| So you have decided it is time to try a cruise vacation. | | | | Catering to roughly 100 to 500 passengers, smaller |
| Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, adrenaline | | | | ships can glide into more quaint and unique ports |
| seeker or laid-back observer, the vacations you take | | | | around the world resulting in experiences not attainable |
| are usually closely aligned with your personality. When | | | | by those aboard the big ships. But the difference |
| it comes to cruise vacations, sometimes determining | | | | doesn't end there. |
| what kind of cruise ship is best for you can be | | | | Smaller ships usually offer enhanced ambiance such |
| confusing. At one end of the spectrum are the sleek | | | | as meals on fine china, entertainment by classical |
| mega-liners, at the other, the small vessels, but which | | | | musicians and upgraded stateroom amenities. Notable |
| will best match your personality? If you like the festivity | | | | guest speakers, frequently experts in culinary, cultural |
| of being among plenty of people and fast-paced | | | | or nature-related subjects of the region, will leave you |
| entertainment, you'll find it aboard one of the 12-15 | | | | with a heightened appreciation for the cities you'll be |
| story mega-liner behemoths. | | | | visiting. Dress codes are often country-club casual by |
| Multiple pool areas, kid and teen venues, energizing | | | | day, elegant by night. In contrast to larger ships offering |
| activities from surf-simulators to nightclubs, and | | | | an array of constant diversions, guests on small ships |
| expansive dining options, are all designed to keep two | | | | can still expect to enjoy a pool, spa and/or a health |
| to three thousand passengers buzzing well into the | | | | club facility amid boutiques for the discriminating |
| evening. Group activities cover a wide spectrum of | | | | shopper. Varieties of dining and social activities create |
| interests, including culinary and athletic classes, games, | | | | a neighborhood-like atmosphere among crew and |
| to pool-side activities. Attire is usually relaxed, and | | | | guests and are tailored for the refined and gracious |
| depending on cruise line, evening wear stretches from | | | | traveler. |
| casual to formal. Due to their size, some ports are | | | | To add another figure into the equation, there are also |
| inaccessible to mega-liners which require them to either | | | | mid-sized liners which are a variation between big and |
| anchor off-shore, or entirely bypass them altogether. | | | | small, however attitude and service generally side with |
| This is where the smaller ships have an advantage. | | | | the smaller ship approach. |