10 kinds of cruises you must experience at least once in your lifetime

As a passionate cruiser, you may have already discovered your favorite types of voyages, whether they involve large ships or intimate sailings, local trips or international adventures. For newcomers, however, the wide range of options can be overwhelming.

No matter your cruising background, there are certain types that every serious sailor should consider embarking on.

Here are the 10 types of cruises we believe every well-rounded traveler should experience at least once. How many have you completed, and which ones remain on your wish list?

Transoceanic journeys

Transoceanic voyages were prevalent in the early days of ocean liners, which facilitated the transport of both passengers and cargo across nations. As the cruise industry developed, these journeys transformed into opportunities for leisure and enjoyment, rather than merely a means of transportation.

Currently, the only traditional ocean liner still operating a consistent route is Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, which embarks on weeklong journeys between London and New York. Modern adventurers can experience a glimpse of the classic liner era by booking a transatlantic cruise aboard this vessel, which sails across the Atlantic Ocean without making port stops.

Some other ships might undertake crossings a few times a year as they reposition to different areas at the start of each season. While some do include a few port calls, expect a significant number of sea days overall.

Large-ship cruises

The largest cruise ships accommodate over 9,000 individuals, combining passengers and crew. This can seem quite daunting for those who favor more intimate sailing experiences.

I understand the hesitation. Climbing multiple decks, encountering loud music at every turn, or navigating around families with young children might not be appealing. Yet, you can't truly consider yourself a cruiser until you've experienced a megaship at least once. These vessels offer some incredibly unique attractions such as laser tag, bungee trampolines, and even roller coasters on their upper decks. You need to give it a shot to discover whether it's for you; you may find you have a knack for managing the crowds.

Moreover, with an abundance of activities available, there’s something for everyone when it comes to dining and entertainment, especially if you're traveling with friends or family. My suggestion? Opt for a ship in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class or Icon Class. They provide the widest range of options, and once you step aboard, you’ll hardly believe you’re on a ship.

Cruises to nowhere

Cruises to nowhere used to offer travelers who were uncertain about water-based vacations a chance to sample the experience without a significant investment of time or money. These trips would depart from port, venture out to sea for a day or two, and then return without making any port calls.

However, due to stricter enforcement of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (which mandates that passenger ships above a certain size must visit at least one foreign port when departing from and returning to U.S. ports), most U.S. cruises to nowhere are no longer permitted.

For nearby getaways, consider one-way Pacific Coast cruises that travel between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco without any port stops. Alternatively, you might travel to another country, such as the United Kingdom, for a cruise to nowhere.

European riverboat journeys

While ocean cruises are incredible, river cruises have their own charm. The slower pace allows you to fully appreciate the views as you move from one destination to another. Because land is always in sight, river voyages are a great choice for those who might feel anxious about being out in the open ocean with water all around them.

Moreover, the ports are usually close enough that you could visit multiple locations in a single day, providing opportunities for a deeper exploration of the area you're discovering. (One of the most sought-after river cruise destinations is the Rhine Gorge, known for its breathtaking castles.)

The food and local culture are often much more immersive than what you’d experience during a port visit on a large ocean liner. Additionally, riverboats typically host fewer passengers, resulting in a better crew-to-guest ratio and enhanced service.

Expedition cruises

If you're starting to feel like you’ve explored all the popular destinations served by mainstream cruise lines, or if you're an active traveler concerned that a cruise may be too relaxing, an expedition cruise might be the perfect fit for you.

The era of sacrificing comfort for journeys to remote, secluded destinations is behind us. The latest ships available provide unparalleled luxury, taking travelers with the means to exotic locales such as the Arctic, Antarctica, and Alaska.

Depending on where you go, you might encounter polar bears, grizzly bears, moose, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, musk oxen, bald eagles, whales, various local birds, and a host of other wildlife. Add in stunning flora, calving glaciers, icebergs, and remnants from early explorers, and you're in for a remarkable experience.

U.S. paddlewheeler cruises

Want to enjoy a healthy dose of Americana on your next cruise? Experience the leisurely pace and cultural richness of a European river cruise right here in the U.S. aboard a paddlewheeler such as American Cruise Lines' American Heritage, American Splendor, American Pride, or American West.

As you travel along U.S. waterways such as the Ohio, Mississippi, Snake, and Columbia rivers, you'll enjoy the warmth of small-town hospitality, discover local landmarks that might otherwise go unnoticed, and receive a memorable history lesson.

The boats themselves are quite intriguing, utilizing paddlewheels for part of their propulsion. This method harkens back to the golden age of riverboating, and resident historians—known as riverlorians—offer lectures about the regions the boats explore.

Consecutive voyages

What could be better than a single vacation? Two vacations, of course. It's common for cruisers to book multiple sailings back-to-back on the same ship. These consecutive trips are known as back-to-back voyages.

The main appeal, aside from the bragging rights, is that back-to-back trips allow you to extend your travels beyond a single cruise. For instance, you can sail to the Eastern Caribbean one week and then to the Western Caribbean the next, or transform a one-way journey from Barcelona to Rome into a two-week round trip with even more Mediterranean stops. Plus, you'll likely find yourself onboard with a largely new group of fellow travelers after the first leg, making it an excellent opportunity to meet twice as many people.

If you choose this option, make sure to request the same cabin to prevent the hassle of moving all your belongings between trips. Also, be aware that you may need to participate in the muster drill again for the second segment of your journey.

Global cruises

Available only to the most affluent travelers, world voyages (as the name suggests) visit destinations around the globe on an extended cruise. These itineraries typically last 100 days or more, stopping at major ports across nearly all seven continents.

Cruise lines often provide segments for passengers who want to experience only part of the longer voyage, making it more accessible for those on tighter budgets.

Most cruisers — even the experienced ones — have yet to embark on a world cruise, making it a significant achievement for anyone who completes this journey.

Sailings on Masted Ships

Eager to channel your inner pirate? Consider embarking on a cruise aboard a masted sailing ship. You can select from various experiences based on your cruising style and how hands-on you want to be while assisting on a working ship.

Star Clippers invites guests to participate in hoisting and lowering the sails and even climbing the mast to reach the crow's nest. The accommodations are more basic, akin to traditional sailboat cabins, and the entertainment is cozy, featuring guest-participation performances and knot-tying workshops. These vessels primarily harness the wind for movement, spending up to 80% of the journey under sail.

Interested in a masted sailing experience but prefer to let the crew handle the tasks? Consider a cruise on the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, an impressive new sailing ship from Sea Cloud Cruises. This tall ship provides an authentic sailing adventure while offering modern comforts like TVs and Wi-Fi.

On the other hand, Windstar Cruises operates several sailing vessels, but their sails serve more as decoration than functional equipment. While there’s a crew to manage them, you’ll experience more of a luxurious cruise atmosphere than that of a working sailor.

Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas

When you crave a quick escape without breaking the bank, look for short weekend trips to the Bahamas that let you enjoy a vacation without using up your paid time off.

The quickest options are provided by Margaritaville at Sea's Paradise, where you can indulge in as many cheeseburgers and margaritas as you like during two-night round-trip voyages from Port of Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport, Bahamas. For a slightly extended weekend, travelers can also opt to disembark and relax at a land resort for a few days before sailing back.

If you prefer the excitement of big ships with plenty of onboard activities, many major cruise lines offer three-night weekend voyages. For instance, Royal Caribbean has three-night routes to Nassau and their exclusive private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, both located in the Bahamas.

Weekend cruises attract a variety of travelers, but be aware that the onboard vibe often leans towards a festive atmosphere.

In Summary

Don’t dismiss what you haven’t yet experienced. With such a wide range of cruise options available, you can't claim that cruising isn't for you or that you have a favorite type without trying them all. Consider a vacation that challenges your comfort zone or introduces you to a different kind of sailing. You might just discover a new favorite way to cruise along the way.