How Life Works

Last Updated: 5/09/2012 23:11 PST

How to Choose Between Cruise Companies

How to Choose Between Cruise Companies

Many cruise companies travel the same routes--does it really make a difference which you take?

Yes!

Although cruise companies often stop in the same port cities and offer similar pricing, each of the major cruise companies has its own set of amenities and benefits.  When you’re choosing between cruise companies, it’s the little things that can make your trip extra special--so, it pays to know the difference.

Cruise Companies

There are dozens of cruise companies sailing the globe right now.  Some of the most respected cruise companies include:

  • Azamara Club Cruises
  • Carnival
  • Celebrity
  • Costa
  • Crystal
  • Cunard
  • Disney
  • Fred Olsen
  • Holland America
  • Hurtigruten
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian
  • Oceania
  • P&O Cruises
  • Paul Gauguin Cruises
  • Princess
  • Regent
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Seabourn
  • SeaDream
  • Silversea
  • Star Clippers
  • Uniworld
  • Voyages of Discovery
  • Windstar

Each of these cruise companies travels to a wide variety of locations, and each has a unique combination of “the little things” that make them stand apart from the others.

Things to Consider While Choosing Between Cruise Companies

Cruise companies often own large fleets of ships.  Those ships are rated on a tiered set of stars, with six being the most luxurious and one being the most modest.  You’ll want to consider the cruise ship rating of each ship you’re considering for your vacation--and, remember that cruise companies may not have a ship in the tier you’d like.

Some cruise companies offer live entertainment, five-star dining, and luxury amenities on all their ships, while other cruise companies may have average amenities, four-star dining and live entertainment; consider the importance of each while planning your trip.

Although cruise companies may have similar destinations, they may not all stop in the port cities you most want to visit.  Evaluate each cruise company based on the port cities in which they dock to make sure you’re getting the most out of your vacation.

Where to Find Cruise Companies and Ship Information

Vacations to Go offers a comprehensive listing of cruise companies, each ship in their fleet and port of call information.  You can choose to browse individual cruise companies, search by ship name, or skip straight to port information by visiting VacationsToGo.com.

Discounts through Vacations to Go

Vacations to Go has been partnering with the world’s most prestigious cruise companies since 1984 to bring steep discounts to travelers; in many cases, working with cruise companies has enabled Vacations to Go to provide discounts of up to 75 percent off the listed price for its members.

Discounts through Vacations to Go are offered exclusively to members--not to the general public.  The good news is that anyone can become a Vacations to Go member, though; all you have to do is visit VacationsToGo.com and register. 

If you’re not ready to book a cruise, that’s okay.  You can still browse the best deals offered by cruise companies all over the world, subscribe to Vacations to Go’s newsletter to get up-to-the minute news on upcoming discounts, and learn about cruise companies and what they offer.

To learn more about Vacations to Go, or to book your cruise, visit VacationsToGo.com today.