and adventurer on 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise line’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. I’ve experienced Perfect Day several times on Royal Caribbean cruises and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and day at the beach.

     Looking for a shorter vacation and something more budget-friendly, consider one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships, such as Navigator of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas, which often offer an amped up vacation in just a few short days. You can take on record-breaking thrills, including the longest water slide at sea, or spend time splashing or lounging on deck at its many pools. When my family was at that stage, we took a 7-day cruise on Liberty of the Seas, which even features an indoor ice-skating rink and show.  It was an icy, good time!

     Bon voyage and happy cruising!