There is no best cruise line or hotel

If I got a nickel for every time someone asked, “What is the best cruise line or hotel,” I would be rich. But, the answers are rarely simple and, most often, complex.

A friend texted me this weekend asking casually, “What’s the best cruise line to Alaska?” Knowing her and the ages of her children, I made a few suggestions. I also based my answer on the fact that I know what her travel priorities are, and the kind of hotel her family enjoys on vacations.

Then, it turned out, this request was for a friend of hers, in a different age bracket, without children, and someone I don’t know at all. So now the answer may be completely different. I suggested she put this other person in touch with me.

This is not that uncommon in the travel industry. Yes, there are hotels and cruise lines that win “five stars” from reviewers, and others that do well on Tripadvisor etc. But, that doesn’t mean they’re the best for everyone.

Take a top-of-the-line Four Seasons hotel or resort, for example. Generally they are lovely, with great service, and can provide a memorable stay. Four Seasons also generally bucks the resort-fee trend, which I love. But, on the other hand, they are not only usually pricey, they also have very good but expensive restaurants and bars. So, depending on the location, travelers may or may not have an easy time buying inexpensive meals off property.

For some people, either because of their income bracket, or the fact that it’s a splurge anniversary or honeymoon, paying high prices on vacation beyond airfare and lodging may not be important. Others may be on a tight budget; it just depends on the traveler’s personal best cruise line or hotel factors.

There are many other factors.

Some people want quiet on a vacation; others want a lively bar scene night life. I’ve been on cruises where they roll up the sidewalks, or rather the decks, at midnight. And others, where the disco is just getting going around that time.

Another important factor on cruise ships: What matters to voyagers on board? Do they want Broadway-type shows, gourmet food, or do they want activities during the day? As I tell prospective clients, cruise lines all want to make money, but even within the same price category, they often allocate their resources differently

There are also issues like formality level. Do travelers want to dress up? Or not? Does it matter if other travelers do? Do travelers want children around?

What about the other half of best cruise line or hotel?

These days, with hotel brands struggling to differentiate themselves, the various brands are often geared to very different travelers. Some new chains specifically target Millennials, with a high-tech hip vibe. Others might cater to those who just want to quietly get work done.

One new trend in hotels is an open floor plan, this particular description is from the W Hotel in London: “The ‘studio living’ concept of the room no longer recognizes the bathroom and bedroom as two entirely separate areas, rather as spaces that flow into each other, though privacy still remains. Wonderful rooms feature bathrooms designed into the overall living space. Mirrored doors reveal your shower and WC.”

Now, I have clients who think the W Hotel is an awesome place. Then again, I’ve had another client, a Starwood fan who I booked when most of the city was sold out, come back and say, “Never again.” She was traveling alone and the open concept made her uncomfortable.

Personally, I like a lot of hotels in London. But, I tend to like more traditional hotels that some consider old-fashioned. It just depends.

So what should a traveler do?

In short, research, or find a travel agent who knows you or can ask the right questions whenever searching for the best cruise line or hotel. It may be a cliche, but the best cruise line or hotel is the one that’s best for you — your kind of level of service, your atmosphere, and your druthers.