Which Cruise Is Right for You?

We get it — Norwegian offers many cruise vacations to choose from. In fact, deciding between them all can be pretty mind-boggling. Should you catch some sun in the tropical paradise of The Caribbean? Or should you soak in the historical ambiance of Old World Europe? With Norwegian Cruise Line, your options are practically endless, so here's a short guide to help you decide which cruise is right for you.

How Long Do You Want to Travel?

You'd probably like to travel for the rest of your life. Perhaps a better question is, how many days can you get off work? If you're only able to take one or two days or a long weekend, you might want to stick to three- or four-day cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line offers many shorter weekend cruises that sail from Florida for a quick refreshing trip to the beach.

Lucky enough to have a bit longer to cruise the seas? Norwegian also offers seven-day cruises, enough to see a few different cities along the way. If you've got even more time, try nine-day, 10-day, 11-day, or 12-day cruises. And for the really persistent traveler, Norwegian’s 15-day plus cruises give you the chance to fully immerse yourself in a culture while exploring numerous ports and destinations.

What Cruise Port Would You Like to Leave From?

Cruising around the world is a great journey, so in many cases, it's silly to waste time traveling to a faraway port just to get on the ship. To save you this hassle, Norwegian Cruise Line offers numerous cruise departure ports around the world to make your vacation planning easier. If you don't have the budget or the time to travel out of your way to board the ship, choose a port close to home so you can get on your way faster.

Of course, if you're looking to cruise to an exotic locale, you may have to sacrifice proximity. For example, since it would take a while to cruise from North America to Asia, many Asian cruises begin in a major Asian city such as Tokyo or Singapore. The only downside to this approach is that you'll need a few extra days off work for travel.

When Do You Want to Go?

If you only have a specific timeframe to travel, your choices might be limited. Weather considerations also play a role in planning your cruise vacation. Here's a short list of the best times to travel to some popular cruise destinations. However, Norwegian also offers year-round cruises to The Caribbean, Europe, The Bahamas, and Hawaii:

• Alaska: April to September
• Bermuda: April to November
• Mexico: November to May
• Canada & New England: May to October

What Kind of Ship Would You Like?

A cruise is about far more than the destination. The cruise ship itself is of utmost importance, as it is where you'll be spending the most time. Many people like smaller ships, as they're less crowded and provide a more intimate setting. They are perfect for romantic excursions or quiet trips. Bigger ships, however, offer more amenities and entertainment. These types of ships are good for cruising with the family or taking a fun vacation with your friends.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of ship sizes to accommodate your needs. For example, Norwegian Spirit is the smallest ship, with a passenger capacity of only 1,996 people. It's 260 meters long and can reach a peak speed of 21 knots. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Norwegian Escape, which holds 4,200 people, is 325 meters long, and can cruise at 22 knots. In addition, it also contains 21 bars and lounges, 25 dining venues, and entertainment from Broadway professionals.

How Do You Want to Spend Your Time?

Many people enjoy cruising because of all the time spent on the open water. For them, it's an escape from the humdrum atmosphere of land. For others, the ports of call are the most important feature.

Choose your cruise based on these desires. Some cruises offer more days at sea than others, so if you're itching to explore as many cities as possible, this might not be the best option for you. On the other hand, some ships make port every single day, so if the call of the sea is your priority, skip these cruises.

Where Do You Want to Go?

One of the most important and hardest questions to answer is where you want to go. Instead of straight up picking a destination, it helps if you narrow down the type of atmosphere first. Craving some beach time? Tropical destinations like the Mexican Riviera or Bermuda might be your best bet. Looking to do some sightseeing in various cities? Try a Europe cruise. Want to relish the unbridled wilderness of the north? An Alaska cruise may be just the thing for you.

Luckily, Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruise destinations all over the world, meaning you'll always be able to find the right itinerary for you. Choose from 15 different regions across the globe to satisfy your travel itch, including:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Hawaii
• Pacific Coastal
• Alaska
• Mexican Riviera
• Panama Canal
• South America
• The Caribbean
• The Bahamas and Florida
• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• Transatlantic
• Europe
• Asia

Only you can decide which cruise is right for you. However, with all the options Norwegian offers, you shouldn't have any problem finding a cruise vacation that meets your exact needs. Start brainstorming today to make your dream trip a reality.