It is important as a first step to decide what size vessel you want to travel on. Ships are broken down into three size categories.

A large ship holds more than 1000 passengers and can go as high as 3,900 passengers with upper and lower berths accounted. On a large ship, there are more facilities and different types of entertainment, but passenger traffic will be heavier and there will be fewer areas for quiet pursuits.

A medium-size vessel holds between 500 to 1,000 passengers but will feature less activities and facilities than a large ship. Waiting lines are shorter and passengers can maneuver more easily on board.

A small ship carries 50 to 500 passengers, which offers a quieter vacation. Usually casinos and Broadway-style entertainment will not be featured. Instead, guest lecturers, recitalists and an emphasis on food and the culture of the regions visited are the highlights. Small ships are also able to dock at ports too small to accommodate large vessels

The smaller ships as well as some larger ones do offer a fine roster of guest lecturers on board to talk on the areas being visited or give talks on the arts, food, or say, the history of navigation depending on the theme of the cruise.

If this is your first time on a ship, a general cruise may be a good introduction to cruising. Another consideration is children’s facilities/activities should you be traveling with youngsters. Are their facilities and programs to interest them? What about babysitting services or a day camp at sea?

Types of cruises could include transatlantic crossings, theme-based cruises, special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations, lazabout cruises to the Caribbean or Mediterranean, or round-the-world cruises, of which segments can be taken instead of the entire three-month-plus length of the voyage.

Unlike ship travel of the past, there is only one class of ship. All public facilities are open to all passengers on board. However, on many ships, the price of your cabin determines where you dine and entitles guests to other amenities such as concierge services.