Just Like People - Ships Come In All Shapes, Sizes & Styles

You're in the kitchen and you hear that familiar beat. If you're not a cruiser, you have to admit it, you're tempted to become one. Just the commercials alone of two of the most well known cruise lines will get your feet to tapping. For the vast majority of people, which ships come to mind immediately when they think of cruising? I dare say it would be Carnival and Royal Caribbean based on the marketing campaigns we so often see. Most people are familiar with the Princess line and the whimsical Disney. Beyond that it begins to get a little fuzzier. Your more sophisticated and experienced cruisers are familiar with a variety of other lines. For me, when we began our journey on this now life-long exploration of the world of cruising, we weren't aware of anything above the "contemporary" lines. Contemporary line you ask? Just what does that mean? Well, like so many things in life, even cruising is divided into styles and classes. When you first dip your toes into this fun-filled world of travel, you may not be too concerned with the choices laying before you. However, as the addiction grows, you may find that you want to experience new things. Understanding the different styles and choices in cruising will allow you and your cruise specialist to make the best choice in matching you with the right ship. There IS something out there for everyone! Who knew there were so many choices and styles in cruising? Things have changed. Today's cruise industry is made up of Contemporary, Premium, Deluxe, and Luxury Lines. Let's take a look at what each of these categories are and which lines fit into each one...

So, exactly what is a "Contemporary" Cruise Line?
Contemporary cruises are the most well known or popular in the cruise industry. These are the lines that typically first come to mind when we all think of cruising: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises. These ships tend to be larger, newer and full of amenities. A multitude of activities are usually found onboard these ships with impressive shows, large spas, casinos, and organized children's programs. These lines are great for families and active types. You'll find itineraries as short as 3 days and as long as 14 days on these lines - sometimes longer, and you'll be able to explore such places as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Mexican Riviera, and Asia. Fun! That's what I think of when I think of Contemporary lines.

You've probably heard of some of the "Premium" Cruise Lines:
Just the next step up from contemporary is the premium cruise line. Many of us have heard of Celebrity and Holland America but might not have realized that they belong to this slightly more prestigious category. This category still offers many of the activities of the contemporary line but with more of an upscale flair shall we say. You'll find high tea, wine tastings, white glove service and cigar bars on these ships. Many of Celebrity's new ships have the lawn area up top where you can enjoy a spot of golf. While the majority of itineraries will still fall in the 7+ day range with similar destinations as the contemporary lines, it is possible to find vastly more extensive sailings. For the truly dedicated, Holland America offers a World Cruise of over 100 days. That's enough to satisfy the cruise bug in anyone, wouldn't you say?

Have you heard about "Deluxe" Cruise Lines?
Elegant ships, smaller ships and fewer guests (approximately 800) with more luxurious amenities. That describes the deluxe category which includes Azamara and Oceania Cruises. You'll enjoy these lines if you're looking for entertainment with more of a cabaret style, staterooms with higher end amenities, such as, higher thread count sheets and high end toiletries. While the casinos are smaller the libraries are actually more extensive for the more sophisticated reader. The traveler will find more exotic destinations and longer itineraries on these lines. They aren't really recommended for families with young children as they don't have staff dedicated to children and teens like the contemporary and premium lines do.

Ah, "Luxury", just how luxurious are these Lines?
When cruise lines went into the luxury business, they far exceeded expectations. These luxury lines deliver more "luxury" than your typical luxury hotel or resort. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, the staff is always anticipating the needs of their guests. Leading celebrity chefs prepare world-class cuisine which is served in an open seating environment and each meal is prepared to the order of the individual guest. These ships carry fewer passengers and many are "all inclusive" including items like gratuities, wine, and even custom shore excursions in the base price of the cruise. These lines usually draw the sophisticated traveler and are more "experience-oriented" than "entertainment-oriented". This sophisticated group includes: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club.

So, that's an overview of the different styles of cruise lines. Just like a hair style, over time, your ship style may change. I think I would like to get around to trying them all....