Cruise Adventure

For people who choose this type of vessel, the destination is everything. You can expect to be sailing well off the beaten track, often to destinations which are only accessible by ship – Antarctica, the Arctic, the Upper Amazon or Orinoco, the Galapagos or Papua New Guinea.

Sometimes adventure ships go on more conventional itineraries, where other ships also go. In this instance however, you will get a very different perspective – experiencing Alaska on an expedition ship, for example, is very different from a large ship cruise in the same area. Landings are often made by zodiac, small rubber landing vessels which allow you to explore areas where there is not even a landing stage.

These type of cruises are ideal if you are keen to learn and explore the natural world and experience more of the local cultures and wildlife. If you are after a ultra-luxury experience, they may not be as ideal.

• Small

The ‘small’ category is an interesting one, incorporating a wide product choice, in terms of size, quality, and in styles of sailing. The maximum number of passengers rarely exceeds 200, and even then, there are also more things to consider.

Some small ships may be extremely exclusive, have all-inclusive pricing and suite accommodation and compare more with Luxury Boutique Hotels, than the larger cruise ships. Others are ideal for the more adventurous traveller, looking more for the soft adventure or expedition ships that take you through Antarctica, the backwaters of Kerala or to explore the wilds of Papua New Guinea, where the itinerary and destination are the primary reason for choosing your ship.

Within these different categories, there is huge differentiation from ship to ship, and you need an expert to guide you to the right choice. In the small ship market, price may be a guarantee of quality, but the focus could lie in the shore excursions and expert lecturers on board, or on the hotel aspects of the vessel quality of food and service.

If you are looking for a more intimate, destination-intensive holiday, that may be more off the beaten track, small ships could be a great way to dip your toe in the water of cruising holidays.If however you want the latest in hi-tech accommodation or an extensive choice in dining, professional entertainment and on-deck facilities, you might prefer the larger ships.

• Medium

The most difficult to define, this category covers possibly the widest experiences and styles of cruise, from 300 passengers, up to 1500.  Please call our helpful and knowledgeable Cruise Consultants on 0800 008 6677 to help with any of your questions or queries.

• Large

Whilst 2000 passengers used to be considered large, you are now looking nearer 3,500. This size is best for family holidays, and tend to be a high 4* quality.

What is it that you are looking for – great kids’ facilities, a quality spa, an interesting destination, a relaxed style of dining, a rock-climbing wall – or just a good price?

Ships of this size tend to have the qualities of a resort, with a huge range of facilities on board; and in the same way as resorts whilst some may excel in one area, they are less impressive in another.

It’s hard therefore to summarise this ‘category’ in a sound-bite, but if your group is multi-generational or too easily bored by a ‘normal’ hotel, then you should certainly think of a cruise holiday aboard a large ship. Some of the facilities and accommodation can be superb. If however you are looking more for the personal touch then this type of cruise isn’t probably for you.

Find out more about:

• Cruising terminology
• Cruise ships
• Cruise accommodation
• Room choice onboard a cruise ship