Guest Author - Aaron Kirley

What’s the best cruise line? That just so happens to be one of the most common questions I get and it’s also one of the most difficult ones because it simply depends what you are looking for in a cruise line. The best cruise lines come in all shapes and sizes, each catering to a specific clientele. Although one size doesn’t fit all, you shouldn’t have a problem deciding which cruise is best for you.

In order to determine which cruise line is best for you, we’ll first want to identify what you’re looking for in a cruise line.

Passengers
For many people the social aspect of a cruise is at the top of their list and in this case you will want to make sure you’re considering cruise lines that attract people with similar interests. Cabin prices can vary greatly on a single ship depending on the deck level, the location, and the size of the room. However, the average price of a room is a good indicator of they type of passengers that will be on a particular cruise. If you’re interested in a Spring Break cruise with tropical drinks and late night dancing then you’ll want to steer clear of the small to medium luxury yachts with gourmet cocktail parties and mandatory dress codes. Now this may seem obvious but it’s important to understand that all boats in the Caribbean during March don’t cater to 20-something college students. If you've got small children then day care facilities might help determine which cruise line is best for you?

Destinations
If destinations are at the top of your list, then you’ll want to pay close attention to ports of call in each cruise line’s web site. Although poor weather or mechanical issues can cause changes to a ships itinerary, the ports of call seldom change. If you’re interested in European destinations then you’ll want to find a cruise line specializing in Mediterranean destinations. If you’re interested in beaches and tans, then you should focus on the Caribbean cruise lines. If wildlife is important to you then I would suggest an Alaskan cruise.

Cuisine
When it comes to cuisine it typically depends if you’re interested in quality or quantity. All cruise lines serve decent food but as the quality improves the quantity diminishes. For example, you’re not going to get a four diamond five course meal served from a buffet. Food is often one of the most memorable aspects of a cruise and it’s almost always included in the price of your ticket so do some research to make sure you won’t be disappointed – after all, you’re paying for it so it better be something you’re going to enjoy.

Hopefully this gives you some tips to consider when determining what is the best cruise line for you.If you’re interested in learning about specific cruise lines then I suggest you check out the cruise line articles section of Bella Online Cruises.