And Insider Tips From Our Travel Advisors
When it comes to cruising, there's more to it than a ship at sea.
There’s even more to it than where the ship goes!
To get to the bottom of what type of cruise is right for you, remove the promise of a specific locale from your mind and really ask yourself which answer speaks to you for the following questions.
A) Once everyone’s finally up and at ’em, it takes some time to corral them to brush their teeth, get dressed and get out the door.
B) Ideally, I’d like to float into consciousness, and then realize I’m floating somewhere with an unreal view. Then the anticipation is enough to get me out of bed.
C) My alarm goes off at 7:30 sharp, and I’m out the door by 8:15 — adventure waits for no one.
D) A gorgeous view calls for a lazy morning spent snuggling in bed to enjoy it together.
A) We need a second at the breakfast buffet to battleplan our day. The kids are in their picky-eater phase, and the relaxed atmosphere means we can take our time getting properly caffeinated.
B) There is an excellent continental breakfast on board, but I also want to check out that cute café just a few blocks from the ship …
C) Eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, bacon and fruit salad. I’m going to need my strength!
D) Still in bed! We should get going eventually, but maybe not yet. Breakfast in bed?
A) The whole family is having a pool day for the first half; then the tots
are going to the Kids Club while the parents check out the spa.
B) Exploring every inch of a historic, storybook-charming European town.
C) After I attend a seminar on a niche scientific topic, I’m going to board a Zodiac to take me to it in person.
D) We’ll either suntan on deck or charter a catamaran for a joyride. Or
maybe go snorkel the nearby reef. Undecided! Whatever the case, it’s
quality time together.
A) Unsure, but a lot of options wouldn’t hurt — picky eaters and all. We don’t want to do the buffet for every meal!
B) After a big day exploring, I wouldn’t mind treating myself to a fine glass of wine and an impeccable plate of risotto.
C) A strong drink and a warm meal will do, just like the great explorers
of yesteryear.
D) A candlelit dinner together with some amorous ambiance sounds
about right.
A) It has to be pretty entertaining to compete with our kid’s iPad; maybe either the arcade or a show?
B) I’ll probably relax in the lounge for a drink or two and socialize.
C) Maybe reading a book in bed before I turn in early; tomorrow’s another great adventure.
D) We might do some stargazing on deck before we retire back to the room.
OCEAN CRUISES
Today’s modern cruise ships are cities at sea, more akin to an amusement park than a boat. There is, to put it bluntly, something for
everyone: waterslides and pools, surf simulators, go-karts, spas, restaurant choices galore and Broadwaystyle shows. It’s this sky’s-the-limit approach to amenities — plus itineraries that sail to serene tropical shores, often including exclusive islands for cruisers — that make modern ocean cruises the no-brainer choice for your next family vacation.
RIVER CRUISES
It’s a big world out there — one that you’re itching to see for yourself, solo or with a partner. In this case, nothing scratches the itch quite like a serene river cruise through Europe. Thread through one idyllic village or town to the next, spending the day soaking up the
wealth of culture. Then, retire to your ship for a good night’s sleep and wake up in a whole new port to do it again.
EXPEDITION CRUISES
You daydream about scaling mountains, traipsing through thick rainforests and laying eyes on the Earth’s polar regions. In case there
was any doubt: You’re the perfect fit for an expedition cruise. Whether
its Antarctica, the Amazon, the Galápagos or the North Pole, there’s
a vessel out there setting sail to somewhere new and totally remote
with a suite that practically has your name on it.
LUXURY YACHT SAILING
The world takes on a whole new hue when you’re in love — it’s the perfect excuse to escape to a new part of the world. Somewhere romantic … ideally in a romantic way. What checks all the boxes better than a luxury yacht sailing? The intimate-sized vessels allow for an industry-leading guestto-crew ratio and sail to some of the most pristine, off-the-radar ports in the world — which means you lovebirds have paradise (nearly) all to yourselves.
Our advisors are among the most knowledgeable and well-traveled
people you’ll meet.
Many have sailed on multiple itineraries with different cruise lines and give some of the most unbiased recommendations out there. So when we asked them for the secrets that separate a good cruise from a
great one, they didn’t hold back sharing their ship smarts. From
suite-only sanctuaries that feel like private resorts to unlisted
perks and timing tricks that turn small moments into standout
memories, keep reading to discover tips to make the most of
your voyage.
In our line of work, much of our time is spent getting to know the product. We visit new ships as they’re launched and do a full inspection so that we can share that knowledge with our clients. We
know ships, deck plans, room types and can help you understand your options.
We can tell you which cabins have a slightly larger balcony or layout to better suit your needs. Do you want to be near the stairs or elevators for easy access? Or do you want to be closer to the bow or stern? Is it important to you to be near the theater or main dining room?
Here’s something the glossy brochures whisper but don’t quite explain: Suite Class, the cruise industry’s best-kept open secret, is like a ship within a ship.
Norwegian’s The Haven, Celebrity’s Retreat and MSC’s Yacht Club all create a private enclave within the larger vessel: keycard-only elevators, a secluded pool deck, an exclusive restaurant where your coffee arrives before you realize you wanted it.
On Cunard, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites come with a
private dining room and butlers who seem telepathic.
While sailing, the crew is laser-focused on providing excellent service for you. Introduce yourself and don’t be afraid to ask them what their favorite dishes are or even a “don’t-miss” spot when in port.
They know the ship inside and out and can give you informative hints like which nights are best for which shows and where you can find a quiet reading nook.
If your dates are flexible, ask about a repositioning cruise. These are one-way sailings from one region to another, often with lower rates and more at-sea days than a typical cruise, allowing you to enjoy the amenities that your ship offers — from the spa to seminars to
relaxing days at the pool.
