There are three categories of cruise lines to choose from: Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise Lines. All of which have different types of ships to consider. Within the three categories of cruise lines are the following types of cruise ships: mega cruise ships, large cruise ships, small cruise ships, adventure cruise ships, sailing ships, river cruise boats and yachts.

1. There are three categories of cruise lines to choose from: Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and
Mainstream Cruise Lines. All of which have different types of ships to consider. Within the three categories of
cruise lines are the following types of cruise ships: mega cruise ships, large cruise ships, small cruise ships,
adventure cruise ships, sailing ships, river cruise boats and yachts.
So what is the difference of Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise lines? All of them
provide great adventures on the water, all of them have much to their credit and most of them have a strong
commitment to providing fantastic vacation experiences. Often it's not the flavour of the cruise that counts but the
tastes of the individual. Your travel agent can help you put together the perfect cruise vacation based on your
unique lifestyle.
Luxury Cruises
Aboard deluxe cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises, Radisson Seven Sea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Sea Dream
Yacht Club, Silverseas Cruises and Windstar Cruises are ocean liners that offer guests the ultimate cruise
experience. The luxury lines offer itineraries in a variety of lengths and destinations. Many of these destinations are
un-travelled by Premium or Mainstream cruise lines. These are high-quality products at a high-quality price. The
majority of these cruise ships carry less than 500 passengers.
A luxury cruise is perfect for those looking for:
A formal, refined atmosphere, epicurean dining and personal service, all with a touch of elegance.
Deluxe and spacious accommodations.
A limited number of fellow passengers with one-on-one attention from the crew.
An average of two weeks or longer away.
Onboard scholars and lecturers providing in-depth information on certain topics.
These cruises typically cater to business-oriented professionals who are well travelled.
Premium Cruises
Premium lines offer a high-quality product at a more affordable price. The majority of these cruise ships carry less
than 2000 passengers. Premium Cruise cruise blog
lines include such favourites as Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Lines, Holland America Line,
Oceania Cruises and Peter Deilmann Cruises.
A premium Cruise is perfect for those looking for:
A semi-formal yet relaxed atmosphere, great cuisine and personalized service
Above standard and spacious accommodations.
An average cruise of seven days or longer.
An active lifestyle.

2. These cruises most often attract business-oriented professionals, who are well-travelled.
Mainstream Cruise Lines
These cruise lines provide a great product at a great price. Many are floating cities with parks, golfing, theatres,
restaurants, salons and even rock climbing. Cruise Lines in this classification have something for everyone. They
also carry the highest number of passengers per available space. Mainstream Cruise lines include Carnival Cruise
Line, Costa Cruises, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruise Line,
Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, International, Lewis Cruises and Star Cruises. Many of these cruise ships can
carry 3000 passengers. A mainstream cruise is perfect for those looking for:
A casual and active atmosphere with good food, good service and a good price.
Fast paced entertainment and activities.
Standard accommodations.
These cruises attract many families as well as passengers of any age group.
Now that we have seen the different Ocean Liners remember that many fun and exotic ports are best accessed by
river.
River cruise
Voyages along inland waterways are as varied and unique as the earth itself. Anywhere that there are large rivers
and barges you will probably find a river cruise operator. River cruise crafts are smaller than ocean-going cruise
ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers (though there are ships that take only 5 passengers and others can
carry 1,000 passengers). Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise crafts can go where ocean cruise ships
cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: rivers are an excellent way to reach some
otherwise missed attractions. And are great ways to combine land tours with cruising. During the river cruises, the
countryside is usually in view, so they are especially relaxing for those who prefer land nearby.
River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days. Some river ships resemble five stars hotels, with sun decks, dining
rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools, casinos and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals
onboard, entertainment and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in the
cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not. Most cruises have
a variety of onboard and off-board activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, visiting
local attractions, museums and galleries, and other points of interest. Guides give a running commentary while
sailing. Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the
Rhine, the Seine, or the Volga.
There are several dozen river cruise companies each with 1 to 20 ships. River Cruise Tours are great for small
group travellers and adventure seekers of all types. They are fantastic for small and midsized groups who want to
get away from the crowd with a private charter.
Kimm Henry is a Cruise Brothers Cruise Specialist. She is an avid traveller who has visited 12 countries and every
state in the union. She has travelled by car, train, and plane but prefers travelling via water. Her son 7 and
daughter 10 have been on more than 10 cruises with their mother