Which Cruise Is Right for You? Six Types of Cruiser, Explained

Read through all six — most people are a blend of two or three, and that's exactly the point. 

You might be this type if: you want a new city outside your window every day or two, and "downtime" means picking which show to see tonight. 

Big ship energy, big-name entertainment, all the choice. 

Perfect match: Royal Caribbean's Icon-class ships or a classic Mediterranean sailing with Celebrity. 

You might be this type if: a kids' club and a cabin big enough for the whole crew are non-negotiable. 

Kids' clubs, waterparks and a cabin big enough for the whole crew are non-negotiable. You want everyone entertained, including yourself. 

Perfect match: A South Pacific cruise from Australia with Carnival or Royal Caribbean, or Carnival Festivale's Sunsation Point once it launches in 2027. 

You might be this type if: you'd rather unpack once and wake up in a new European village than fight for a deckchair. 

Slow travel, good wine, smaller ship. 

Perfect match: A Danube river cruise with Viking or APT — see our Europe river cruises guide for first-timers.

You might be this type if: bucket-list destinations beat buffet lines every time. 

You want Zodiacs, wildlife and somewhere most people will never go. 

Perfect match: An Antarctica expedition cruise with HX Expeditions, Scenic, or Aurora Expeditions — see our Antarctica planning guide.

You might be this type if: you want a short, easy break without much planning. 

Something close to home that still feels like a proper holiday. 

Perfect match: A South Pacific cruise from Sydney or Brisbane to Fiji, Vanuatu or New Caledonia.

You might be this type if: new people and a packed activities schedule sound like fun, not stress. 

Solo or with friends, you want a ship that keeps you busy and social. 

Perfect match: A Caribbean or Mediterranean sailing with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, both strong for solo and group cruisers. 

Most cruisers are a blend of two or three types, and that's exactly why it pays to talk to a real person before you book — a Flight Centre Cruise Expert can take whichever type (or types) sound like you and match it to an actual itinerary, ship and cabin that fits your budget and dates.

That's common, especially between River Romantic and Expedition Adventurer, or Family-First and Ocean Explorer. Chat to a Cruise Expert about both and they'll help you weigh up ship size, itinerary and budget to land on the right one.