How to Choose the Right Cruise: Tips From Our Family’s Cruise Journey & Mistakes to Avoid
7/23/26
One of the questions I am asked is, “Which cruise line should I choose?” The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer. The best cruise is the one that fits your travel style, budget, and vacation goals.
Every family, couple, and traveler has different priorities. Some people want nonstop activities and entertainment, while others are looking for relaxation, incredible food, or unforgettable destinations. The “best” cruise isn’t always the newest ship or the most popular cruise line—it’s the one that matches what you want from your vacation.
Our Cruise Journey
My husband and I took our very first cruise in 2004. We had absolutely no idea what to expect—we simply booked a Disney land/sea package and hoped for the best!
Ten years later, we returned to cruising with our two young children, who were just 18 months and 5 years old. We booked a last-minute 4-night sailing only two months before departure. Since it was everyone’s first cruise together, we wanted to keep it short while making sure there were excellent kids’ clubs, great food, quality entertainment, and plenty of onboard activities.
At that stage of life, the ship was the destination. Our kids were too young to care much about the ports, and with only four days onboard, we wanted to experience everything the ship had to offer.
Fast forward to today, and we’re just two weeks away from our first 7-night cruise aboard the Disney Treasure on a Western Caribbean itinerary. Our kids are now 18 and 14, and our priorities have changed.
This cruise feels especially meaningful because our daughter had a big say in choosing this trip. We’re using it as the final piece of her high school graduation celebration before she heads off to college.
When we return home, we’ll have just seven days before she moves into her dorm room. Our house is currently filled with new sheets, pillows, a comforter, hangers, and all the other little things that come with preparing for this next chapter.
This cruise feels different. In my mind, it may be one of the last trips where the four of us are sharing a stateroom and creating memories in quite the same way.
How much longer will she really want to travel with her parents and her “annoying” little brother? How many more vacations will include all of us sharing a room and spending every day together?
The truth is, the future is full of unknowns. Someday she may want to travel with friends, a significant other, or even their family. Life changes, and while change can be scary, we know she is stepping into an exciting new chapter.
Her future is bright, and she is going to do incredible things whether she’s traveling with us or creating adventures of her own.
But let’s be honest… as long as we’re paying for the trip, there’s still a pretty good chance she’ll say yes. 😉
And for that, we’re grateful. These moments don’t last forever, and we’re soaking up every mile, every laugh, and every memory while we can.
People often ask why we chose Disney Cruise Line over Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Celebrity.
For our family, the biggest reason is the entertainment.
We live close enough to New York City that we’ve seen our fair share of Broadway productions, and in our opinion, Disney’s stage shows rival many Broadway performances. The choreography, vocals, costumes, and set design are exceptional. Disney does an incredible job transforming beloved classics into Broadway-style productions.
And yes… one of the biggest reasons we chose the Disney Treasure is because it features Beauty and the Beast, which just happens to be my all-time favorite Broadway musical. (Newsies is a very close second—but that’s a story for another day!)
We’re also Disney fans. We enjoy being immersed in the Disney atmosphere, but one thing many people don’t realize is that you can experience as much—or as little—Disney magic as you’d like.
You can meet characters throughout the day, enjoy themed entertainment, and embrace the Disney experience, or you can simply relax by the adults-only pool with a good book and enjoy the ocean views.
Finally, there are the kids’ clubs.
While our daughter now prefers spending time with us or relaxing by the pool, our son absolutely loves the freedom of Vibe. He enjoys meeting other teens, participating in activities, and spending time with the incredible counselors who create a welcoming environment.
We’ve also found Disney’s youth staff to be understanding and supportive of neurodiverse guests, which has made a huge difference for our family.
That said, Disney Cruise Line isn’t the right fit for everyone—and that’s okay.
If you’re looking for waterslides, surfing simulators, zip lines, or a lively nightlife scene, another cruise line may better match your vacation style.
Every cruise line offers something unique.
The key is finding the one that’s right for you.
How to Choose the Right Cruise
Choosing the right cruise is the foundation of an unforgettable vacation. With so many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries available, the best place to start is by thinking about what matters most to you.
1. Pick the Right Cruise Line
Every cruise line has its own personality. The goal isn’t finding the “best” cruise line—it’s finding the one that fits your travel style.
Royal Caribbean – Perfect for travelers looking for large ships filled with activities, entertainment, adventure, and family-friendly experiences.
Disney Cruise Line – Known for exceptional service, Broadway-style entertainment, family experiences, character interactions, and incredible kids’ and teen clubs.
Norwegian Cruise Line – Great for travelers who enjoy flexibility, casual cruising, and a wide variety of dining options.
Carnival Cruise Line – A fun, energetic, and budget-friendly option with a lively atmosphere.
Celebrity Cruises – A great choice for travelers looking for modern luxury, exceptional dining, and a more upscale experience.
Princess Cruises – Ideal for those who enjoy classic cruising, destination-focused itineraries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
When choosing a cruise line, think about your priorities. Are you looking for adventure, relaxation, entertainment, amazing food, kids’ clubs, or incredible destinations? Those answers will help guide you toward the right fit.
2. Choose the Right Itinerary
Your itinerary can shape your entire cruise experience. For first-time cruisers, a 4–7 night sailing with a mix of sea days and ports is often a great starting point.
Popular choices include:
Bahamas – A great introduction to cruising with beautiful beaches and shorter sailing options.
Eastern Caribbean – Perfect for beaches, shopping, and island exploration.
Western Caribbean – A great mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation with destinations like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica.
Alaska – Incredible scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and unforgettable views.
Mediterranean & Europe – Ideal for travelers looking to combine cruising with history, culture, and world-famous destinations.
Southern Caribbean & Hawaii – Great options for unique landscapes, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable experiences.
A shorter cruise can be a great way to try cruising for the first time, while a 7-night cruise allows you to truly settle into ship life.
For experienced cruisers, the destination often becomes just as important as the ship itself. Some travelers choose the newest ship with the most attractions, while others choose a cruise based on the places they want to explore.
The perfect itinerary is the one that matches the adventure you’re looking for.
3. Pick the Right Ship Size
The size of the ship can greatly impact your cruise experience.
Large Ships
Tons of entertainment and activities
More dining options
Water parks, attractions, and Broadway-style shows
Great for families, teens, and travelers who like lots of choices
Mid-Size Ships
Easier to navigate
Often less crowded
A nice balance between activities and relaxation
Small Ships
More intimate atmosphere
More focus on destinations
A quieter, more relaxed experience
The right ship depends on what type of vacation experience you’re looking for.
4. Select the Right Stateroom
Your stateroom becomes your home away from home during your cruise.
Inside Cabin – A great value if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and ports.
Oceanview Cabin – Provides natural light without the cost of a balcony.
Balcony Cabin – Perfect for enjoying ocean views, fresh air, and quiet moments outside.
Suite – Offers additional space, upgraded amenities, and extra perks.
If you’re concerned about motion sickness, consider choosing a stateroom on a lower deck toward the middle of the ship, where movement is often less noticeable.
5. Decide What Kind of Vacation You Want
Before booking, think about what you want your cruise to feel like.
Ask yourself:
Are you looking for adventure or relaxation?
Are you traveling with kids, as a couple, or with friends?
Do you want more time exploring ports or enjoying sea days?
Are you looking for casual fun or a more upscale experience?
There are no wrong answers. The best cruise is simply the one that matches your travel style.
Common Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cruisers can make mistakes. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Booking the Wrong Cruise Line
Don’t choose a cruise just because someone else loved it. A cruise line that is perfect for one traveler may not be the right fit for another.
Choosing a Cruise That’s Too Short
Short cruises can be a great introduction, but three-night sailings can feel rushed. A four- to seven-night cruise often allows enough time to truly enjoy the ship.
Flying In the Same Day as Your Cruise
Flight delays happen. Whenever possible, arrive at your departure port the day before sailing. Starting your vacation without the stress of potentially missing your ship is worth the extra night.
Forgetting About Additional Costs
Cruises include so much, but it’s important to plan for extras such as:
Gratuities
Specialty dining
Beverages
Wi-Fi
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Knowing these costs ahead of time helps avoid surprises.
Trying to Do Everything
Modern cruise ships offer an incredible amount of entertainment, but you don’t have to do it all.
Some of the best cruise memories come from slowing down—watching the ocean from your balcony, enjoying a quiet afternoon by the pool, or simply spending time together.
Not Researching Your Ports
Your vacation continues once the ship docks. Take some time before sailing to learn about each destination.
Whether you book an excursion, find a beautiful beach, or discover a local restaurant, a little planning can make your port days even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all cruise. The best vacation is the one that matches your interests, travel style, and budget.
Whether you’re considering Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, or another cruise line, taking the time to choose the right cruise line, itinerary, ship, and stateroom can completely change your experience.
With so many options available, finding the right cruise can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having someone who understands the differences between cruise lines, ships, and itineraries can help make the process easier and more enjoyable.
As a travel advisor specializing in family and multigenerational travel, I enjoy helping travelers compare their options and find a cruise that fits their unique vacation goals.
Whether your perfect cruise includes incredible kids’ clubs, unforgettable entertainment, relaxing sea days, exciting destinations, or a little bit of everything, the goal is the same: creating memories that last long after you return home.
Here’s to your next adventure, your next voyage, and your next magical moment at sea. 🚢✨