Which cruise ship is right for you?

We believe everyone is a cruiser at heart. Any why not? We’re talking about unpacking once and enjoying fabulous onboard experiences as you sail from one incredible port to another. It’s ideal for sampling more of the world! Plus with unforgettable onshore excursions, you can truly immerse in the places you visit. 

With so many options — from intimate luxury yachts and expedition sailings to massive resort-style ships — it can feel difficult to choose. So let’s start with an easy question: What kind of cruiser are you? Once you pick the experience you’re after, it’s much easier to select a destination and a cruise line — and from there, a perfect ship for you. 

When you’re considering cruise ships, size is an important factor and a true indication of what to expect.

“Small ships offer much more intimate, low-key onboard experiences and frequently call into smaller, more off-the-beaten-track ports where you’ll get personalised excursions,” says Jeff Leckey, House of Travel General Manager Cruise Australasia. “But the trade-off is fewer dining and bar options onboard and less entertainment during time at sea.”

As for larger ships, they can pack in a great deal more onboard — so much so that these offerings become holiday highlights. “On large ships, you’ll find a huge range of dining and bar choices, plus entertainment like Broadway shows, spas, kids clubs, even surf simulators and fitness classes,” says Jeff. “It really makes sense to consider what you’re hoping to find onboard — maybe to you, it’s even as important as where you want to travel.”

Find your best match cruiser profile below and check out our top picks for the cruise lines that best serve them. Even better, talk to one of our friendly House of Travel cruise specialists in store. We’ll listen to what you’re after and match you with just the right cruise. Smooth sailing ahead!

The resort cruiser 

For you, cruising is as much about the onboard experience as the destination. You’re after a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of entertainment — whether it’s fun-fuelled nightlife, extensive spa services, cutting-edge surf simulators, outdoor film screenings, Broadway shows or kids clubs, you expect your time at sea to be filled. If you want it to be, that is! If there’s one more thing you’re after, it’s flexibility on holiday, especially when it comes to meals and excursions.

Our favourite cruise lines for resort cruisers:

Carnival Cruises. Ocean cruising to Alaska, Australia, Caribbean, Hawai‘i, Mexico, South Pacific.

Norwegian Cruise Line. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, South America.

Royal Caribbean. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, South America.

The sophisticated cruiser 

You like the finer things and look forward to a little luxury on holiday. The details aren’t lost on you either! You appreciate premium service, press coffee, personalised wine selections, elegant dining and a boutique atmosphere. While you’re not looking for a huge range of entertainment choices, you’re keen to enjoy superb onboard amenities. You’re after immersive onshore excursions in memorable destinations — and sheets of a certain thread count at the end of each day.

Our favourite cruise lines for sophisticated cruisers:

Celebrity Cruises. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos, Hawai‘i, South America, South Pacific.

Holland America Line. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, Tahiti, South America, South Pacific.

Oceania Cruises. Ocean cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, Hawai‘i, South America, South Pacific, World.

Princess Cruises. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, Japan, South America, South Pacific, World.

The luxury cruiser 

If the world is your oyster, you plan to pair it with the finest Champagne! While on holiday, you seek truly opulent experiences with luxurious amenities, polished surroundings, Michelin-quality dining, premium spirits and exceptional personalised service. At ports of call, you’re after the finest exclusive excursions led by specialised guides. When considering itineraries, you frequently lean toward exotic, far-flung or intrepid destinations, which you intend to reach in style.

Our favourite cruise lines for luxury cruises:

Avalon. River cruising to Asia, Europe, South America.

Cunard. Ocean cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises.Ocean cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

Scenic. Ocean and river cruising to Asia, Europe, Russia.

Viking. Ocean and river cruising to Asia, Australia, Africa, Caribbean, Europe, Russia, South America, World.

Windstar Cruises. Yacht cruising to Asia, Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Tahiti.

Crystal. Ocean, Yacht & River cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

The adventure cruiser 

You’re an intrepid traveller looking for one-of-a-kind experiences in the most fascinating places. Cruising might not be your first choice for getting off the grid but you know it’s the best way of getting to some of the world’s most remote places. For you, onboard amenities and dining options are much less important than expert lectures and expedition-style excursion offerings. You want to get off the beaten track and close to the world’s most spectacular scenic wonders.

Our favourite cruise lines for adventure cruisers:

Seabourn. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Africa, Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

Silversea.Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Africa, Arctic, Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, South America, World.

Ponant.Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Arctic, Antarctica, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, Tahiti, South America.

Coral Expeditions. Small ship cruising to Australia, South Pacific, Indian Ocean

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions . Environmentally friendly cruising to Arctic, Antarctica.

The solo cruiser 

You’re a party of one and looking for a cruise ship where others will be in the same, er, boat. You might have travelled solo before and loved it. Or maybe this is your first adventure alone. Either way, you’re looking for onboard activities that encourage mingling — singles parties, happy hours, singles events, you name it! You’re interested in ships with single cabins and staterooms just for one. Most of all, you’re after fabulous onboard offerings and immersive experiences in ports of call.

Our favourite cruise lines for solo cruisers:

Cunard. Ocean cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

Norwegian Cruise Line. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, Hawai‘i, South America.

Princess Cruises. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, Hawai‘i, Japan, South America, South Pacific, World.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Ocean cruising to Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, South America, South Pacific.

Silversea. Ocean cruising to Asia, Alaska, Africa, Arctic, Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Europe, South America, World.

Inspired to set sail on a journey like no other? Discover the world from a new perspective, with endless horizons and unforgettable destinations. Connect with our cruise specialists today and start planning your dream voyage!