There are three kinds of cruise lines to pick from: Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise Lines. Which have different types of ships to consider. Within the three kinds of cruise lines are the next forms of cruise ships: mega cruise ships, large cruise ships, small cruise ships, adventure cruise ships, sailing ships, river cruise boats and yachts.
So what's the difference of Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise lines? Them all provide great adventures on water, these have much for their credit and many of them have a solid commitment for providing fantastic vacation experiences. Quite often it's not the flavor of the cruise that counts however the tastes of the individual. Your travel agent can help you place together the perfect cruise vacation based on your unique lifestyle.
Luxury Cruises
Aboard deluxe cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises , Radisson Seven Sea Cruises , Seabourn Cruise Line, Sea Dream Yahcht Club, Silverseas Cruises and Windstar Cruises are ocean liners that provide guests the ultimate cruise experience. The true luxury lines offer itineraries in many different lengths and destinations. Many of these destinations are un-traveled by Premium or Mainstream cruise lines. They're high quality products at a high quality price. Nearly all these cruise ships carry significantly less than 500 passengers.
A luxury cruise is good for those looking for:
A formal, refined atmosphere, epicurean dining and personal service, all with a little elegance.
Deluxe and spacious accommodations.
A small amount of fellow passengers with one-on-one attention from the crew.
An Average of fourteen days or longer away.
Onboard scholars and lecturers providing in-depth home elevators certain topics.
These cruises typically cater to business oriented professionals whom are well traveled.
Premium Cruises
Premium lines offer a high quality product at a less expensive price. Nearly all these cruise ships carry significantly less than 2000 passengers. Premium Cruise lines include such favorites as Celebrity Cruises , Cunard Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises and Peter Deilmann Cruises.
Reasonably limited Cruise is good for those looking for:
A semi-formal yet relaxed atmosphere, great cuisine and personalized service
Above standard and spacious accommodations.
An average cruise of seven days or longer in length.
An energetic lifestyle.
These Cruises usually attract business oriented professionals, that are well traveled.
Mainstream Cruise Lines
These cruise lines provide a good product at a good price. Many are literally floating cities with parks, golfing, theaters, restaurants, salons and even rock climbing. Cruise Lines in this classification have something for everyone. Additionally they carry the highest amount of passengers per available space. Mainstream Cruise lines include, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises , Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Disney Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruise Line, Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean, International, Lewis Cruises and Star Cruises. Many of these cruise ships can hold 3000 passengers. A mainstream cruise is good for those looking for:
Casual and active atmosphere with good food, good service and a great price.
Busy entertainment and activities.
Standard accommodations.
These cruises attract many families in addition to passengers of any age group.
Now that individuals have observed different Ocean Liners remember that many fun and exotic ports are best accessed by river.
River cruise
Voyages along inland waterways are as varied and unique as earth itself. Anywhere there are large rivers and barges you will most likely find a river cruise operator. River cruise crafts are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers (though you will find ships that take only 5 passengers and others can hold 1,000 passengers). For their smaller size and low draft, river cruise crafts can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: rivers are an excellent way to attain some otherwise missed attractions. And are great ways to combine land tours with cruising. During river cruises the countryside is usually because, so they are especially relaxing to people who prefer land nearby.
River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days. Some river ships resemble five stars hotels, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools, casinos and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals onboard, entertainment and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually within the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and calls are not. Most cruises have many different onboard and off board activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, visiting local attractions, museums and galleries, and other points of interest. Guides give a running commentary while sailing. Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, or the Volga.
There are many dozen river cruise companies each with 1 to 20 ships. River Cruise Tours are great for small group travelers and adventure seekers of all types. They're fantastic for small and midsized groups who want to get off the crowd with an exclusive charter.