Cover How to choose the right cruise for the perfect holiday (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

Set sail on a journey that’s tailored to meet your desires with this guide

Choosing the right cruise to embark on involves considering all your preferences and priorities. Maybe you’re a thrill-seeker in search of the biggest water slide, or you’re after a wholesome family-friendly environment. Researching cruise lines, ship amenities, and programmes will ensure that you set sail on a journey that aligns perfectly with your dream holiday. But if you’re daunted by the task of sifting through the wide selection of options available, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the Tatler guide to picking the right cruise experience.

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1. Family-friendly adventures

Travelling with children? Selecting a family-friendly cruise is key for an enjoyable vacation. Cruise lines such as the Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line boast dedicated kids’ clubs that are filled with plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy. From character meet-and-greets to splash zones, these ships provide a range of diverse entertainment options—perfect to tire them out in time for date night.

2. Around-the-world cruise

On a mission to sail around the globe? You’re in luck, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has recently unveiled its 2027 World Cruise—World of Splendor. Held on board the Seven Seas Splendour, the voyage will take you to 71 ports in 40 countries across six continents. Guests will travel over 35,668 nautical miles and visit some 73 Unesco World Heritage sites in the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe.

3. Adrenaline junkies

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Above Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

For those seeking an adrenaline rush and refreshing splashes under the sun, a cruise with top-notch water slides is the way to go. Thrill-seekers will revel in the onboard water parks with twisting slides, lazy rivers, and even wave pools. Look for cruise ships from major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Line, known for their impressive water slide offerings. For real adrenaline junkies, the Icon of the Seas is a perfect choice. The ship houses six water slides including the industry’s first open free-fall slide and the tallest drop slide at sea.

4. Gambling afficianados

If your idea of a perfect cruise involves trying your luck at the blackjack table or spinning the roulette wheel, opt for a cruise line with a lively casino scene. Many cruise ships, particularly those from major cruise companies like Genting Dream Cruise or MSC Cruises have onboard casinos offering a variety of games, from slots to poker. The former boasts a two-storey casino that’s open 24 hours a day.

5. Unique experiences

Longer Hawaiian cruises let you explore the stunning South Pacific or journey north to Alaska. Norwegian Cruise Line’s South Pacific itineraries include stops at breathtaking islands like Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti.

Discover the natural beauty of tropical flora, crystal-blue waters and historic landmarks, before calling at Alaskan gems like Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point for a truly unique experience.

6. Culinary connoisseurs

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Above Pacific Rim restaurant on Seven Seas Grandeur (Photo: Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

For food enthusiasts, a dining-focused cruise will be a delightful experience. Set sail on a culinary journey with ships from Celebrity Cruises or Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur which specialise in providing exceptional onboard dining experiences in luxurious settings. With carefully curated menus by world-renowned chefs, and the option to sign up for cooking masterclasses to learn from the best, these cruises are sure to please any gourmand.

Look for itineraries that explore regions with rich culinary traditions like the ‘Tropics and Exotics’ collection by Oceania Cruises, which will allow you to savour local flavours both onboard and during onshore excursions. Its itineraries have 90 sailings that feature overnight stays, allowing guests the chance to immerse themselves in ports of call as diverse as Panama City, Bali and Melbourne

7. Party seekers

Fancy dancing until dawn to the beats of world-class DJs? These party cruises are sure to deliver the vibrant nightlife scene you’re after. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are known for their lively onboard entertainment, you’ll find nightclubs and cocktail lounges that never have a cover charge. Themed parties and late-night karaoke also feature on the itinerary on these lines, where every night is guaranteed to be a festival at sea.

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