Looking to go on a cruise for your next holiday? Cruising holidays have become one of the most popular types of holiday for all age groups over the last few years. And there are so many different kinds of cruise ships to choose from too, you really are spoilt for choice.

So what sort of cruise are you looking for? Fancy a leisurely week or two just cruising around the Caribbean, or perhaps a freezing cold cruise in the Fjords of Norway is more your cup of tea. What about taking a few months to sail round the World, perhaps calling in at remote Pacific islands on the way? It’s the stuff of dreams isn’t it?

OK, so looking through the lovely brochure that came through your door the other day has had you day dreaming of being in far flung parts of the world, lazing on sun loungers and having ice cool drinks served on a platter at your every whim. But could you afford it? And even if you could, where do you want to go? And why would choosing the ship be so important?

There are a growing number of companies offering cruising holidays, and each offers a different type of holiday on different types of ships. The key to having this holiday of a lifetime is to decide the kind of trip you’d like, and then choose the right ship to do it in.

Why is it so important to choose the right ship? Quite simple really, you will be spending most of your time onboard, and if you don’t like it you can’t really decide halfway through that you want to get off!

Decide the type of cruising holiday you want first, Caribbean, Fjords, Mediterranean, Pacific or whatever and then get as many brochures as you can, from as many companies as you can who do the one you want, and study the ships they operate. The different ships will offer different facilities, and because of this the cost will also be different.

Some ships will have gymnasiums, spa’s, swimming pools and wave machines as well as nightly cabaret entertainment and large dance floors, whereas others are smaller and only offer the basic things. Some cruise ships today are more like floating cities, and can cater for thousands of passengers at a time. Others will only have room for a few hundred passengers, but will have a more relaxed feeling.

Choosing a cabin for a cruising holiday is also very important. Your choice may be restricted depending on the size of the ship you choose, but it should be the best you can afford. Depending on your budget you can choose from an economy cabin right up to a First Class stateroom with your own butler!

If you’re taking small children with you, make sure the ship you choose has the facilities to keep them entertained. There is nothing worse than spending days at sea with children who are bored; they can get into so much mischief!

Your whole experience of a cruising holiday can be totally ruined by not choosing the right ship to sail on. Everyone is different, everyone will find something different to like or dislike about a cruising holiday, but don’t let it put you off.

As long as you know what you want from the holiday, and you choose your ship carefully, then you should have an experience that will last you for a lifetime. Bon Voyage!