Just a few weeks ago, Disney announced the addition of four new cruise ships to their line, scheduled to debut between 2027 and 2031. In addition to the ones currently under construction, those four ships will more than triple Disney’s fleet size from a decade ago, from four in 2021 to 13 in 2031.
More families consider cruising a preferred method of travel than ever before. Cruising.org forecasts a growth in global cruise capacity of at least 10% from 2024 to 2028. According to its State of the Cruise Industry Report, published this spring, new-to-cruise travelers will comprise a significant portion of that growth. In the last two years, travelers taking their first cruise represented 27% of all cruisers, a figure which increased by 12% from last year.
The industry at large came roaring back following the COVID-19 pandemic, with cruise travel reaching 107% of its 2019 levels in 2023, per the report. As the industry continues to grow, the advantage belongs to seasoned cruisers who know the ins and outs of booking the perfect voyage.
As travel experts point out, staying ahead of the pack involves researching and understanding each cruise line’s unique offerings. Even those new to cruising will find what suits their family and budget by following those simple steps.
The anticipated growth in cruise capacity includes expanding the fleet of industry leaders like Disney Cruise Line.
Cruise Lines Not a One-Size-Fits-All
While cruise lines offer many similarities, including ports of call, not all cruise lines cater to every traveler. Families typically enjoy Disney Cruise Line’s offerings. Meanwhile adult couples traveling without kids may find better options with Carnival Cruise Line or Virgin Voyages.
Megan duBois, theme park editor and freelance journalist, recognizes the daunting task of selecting the right cruise, especially for those new to that world. She says, “There are so many different [cruise] lines that offer a completely different experience from the next.”
Determining which cruise line fits families’ needs depends on factors like budget, travelers’ ages, and the overall desired vacation experience. duBois suggests, “If you’re a family on a budget, consider sailing with Carnival or MSC, but if money is not an issue, Royal Caribbean and Disney are the best family lines. Adults looking to go without kids will love Celebrity, which has a cool young adult vibe on its newest Edge-Class ships.”
Cruise ships serve as a home away from home. Research the amenities on board to help narrow your choices. When you only consider destinations, you overlook many of the fundamental differences between cruise lines. Some cruise lines offer private island destinations, like Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Similarly, Royal Caribbean offers its Perfect Day at Coco Cay, which includes a water park. Or guests can indulge in adult-only retreats available only to Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Research and Book Early
No matter the cruise line, experts agree the key to stay on top of cruising’s rising popularity involves thorough research and early booking. Experts recommend checking numerous websites to narrow down options.
For Delish Knowledge food and travel writer Alexandra Caspero, Tripadvisor remains a go-to resource for recent reviews, especially when booking something new. She leans on brands she knows and trusts when the spectrum of offerings gets overwhelming. She adds, “Royal Caribbean and Carnival are often fairly priced and have a lot of activities and good food — they’re a good bet for someone new to cruising and overwhelmed by all of the options out there.”
When booking a cruise, grab a reservation as early as possible, says Mikkel Woodruff, co-founder and editor at Sometimes Sailing. Woodruff adds, “You can always move around the date or cancel within the contracted allowed timeframe, so you shouldn’t feel like putting down a deposit is the end all be all of your travel decision.”
Scott McConkey, travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, points out the benefits available to those with flexible schedules. He notes, “Due to cruises becoming more popular, we regularly monitor cruise line websites to look for deals.” For families without the flexibility of scoring a last-minute sale, McConkey recommends they book as early as possible.
Ultimately, the best cruise option differs from one family to the next. “You’re not booking the best cruise that the internet says you should book; you’re booking the best cruise for you, says duBois. “Think about what you want from the vacation, what destinations you want to visit, and look for deals like free drink packages or a sum of money that can be used as an onboard credit.”
Working with a professional travel agent familiar with the intricacies of booking a cruise will greatly benefit new-to-cruising families.
