Will it be a family affair, or just the two of you?
A small group of friends, or a large,multi-generational groupwith grandparents, kids, and extended family?
Knowing who will be setting sail will help you chart the right course for your voyage.
The luxury cruise ship the Silversea Silver Muse.Credit:Silversea Cruises
If youre looking for a romantic getaway, an adults-only cruise might be the way to go.
River cruising allows guests to see multiple points of interest without having to pack and unpack at each stop.
Nowadays, there are itineraries to fit any travelers needs.
Credit: dimarik / Getty Images
Speaking of ship size, Shilling says this is another factor that should go into your decision making process.
Today ship sizes vary from a few hundred to over 5,000 guests per sailing, he says.
One other thing to consider is that the size of a ship can also affect the amenities offered.
Larger vessels may have dozens of dining options, while smaller ones could have just two or three.
Do you need four in a cabin for a family, or do require a balcony for the views?
