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Cruises offer a versatile vacation experience for a wide variety of target groups. Whether luxurious suites or simple inside cabins, adventure, relaxation or entertainment – there is a suitable offer for every traveler. But with so many shipping companies to choose from, the choice is not always easy and even experienced cruisers face a challenge. We have therefore put together some tailor-made recommendations for your next sea voyage.

Young adults (20-30 years)

For singles, couples or groups of friends, the main focus is on the fun factor. They are looking for a lively atmosphere, new experiences, exciting city trips and a varied nightlife. Luxurious accommodation or classic cultural programs play a subordinate role – action, flexibility and entertainment are in demand.

 

Janice in front of the AIDAcosma

AIDA Cruises has an informal, relaxed atmosphere and is aimed specifically at German guests who want to experience a relaxed and varied cruise. The spacious, open Theatrium invites you to linger, while various buffet restaurants provide flexible and varied dining options. Guests can serve themselves according to their own preferences without having to follow fixed meal times or seating arrangements. In addition to relaxed retreats with sun loungers and beach chairs, the covered beach club with pools and bars provides a year-round beach feeling, ideal for sunny days or relaxed evenings. In the evening, the beach club is transformed into a party location with DJ performances and themed evenings that bring the night to life. A special attraction is the nudist area, which can be found on every AIDA ship and offers guests an unrestricted opportunity to relax.

Balcony cabin with hammock on board the AIDAcosma

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line relies on gigantic cruise ships that inspire both adventure seekers and entertainment seekers with an impressive range of leisure activities. There are numerous attractions on board, such as a climbing wall, a surfing and parachute jump simulator, an exciting zip line, escape rooms and an ice skating rink to guarantee a thrill. In addition, spectacular water parks with exciting slides provide plenty of fun and cooling off. Nightlife on board is an unforgettable experience with live music in numerous bars, exciting aqua theater shows and great Broadway musicals. Boredom is definitely not an option here – the varied entertainment program ensures that every day is full of action and fun.

Young families with children

Families expect a cruise to be a successful combination of fun and relaxation for young and old. An extensive range of children’s activities, a family-friendly atmosphere and easy connections to cities during shore excursions make the cruise particularly attractive.

MSC Cruises scores with a Mediterranean flair and a stylish, lively environment. Five kids’ clubs for different age groups from 0 to 17 years offer a varied program – from tournaments and theme days to game worlds. The whole family can dine together in the main restaurant, where fixed table times ensure relaxed planning. Gala evenings with elegant evening wear make the vacation a special experience for adults too. After dinner, the ship comes to life – children can be accompanied by their parents until late in the evening.

The outdoor area on board the MSC Seaview

Disney Cruise Line brings the unmistakable magic of the Disney world to the high seas and offers an unforgettable experience for families and Disney fans. On board, guests can expect Disney-themed restaurants that create a magical atmosphere and top-class stage shows that delight with breathtaking entertainment. Children can enjoy exclusive parties and the unique opportunity to meet their favorite Disney characters in person. The kids’ club is divided into age groups (3 to 14 years) and offers tailor-made programs that are adapted to the needs of the little ones. There are separate areas for teenagers up to the age of 17, which include a lounge and a sun deck and thus offer space for relaxation and social interaction. Childcare for infants up to the age of three is also available for an additional charge, so that parents can also relax and enjoy the cruise.

Adults aged between 30 and 45 (with or without children)

For this target group, a successful mix of relaxation, sport, entertainment and culinary delights is important. The focus is on uncomplicated vacation planning, varied activities and relaxing moments for two – with or without children.

Enjoy time out on the balcony of Mein Schiff 2 from TUI Cruises

TUI Cruises is primarily aimed at German-speaking vacationers who want to experience relaxed and varied cruises. Numerous highlights for relaxation and entertainment await on board. A sports arena offers space for activities, and the creative kitchen invites guests to discover new culinary techniques. The 25-meter pool is ideal for sporty swimming laps or relaxation. The premium all-inclusive concept ensures that guests don’t have to worry about anything – tips and almost all drinks are included. Particularly noteworthy is the wide range of bread and baked goods that enrich the culinary delights on board. At dinner, guests enjoy flexibility: instead of fixed table times, they can dine in different restaurants or at the buffet. This freedom is complemented by a casual ambience and varied activities for all age groups, making the cruise experience perfect.

With the “Freestyle Cruising” concept, Norwegian Cruise Line focuses on the greatest possible freedom and flexibility for its guests. Without fixed meal times or seating arrangements, travelers can dine in several restaurants as they wish and thus design their cruises to suit their individual tastes. The wide range of entertainment on offer extends from exciting activities such as go-kart tracks and laser tag to spectacular musical shows and stand-up comedy. Numerous bars with live music ensure a lively nightlife, where guests can enjoy a relaxed evening. Norwegian Cruise Line offers an exclusive option for solo travelers in particular: modern studio cabins equipped with their own lounge make it possible to get to know other guests and create a particularly social atmosphere on board.

The pool deck on board Norwegian Joy

Adults aged 45 and over (without children)

In this age group, demands for comfort, culinary delights and relaxation are increasing. Vacation days should be used to recharge your batteries and discover extraordinary destinations at the same time.

View of the Celebrity Apex in Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity Cruises offers a stylish, modern atmosphere characterized by first-class service and elegant design. On board, guests can expect a variety of cultural events on topics such as art, history and cuisine, which enrich the cruise experience. In the evening, the on-board program is supplemented with high-quality entertainment, including live music, comedy and impressive theater shows. Particularly noteworthy are the unique retreats on board: the Lawn Club on the Solstice Class ships offers a relaxed outdoor atmosphere with a real lawn. The Rooftop Garden on the Edge Class ships impresses with its lush planting and elegant ambience – the perfect place for a quiet afternoon or evening. These special retreats and the wide range of entertainment on offer make the cruises an excellent choice for discerning travelers.

Azamara Club Cruises stands for luxurious explorer cruises, where small, elegant ships offer the opportunity to visit remote and less frequented ports. The smaller ship size allows guests to immerse themselves in less touristy regions and travel there more intensively. Long layovers in the individual ports offer plenty of time to explore the destinations in detail and experience their culture and history. On board, travelers can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, including the “Destination Celebration”, a unique mix of culinary delights, music and local entertainment. The evening program on the cruises remains relaxed and varied, with lectures, live music, theme evenings and social gatherings in the bars. It is particularly noteworthy that gratuities and a selection of drinks are already included in the tour price, which makes the stay even more comfortable.

Balcony breakfast on board the Azamara Onward

Seabourn stands for luxurious cruises on small, elegant ships with an exclusive, relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy the highest level of service, as the staff maintains a particularly personal relationship with travelers. Gourmet culinary experiences, spacious suites with high-quality care products and sea views as well as an all-inclusive concept, which also includes fine wines and champagne, ensure an all-round carefree stay. The itineraries often lead to unusual destinations off the beaten track, while the on-board program provides stylish entertainment with expert lectures, wine tastings and sophisticated live music. Seabourn caters to discerning travelers who appreciate elegance, exclusivity and a relaxed atmosphere without large crowds.

The pool on board the Seabourn Encore

Generation 50plus

For travelers aged 50 and over, the focus is on culture, comfort and sporting activities. Classic cruise experiences with a stylish ambience and medium-sized ships offer peace and relaxation.

Holland America Line has been combining tradition with superior comfort for over 150 years. This creates a unique cruise experience. The medium-sized ships create an intimate atmosphere in which guests can feel at ease. The on-board ambience is enriched by Dutch details such as the Grand Dutch Café or the Orange Party. These elements give the cruises a charming cultural touch. The varied entertainment program includes theater performances, comedy, blues and rock as well as legendary piano duels. For active guests, there are daily activities such as pickleball, bridge and mahjong, which combine relaxation and fun. Particularly noteworthy is the afternoon tea, a British tradition, and the complimentary breakfast service in the cabin. A special feature of Holland America Line is that alcoholic drinks are only served to passengers over the age of 21. This contributes to the calm, enjoyable atmosphere on board.

The balcony on board the Nieuw Statendam

Cunard stands for classic elegance and a long transatlantic tradition. The daily afternoon tea is an integral part of British culture on board and offers a relaxed way to enjoy tradition. Cunard also keeps things traditional in the evenings: at least two gala evenings with special themes are held during a week-long voyage. These range from masked balls and 1920s parties to elegant black-and-white evenings. Guests can wear their evening wear in style, but do not have to. On some trips, there are also dance hosts who act as dance partners for solo travelers and offer unforgettable dance moments. These classic elements make every cruise with Cunard a stylish and unique experience.

Hurtigruten is primarily aimed at travelers over 50 who love the post ship atmosphere and are looking for intensive nature experiences in remote regions. While these cruises tend to be expensive, they offer a distinctive experience with small, well-equipped ships and an intimate atmosphere. The frequent, short stops in small, picturesque harbors in particular make the voyages unique and offer an authentic experience. Whether the Norwegian fjords, the North Cape or the polar regions – the frequent short stays in small, remote ports allow travelers to discover extraordinary destinations without having to compromise on comfort and excellent service. Hurtigruten is also an excellent choice for younger adventurers over 30 who are looking for an intensive, cultural and nature-loving experience. Those who are prepared to invest in these special trips will be rewarded with a personal atmosphere and unique experiences.

On board the MS Nordkapp from Hurtigruten

Conclusion: The perfect cruise for every taste

Whether young or old, adventurous or in need of relaxation, traveling alone or with family – the range of cruises on offer is as diverse as the wishes of the travelers. While some shipping companies focus on action, entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere, others offer exclusive experiences. If you know your preferences, you can choose the right cruise for you and look forward to an unforgettable experience on the high seas.

If you would like to find out more about cruises in different seasons, we recommend our guide: A cruise for every season. It will help you choose the perfect destination for your next adventure at sea, whatever the season.

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