What Cruise Line is Right for You?

Cruising is a fantastic experience no matter where you go or who you go with. But like people, cruise lines have personalities, and it’s always important that you find your perfect match. There’s a cruise ship for adventure seekers, traditional enthusiasts, family fun finders and so many more.

It’s all about discovering the ship that’s ideal for you, and with our guide you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.

Family favourites

Thomson Cruises

 

The best thing about Thomson Cruises is it’s a name we’re familiar with. Whether you’re a beach holiday lover or a serial cruiser, it’s a brand you can trust and better yet, it’s one of the most family-friendly cruises around.  They’re experts at the easy-come-easy-go set-up, meaning you don’t need to stress about packing things like a tux or cocktail dress. With their laid-back vibe there’s no need to worry about formalities!

Thomson Cruises certainly pull all the stops out when it comes to entertainment, in fact they’ve won numerous awards. That comes as no surprise with West-End style performances, stand-up comedians and even a casino to try your luck in.

When you’re looking for some alone time, Thomson Kids’ Club have your back. The little ones will be grinning from ear to ear when they experience pyjama parties, messy time and movie nights. You’ll have action-packed adventures no matter what your age. Make a splash by the pool, battle it out in a game of mini golf or put your skills to the test in the basketball court.

Not to mention onboard the new TUI Discovery and TUI Discovery 2 ships, you’re All Inclusive as standard. Meaning you don’t need to worry about paying for food and drinks or tipping – just leave your wallet behind!

Royal Caribbean®

 

Royal Caribbean is nothing short of big and bold, and when it comes to providing you with hi-tech activities and first-at-sea experiences, they know what they’re doing. Their aim is to provide you with an extraordinary sailing, something that’ll give you that ‘WOW’ factor, and they certainly succeed.

If you’re looking for something different, you’ll find it onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. With everything from a rock climbing wall to a surf simulator, you’ll even find robots mixing your cocktails. Try your hand at skydiving, watch Broadway classics such as Grease and witness acrobats soar high above your head. And, if you want to update all your holiday photos on to Facebook, you’re in luck, as Royal Caribbean can provide you with the fastest internet at sea.

After all that adventure, kick back and relax in your ultra-stylish stateroom. There’s luxury suites that’ll have you tingling with excitement, and with 24-hour room service, your every need will be catered to in a flash. Better yet, with Royal Caribbean you have the luxury and privacy of your very own private island CocoCay®. And just off the coast of Haiti is Royal Caribbeans secluded beach Labadee®, where you can enjoy your surroundings without the hustle and bustle of your usual town – very exclusive in the cruising world.

P&O Cruises

 

Voted Britain’s favourite cruise line, P&O Cruises go out of their way to make your holiday one to remember. They have ships to suit just about everyone – from family-friendly to adult-only vessels, you can personalise your experience in whichever way you like. Making you feel right at home, P&O Cruises are the only cruise line to use UK currency onboard, so say goodbye to the hassle of exchange rates.

Fancy hitting the nightclubs onboard? With a free night nursery you can leave the youngsters in the hands of professionals up until 2am, giving you plenty of time to dance the night away. And during the day, you’ll have a hard time tearing the kids away from the age-specific clubs.

Think you’re a dab hand in the kitchen? Well P&O Cruises have something that no other cruise line offers – food lovers, rejoice! Enhance your skills and try new taste bud-tingling recipes with their cookery club. And with experts like Marco Pierre White and wine expert Olly Smith onboard, you’ll only experience the best of the best.

Traditional cruising

Cunard

 

Cunard pride themselves on providing a civilised adventure, and with elegance and glamour bursting from each deck, you’re in for a real treat. Taking you back in time, Cunard have plenty of history for you to discover and with traditional roots, you’ll feel the classic elegance on every deck.

Every day will feel like an occasion. You’ll be waited on hand and foot by white gloved servers and make sure to dig out your finest evening wear ready for the Captain’s cocktail party in the ballroom! The royal theatre is where you’ll catch a show, and how about indulging in afternoon tea under the stars?

With everything from fine dining to jazz ensembles, you’ll get a real sense of the regal roots of this cruise line – after all, their fleet is named in honour of the royal family. Plus, they’re the only cruise line with kennels onboard, so your furry friend can come along for the ride too!

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

 

That home away from home experience is what Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines specialise in – and with some of the friendliest staff at sea, they’ll go out their way to ensure they not only know your drink, but your name too. You’ll feel like you’re staying in the comfort of a country style hotel, and with the fleet being smaller in size than some of today’s modern megaships, sailing with Fred. Olsen has a more intimate feel.

Smaller ships also mean you’ll have the luxury of sailing to destinations that other cruise lines simply can’t reach, so prepare yourself for once-in-a-lifetime adventures. You’ll find hidden gems in the Norwegian Fjords and with Fred. Olsen sailing from almost all UK ports, you’ll have easy access to start your cruise journey.

When at sea, indulge in entertainment from live bands to formal evenings, not to mention the opportunities for learning a new skill or hobby. Take up photography, language classes or even ballroom dancing. A unique experience awaits with a Fred. Olsen cruise.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our cruise deals here and start your holiday at sea with one of our favourite cruise lines.