You will find three categories of cruise lines to pick from: Luxury Cruise Lines, Premium Cruise Lines and Mainstream Cruise Lines. Which have different types of ships to consider. Within the three categories of cruise lines are these kinds 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? Them all provide great adventures on water, all of them have much to their credit and a lot of them have a solid commitment for providing fantastic vacation experiences. Quite often it's not the flavor of the cruise that counts however the tastes of the individual. Your travel agent might help you place together an ideal cruise vacation based on your unique lifestyle.

Luxury Cruises

Aboard deluxe cruise lines such as for example Crystal Cruises , Radisson Seven Sea Cruises , Seabourn Cruise Line, Sea Dream Yahcht Club, Silverseas Cruises and Windstar Cruises are ocean liners that provide guests the greatest cruise experience. The luxury lines offer itineraries in many different lengths and destinations. A number of these destinations are un-traveled by Premium or Mainstream cruise lines. They are good quality products at a top quality price. Nearly all these cruise ships carry less than 500 passengers.

A luxury cruise is ideal for those trying to find:

A formal, refined atmosphere, epicurean dining and personal service, all with a little elegance.
Deluxe and spacious accommodations.
A restricted quantity 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 informative data on certain topics.
These cruises typically focus on business oriented professionals whom are well traveled.

Premium Cruises

Premium lines offer a top quality product at a cheaper price. Nearly all these cruise ships carry less than 2000 passengers. Premium Cruise lines include such favorites as Celebrity Cruises , Cunard Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises and Peter Deilmann Cruises.

Reasonably limited Cruise is ideal for those trying to find:

A semi-formal yet relaxed atmosphere, great cuisine and personalized service
Above standard and spacious accommodations.
An average cruise of 7 days or longer in length.
An energetic lifestyle.

These cruises frequently attract business oriented professionals, that are well traveled.

Mainstream Cruise Lines

These cruise lines provide a great product at a great price. Many are actually floating cities with parks, golfing, theaters, restaurants, salons and even rock climbing. Cruise Lines in this classification have something for everyone. They also carry the best quantity 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. A number of these cruise ships can hold 3000 passengers. A popular cruise is ideal for those trying to find:

Casual and active atmosphere with good food, good service and an excellent price.
Busy entertainment and activities.
Standard accommodations.

These cruises attract many families as well as passengers of any age group.

Now that we have seen different Ocean Liners remember that lots of fun and exotic ports are best accessed by river.

River cruise

Voyages along inland waterways are as varied and unique as earth itself. Anywhere there are large rivers and barges you will probably locate 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 hold 1,000 passengers). For 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 mix land tours with cruising. During river cruises the countryside is generally because, so they are especially relaxing to those that 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.) usually are within the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and telephone calls are not. Most cruises have many different 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 over the Nile, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, or the Volga.

There are numerous dozen river cruise companies each with 1 to 20 ships. River Cruise Tours are great for small group travelers and adventure seekers of all types. They're fantastic for small and midsized groups who wish to move away from the crowd with a private charter.