It’s often enough that most first timers are unsure the differences between all the cruise lines especially when they persuade cruisers that can offer an all-things-to-all-people experience. When planning your next cruise, it is important to understand that each cruise line designs their experiences to distinctive lifestyles and markets.

Choosing the right cruise line is still tricky, just like choosing the right food to eat – sometimes you want to try something different, but don’t fully know what you want. At first glance, all cruise lines look similar, but each has their own personalities and quirks. Here are a few tips when planning your next cruise vacation:

It’s no surprise that cruising has made vacationing easier and more affordable for families. Constantly innovating and adding newer and more daring activities onboard such as the iFly by Ripcord on the Quantum of the Seas or the new go cart course aboard the Norwegian Bliss, the cruise lines understand their highest growing segment is.

With families with younger children, it is without a doubt, Disney is the best to introduce younger children to cruising. The only cruise line to accept children as young as three months old, Disney creates an amusement park at sea that children and parents love. Themed play areas, Disney characters interacting with passengers and amazingly design staterooms with child features such as child-proof balcony locks and split bath tubs show how committed Disney is to children.

As your children grow, their taste changes and so should their experiences on a cruise. Royal Caribbean targets families with older children with numerous activities and never been done features such as zip-lining and sky-diving at sea. Come aboard their newest ships like the Symphony of the Seas and enjoy onboard activities like rock climbing, DJ classes, teen parties and water slides 10 decks high.

Best for Relaxation

With a high attention to passengers who aim to unwind and rejuvenate themselves while traveling, Princess should be there first choice. Princess delivers an extraordinary experience that is coupled with eye pleasing design and therapeutic aromas throughout their ships. Visit the Sanctuary which is an adult only space above the Lotus Spa. Passengers can enjoy “attentive service” with fruit infused water and spa treatments or have access to private cabanas for your exclusive space. You’ll leave relaxed rejuvenated like you have been in the spa all day.

Best for Entertainment

If you want the Las Vegas type shows and high energy – Royal Caribbean is good choice. Royal Caribbean has set the bar in entertainment with innovating venues such as the first Aquatheater at sea (Oasis class) and the new 270, at two deck venue at the back of the ship with 270-degree views. Its main attraction is at night when the venue transforms into Vistarama, ultra-HD screen more than 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall. Vistsrama’s 12K resolution is nearly twice the resolution of that of an IMAX screen.

In addition to entertainment, Royal Caribbean also includes complimentary activities as well such as rock climbing, zip-lining, daily dance classes and culinary demonstrations. The best part of it all, is that its complimentary.

Best for Foodies

One of my most favorite things to do on a cruise is to eat and this is by my favorite category. If you are like me and food is an art – then you must try a cruise on Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity is well-known for their attention to detail in cuisine. They have allotted the most area at sea to specialty restaurants such as Tuscan Grille, a modern steak house, the Lawn Club Grille, an interactive open-air grilling venue or my favorite, Qsine, uniquely unordinary culinary experience. Qsine is a gastronomic adventure with flair and flamboyance with dishes such as lobster escargot, sushi lollipops and popcorn fish and chips.

Best for Late Night

If you’re a night owl, then you need to try a Norwegian cruise which has a variety of themed bars and venues. You’ll be able to enjoy sipping mojitos at Sugarcane’s Mojito Bar and then head down to Fat Cats Jazz Club and groove to the best jazz and blues at sea. Norwegian’s signature White and Glow parties however are where all the action is. Cruisers dress up all in white for a high energy party filled with neon lights, massive light displays and interactive games.

If you want an amazing experience onshore with an authentic experience set sail on Azamara Cruise Line. Azamara’s fleet consists of two ships, the Journey and Quest, which seeks selective itineraries to less traveled destinations. In addition to their itineraries, Azamara also includes the most overnight stays ay port unlike most cruise lines. You would be able to spend a night in Bangkok and experience the street food or enjoy ample time to explore Havana with two nights at port. Plus, every cruise includes an “Azamazing Evening”, a complimentary shoreside event that presents the local culture in an intimate or exclusive setting. When possible, Azamara also tries to schedule its cruises around major destination events, such as Carnival in Rio or the Grand Prix in Monaco.

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