Cruises
Way To Go Travel and Tours is here to help you break down and simplify the cruise process and help you select the cruise that will best meet your expectations. Review the steps to selecting the cruise line, ship, itinerary, stateroom and cruise duration that's right for you.
Choosing a Cruise Line - Part of Choosing a Cruise
There are a number of excellent cruise lines that offer a variety of ships and itineraries that cater to a specific market niche or lifestyle. Read through the General Cruise Line Classifications and then decide which type of ship appeals to you the most.
General cruise line classifications:
Luxury
CRYSTAL CRUISES | REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES | SEABOURN CRUISE LINES | SILVERSEAS CRUISES
Appeals to the more sophisticated cruiser. Ships range from yachts to small/mid-sized ships and carry a few hundred guests. Elegant surroundings, including works of art and antiques along with a staff that caters to your every need. Amenities are of the highest quality, with entertainment geared more toward health club activities, spas and enrichment programs featuring notable guest speakers and celebrated chefs. Most ships feature all-suite, ocean view cabins with designer toiletries and linens, plus high-tech video and audio systems. Dining is highly sophisticated, tapping into the talents of renowned international chefs. Attire is country-club casual to very elegant. Appeals to the more sophisticated traveler – with upscale to luxury ships and unique amenities and itineraries.
Premium
AZAMARA CRUISES | CELEBRITY CRUISES | CUNARD LINE | HOLLAND AMERICA LINE | OCEANIA CRUISES
An upscale experience that caters to all age groups and interests. Featuring mid-sized ships accommodating fewer passengers and provide a more sophisticated array of services and amenities. Among the many features, guests can enjoy pools, casinos, libraries, art galleries, and on-board enrichment lectures. Finely appointed cabins range from inside to balconies – these ships also feature a higher number of cabins with an ocean view. Some lines even offer butler service in the higher-end cabins. Dining is of higher-quality and presentation is superb. Attire is often more reserved with designated formal occasions. Appeals to almost everyone; families, singles, couples.
Contemporary
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE | DISNEY CRUISE LINE | MSC CRUISES | NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | PRINCESS CRUISES | ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Caters to first time and repeat cruisers. Ships tend to be larger and carry a high number of passengers. You could equate these ships to moving cities on water. Given the size of the ships, there are plenty of entertainment and health venues to appeal to almost anyone regardless of age. Families find these cruise lines appealing for their child and teen programs. A wide assortment of cabin configurations are available ranging from inside to spacious balcony cabins. Dining options are ample, from quick-bite diners to elegant restaurants. Attire is often relaxed with designated formal occasions.
Appeals to everyone; families, singles, couples. Any age group, basic amenities
When it comes to cruise vacations, sometimes determining what kind of cruise ship is best for you can be confusing. At one end of the spectrum are the sleek mega-liners, at the other, small vessels, but which will best match your personality?
Large and lively - If you like the festivity of being among plenty of people and fast-paced entertainment, you'll enjoy one of the 12-15 story mega-liner behemoths. Multiple pool areas, kid and teen venues, energizing activities from surf-simulators to nightclubs, and expansive dining options, are all designed to keep 2,000 to 3,000 passengers buzzing well into the evening. Group activities cover a wide spectrum of interests, including culinary and athletic classes, games, to pool-side activities. Attire is usually relaxed, and depending on the cruise line, evening wear stretches from casual to formal.
Sleek and sophisticated - Catering to roughly 100 to 500 passengers, smaller ships can glide into more quaint and unique ports around the world, resulting in experiences not attainable by those aboard the large ships. Ambiance is enhanced with meals on fine china, entertainment by classical musicians and upgraded stateroom amenities. Notable guest speakers, frequently experts in culinary, cultural or nature-related subjects of the region, will leave you with a heightened appreciation for the cities you'll be visiting. Dress codes are often country-club casual by day, elegant by night.
Somewhere in between - There are also the mid-sized liners, which are a variation between large and small, however attitude and service generally side with the smaller ship approach.
Choosing a Cabin or Stateroom
There are typically four cabin classes, and choosing a cabin really depends on your budget and your need for space and amenities. Also, keep in mind that the longer the cruise, the longer you’ll be in your cabin.
- Inside Cabin
The smallest cabin class, these cabins do not have a porthole or windows. Tastefully decorated, the cabins often feature two twin sized beds that can be pushed together to make a queen sized bed. - Outside (Ocean view) Cabin
Usually similar to the size and amenities of an inside cabin, these rooms have the added benefit of a window. - Balcony/Veranda Cabin
Often larger than the previous two cabin classes, balcony/veranda cabins feature a sliding glass door giving access to an outside balcony. Inside, you might also have a small sitting area with a loveseat. - Suites
The most spacious cabin class, suites come in various configurations depending on the cruise line. Featuring a spacious outside balcony, amenities inside may include a separate bedroom or bedrooms, sitting area, sizable bathroom with shower, tub and whirlpool. Ideal for families or friends traveling together. Some suites even come with butler service.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!
Cruise ship cabins are also grouped according to the location on the ship. Every location has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Lower Deck Cabins
Cabins located on the lower decks are the least expensive and guarantee a smooth ride for the ship passenger however, lower deck cabins are often the farthest one from the common areas of the ship and are beset with engine and anchor noise.
High Deck Cabins
The cabins located on the higher decks are the closest to the pool and the sun decks of the ship. They cost a little more than lower deck cabins, but passengers staying in higher deck cabins are apt to experience more rocking motion there. It is not recommended for people prone to seasickness.
Midship Cabins
These cabins are located in the center of the ship and allow for easy accessibility. However, this also means it may be in a higher traffic area and other passengers may pass by frequently. The view from midship cabins can also be restricted by lifeboats.
Bow Cabins
Located in the front of the ship, passengers staying there get the most in motion, wind and sea spray. Suites are usually located her and they have large balconies.
Aft Cabins
Located in the rear of the ship and always offer lovely views from the balconies. The balconies are typically larger. However, aft cabins are usually located a few decks below restaurants and lounges, so they offer less privacy and sometimes blowing liter from above.
Choosing a Cruise Duration
Typical itineraries range between 5 to 7 days and cover nearly every region in the world. This is the most popular duration range among cruisers. Itineraries in the 6- to 9-day and 10- to 14-day range offer a wider variety of destinations and are often concentrated more in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, Australia/New Zealand.
Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are all good choices for families with children of any age due to the abundance of kids’ activities and on-board child-friendly facilities.
The spring or fall is the perfect time for those planning a romantic getaway for two. Summer holidays are the time when you'll find many families with children on-board, along with a wide range of fun-filled activities. A mini-trip may be three or four days, while an around-the-world odyssey can last three to four months. However, the average cruise falls in the 7- to 10-day range.
Enlist the help of Way To Go Travel and Tours and customize an itinerary based on your interests and preferences for the best cruise vacation ever!
Cruise Destinations
Alaska
Caribbean
Canada/New England
Europe
Hawaii, South Pacific, Tahiti
