Discover the Seas with Us
Cruise Types
Ocean, river, luxury, family, and more—here’s how to choose the right cruise for your travel style.
Cruise Types
At a Glance
- Ocean cruises
- River cruises
- Luxury cruises
- Family cruises
- Adults-only / couples cruises
- Expedition cruises
How to Choose
What Matters Most
- Budget
- Destination style
- Ship size
- Pace of travel
- Onboard atmosphere
- Who you’re traveling with
How to Choose the Right Type of Cruise
There isn’t one “best” type of cruise. There’s the best cruise type for you. The right choice depends on your budget, how social or quiet you want the ship to feel, how important destination immersion is, and whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo. My job is to help you narrow it down so you’re not comparing every ship on the internet.
Cruise Type 1
Ocean Cruises: Big Ships, Big Choice
Best For
- First-time cruisers
- Families and multigenerational trips
- Friends’ trips and social travelers
Ocean cruises are what most people picture when they think of cruising: large ships sailing to popular destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and beyond. You’ll find a wide mix of cruise lines, ship sizes, and price points, from fun and casual to refined and more premium.
Ocean cruises are a great fit if you want lots of onboard options—pools, shows, multiple restaurants, kids’ clubs, and nightlife—with the ability to see several destinations in one trip. They’re especially good for families, groups, and first-time cruisers who want variety and a familiar “resort-style” feel.
River cruises sail on smaller ships along major rivers in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Instead of long sea days, you’re docking right in the heart of cities and storybook towns, with more time to actually explore on land. The pace is slower, the atmosphere is more intimate, and many itineraries include guided excursions in the fare.
River cruises are ideal if you care more about culture, food, and scenery than water slides and giant theaters. They tend to attract travelers who want a relaxed, destination-focused experience with fewer crowds and a more grown-up onboard vibe.
Cruise Type 2
River Cruises: Slower Pace, Deeper Immersion
Best For
- Travelers who love history, culture, and food
- Couples or friends who prefer a quieter atmosphere
- People who like walking off the ship into the city center
Cruise Type 3
Luxury, Family, and Expedition Cruises
Beyond ocean and river cruises, there are more specialized cruise types that might fit you even better: luxury cruises with elevated service and smaller ships, family-focused cruises packed with kid-approved activities, and expedition cruises that take you off the beaten path to remote, wild destinations.
Luxury Cruises
Luxury cruises focus on space, service, and refined experiences. Ships are usually smaller, guest counts are lower, and the atmosphere feels more like a boutique hotel at sea. This is a great fit if you value quieter spaces, elevated dining, and more personalized attention.
Family Cruises
Family-focused cruises build the whole experience around kids and multigenerational travel, with kids’ clubs, water parks, family cabins, and flexible dining. These work well if you want activities for everyone and an easy way to keep the whole crew entertained without planning every detail yourself.
Expedition Cruises
Expedition cruises are about remote places and adventure—think Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, or other hard-to-reach regions. Ships are smaller and more rugged, with expert guides, naturalists, and daily off-ship exploring. Choose this type if you care more about wildlife, nature, and learning than big onboard amenities.
You don’t need to become a cruise expert to pick the right sailing. Tell me a bit about who’s traveling, when you want to go, and what kind of vibe you’re after, and I’ll help you narrow it down to the cruise types and specific sailings that actually fit.
Discover Your Next Adventure with
Contact a Travel Researcher
As Seen In
Destinations
© ByeByeBoredom
An Independent Affiliate of A. S. A. P. Cruises Inc., Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578 – CST 2090937-40 – Washington UBID No. 603189022