How to choose the right cruise for you

With mapped-out itineraries and all-inclusive price options, cruising can take the heavy lifting out of your travel planning
Three simple questions to ask yourself if you’re considering going on a cruise
Cruise options to suit different types of trips, from next-level luxury to a few days of fun with the kids

Infinity pools. Shopping precincts. Water parks. They sound like the perfect ingredients for a holiday but that’s just a sample of what’s aboard today’s cruise ships.

Dazzling destinations are a key part of the attraction. Tours of ancient monuments in Greece, sightseeing down the Nile and Arctic wildlife straight out of a David Attenborough special are all on offer. But among their biggest drawcards? Peace of mind. Cruises provide a simple, stress-free way to take the heavy lifting out of your travel planning as itineraries are mapped out for you and prices can be all-inclusive so all you have to do is make the most of it.

Of course, once you do decide to go on a cruise, figuring out which one can feel like a mammoth task in and of itself. With so many options, the best place to start is by answering these simple questions.

Three questions to ask yourself

1. Where do you want to go?

If you’re all about soaking up culture and exploring vibrant cities, a European river cruise or Mediterranean sojourn could be your dream – think art, history and incredible food. For nature lovers, an Alaskan cruise takes you close to glaciers, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. If it’s sun and relaxation you’re after, the Caribbean has myriad postcard-perfect beaches. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a cruise to the Galápagos or Antarctica will offer incredible wildlife and remote beauty. For an itinerary firmly packed with sightseeing, choose destinations with ports close together, like the Mediterranean, where you can easily hop on and off. But if your priority is being pampered, consider booking a shorter cruise with all the perks, such as a spa service. Wherever you go, the right destination will set the tone for a memorable experience.

A Celebrity Edge cruise ship in the ocean in front of a glacier and snow-capped mountains.

The Celebrity Edge Alaskan cruise offers tours of glaciers.

2. What sort of cruise do you prefer?

Booking the perfect cruising holiday also depends on the kind of experience you’re after. If you crave endless dining experiences, entertainment options and a vibrant social scene, a super ship with thousands of guests might be the best option. These floating resorts offer everything from Broadway-style shows to water parks, making them ideal for those who enjoy variety and excitement.

Take Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, coming in at a mammoth 365 metres with capacity for 7600 passengers. In addition to luxuries like The Royal Suite Class, which includes reserved seating sections in entertainment spots and access to exclusive dining options, there’s also a beach, a water park with six slides for the kids and an ice-skating arena. Prices start at $2727 per person for a seven-night round trip from Miami, Florida to Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

If you prefer a more intimate and personalised atmosphere, a smaller, boutique cruise might be more your vibe. These ships offer a quieter and more relaxed setting, often with fewer people and more time to immerse in the destinations. The seven-night Dubrovnik to Split cruise aboard Unforgettable Croatia’s MS Phoenix starts at $2771 per person. The 49.9-metre-long ship, small enough to access lesser-known ports, is designed for just 36 guests. There are 18 ensuite cabins and multiple common spaces in case you’d like to mingle – and on ships this size, most people like to stop and chat.

Unforgettable Croatia’s MS Phoenix cruise ship in the ocean in front of a coastal landscape.

Unforgettable Croatia’s MS Phoenix is designed for just 36 guests.

3. How much would you like to pay?

“One of the best things about cruising is the huge range of options,” says travel writer Alexandra Carlton, who goes on half a dozen cruises each year. “If you do your research you can design the exact cruise you want, at a price that fits your budget.” Many of the top-end lines, such as Silversea or Seabourn, have a set price for the entire journey “with almost all excursions, dining and drinks included”, she says. Silversea offers what they call a “door-to-door service” tier, which includes transfers between home and airport, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and transfers.

“At the more affordable end of the spectrum, you can generally choose what or what not to include in your voyage – there will be some base-level food options included and then you can choose to pay extra for specialty dining and excursions.” Do your homework: “It can be better value to buy drinks as you go rather than booking the daily drinks package, which is unlikely to be good value unless you plan to drink a lot, every single day.”

Some companies, such as Windstar, let you choose whether you’d like to do completely all-inclusive or pay as you go. “Be honest with yourself about which of their facilities you will realistically make good use of before you decide which option is for you,” she cautions. “And don’t forget to look out for hidden traps: some cruises include things like wi-fi and laundry in their packages, whereas others do not.”

A Uniworld River Cruise cruise ship on the Garonne river in France.

Explore France on Uniworld River Cruises’ Brilliant Bordeaux cruise.

Cruise options to suit different trip styles

An intergenerational trip

Cruising with the whole family? You’re not alone – according to the Cruise Lines International Association, 28 per cent of families are taking cruises with three to five generations on board. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas offers something for everyone. Think family-friendly beaches, shopping areas and adults-only zones for a bit of downtime. But the real star: the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-level, two-bedroom suite that sleeps eight and even has its own in-suite slide. Perfect for keeping everyone entertained. Prices start from $2693 per person for seven nights.

Something for couples

Celebrity Cruises are designed for adults with nary a water slide in sight. The Celebrity Edge Alaskan cruise offers tours of glaciers and views of amazing wildlife, from bears to whales. On board, you can dress up and sip on cocktails at the Sunset Bar. Celebrity also offers LGBTQI+ voyages where same-sex couples have been able to get married on board the ship since 2018. From $1545 per person for seven nights.

A whole lot of luxury

Departing from Mumbai and journeying through Sri Lanka to Phuket, Thailand and Vietnam to Singapore with excursions, wellness experiences, beach days, hotel stays and flights included, this is a next-level luxury voyage from Silversea. Each suite has a verandah and marble bathroom and the ship has a spa, luxury boutiques, casino and pool deck. From $20,300 per person for 30 days.

Royal Carribean’s Icon of the Seas offers something for everyone.

A hit of culture

Celestyal offers a four-night Iconic Aegean cruise on the 1260-guest Celestyal Discovery. Excursions include museum visits and a traditional dinner in Mykonos and a walk through the white-washed buildings of Santorini. The cruise also stops at the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. From $629 per person for four nights.

To entertain the kids

If you’re after just a few days of fun with the kids, the two-night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise departs from Sydney to Brisbane and includes Broadway-style shows of hits like Frozen, character appearances (just like at Disneyland), water slides, pools and a kids club so parents can relax, too. From $1658 per person for two nights.

Amazing landscapes

Calling all Francophiles. Uniworld River Cruises’ Brilliant Bordeaux cruise sets sail along three stunning rivers: the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde. Guests will explore archaeological marvels, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards, while immersing themselves in the French way of life. From $4639 per person for eight days.

To take in some natural wonders There’s something for the whole family when you explore the Great Barrier Reef on a Carnival cruise. When you set out from Brisbane, onboard activities include stage shows, karaoke, pool-time and the educational Camp Ocean for kids. There’s also time spent exploring the reef in a glass-bottom boat, taking catamaran joy rides and snorkelling at Airlie Beach. From $919 per person for six days.

Planning your trip

Two mobile phone screens displaying travelbooking.hopper.com web pages, including an example of a search for flights between Sydney and Denpasar, Bali, and an example of how the Price prediction tool works.

Once you know where your cruise originates, use Travel Booking¹ via the CommBank app to book and save on flights and hotels. You can also use your CommBank Awards points to pay.

There’s a Price prediction tool to let you know if it’s the ideal time to book a flight for a great price. If you’re not quite ready to book, you can sign up free of charge to get notified when a deal is detected on that flight.

Search Travel Booking in the CommBank app or visit commbank.com.au/travelbooking to find out more about how you can use Travel Booking to save on flights and hotels.