Think You Don’t Like Cruising? Think Again!

Many cruise options are unknown to even seasoned travelers.  I often hear, “I don’t want to be on a ship with thousands of people in the middle of the ocean.”

But the best cruise vacation isn’t necessarily the one most recommended.  The right ship must match your taste, the reason for your trip, and your travel style.

You may have never cruised before, but you’ve dined out at least once, so I’ll compare different cruise experiences to dining styles to convey the vibe.

Luxury Cruise

A luxury small-ship cruise is similar to dining at an upscale, independently owned restaurant known for exceptional service.  The atmosphere is refined but comfortable, with just enough tables to feel exclusive yet personal.  Smaller ships can also access ports that larger ships cannot, getting you closer to the heart of the town.

Ultra-luxury Cruise

If you enjoy a Michelin-starred tasting menu, you may savor an ultra-luxury cruise.

Imagine waking up in your spacious suite and being greeted with your favorite morning beverage without asking.  Order it once, and they remember.

That is the level of personalized service where the small details elevate the experience from good to wow.

The cuisine is exceptional, the inclusions are thoughtful, and you feel taken care of without the experience feeling stuffy.

Yacht-style Cruise

I often enjoy dining at a quaint waterfront resort restaurant, and that is the vibe of a yacht-style cruise.

The experience is relaxed and unhurried.  One standout is access to smaller marinas and coastal towns that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

I hop off the yacht, and I am in town.

Expedition Cruise

A client once described her expedition cruise as visiting a remote lodge serving locally inspired cuisine.

She does not consider herself a foodie, but she raved about both the adventure and the elevated dining experience.

Expedition cruising is destination-forward.  The experiences are curated around nature, wildlife, culture, and discovery, often taking travelers to places that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

For someone dreaming about Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, or another once-in-a-lifetime destination, an expedition cruise can turn a bucket-list dream into a very comfortable adventure.

Culinary-forward Cruise

This is one of my favorite cruise experiences.

Think of a sophisticated chef-led restaurant known for exceptional cuisine with an elevated vibe, but far from stuffy.

This type of cruise is especially appealing if you enjoy culinary, wine, or other themed experiences and want the dining to be part of the destination experience.

Adults-only Cruise

If you prefer a lively adults-only atmosphere without waterslides, there is a cruise experience for you.

Think trendy rooftop restaurant with a DJ.

It is social, and there is a party if you want it.  But if you would rather chill and read a book, there are quiet spaces too.

River Cruise

My personal favorite.

A river cruise reminds me of a progressive dinner through a series of locally owned restaurants.

With roughly 150 guests, the experience feels intimate.  Instead of sailing across the ocean, you are traveling through the destination itself.

Each stop introduces you to another town, local history, regional cuisine, and wine.  You often have more time on land, and the experience can feel like traveling through Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia, or another region in a floating boutique hotel.

For travelers who want culture, history, food, wine, and immersive experiences without constantly packing and unpacking, river cruising can be an excellent match.

Mainstream Mega-ships

Think national family-friendly restaurant with something on the menu for everyone.

These ships can be ideal for multigenerational trips because children, teens, parents, and grandparents can all find something they enjoy.

If you want the best of both worlds, consider the “ship within a ship” concept.  Book a suite with access to exclusive spaces, enjoy the extensive activities calling your name, and then retreat from the crowds when you want.

The entire family can travel together without everyone having to vacation the same way.

So, the real question is: Do you really dislike cruising, or are you looking at the wrong cruise?

Most of us don’t decide we dislike dining because one restaurant wasn’t right for us.  So why write off cruising based on one experience—or an idea of cruising that may not even match the type of ship you would enjoy?

The magic is in the match!

The right cruise should reflect how you like to travel, what you want to experience, who you are traveling with, and how you want to feel while traveling.

Sometimes it is a 150-ish guest river ship because the thought of not seeing land is daunting.

Sometimes it is a yacht slipping into a Mediterranean harbor in the city center.

Sometimes it is an expedition ship taking you somewhere you have dreamed about visiting for years.

Sometimes it is ultra-luxury because you’ve worked hard taking care of people and business, and now you want your needs anticipated instead of the reverse.

And sometimes it is about having the entire family together.  A mega-ship gives everyone something to do while still bringing everyone together to make memories.

You may not dislike cruising.  You haven’t met your ship yet.

Finding that match doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  That is where a knowledgeable travel advisor can make all the difference.

Because, like finding a favorite restaurant or love, when you know, you know.

Michelle Green, ASTA Verified® Travel Advisor, is the founder of Conversational Traveler and a Board Member of the NYC Chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (NYC ASTA). She passionately believes that meaningful connections are the authentic souvenirs of every journey, inspiring her to curate milestone-worthy experiences that last a lifetime. Michelle’s blend of luxury travel expertise and heartfelt belief ensures every itinerary is intentional, elevated, and as uniquely personal as the travelers themselves.