There are a wide variety of cruises available for a wide variety of passengers. Everything depends on whether you’re looking for toga parties or fine dining, a quaint holiday trip or an ultramodern fantasy vacation.When starting to look into which cruise will fit you and your personality best, remember that shorter cruises (usually between three to five days) tend to be on older ships. That doesn’t necessarily mean run-downjust that they will be less glamorous and probably more low-key than a week-or-longer cruise. That may be exactly what you’re looking for, however.Length can also depend on the destination. Paul Motter, president of CruiseMates.com, says that most Caribbean cruises are a week long, but a quality trip through Europe should last about 10 to 14 days.![]()
CruiseMates is an online community where cruisers share their experiences and tips for first-time users. It also has a “Best of the Web: Cruise Bargains” section with deals starting below 500 a person. As the section hasn’t been updated since last year, though, some of the deals may have expired.Choosing the right cruise line depends on more than just the price, though. You’ll want to research the company and see what features their ships offer, and whether they focus more on the ship or the destination. Generally, Celebrity and Cunard are lines which focus on the experience of actually being on the ship. You’ll feel the water beneath your feet and the salt in your hair. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then consider Oceania Cruises or Carnival, which are more interested in where you’re going, and include many port stops.Travel agents also are a good investment. Not only can they find deals not available online, they’ll be able to tell if a certain cruise line is right for you. Don’t end up stuck on a party barge for your family vacationunless Grandma likes to cut loose.