Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or want to make the most of your vacation, there's a cruise to suit you.
Cruise lines offer itineraries that range from a few days to several months. But there's more to the difference between short and long voyages than just the amount of time guests spend on board. The length of the cruise helps determine the types of ports passengers visit, the type of ship they board, and even the overall atmosphere on board.
Jamie Margolis, owner of Mama's at Sea Travel, a Dream Vacations franchise, says, “It's great to be able to guide guests and ask cruisers to think about what kind of experience they're going to have.'' It’s important.” “So we try to get information like, 'What is your vacation style?'
What can guests expect from a short cruise?
Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafferdoma Travel, said cruises are divided into those shorter than a week and those longer. “So anything less than that is actually considered a short cruise,” he said.
Three-night cruises are often targeted at guests who are new to cruising and want to “not yet commit to a seven-day stay, but want to test the waters and see if cruising is right for them.” “People who want to know,” he added.
These cruises typically have one port and one day sailing schedule, and often visit established cruise destinations. Travelers sailing from South Florida ports such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale may visit Nassau in the Bahamas, for example, or one of the many cruise lines' private islands. Those sailing from Galveston, Texas can expect to stop in Cozumel.
Margolis called the three-night, four-night voyage a “great introduction to cruising,” although itinerary options are limited. “Is their dream to go to St. Kitts? They probably won't find it on a short voyage,” she said.
If the cruise is short, the atmosphere may be more party-like and not suitable for children. But Margolis pointed out that it's not just about cruising. “So the nature of travel is that a short weekend can be a celebration,” she said.
And with a variety of onboard services, from onboard concepts to kids' clubs, passengers are often able to create their own experience.
Cruise lines are offering new services to that short category. Celebrity Cruises will launch its first regular weekend itineraries in the Caribbean this month, and Royal Caribbean International's Utopia of the Seas will offer three- and four-night cruises when it launches in July is.
What can guests expect on a long cruise?
Feldman said sailings longer than seven days could be considered “longer cruises.” Its period may range from about 10 days to more than 6 months. Royal Caribbean operates her nine-month world cruise to more than 60 countries.
Margolis said shorter cruises “can feel like a bit of a whirlwind,” but longer itineraries give you more time to explore different ports. They may be set in less-visited destinations, such as Aruba or Curaçao, and often take place on small, older ships (although the ships are regularly refurbished).
Part of the reason is because there are restrictions on where you can stop. “Some ports can't really accommodate this large ship hardware,” Feldman said. “So we need smaller ships to get in and out of these ports.”
These cruises also tend to skew older, as retired passengers have more free time and those traveling with children often have school schedules.
However, if you want a middle ground, a seven-night cruise “gives you a real experience of what I think is like a whole cruise cycle,” Margolis says.
“You get in the car, you get used to it, you discover the different amenities, and then… you get to really relax, disconnect, and unwind,” she said. And she goes through the mental process of accepting that she has to quit her job and go back to her job in a few days. ”
Feldman added that this length also makes it easy to have a little extra time at the beginning or end of the sailing to explore on your own.
Which is cheaper: a short voyage or a long voyage?
The large ships often make short voyages, so they have “very attractive prices” to fill their cabins. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be cheaper than a longer cruise.
Cruises with more ports will have higher port fees, but passengers can get better fares when they book long itineraries that go further afield.
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“Most people don't book three- to four-night sailings 12 to 18 months in advance,” Feldman said. “So you're making a reservation that close?”
The age of the boat also affects pricing, with shiny, newer boats commanding higher prices. “So there are a lot of variables that come into play that will determine where you move forward and how much your cruise will ultimately cost based on those factors,” Feldman said.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
