Several categories of cruises appeal to different passengers. Of course, cruise lines resist categorization, and there's a lot of overlap. But here are several categories to consider:

Party cruises usually ply the Caribbean, Bahamas or the Mexican Riviera, stopping at a succession of beaches and shopping ports. The ships offer 24-hour sun and starlight activities, with sports events, theme parties, shows, cabaret and other entertainment, all-night dancing and nonstop dining. Carnival Cruise Lines can give you the party of a lifetime!

Family cruises have Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal or European itineraries.  Emphasizing on-board activities designed to provide fun and diversion for the entire family, a cruise is the perfect family vacation.  Supervised children's programs, organized for various age groups, feature sports, games and learning experiences. Supervised activities free the parents or grandparents for adult activities or for lounging on deck. Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Disney Cruise Lines are leaders in this cruise category

Adventure cruises explore unspoiled scenery in exotic destinations, such as Antarctica, the Amazon or the South Pacific, often with educational or environmental-awareness programs featuring lectures by experts in local geology, biology, history and culture. Passengers transfer to remote shorelines in rubber dinghies. Nightlife and dress-up events are minimal. Ships sailing these itineraries often carry fewer passengers, giving them a more intimate shipboard ambiance. Special Expeditions offers exceptional adventure cruises.

Grand tour cruises sail to the world's most sophisticated ports for sightseeing and shopping, with calls frequently timed to coincide with special cultural events. The ships offer elegant dining, quality entertainment and pampering on-board spas. Grand Tour cruises are usually longer. Round-the-world itineraries, which may be booked in segments of various lengths, might include fascinating transits through the Suez or Panama canals, or long ocean crossings. Cunard Line, Holland America Cruises,Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises excel in the grand tour category.

Quiet escape cruises are perfect getaways for rest and relaxation in elegant, peaceful environments. Cabins and public areas are beautifully appointed, and the service is superb. Shore excursions are offered for those who want to explore ports of call, but many passengers simply stay aboard to enjoy the utter luxury of the ship. Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, and Windstar Cruises offer terrific sea escapes.

Mediterranean cruises give sports fans, music, mystery, history and fitness buffs an opportunity to indulge their interests for a week or so while they and hundreds of their peers cruise the Caribbean or other waters. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a variety of appealing theme cruises.

River cruises provide their passengers a different perspective to inland destinations. Cruises are available on American rivers and European rivers. Several cruise lines offer river cruises aboard sternwheel steamboats on the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia, Snake, and Sacramento Rivers. Viking River Cruises offers cruises on many European rivers including the Rhine, Siene, and Danube, as well as the Black and Baltic Seas.

Confused enough? Don't worry. Unique Travel can find exactly what you are looking for. Contact us and we'll find the perfect cruise for you.