Thinking About a Cruise? Here’s Where to Start
By: Anna Trosper
Travel Advisor, Wishes Family Travel
April 2, 2026
Hi there,
One of the questions I hear all the time is:
“Where do we even start when picking a cruise?”
Do you start with the destination?
The cruise line?
Or the ship?
The truth is… there’s no one “right” place to begin—and that’s part of the fun.
Start with What Excites You Most
Some travelers begin with where they want to go.
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of:
Seeing Alaska’s glaciers
Sailing through the Mediterranean
Relaxing on the beaches of the Caribbean
But here’s something many people don’t realize…
Not every destination features the newest or biggest ships.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
Why Ship Size Matters (Especially in Alaska)
Take Alaska, for example.
Many Alaska sailings take place on smaller or older ships, and there’s actually a great reason for that. The most breathtaking areas—like the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay—have narrow waterways that only smaller ships can navigate.
That means:
Closer views of glaciers
Better wildlife spotting
A more immersive, scenic experience
In Alaska, the destination truly takes center stage.
Or… Start with the Ship
Then there are travelers who say:
“I don’t care where it goes—I want to sail on THAT ship.”
And that’s completely valid too.
Today’s cruise ships can feel like floating resorts, offering:
Waterparks and splash zones
Broadway-style entertainment
Incredible dining options
Activities for all ages
For many families, especially those traveling with kids, the ship is the destination.
Choosing the Right Cruise Length
Another important piece of the puzzle is how long you want to travel.
Cruises typically range from:
3–4 nights → Perfect for a quick getaway or first-time cruisers
7 nights → The most popular option, offering a great balance
10–14+ nights → Ideal for deeper exploration and a more relaxed pace
Some families want to test the waters with a shorter sailing, while others are ready to unpack once and truly unwind.
The Easiest Way to Get Started
With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
The easiest way to figure it all out? A quick conversation.
I’ll ask a few simple questions:
Who’s traveling
When you’d like to go
What kind of experience you’re hoping for
From there, I’ll narrow it down to a few personalized options that truly fit your family’s travel style.
Because with thousands of cruises available…
It’s not just about picking a cruise.
It’s about choosing the right one for you.
Let’s Start Planning
If you’re thinking about cruising but aren’t sure where to begin, I’d love to help guide you every step of the way.
Safe Travels,
Anna Trosper
Travel Advisor
Wishes Family Travel
Let’s make your cruise adventure stress-free and unforgettable!