Cruise Vacations

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There are many different types of cruise vacations, and Ocean Cruising is the most common. You can cruise almost anywhere in the world nowadays from the more common Caribbean and Mediterranean destinations to more exotic locations like the Galapagos, Antarctica, Tahiti and Africa to name a few.

Typically the ocean ships are very large, with 2,000-7,000 passengers, but small-ship cruising is available on the ocean and is usually far more inclusive than the mega ships. Some of the more luxury ocean ships carry between 100-400 passengers. Most expedition ships are also much smaller, due to the areas they need to navigate.

With such a tremendous amount of options for cruising, there is something to fit every need and budget.

If you love nature, wildlife and adventure, this is a great way to explore new destinations that are off the beaten path. Expedition Cruising may sound like a contradiction, but these small-ship cruises go into hard to reach places of the world and give you a taste of adventure and exploration. You will be accompanied by experts who will teach you about the destinations and take you out exploring.

Although these cruises are not designed for your to lay by the pool with an umbrella cocktail, luxury has made its way into expedition cruising. Most expedition ships are small and designed for utility, some of the newer expedition ships are still offering extreme comforts and luxury onboard. You can still get a luxury suite with a butler with some of the higher end brands.

Visit places like Antarctica, The Galapagos Islands, South Pacific Islands, Russia's Far East, Arctic & Greenland and more.

For those with the time, a world cruise is an amazing way to see many parts of the world with ease, comfort and varying levels of luxury and inclusions. Trying to accomplish a similar world trip by plane and train is a logistical nightmare. For those who don't have the time for a full world cruise itinerary, they are usually broken into segments which can be booked separately.

World cruises usually start at around 100 days and can last for ass long as 9 months. The itineraries vary greatly, and some have a particular focus. One even takes you to all of the expedition destinations around the world.

World cruises often have more overnight stops with more opportunity to experience the destinations than your typical short cruises. Royal Caribbean introduced The Ultimate World Cruise to begin Dec 10, 2023. This will be the longest world cruise to date, making 150 stops in more than 60 countries. However, several cruise lines offer world cruises from the mainstream lines up to the luxury lines.

Luxury cruises offer that premium service and attention to detail that one would usually associate with luxury, and great pride is taken in the level of personalized service provided. For most budgets, this is the most comfortable and convenient way to see the world. The level of service is often achieved by designing smaller, more exclusive ships with a higher crew to guest ratio. Smaller ships also provide a more intimate and personalized experience.

With the cruise industry growing, the intense competition is causing every cruise line to find ways of drawing in new passengers. Luxury cruise lines are no exception. Competitive pricing Is still the way to attract passengers. A luxury cruise is not a small investment, but if you usually book on a mainstream mega-ship, take the cost of your fare and add the cost of packages and extras (e.g. room upgrades, beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, excursions, spa treatments, laundry, room service, etc.). If you tend to indulge in extras while cruising, the bottom-line cost of a luxury cruise may be a very good value when you consider all that may be included in the upfront cost. You might be surprised to realize what you’re paying to cruise on a mega-ship isn’t much less than what you’d pay for that high-end vessel.

Whether you're traveling with babies or teens, a family of four or a multi-generational group, the major cruise lines are updating their ships, activities and business models to attract and keep everyone happy. 

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, and Princess are all extremely family-friendly. Some do it better than others, but on all of these lines, you will find engaging kids’ clubs, water parks, ziplines, ropes courses, lazer tag, ice-skating, bumper cars, go-carts, and more. Several lines also have adult-only or “quiet” areas for travelers without children, or for parents to relax while the kids are being supervised by trained staff. Celebrity and Holland America Line offer supervised activities and dedicated facilities for kids and teens on most ships but are more adult-focused with fewer family attractions outside the kids' clubs.

A River cruise is a more intimate voyage along inland waterways, often stopping at multiple ports along the way. Older cities and towns often grew around rivers, so river cruise ships frequently dock in the center of cities and towns. Cruising on rivers also provides you with constantly changing scenery at an easy pace that you can enjoy while surrounded by comfort and an attentive staff.

A river cruise is not just convenient, hassle-free transportation to and through a country, or countries, but traveling with you every day is a floating hotel - complete with lounge, restaurant, bar, outdoor space and leisure facilities. All only a short walk from your bedroom suite. 

Cruising along protected inland waterways, rather than the open ocean, can be a more comfortable alternative for those who are highly susceptible to motion sickness.