The world of cruises has never been so diverse. Starting with the size of the ships, from a dinghy with just a few cabins to ocean-going titans accommodating over 5,000 passengers. To choose the right cruise, you need to be able to make the right comparisons.
The pluses and minuses of a big boat
If you don't mind traveling in the company of thousands of other passengers, why not dare the giants of the seas. They are often preferred by families and senior citizens. Their size offers many advantages. Starting with the variety of attractions and entertainment possibilities. Swimming pools, sports halls, climbing walls, slides, zip lines, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, shopping arcades... the only limit is the architects' imagination. And that's what appeals most to families with children because while the little ones are having fun, the parents have a chance to take a breather and spend a little time together.
Same plethora of choices at meal A wide choice of dishes: grilled meats, pizzas, sushi, seafood... If you like, you can opt for a different cuisine and a different setting every evening. Some ships have more than fifteen restaurants. But please note that these are often available at extra cost, and should be booked in advance.
Aboard these monsters of the sea, however, you'll forget all about conviviality and intimacy. If you love solitude and hate crowds, you'll have to pass. You'll often have to be patient and clever to get a deckchair by the pool or a seat on one of the attractions.
Some ships are so large that you'll have to follow maps to find your way around. Fifteen to twenty bridges, over 350 meters in length... a small city where it's easy to get lost. And that can be a source of anxiety for some people.
At sea, a large size is also a guarantee of stability, especially in rough weather. If you suffer from seasickness, you're unlikely to feel the pitching. Larger units also have nursing services, and even a small dispensary to reassure cruisers in need of medical attention.
The pluses and minuses of a small boat
With no more than a few hundred passengers, no more than three or four decks, and one or two restaurants, some boats don't go for the ‘gaudy’ or ‘over-the-top’ approach, and this generally appeals to childless couples, some senior citizens and those generally looking for a human-scale experience, more relaxing and closer to nature. As these boats carry fewer passengers, you'll have the impression of traveling with a large family. The onboard staff will quickly recognize you, remember your preferences and provide you with a more personalized service.
There are no big shows, no big attractions, but rather more intimate, sometimes exclusive and even expedition-like ports of call. Disembarking with a few dozen people on a small island is obviously more appealing than with several thousand in a large port. This is because small boats can drop anchor just about anywhere, and especially in the wildest, most remote places on the planet. Only small ships can take you to destinations such as Antarctica or the small islands of the Pacific.
Another boating experience offered by small boats: river cruises, which allow you to criss-cross continents on the water. An excellent way to discover a new city or region every day, and to enjoy the scenery as it unfolds.
Fewer passengers also means greater flexibility when it comes to activities: a sea kayak outing or a stopover for a swim in the open sea can only be enjoyed aboard a small boat.
At the table, the more personalized service will make it easier for you to express your preferences, but the choice may be less extensive.
Logically, rates are not always as competitive as for a cruise aboard a large ship. But don't be too quick to conclude that a cruise will be cheaper on a big liner. You'll need to be very careful, as the packages on offer are often limited, and will therefore be subject to supplements for activities, meals, drinks and so on.
Destinations for each season :
May to October: Mediterranean, Baltic, North Sea, North Atlantic, Canada, Hawaii, Polynesia.
June to August : Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Spitzbergen, Alaska.
November to April: Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Central America, Amazonia, Galapagos, Argentina, Cape Verde, Red Sea, Dubai, Indian Ocean, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand.
December to March : China, Japan, Chilean fjords, Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands (Falklands, South Georgia...).
March to May, October to November: transatlantic.
Discover all our cruises on our website https://www.tourisimaguide.be/croisiere/
