The group of highly trained certified personnel behind each sailing matters more than the brochure suggests. Crews, routes and ship size decide your week — so here is how we rank cruise lines for our travellers.
What we actually compare
- Ship size vs. port time — mega-ships mean short port days; smaller ships linger. Decide which you want before you fall for a waterslide.
- Cabin honesty — an ocean-view on a low deck beats a high inside cabin at the same price. Midship, mid-deck, always.
- Included vs. extra — add the drinks package, specialty dining and excursions you will actually buy, then compare totals.
- Crew ratios — the best lines sail with visibly more staff per guest, and you feel it by day two.
Our shortlist this year
For first-timers we recommend mid-size ships on Mediterranean routes: Rome and Greece pair beautifully with a week at sea. Adventure travellers should look at expedition lines — smaller vessels, expert guides, zodiac landings. Families do best on lines with real kids' programming rather than just a bigger pool.
The fine print that matters
Check the cancellation schedule, the single supplement if you travel solo, and whether the line prices in your currency. Then book the cabin, not the cruise — the right room on an average ship beats the wrong room on a great one.
