Learning how to choose a cruise line is about finding the holiday that best matches your priorities, rather than identifying one company that is universally better than every other option.
Cruise lines can differ considerably in their atmosphere, passenger mix, dining arrangements, entertainment, dress codes and onboard facilities. Even ships operated by the same company may provide very different experiences depending on their size, age and intended audience.
The itinerary is important, but it is only one part of the decision. You could find two cruises visiting similar destinations while offering completely different experiences at sea.
Before booking, consider how you want to spend your days, who you are travelling with and which costs you want included in the initial fare. This will help you narrow down the options and choose a cruise line that suits the holiday you actually want.
Start With the Destinations You Want to Visit
The itinerary should usually be the first part of your comparison. Decide whether your main priority is the places you will visit or the experience on board.
Cruises departing from Southampton can include sailings to destinations such as:
- Northern Europe
- The Norwegian fjords
- Spain and Portugal
- The Canary Islands
- The Mediterranean
- The Baltic region
- Iceland
- The British Isles
- The Caribbean
- Transatlantic destinations
Not every cruise line operates every route, and schedules vary by season. Royal Caribbean, for example, currently promotes Southampton departures to European destinations including the Norwegian fjords and Mediterranean, with cruise lengths ranging from short breaks to longer voyages.
When comparing itineraries, do not look only at the destination names. Check:
- How many ports the cruise visits
- How many full days are spent at sea
- How long the ship remains in each port
- Whether the ship docks or uses tenders
- Whether ports are close to the advertised destination
- Whether overnight stays are included
- What time the ship arrives and departs
- Whether excursions appeal to you
A seven-night cruise with five port days will feel very different from one with three port days and several days at sea.
If you enjoy exploring new places, choose an itinerary with longer port calls and fewer sea days. If you want to relax and enjoy the ship, additional sea days may be an advantage rather than a drawback.
Decide Whether the Ship or Itinerary Matters More
Some passengers choose a cruise primarily for the destinations. Others choose because they want to experience a particular ship.
Larger modern ships may offer an extensive range of entertainment, restaurants and activities. Smaller or more traditional ships may provide a quieter atmosphere, simpler layouts and easier access to less crowded ports.
A large resort-style ship can be an excellent choice when the vessel itself is a major part of your holiday. Royal Caribbean ships, for example, can include water slides, surf simulators, ice skating, miniature golf, children’s programmes, pools and adult-only relaxation areas. The precise facilities depend on the ship, so passengers need to compare vessels rather than relying solely on the cruise line’s overall reputation.
Ask yourself:
- Would I enjoy a large, busy ship?
- Do I want many activities throughout the day?
- Would I prefer a traditional maritime atmosphere?
- Is easy navigation around the ship important?
- Do I want quiet lounges and libraries?
- Are pools, slides or sports facilities a priority?
- How much time will I spend on board?
Do not assume that the newest or largest ship will automatically provide the best experience. The right ship is the one that supports the way you want to travel.
Consider the Onboard Atmosphere
Cruise lines often develop recognisable styles, but it is safer to treat these as broad tendencies rather than fixed rules.
Some focus on:
- Traditional service and formal evenings
- Family activities and high-energy entertainment
- Adult-only relaxation
- Destination-led cruising
- Premium dining and quieter surroundings
- Large-scale resort facilities
- Informal and flexible holidays
- Luxury service and smaller passenger numbers
Think about how you want the ship to feel. Would you enjoy a lively pool deck and a packed entertainment schedule, or would you rather read in a quiet lounge and enjoy a slower pace?
P&O Cruises currently offers both family-friendly ships and adult-only options. Its adult-only ships Arcadia and Aurora sail from Southampton and are promoted around dining, entertainment and a more grown-up onboard environment.
An adult-only ship may appeal to couples, friends and solo travellers who want a calmer atmosphere. It will not necessarily be silent or formal, but it removes children’s clubs and family-focused facilities from the experience.
Families, meanwhile, may be better served by a ship specifically designed around different age groups.
Compare Family Facilities Carefully
When travelling with children, compare the individual ship’s facilities rather than simply searching for a “family-friendly cruise line”.
Important features may include:
- Supervised children’s clubs
- Teen spaces
- Family swimming areas
- Splash zones
- Flexible dining
- Family cabins
- Interconnecting rooms
- Evening childcare
- Age-appropriate entertainment
- Children’s menus
- Sports and activity facilities
Check the age bands for children’s clubs. Siblings may be placed in different groups, while babies and toddlers can have separate requirements.
Royal Caribbean promotes dedicated family cruising with activities for toddlers, children and teenagers. MSC Cruises also provides children’s clubs, family activities, dining options and entertainment that can include water attractions and other ship-specific facilities.
However, not every ship in a fleet has exactly the same facilities. Verify what is available on your chosen vessel and sailing.
Parents should also check:
- Whether club spaces must be booked
- Minimum ages for activities
- Whether evening care costs extra
- Swimming pool rules
- Cabin occupancy limits
- Availability of cots
- Whether children’s clubs operate in port
- School holiday pricing
A cruise with outstanding family facilities may cost more, but the right activities and childcare can significantly improve the holiday for both children and adults.
Review the Dining Arrangements
Food is a major part of most cruises, but dining systems vary.
Some ships retain traditional fixed dining, where passengers eat at the same time and table each evening. Others offer flexible dining that allows guests to arrive within a broader period. Larger ships may combine main restaurants, buffets, cafés and speciality venues.
Before booking, check:
- Which restaurants are included
- Whether dining times are fixed or flexible
- Whether reservations are required
- Which venues charge extra
- Whether gratuities apply
- How dietary needs are handled
- Whether room service is included
- Whether drinks are included
- Whether children’s menus are available
A cruise line may advertise a large number of restaurants, but several could carry additional charges.
Cunard ships, for example, offer a mixture of main restaurants, casual dining, speciality venues, afternoon tea and room service. MSC Cruises also offers included dining alongside optional speciality dining and drinks packages.
Think about how important food is to your holiday. If you enjoy long, formal dinners, a traditional dining experience may appeal. If you prefer to eat when convenient, flexible dining may be a better match.
Passengers with allergies or medical dietary requirements should contact the cruise line before booking rather than assuming every venue can accommodate them.
Check the Dress Code
Dress codes are one of the clearest differences between cruise experiences.
Some lines have gala or formal evenings, while others maintain a relaxed dress policy throughout most of the voyage. Even on more traditional ships, daytime clothing is usually casual.
Cunard currently welcomes casual clothing during the day but applies smart attire in many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues after 6pm. Some voyages also include Gala Evenings with more formal themes. Casual evening alternatives are available in selected venues for passengers who prefer not to dress up.
Before choosing a line, ask yourself:
- Would I enjoy formal evenings?
- Do I want to pack jackets, dresses or smart shoes?
- Would a dress code add to the occasion?
- Would I prefer a relaxed approach?
- Are casual dining alternatives available?
- Does the dress code apply throughout the ship?
There is no correct choice. Some passengers see formal evenings as a highlight, while others prefer not to plan their wardrobe around them.
Read the current guidance for the specific cruise line and ship, as policies can change.
Look at the Entertainment Style
Cruise entertainment can range from theatre productions and live music to lectures, quizzes, dance classes, casinos and large-scale outdoor activities.
Consider what you would genuinely attend rather than being impressed by the length of the activity list.
Entertainment may include:
- Theatre shows
- Live bands
- Comedy
- Guest speakers
- Cinema screenings
- Dance lessons
- Quizzes
- Craft classes
- Sports activities
- Casinos
- Nightclubs
- Children’s entertainment
- Poolside events
Royal Caribbean places strong emphasis on large-scale entertainment and active facilities on many of its ships. MSC Cruises promotes theatre performances, music, dance and activities for both adults and children. Cunard offers a more traditional programme that can include guest speakers, classes, libraries, fitness activities and formal evening entertainment.
Review a recent sample daily programme where available. It can give you a clearer picture of the onboard experience than general marketing descriptions.
Compare What the Fare Includes
The cheapest advertised fare may not represent the lowest total holiday cost.
Cruise fares can differ in how they handle:
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Wi-Fi
- Speciality dining
- Room service
- Fitness classes
- Entertainment
- Children’s activities
- Port transfers
- Shore excursions
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Parking
Create a realistic estimate based on what you are likely to purchase.
For example, a lower-priced cruise may become more expensive when drinks, internet access and dining supplements are added. A higher initial fare may include more of these services.
Check the terms of promotional offers carefully. A drinks package described as included may only apply to particular cabin grades or fare types. Some promotions may also require payment of gratuities or service charges.
Compare like with like by calculating:
- Cruise fare
- Taxes and port fees
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Dining supplements
- Wi-Fi
- Excursions
- Travel insurance
- Parking and transport
- Pre-cruise accommodation
This provides a more meaningful comparison than the headline price alone.
Consider Cabin Choice and Availability
Cruise lines use different cabin layouts, terminology and pricing structures.
Common categories include:
- Inside cabins
- Ocean-view cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Suites
- Family cabins
- Accessible cabins
- Single cabins
An inside cabin can be a practical way to reduce the cost when you expect to spend very little time there. A balcony may be worthwhile on a scenic sailing, particularly through fjords or coastal regions.
Check the cabin’s:
- Position on the ship
- Size
- Bed layout
- Maximum occupancy
- Storage space
- Balcony type
- Accessibility
- Proximity to lifts
- Location beneath public areas
- View restrictions
Solo travellers should compare single supplements and dedicated solo cabins. A low advertised fare based on two people sharing may become much less competitive when one person books alone.
Families should confirm that the cabin can accommodate everyone comfortably. A room technically designed for four passengers may still feel cramped once additional beds are opened.
Think About the Passenger Mix
The passenger mix can affect the atmosphere, although it will vary by sailing date, itinerary and cruise length.
Short cruises and school holiday departures may attract more families and groups. Longer cruises outside school holidays can have an older passenger profile. Adventure-led itineraries may attract active travellers, while formal or premium voyages may appeal to guests seeking a more traditional experience.
Consider whether you are travelling:
- As a couple
- With young children
- With teenagers
- As a multigenerational family
- With friends
- Alone
- For a celebration
- For a quiet break
Solo travellers may value organised meet-ups, shared dining and dedicated cabins. Multigenerational groups may need a balance of children’s activities, accessibility and adult relaxation areas.
Do not rely too heavily on stereotypes about a cruise line. The same ship can feel different on a two-night break and a 14-night voyage.
Check Accessibility and Medical Requirements
Passengers with limited mobility, disabilities or medical requirements should investigate suitability before booking.
Important questions include:
- Are accessible cabins available?
- Is the bathroom suitable?
- Can mobility equipment be stored safely?
- Are tender ports included?
- Are accessible excursions available?
- Is assistance provided during embarkation?
- Can medical equipment be brought on board?
- How are dietary requirements managed?
- Is refrigeration available for medicine?
- What documentation is required?
Accessible cabins are limited and may sell out early. Discuss requirements with the cruise line or a specialist travel agent rather than selecting a standard cabin and hoping adjustments can be made later.
Some ports use tender boats instead of docking alongside. This can restrict access for passengers who cannot manage steps or transfer safely.
Read Reviews, but Use Them Selectively
Cruise reviews are useful when they answer specific questions, but overall ratings can be misleading.
Passengers have different expectations. One person may describe a ship as lively and exciting, while another sees the same experience as crowded and noisy.
Look for reviews relating to:
- Your chosen ship
- The same cabin category
- A similar itinerary
- The same type of travelling party
- Recent sailings
- Facilities that matter to you
Pay attention to repeated comments about cleanliness, service, queues, food quality or cabin noise.
Separate personal preferences from practical problems. A reviewer disliking formal evenings does not mean the cruise is poor. It may simply mean the line was not suited to that passenger.
Use a Travel Agent When the Choice Feels Complicated
A knowledgeable cruise travel agent can help compare ships, fares and cabins. This may be particularly valuable for:
- First-time cruise passengers
- Large family groups
- Accessible travel
- Complex itineraries
- Celebration holidays
- World cruises
- Back-to-back sailings
- Passengers with dietary needs
Ask how the agent is paid and whether it represents a broad selection of cruise lines.
You should still review the cruise line’s terms yourself. Make sure you understand cancellation conditions, passport requirements, insurance obligations and what the fare includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise line is best for first-time passengers?
There is no single best cruise line for every first-time passenger. Choose according to the itinerary, ship size, dining style, dress code, passenger mix and facilities you value most.
Are larger cruise ships better?
Larger ships often provide more restaurants, entertainment and activities, but they can also involve more passengers and longer walking distances. Smaller ships may offer a quieter and simpler experience.
Which cruise lines are best for families?
Look for ships with age-appropriate children’s clubs, family cabins, pools, flexible dining and activities that suit your children. Compare the individual vessel because facilities vary within each cruise line.
Should I choose the itinerary or the ship first?
Choose the itinerary first when destinations are your main priority. Choose the ship first when you expect to spend substantial time on board and want particular facilities or entertainment.
Is the cheapest cruise usually the best value?
Not necessarily. Compare what is included and add likely spending on drinks, gratuities, dining, Wi-Fi, excursions and transport before deciding which option offers better value.
Cruise Line Comparison Checklist
Before booking, compare:
- Destinations and port times
- Number of sea days
- Ship size and age
- Passenger capacity
- Family or adult-only facilities
- Dining arrangements
- Dress code
- Entertainment
- Cabin options
- Accessibility
- Drinks and gratuities
- Wi-Fi charges
- Cancellation terms
- Overall holiday cost
- Southampton departure and return arrangements
Choose the Cruise That Matches Your Holiday
Choosing between different cruise lines becomes easier once you stop looking for the “best” company and start identifying the best match for your priorities.
Begin with the destination and sailing dates, then compare the individual ships serving that itinerary. Look closely at the atmosphere, dining, dress code, family facilities, entertainment and total likely cost.
Once you have selected your cruise, plan the journey to Southampton. Pre-booking your parking and terminal transfer can remove one of the main practical concerns from embarkation day.
Southampton Park & Cruise provides safe and secure cruise parking with 24-hour CCTV monitoring, an onsite staffed facility and reliable transfers to Southampton cruise terminals. Shuttle and private transfer options are available for passengers travelling from the Port of Southampton.
Book your Southampton cruise parking online or contact the team on 02380 719 229 to discuss your parking and transfer requirements.