Find the Right Cruise for You
Explore Cruise Types and Holiday Styles
No two cruise holidays are exactly the same. Some are designed around family entertainment and onboard activities, while others focus on fine dining, remote destinations, cultural discovery or extended journeys across the world.
Choosing the right cruise begins with understanding the type of experience you want. You might be looking for a short break from Australia, a family holiday during the school holidays, an expedition to a remote destination or a world cruise lasting several months.
Cruiseco works with more than 50 cruise lines, giving Australian travellers access to an extensive choice of ships, itineraries and cruising styles. This guide brings together the different types of cruises available and helps you find the experience that best matches your interests, budget and preferred way of travelling.
Table of Contents
Explore Different Types of Cruises
World Cruises
A world cruise offers one of the most immersive ways to travel, connecting multiple countries, continents and cultures through one extended itinerary.
These voyages can last several months and may include major cities, remote islands, scenic cruising and destinations that would otherwise require multiple separate holidays. Some depart from Australia, while others allow Australian travellers to join or leave the voyage in a local port.
If you cannot commit to the complete journey, many world cruises are also divided into shorter segments. These sectors allow you to experience a particular region or part of the voyage without spending several months away.
Best suited to: Travellers with time to explore, experienced cruisers and those looking for an extended international journey.
Repositioning Cruises
Repositioning cruises operate when ships move between seasonal cruising regions. Instead of following the same itinerary throughout the year, the ship undertakes a one-way voyage to begin its next season in another part of the world.
For Australian travellers, these journeys may include ships arriving from North America, Asia or the South Pacific at the beginning of the local cruise season. Other voyages depart Australia for destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Asia and Europe.
Repositioning cruises often feature longer durations, unusual port combinations and additional days at sea. They can provide excellent overall value and offer itineraries that are only available once or twice each year.
Best suited to: Travellers who enjoy sea days, one-way journeys, longer cruises and unusual itineraries.
Family Cruises
Family cruises bring accommodation, dining, entertainment and activities together in one convenient holiday.
The right ship can provide pools, water attractions, children’s programs, entertainment and dining choices for different ages. Families can spend time together while also having opportunities to enjoy activities designed for children, teenagers and adults.
Not every family cruise offers the same experience. Some are best suited to younger children, while others appeal more strongly to teenagers or multi-generational groups. Cabin configuration, children’s club age ranges, dining arrangements and school holiday availability are all important considerations.
Best suited to: Families with children, teenagers and multi-generational groups looking for variety and convenience.
Luxury Cruises
Luxury cruising places greater emphasis on personalised service, spacious accommodation, refined dining and a more inclusive onboard experience.
Luxury ships are often smaller than mainstream cruise vessels, allowing them to visit ports that cannot accommodate larger ships. Fares may include benefits such as selected drinks, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, shore excursions or other services, depending on the cruise line.
The higher upfront price should be considered alongside the complete range of inclusions. For travellers who value service, space and a quieter environment, a luxury cruise can offer strong overall value.
Best suited to: Travellers seeking personalised service, premium accommodation, greater inclusions and a more refined atmosphere.
Expedition Cruises
Expedition cruises are designed around exploration, nature and access to remote destinations.
These voyages may travel to regions such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley, the Galápagos Islands or the remote coastlines of Australia and the South Pacific. Smaller expedition ships can reach areas that are generally unsuitable for conventional cruise vessels.
The experience often includes guided landings, wildlife encounters, specialist presentations and excursions using smaller craft. Some itineraries are physically active, while others provide more accessible ways to experience the destination from the ship.
Best suited to: Curious travellers, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those seeking less-visited destinations.
River Cruises
River cruises offer an intimate way to explore inland destinations, with ships travelling directly between cities, towns and regional landscapes.
Popular regions include Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Rhône and Douro rivers, as well as the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the Nile in Egypt and other waterways around the world.
River cruise itineraries are generally port-intensive, with fewer traditional sea days and regular opportunities to explore ashore. Many fares include selected excursions, dining, drinks or Wi-Fi, although inclusions vary between cruise lines.
Best suited to: Travellers interested in history, culture, food and destination exploration at a comfortable pace.
Fly Cruise Holidays
A Fly Cruise combines international flights with a cruise and often includes accommodation, transfers or touring before or after the sailing.
For Australian travellers, Fly Cruise packages provide access to global cruising regions such as the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe and Asia. Flying directly to the region allows you to spend more time exploring the destination rather than using a large part of the holiday travelling there by sea.
Cruiseco Fly Cruise packages are designed to coordinate the main elements of the journey, helping simplify what might otherwise involve several separate bookings.
Best suited to: Australians wanting to cruise internationally, combine land and sea travel or explore destinations further from home.
Ocean Cruises
Ocean cruises range from short local getaways to longer international voyages aboard ships of many different sizes and styles.
Larger resort-style ships may include extensive dining, entertainment, pools and recreational facilities. Mid-sized and smaller ships can offer a quieter atmosphere, more destination-focused itineraries and access to a wider range of ports.
Ocean cruising provides enormous flexibility. You can sail from an Australian port, join a ship overseas, choose a round-trip itinerary or travel one-way between different cities.
Best suited to: First-time and experienced cruisers looking for the widest choice of ships, destinations and holiday lengths.
Small-Ship Cruises
Small-ship cruising provides a more intimate experience with fewer passengers, easier movement around the ship and access to ports that larger vessels cannot always visit.
The onboard atmosphere is often relaxed and destination-focused. Entertainment tends to be lower-key, with more emphasis placed on local culture, enrichment, dining and time ashore.
Small ships can range from premium and luxury vessels to expedition ships and coastal cruisers. The right choice will depend on whether you prioritise comfort, exploration, service or destination access.
Best suited to: Travellers who prefer fewer guests, smaller ports, a quieter onboard environment and destination immersion.
Short Cruises and Getaways
Short cruises typically range from two to seven nights and can provide an easy introduction to cruising or a convenient break closer to home.
Australian departure ports offer sailings to destinations including Tasmania, Queensland, New Zealand and the South Pacific, together with short cruises focused primarily on time onboard.
These itineraries may suit travellers with limited annual leave, first-time cruisers wanting to try the experience or groups celebrating a special occasion.
Best suited to: First-time cruisers, short-break travellers, couples, groups and anyone wanting a convenient holiday from Australia.
Solo Cruises
Solo cruising can provide a balance between independent travel and the social environment of a cruise ship.
Some ships offer purpose-designed solo cabins, dedicated lounges and organised gatherings for guests travelling independently. On other ships, solo travellers may book a standard cabin with a single supplement that varies by cruise line and departure.
The best solo cruise is not always the itinerary with the lowest supplement. Consider the ship’s atmosphere, accommodation, activities, dining arrangements and opportunities to meet other travellers.
Best suited to: Independent travellers wanting freedom, convenience and optional social experiences.
Cruises for Couples
Cruises for couples can range from relaxed short breaks and destination-rich journeys to premium, luxury and adults-focused voyages.
Some couples prefer larger ships with a wide choice of dining and entertainment, while others value quieter environments, smaller vessels or itineraries focused on culture, food and scenery.
Cabin selection, ship atmosphere, dining style and the balance between port days and sea days can all influence the experience.
Best suited to: Couples planning romantic escapes, anniversaries, longer international holidays or time away together.
School Holiday Cruises
School holiday cruises combine fixed travel dates with the convenience and variety of a family cruise.
Availability can be strongest for Australian summer, Easter, July and September school holiday periods. These departures may include local cruises from Australia and Fly Cruise packages to destinations such as Singapore, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.
Cabins accommodating three or more guests can sell earlier than standard twin-share accommodation. Families tied to exact dates should begin planning ahead and compare the complete package travel period, including any flight days.
Best suited to: Families who need to travel within Australian school holiday dates.
How to Choose the Right Type of Cruise
The best cruise for you depends on more than the destination.
The ship, itinerary, length of voyage and onboard atmosphere all contribute to the experience. Before comparing individual sailings, consider what you want the holiday to feel like.
If you want extensive entertainment, family activities and dining choice, a larger ocean ship may be the best fit. If destination access and time ashore matter most, a river, expedition or small-ship cruise may be more appropriate.
Travellers seeking service, space and greater inclusions may prefer luxury cruising, while those with more time available could consider a world cruise or longer repositioning journey.
There is no single cruise type that is right for everyone. A specialist can help match the ship and itinerary to the traveller, rather than relying only on the cruise line, price or destination.
Consider the Ship as Well as the Itinerary
The itinerary explains where you will travel, but the ship determines how you will experience the journey.
This becomes increasingly important as the cruise duration increases. On a short port-intensive sailing, you may spend much of the day ashore. On a world cruise, repositioning voyage or ocean crossing, the ship will become a major part of the holiday.
Compare the ship’s size, cabin choices, dining, evening atmosphere, facilities and service style. For families, look closely at children’s facilities and permitted age ranges. For premium and luxury travellers, examine the actual inclusions rather than relying solely on broad brand descriptions.
Think About Your Preferred Pace
Some cruises provide a new port almost every day, while others include extended periods at sea.
River cruises and many Mediterranean itineraries can be busy and destination-intensive. Repositioning cruises and transoceanic voyages tend to include more sea days, creating a slower rhythm and more time to enjoy the ship.
Expedition itineraries may include early starts, changing schedules and active excursions dictated by local conditions. Luxury and small-ship voyages may offer a calmer experience with fewer guests and longer stays in selected destinations.
Understanding your preferred pace can help narrow the choice before comparing specific ships and departure dates.
Compare What Is Included
A lower advertised fare does not always represent the lowest total holiday cost.
Some cruises include only the core accommodation, specified meals and entertainment, while other fares may incorporate drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, speciality dining, excursions or transfers.
Fly Cruise packages may also combine international flights and hotel accommodation with the cruise. World and luxury cruise offers can include additional services that would otherwise need to be purchased separately.
Compare the complete inclusions and likely onboard spending rather than assessing the cruise on its headline price alone.
Cruise Types by Travel Style
For Families
Look for ships with appropriate accommodation, youth programs, family dining and activities suited to the ages of your children.
Recommended starting points: Family Cruises, School Holiday Cruises and Fly Cruise Holidays.
For Destination Explorers
Prioritise time in port, overnight stays, destination access and enrichment rather than onboard attractions.
Recommended starting points: River Cruises, Expedition Cruises, Small-Ship Cruises and World Cruises.
For Relaxation
Consider sea-day balance, passenger numbers, adult spaces, cabin comfort and the overall onboard atmosphere.
Recommended starting points: Luxury Cruises, Small-Ship Cruises, Repositioning Cruises and Cruises for Couples.
For First-Time Cruisers
A shorter sailing can provide an introduction to cruising without requiring a long commitment. A well-structured Fly Cruise package can also make an international first cruise easier to organise.
Recommended starting points: Short Cruises, Family Cruises, Ocean Cruises and Fly Cruise Holidays.
For Longer Journeys
World cruises and repositioning voyages provide more time at sea and access to routes that cannot be experienced through a conventional seven or fourteen-night cruise.
Recommended starting points: World Cruises and Repositioning Cruises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Types
What are the main types of cruises?
The main cruise types include ocean, river, expedition, luxury, small-ship, world, repositioning, family and short cruises. A cruise can belong to more than one category. For example, a luxury ship may undertake a world cruise, while a family cruise may also be sold as a Fly Cruise package.
Which type of cruise is best for first-time cruisers?
Many first-time cruisers begin with a short ocean cruise departing from Australia. This reduces travel complexity and provides an opportunity to experience the ship, cabin, dining and entertainment before booking a longer voyage.
The best choice still depends on the traveller. Someone primarily interested in European history may find a river cruise more suitable than a short resort-style ocean sailing.
What is the best cruise type for families?
Family-focused ocean cruises generally provide the broadest selection of children’s programs, pools, recreation and entertainment. The ages of the children matter because facilities and organised activities differ between ships.
What is the difference between an ocean and river cruise?
Ocean ships travel between coastal and island destinations and can range from small vessels to large resorts at sea. River ships are generally smaller and travel inland waterways, often docking close to towns and city centres.
River cruises tend to be destination-intensive, while ocean cruises can offer more sea days and a wider variety of onboard facilities.
What is the difference between a luxury and premium cruise?
Luxury cruises generally provide more personalised service, spacious accommodation and a broader range of inclusions. Premium cruise lines offer an elevated experience compared with mainstream cruising but may charge separately for more onboard services.
The line between premium and luxury can vary, so compare the specific ship, fare and inclusions.
What is a repositioning cruise?
A repositioning cruise occurs when a ship relocates between seasonal cruising regions. These one-way voyages commonly offer longer durations, additional sea days and unusual combinations of ports.
Do I have to complete an entire world cruise?
No. Many world cruises are available in shorter segments. A segment allows you to join a selected part of the itinerary, although the fare and inclusions may differ from those offered to guests completing the full voyage.
Which cruises depart from Australia?
Australian ports offer short cruises, South Pacific voyages, New Zealand itineraries, coastal cruises, repositioning voyages and selected world cruises. The available ships and destinations change according to the season.
Fly Cruise packages provide access to additional cruise types and destinations overseas.
Are flights included in a cruise?
Flights are generally not included in cruise-only fares. Selected Fly Cruise packages combine international flights, hotels and cruising into one itinerary. Always review the package inclusions before booking.
How do I know which cruise line suits me?
Consider the ship’s atmosphere, dining style, accommodation, entertainment, passenger mix and level of service. Cruiseco’s cruise-line guides and first-hand ship reviews can help explain the differences between individual brands and vessels.
Find Your Ideal Cruise
The right cruise is the one that matches the way you want to travel.
You may be drawn to the scale and variety of an ocean ship, the personal service of a luxury voyage, the discovery of an expedition cruise or the ambition of travelling around the world. Understanding the different cruise types gives you a more useful starting point than choosing by price or destination alone.
Explore the cruising styles above, browse current packages or speak with a Cruiseco cruise specialist for help matching the right ship and itinerary to your next holiday.