Cruise Case Studies: Matching Personalities to Vacations

My wife, Heidi Leppert, who joins me from time to time to write “He Said, She Said” reviews of the cruises we enjoy together suggested that people post on her Facebook page quick profiles about who they are and what they would be looking for on a cruise vacation.

The result is a new column concept below where I present some of those personality snippets to best match them with an ideal cruise line and/or cruise ship.

If you’re a consumer, maybe you can relate to these. Or, if you’re a travel agent, maybe you’ll take away some new ideas for how to best direct your clients. In either case, please feel free to submit your own real or hypothetical examples by emailing them to me here for future consideration: jleppert@travalliance.com

Alexander Llerandi

“I'm a 32-year-old female looking for new adventures with my SWAT officer boyfriend during a Caribbean cruise where a former employee takes over the ship and crashes it into an island.”

Okay, so this is not actually a real profile, but I just had to start off by sharing my best friend’s hilarious submission in reference to the cinematic crap that is the film “Speed 2: Speed Control.” And now for real…

READ MORE: TravelPulse On Board: Norwegian Escape Review

George Makris

“I'm a 38-year-old father with three kids under the age of 7. My wife is very active and likes to exercise. I like cigars and whiskey. Which cruise can I send them on so I can stay home, smoke cigars and drink whiskey?”

Well, George, there might actually be a cruise where you can come along too and each of you can enjoy your favorite pastimes onboard. In fact, right off the bat, I’d recommend Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ships like its latest Norwegian Escape. Not only does the ship feature an expansive fitness center for your wife and extensive kids facilities for your children, it also has a dedicated cigar-smoking lounge called The Humidor for you. What’s more, it is right next door to the Tobacco Road Liquor Bar in which to enjoy your whiskeys.

Jenelle Hawkins

“We are a mid-to-late 30's international couple, that loves new experiences and a perfect balance of adventure (not the outdoorsy, sporty kind, more the entertaining, out of the ordinary kind) and relaxation; we want really cool ports to explore from dusk til dawn, interesting activities on the ship (classes, shows, talks...), and a few good days at sea to do nothing. We are big foodies, so want delicious unique food to try. Oh and we are sort of on a budget, so no Crystal cruises.”

For what you’re looking for without the luxury cruise price tag, the upscale market would do you well—either Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises or Viking Ocean Cruises. Each are very destination-centric with Azamara and Viking, in particular, focused on longer port stays and more frequent overnights to enjoy local cultures in between sea days. Plus, Oceania takes the cake for the best overall food of any cruise line.

READ MORE: TravelPulse On Board: Disney Fantasy Review

As for entertainment, they will not be up to par with Broadway-caliber shows seen on other mainstream lines, but Azamara and Oceania are better than Viking in that department. Nonetheless, Viking has the best hardware with the newest ships of the three brands, and with an included shore excursion in every port and complimentary WiFi internet access onboard, I would lean towards Viking as the best overall value for your desires.

Sarah Caprio

“I'm a mother of two children (ages 3 & 5). I've heard good things about Disney cruises but my husband prefers the elegance of higher-end cruise lines. Is there a middle ground to make everyone happy (and give mom peace of mind with child care)?”

Actually, Disney Cruise Line may still likely fit the bill for you, especially its newest Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. You’ve definitely heard right about the company’s excellent kids facilities and childcare, and there’s actually lots to love for adults too, including your own exclusive spaces onboard.

All four of the ships themselves are actually very elegant, designed to mimic classic ocean liners, and there is plenty of refinement just for adults at the Dream’s and Fantasy’s specialty restaurants: Palo for Italian and Remy for French. The other two ships only feature Palo. And if you’re looking for something a bit extra, concierge-level staterooms and suites offer even more plush amenities and services to relish.

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