Which is Better – Booking Big Cruise Ships or Smaller Cruise Ships?

When choosing the cruise you’ll be spending at least a few days, ideally a bunch of days, there’s a few things to take into consideration. Of course the itinerary and time of year rate amongst the most important, but the size of the ship should definitely not be left last on the list of things to keep in mind when making a choice between one option and another, should similar alternatives be available.

How big or small the ship that will take you around can have a few implications you’ll want to think of in order to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your vacation the way YOU like it. Here’s a few of those things:

• Distances. Yes, ships look massive from the outside, but once on board you don’t think much about how much you’ll have to walk from one place to another… and then another. I mean, it’s a ship after all! Believe me, those steps add up, and, while walking is one of the best sports out there, you’ll want to think of this if you have any limitations in this department.
• Amenities: Bigger ships will generally have a lot more amenities as opposed to smaller ones. Mind you, that doesn’t necessarily make them better! Go karts, ice skating, water parks… they’re great, but think of this: Will you make use of it? Will you even have time for it in a port-packed itinerary? If so, go for it! If probably not, don’t undermine the intimacy of a smaller vessel.
• Because of amenities, children: Previously mentioned amenities will attract children like honey attracts bees. Not a big fan of the little rascals? Well, keep that in mind.
• Itineraries: More exotic areas of the world are generally visited by smaller ships (not always). Whether because it’s easier for cruise lines to fill out these ships, thus avoiding sailing with empty cabins, or keeping itineraries flexible with multiple routes, you’ll find the most exciting zones of the globe are in general visited by smaller cruise ships.
• Room sizes: As cruise lines started to build ships bigger and bigger, so did they make their cabins smaller and smaller, meaning you might find in the older, smaller ships, dating back to the “golden era” of cruising, rooms noticeably bigger, which, at the time of their construction, was the standard size, now enviably spacious.
• Ship movement: This is a big one. You don’t have to be a scientist to know that it takes a lot more force to move a huge ship than a smaller one. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’re more likely to feel the movement of the ship, pretty much anywhere on board, on a smaller ship. Not every day, and not at all times, but smaller ships do have that disadvantage due to their size, and depending on how old they are, their sailing technology. If so, don’t immediately give up, just try to book a room as close to the center as possible (or, as many do, drink heavily and call it a day).

Taking these things into account when choosing your perfect cruising vacation will get you closer to becoming an expert cruiser, not only for yourself, but also when advising others. Trust me, they’ll appreciate your input! – ThatGuy (onboard)