What’s Your Cruising Style?

When it comes to picking the perfect cruise for your next adventure at sea, personality is everything. Here’s how to identify the traits that make you special—and the cruise that’s most compatible.

By Michele Sponagle

The social butterfly

You are… comfortable being the center of attention and will gladly chit-chat with strangers you meet on the street. Friends would describe you as outgoing and the first to suggest a group night out.

The cruise for you… is on a big ship with plenty of opportunities for mingling. Carnival’s nightlife offerings are legendary, with its mega deck parties and DJs spinning tunes into the wee hours. Norwegian Cruise Line will also appeal to your flair for the dramatic with Broadway productions, including Beetlejuice coming to the new Norwegian Viva

New for you… The debut of more than 15 bar and nightlife experiences on Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas, including a walk-up champagne window and the cruise line’s first dueling pianos bar.

The lifelong learner

You have… an insatiable curiosity that inspires your love of new cultures and destinations. You’re happiest when you’re tasting local dishes, soaking up history and learning new skills.

Add a touch of culinary know-how to your cruise itinerary

The cruise for you… is one that gives you an opportunity to learn from an expert on board, like Cunard’s Insights enrichment program, which features lectures from authors, archaeologists and scientists, as well as hands-on art classes and star gazing from the planetarium on the Queen Mary. Indulge your appetite for global cuisine with Oceania’s Culinary Discovery Tours, highlighting local markets, cooking demos and tutored wine tastings.

New for you… Holland America has announced new culinary cruises for 2023. Passengers can discover local cuisine and its ties to the culture of a destination from celebrated chefs. On Viking ships, resident musicians perform live classical music to enrich your journey.

The adventure seeker

You are… someone who routinely seeks new thrills and challenges. With you, it’s always game on! You thrive on pushing your limits and you’re the first to try something different.

The cruise for you… Think expedition ship—one that will sail to more remote destinations, like Antarctica, the Galapagos or the islands of the South Pacific. Be part of an expedition, such as Lindblad’s National Geographic voyages where you can hone photography skills alongside pros, like Sisse Brimberg. Or opt for a more mainstream route on a vessel loaded with amenities, such as a skydiving simulator (Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Anthem ships), or a roller coaster (Carnival’s new Mardi Gras).

Close encounters with wildlife await on an expedition cruise.

New for you… A trip around the world is the ultimate adventure. Princess Cruises is offering its longest voyage ever in 2025, with an epic 116-day World Cruise onboard Island Princess traversing over 33,500 nautical miles, and visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries.

The independent traveler

You are… content to socialize, but in smaller groups. You’re happiest exploring fresh places on your own and finding quiet corners where you can read, people watch and soak up the scenery.

The cruise for you… Smaller luxury ships, such as Seabourn, Windstar and Regent, offer uncrowded atmospheres where you will find quiet cafés and lounges, ideal for reading and journaling. Or book a river cruise with Avalon or AmaWaterways so you can watch the scenery go by in the privacy of your stateroom through floor-to-ceiling windows.

New for you… On Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor (coming in November), take a wander through art-adorned spaces and wonder at the beauty of a real Fabergé Egg, the first to permanently reside at sea. Or relax in the calm ambiance of the Signature Sun Deck, a private area onboard Sun Princess.

If a little R&R is what you’re after, Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor is a good place to be.