One of the biggest secrets about cruising is that there’s truly no one-size-fits-all experience. There are mega-ships that feel like floating cities, intimate luxury vessels that feel like boutique hotels, relaxed river cruises that glide between storybook towns and adventure-focused ships built for exploring remote destinations. The key is matching the right cruise style to your personality, pace and comfort level—that’s where an insider guide (and a travel advisor) really comes in.
When I help clients choose a cruise, we start with a few simple questions:
- Do you want lots of activities and entertainment, or quiet spaces and calm?
- Are you dreaming of oceans, rivers or expedition-style itineraries?
- Do you care more about the ship itself (dining, lounges, spa, suite) or the ports and excursions?
- Do you want a mostly all-inclusive experience, or are you comfortable with a pay-as-you-go model?
From there, we look at factors like cabin categories (they really matter), dining options, accessibility, shore excursions, dress codes, and what’s actually included in your fare. The goal is a cruise that feels natural to you—even if it’s your very first time at sea. For many travelers 50+, that might mean smaller-ship ocean cruising, all-inclusive luxury lines, or river cruises where you step right into the heart of each destination instead of far-flung ports.
I’ve put together an Insider’s Guide to Cruises that walks through the different cruise types, what to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls (like choosing the wrong cabin location or underestimating how quickly good itineraries sell out).
👉 Explore the full guide and start planning your perfect cruise here:
Insider’s Guide to Cruises – with Heidi Dent
When you’re ready, I’ll help you narrow down the choices, compare options side by side and book a sailing that feels like it was designed just for you.