Cruise Vacation
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What Kind of Cruise Are You?
Taking a cruise vacation has become synonymous with carefree traveling over the last 20 years. Though the industry has been around much longer than this, it is over these past two decades that the major cruise lines have not only come to be, but developed the programs and amenities that are drawing record numbers of people to them.
Within each of the major cruise lines and many independent operators, there is an ever-growing set of specialty cruises that cater to those looking for certain experiences or the opportunity travel with like-minded shipmates. There are cruises for seniors, cruises for alternative lifestyles, and spa cruises full of pampering. Selecting the right type of cruise is obviously integral for your enjoyment. In this article we’re going to take a look at the three most popular types of cruises, as well as an example of each and where to go for more information.
The Family Cruise
Not only has this risen to the top of cruising options in recent years, it really does seem as if every carrier is striving to be known as “family friendly.” Odds are that even little children will have a good time on a mainstream cruise, but there’s definitely a few to consider for maximum fun for the little ones (read: alone time for parents!).
Disney Cruise Lines is the heavy hitter when it comes to entertaining kids, for reasons that should be obvious. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have multiple decks dedicated to kid-friendly activities, with separate family and adults-only pools. The cabins were engineered to accommodate families with extra beds and shared bathrooms, and Disney characters make frequent appearances throughout the sailing.
The Active Cruise
Back in the day, shuffleboard was about the most activity cruise passengers had, save some dinner dancing and the oft-overlooked token weight rooms. Thanks to the innovations of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, onboard entertainment has been taken to an entirely different level. Its Voyager- and Freedom-class vessels feature rock climbing, ice skating, mini-golf, surfing, basketball, and even boxing. These cruises will keep you busy around the clock from the water park (surf machine included) to the revamped fitness centers with instructor-led aerobics, Pilates, Yoga, and Dance X classes.
The Large-Ship Luxury Cruise
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation with exceptional service, top-notch cuisine, and luxurious accommodations, look no further than Regent Seven Seas. Offering a variety of dining venues outside of the main dining room, Regent has received international acclaim for its wide range of excellent cuisine, and boasts the highest service-to-passenger ratio in the industry. On their Voyager line, dubbed one of the “best cruise ships in the world,” all 700 of the staterooms have balconies, giving the Voyager the largest lead-in suites in its class of ships.