How to Pick the Perfect Cruise

Sept. 17, 2011— -- Choosing the right cruise can be daunting, given the many variables involved. USA TODAY's Gene Sloan offers 10 factors to consider.

Where do I want to go?

It wasn't long ago that most cruises took place in the Caribbean. But these days, even the most mainstream lines offer sailings around the globe. Still, not every line goes to every destination. And some lines are stronger than others in particular areas. In Alaska, for instance, two lines — Princess and Holland America — dominate with seven ships apiece. (Industry giant Carnival, by contrast, has just one ship in the state.) The result: Princess and Holland America can package trips to Alaska in a way most other lines can't. Carnival, on the other hand, always has been a leader in the Caribbean, with more voyages there from more home ports than any other line.

How long do I want to be away?

This can have a huge influence on which line — and ship — you choose. Some lines, such as Carnival, specialize in shorter cruises of three to seven nights. Others, such as Oceania, rarely offer a voyage of fewer than 10 nights. On the far end of the spectrum, a few lines such as Cunard and Holland America operate annual around-the-world cruises of 100 nights or more.

What's my budget?

Like hotels, cruises come in a wide variety of price points with features to match.

Mass-market lines such as Carnival offer voyages for as little as $399 per person, per week. Luxury lines such as Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas can charge as much as $1,000 per person, per day. Rates can swing significantly depending on the season (the same cabin on the same ship will cost a lot more during the peak summer travel season than in the fall). And the lead-in price you see in ads often is for a small, "inside" cabin without windows onto the sea. You might pay hundreds of dollars more for an outward-facing cabin with a balcony.

Also, be warned: The upfront cost of a cruise is only part of the expense, particularly for the less expensive, mass-market lines. While companies such as Royal Caribbean and Princess include most onboard entertainment, activities and meals in main restaurants in the base cost, passengers pay extra for "alternative" specialty restaurants ($10 to $30 per person is typical) and drinks. Most mass-market lines also add a gratuity for the staff that can be as much as $12 per person, per day, and there are additional charges for everything from onboard Internet use to shore excursions. The exception is at the high end, where much more is included in the base fare and extra charges are relatively rare. Luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas include the cost of specialty restaurants, drinks (including fine wines), gratuities and even some shore excursions in their upfront costs.

What's my cruise personality?

Every line has its own personality — and appeals to a different type of person. Carnival, for instance, is known for a gregarious, fun-loving crowd. Celebrity, by contrast, draws a quieter, more style-conscious customer. The two lines operate ships of similar sizes, and often on similar routes and at similar prices, but a regular Carnival customer would likely be miserable on a Celebrity ship — and vice versa.

Am I bringing the kids?