Cruising today isn’t just about the big ships anymore. It can be luxurious, wild, cultural, intimate — or even wind-powered. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing into remote coves on a small yacht, drifting down European rivers, or zipping past Arctic glaciers on a purpose-built expedition ship — there’s a cruise style out there to match every traveller.
But with such a huge range of ships, cabins, inclusions and itineraries, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. That’s where a travel professional (hi, that’s me 👋) can help tailor the right cruise to you — without the guesswork.
Here’s a broad (but useful) overview to get you started.
Big Ships (Royal Caribbean, P&O, Carnival, Norwegian):
Packed with pools, waterslides, Broadway-style shows, dozens of bars and restaurants.
Great for families, couples, and social travellers wanting lots of variety.
Expect thousands of guests and big-name ports.
Small Ships (Azamara, Windstar, Ponant, Coral Expeditions, Silversea):
Smaller guest numbers (100–600), more personalised service.
Visit lesser-known ports and destinations the big ships can’t reach.
Often include more in your fare: excursions, drinks, tips and Wi-Fi.
Luxury Small Ships to Know:
Silversea – Ultra-luxury suites, fine dining, butler service.
Ponant – Elegant French flair, with exceptional design and global itineraries.
Coral Expeditions – Australian-owned, with a focus on remote destinations like the Kimberley and Papua New Guinea.
Expedition cruises take you off the beaten track — think Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, the Kimberley, and the fjords of Patagonia. These aren’t party boats. They’re about adventure, enrichment, and nature, often led by expert scientists and naturalists.
Key expedition lines:
Hurtigruten – Norwegian line offering both traditional coastal sailings and true expedition experiences. Explore Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and more. Their ships combine science, sustainability and comfort.
Scenic Eclipse – Superyacht meets science lab, with helicopters, submarines, and an onboard Discovery Team.
Aurora Expeditions – Australian-based, with a strong focus on sustainability and polar regions.
What’s Included:
Zodiac landings, enrichment lectures, wildlife encounters, and often wine, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Expedition gear (like parkas and boots) often provided.
If you’ve ever dreamed of cutting through turquoise waters under full sail, this is your style. Sailing cruises combine traditional charm with intimate luxury — no megaships here, just white sails, small ports, and serious wow-factor.
Top Sailing Lines:
Windstar Cruises – Gorgeous masted sailing yachts (plus all-suite motor yachts), visiting hidden harbours and coastal gems.
Star Clippers – Tall-ship cruising at its finest. Think climbing masts, open-air dining, and stops in lesser-known ports across the Med, Caribbean and Asia.
Sea Cloud Cruises – German-owned, ultra-luxury sailing yachts with old-world glamour and exceptional service.
Why choose sailing?
Fewer guests = more personalised service.
Access to unique harbours and small islands.
The experience itself is the highlight — just you, the sea, and the sails.
Quick tips:
Midship, lower decks: Best for stability.
Higher decks, forward cabins: More movement = more seasickness potential.
Balconies: Ideal for scenic sailings like Alaska or the Norwegian coast.
Inside cabins: Budget-friendly but no natural light.
Cabin layout varies across ships — a travel advisor can match your preferences to the best layout and location.
River cruising is perfect for cultural explorers. Drift into historic cities, enjoy wine with lunch, and take guided tours in towns you’ve only dreamed of.
Ships are small and quiet, often with fewer than 200 passengers.
Unpack once and enjoy a new port almost every day.
Destinations include Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and beyond — or go long-haul on the Mekong, Nile, or Amazon.
Top lines: Viking, Uniworld, APT, Scenic, Avalon, Tauck.
Every cruise line is different, but here’s a general rule of thumb:
Mainstream lines (Carnival, P&O): Basic meals, entertainment, and accommodation included. Drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions = extra.
Premium/luxury lines (Celebrity, Azamara, Silversea): Often include drinks, gratuities, shore tours, Wi-Fi, and sometimes flights.
River and expedition cruises: Almost always near-all-inclusive — and often better value in the long run.
Cruise fares shift based on:
Cabin type and location
Time of year
Booking date (earlybird vs last-minute)
Inclusions and packages (some offer bundles with flights, drinks and Wi-Fi)
Destination popularity
The best way to maximise value? Let a cruise expert (hello again 🙋♀️) weigh it all up for you — no guesswork needed.
There’s a cruise out there for everyone:
Families seeking fun-packed megaships
Couples chasing luxury under sail
Explorers yearning for Antarctica’s icy frontiers
Wine lovers drifting down the Rhône
Retirees ticking off bucket-list ports in comfort
And adventurers watching polar bears from a zodiac in the Arctic
With such a broad range of experiences, cruise types, and value options, working with a travel professional can save you time, stress and money — and ensure you’re matched with the cruise that’s actually right for you.
Ready to set sail? Let’s find your perfect cruise match.
From balcony cabins to polar parkas — I’ve got you covered.
