IJ Travel Co
IJ Travel Co
X-twitter Facebook Instagram
BECOME A LOCAL GUIDE

Cruise Classifications

Even if we don't like labels..

A Guide to Cruise Classifications and Their Ideal Sailors

The cruise industry is a vast ocean of options, each promising a unique voyage. But with so many choices, how do you navigate the waters and find the perfect cruise for you? This comprehensive guide will break down the major cruise classifications, highlighting their target demographics, special amenities, and unique selling points to help you chart your course to the ideal vacation.

Mainstream/Contemporary Cruises:

  • Description: These are your classic, all-around cruise lines. They offer a wide range of itineraries, ship sizes, and onboard experiences, appealing to a broad audience. Think of them as the “family-friendly” option, though they certainly cater to couples and solo travelers too.
  • Demographic: Families with kids, couples, first-time cruisers, budget-conscious travelers, those seeking a variety of activities.
  • Special Amenities/Points: Diverse dining options (from buffets to specialty restaurants), multiple pools and waterslides, kids’ clubs and activities, casinos, live entertainment (shows, music, comedy), a variety of cabin choices, generally good value for money.
  • Examples: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • Think: Big ships, lots of activities, a lively atmosphere, and a focus on value.

Premium Cruises:

  • Description: A step up from mainstream lines, premium cruises offer a more refined experience with higher quality food, service, and accommodations. Ships are often mid-sized, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and sophisticated.
  • Demographic: Discerning travelers, couples, families seeking a more upscale experience, those who value quality over quantity.
  • Special Amenities/Points: Larger staterooms, more attentive service, better quality dining, more enriching onboard activities (lectures, workshops), fewer crowds, a more relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
  • Examples: Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages.
  • Think: Comfortable elegance, personalized service, enriching experiences, and a focus on value and quality.

Luxury Cruises:

  • Description: Luxury cruises are the epitome of cruising opulence. They offer unparalleled service, gourmet dining, spacious suites, and exotic itineraries. Expect all-inclusive pricing and a truly pampered experience.
  • Demographic: Affluent travelers, couples celebrating special occasions, and those seeking the ultimate in relaxation and personalized service.
  • Special Amenities/Points: All-inclusive pricing (including alcohol and gratuities), spacious suites with balconies, gourmet dining with multiple restaurants and flexible dining times, personalized butler service, high staff-to-guest ratio, unique and exotic itineraries, enrichment programs, luxurious spas, and amenities.
  • Examples: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Crystal Cruises,and  Oceania Cruises (considered upper premium by some).
  • Think: Unparalleled luxury, personalized service, exquisite dining, and a truly all-inclusive experience.

River Cruises:

  • Description: River cruises offer a more intimate and immersive way to explore inland waterways. Ships are smaller, and itineraries focus on cultural and historical destinations along rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
  • Demographic: Culturally curious travelers, history buffs, couples, solo travelers, and those seeking a more relaxed and intimate experience.
  • Special Amenities/Points: Intimate ships with fewer passengers, immersive shore excursions, focus on local culture and history, personalized service, fine dining, relaxed atmosphere, easy access to ports in the heart of cities.
  • Examples: Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Scenic River Cruises.
  • Think: Cultural immersion, intimate ships, personalized service, and a focus on the destination.

Expedition Cruises:

  • Description: Expedition cruises are designed for adventurous travelers who want to explore remote and exotic destinations. Ships are often smaller and more rugged, equipped for navigating challenging waters.
  • Demographic: Adventurous travelers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, those seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
  • Special Amenities/Points: Smaller, more rugged ships, expert guides and naturalists, focus on wildlife viewing and exploration, Zodiac boat excursions, kayaking and hiking opportunities, educational lectures, informal atmosphere.
  • Examples: Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten.
  • Think: Adventure, exploration, wildlife, and a focus on the destination.

Family-Friendly Cruises:

  • Description: While many mainstream cruises cater to families, some lines specialize in providing an exceptional experience for kids and parents alike.
  • Demographic: Families with young children, multi-generational families.
  • Special Amenities/Points: Extensive kids’ clubs and activities, water parks and pools, dedicated teen spaces, family-friendly dining options, character meet-and-greets (on some lines), babysitting services.
  • Examples: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line.
  • Think: Kids’ clubs, water parks, character meet-and-greets, and a focus on family fun.