Atlantic Cruises ? How To Choose The Right One

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Choosing a cruise can be overwhelming, but it can also be easy once you narrow down what you're looking for. If you're reading this, you've probably already decided that you want to go on an Atlantic Cruise, so you made a step in the right direction. Now ? it's time to think about budget, destinations, and the kind of travel experience that you're looking for.

Laying out your budget helps taper your focus. The difference between budget, premium, and luxury cruises often comes down to staff to passenger ratio, age of the ship, included extras, and available on-board services. Another budget consideration is time allowance. If you only have a week's vacation, you can rule out month-long transatlantic cruises.

The next question is 'where'? Are you looking for sun fun on the Canary Islands? To explore the Nordic beauty of the Fjords of Bengal? Perhaps hiking the foothills of Scotland? Or exploring the historical port cities of the Americas? Even if you decide between the Northern Atlantic and the South, you'll tighten your focus.

How you'd like to travel is your last major decision. Some ships cater to families, others to couples or singles. If you're celebrating your 60th anniversary, you may not want to book on the 'Spring Break Party Boat.' Having a clear idea of what you're looking for will narrow your options significantly.

If you're not sure about the character of different Atlantic cruises, try reading reviews on-line. You can find professional reviews as well as those written by regular passengers just like you. Another fantastic resource is a travel agent that specializes in Atlantic cruises. They know about their industry, and can help you discover a tailored experience.

Picking an Atlantic cruise doesn't have to be difficult. Just take a moment to sit down, think through your what, where, when, and how - and the 'who' you'll choose will come to you!