Before any cruise the following question must be answered: Which boat do I take? This is a very general question which can only be answered individually.
First of all one should set one’s own priorities and find out if the boat itself is the destination or if one is more interested in daytrips and ports on the route.
The size of the ship, the corresponding facilities on board, as well as language, atmosphere, route and price play an important role when choosing the right boat. Small ships are often more intimate and frequently anchor at smaller and exotic ports mega-liners cannot reach. The disadvantage is that they often have significantly higher prices. The advantages of a big boat are that more diversity and activities are offered as well as diverse programs for adolescents and children.
Ship categories:
Classics:
These are small German boats with a family atmosphere. The average age is 60+ years. Examples for such cruise ships are the Astor, Artania, Amadea, Albatros, Princess Daphne, Delphin, MS Hamburg and the FTI Berlin
European:
Cruise ships with a European flair mostly feature a relaxed, athletic atmosphere with many events. Young families, couples and singles are equally well taken care of. Examples for such shipping companies are: MSC, Costa, AIDA and TUI Cruises
American:
American cruise ships live the „American way of life“. Ranging from upscale restaurants to burger grills, from show theater to gambling casinos and on-board ice-skating – these boats offer all the heart desires. The on-board language is mostly English. The following shipping companies are examples for this category: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival
Luxury:
Luxury cruises mostly feature smaller ships. There is a more personal and elegant environment. As opposed to other ships, more employees per guest and that special something are offered. This includes an upscale cuisine, individual high-end service, butler service (some ships) and fresh fruit and flowers in the cabin on a daily basis (some ships). Examples for luxury shipping companies are Hapag-Lloyd, Deilmann, Cunard, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Regent and Crystal
River:
River cruises can be compared with traditional cruises. They feature a solid family atmosphere where orderly clothing is always required. The exception is A-ROSA, a modern river cruise shipping company. The average age on river cruises is normally age 60+.
