Over the years, I've been lucky enough to go on ten cruises with a range of cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises. Each one has offered something different, but after ten sailings, I've definitely found what works for me.

My Favourite Destination: The Norwegian Fjords

If I had to choose one cruise itinerary to recommend, it would be the Norwegian Fjords every time.

The scenery is simply breathtaking. Sailing through towering mountains, waterfalls cascading down cliffs, and peaceful villages tucked into the landscape is unlike anywhere else I've visited. It's one of the few cruises where the journey itself is just as spectacular as the destinations.

I've travelled there as part of our group trips, which hosted around 120 people, and it's still my favourite cruise experience.

Why I Rate Royal Caribbean

My most recent cruise was last year on Royal Caribbean, and it reminded me why they're one of my favourite cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean is usually a little more expensive than other cruise lines, but in my opinion, the extra cost is worth it. The entertainment, facilities, food, activities, and overall onboard experience are on another level.

For families especially, I don't think you can beat Royal Caribbean. There's something for every age, whether it's water parks, climbing walls, theatres, ice skating, or simply plenty of places to relax.

Cruise Ships Are Bigger Than You Think

People who have never cruised often underestimate just how enormous modern cruise ships are.

Many of today's ships are two or even three times the size of a typical shopping centre. They have multiple restaurants, theatres, pools, shops, bars, sports courts, and entertainment venues all under one roof.

The size can be overwhelming at first. There's always something happening, from live shows and quizzes to parties and activities. Sometimes it can actually be difficult to switch off because there's so much going on around you.

Are Drinks Packages Worth It?

One thing I usually skip is the drinks package.

For me, it just doesn't make financial sense. I don't drink tea or coffee, and I don't drink enough alcoholic or soft drinks throughout the day to get my money's worth.

On many cruise lines, you'd need to drink around seven drinks a day before the package starts to pay for itself. Since I tend to travel for the destinations rather than drinking around the pool, I'd rather just pay for the occasional drink when I want one.

Everyone's different, but it's worth doing the maths before automatically adding a drinks package to your booking.

My Approach to Excursions

I'm also fairly relaxed when it comes to shore excursions.

Most of the time, I don't book organised excursions through the cruise line. I prefer to get off the ship, wander around the port, explore at my own pace, and enjoy the local area.

If there's a particular attraction or experience I really don't want to miss, then I'll book an excursion. On average, I probably only book one organised excursion per cruise.

I've found that some of my favourite memories have come from simply exploring independently rather than sticking to a timetable.

Final Thoughts

After ten cruises, I've learned that there's no single "perfect" cruise—it's all about choosing what suits your travel style.

For me, the Norwegian Fjords remain the standout destination, Royal Caribbean offers the best all-round experience (especially for families), and I prefer to spend my money on experiences rather than drinks packages.

Cruising isn't just about the ship—it's about waking up somewhere new almost every day, seeing incredible places, and enjoying the journey between them. After ten cruises, I can honestly say I still look forward to the next one.