Few vacations can match the value of a cruise. Many of the greatest, most intriguing destinations in the world can be explored on a cruise vacation. From sparkling coastal towns to picturesque villages and Europe’s iconic landmarks to serene, secret, island lagoons, cruising provides the opportunity to be comfortably transported to a myriad of famous destinations across the globe. Unpack just once and enjoy a different adventure every day, with mostly everything included in one up front cost. Your stateroom, entertainment, food and transportation to each destination are all included, while shore excursions, specialty dining restaurants, upgrades, spas and gratuities on some cruise ships may be extra. Whether you are budget conscious or extravagant, seeking relaxation or excitement, a cruise vacation offers something memorable for everyone.

The actual question to ask is, “Where do you want to go?”

Cruises can take you almost anywhere in the world. The most popular and economical cruises include Caribbean itineraries and typically consist of the following three options:

Eastern Caribbean

Offering more islands to visit than the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean ports might include Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St Thomas and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Western Caribbean

Western Caribbean cruises leave from a range of port departures across the U.S. southern coastline. Stops on a Western Caribbean cruise can include Honduras, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico.

Southern Caribbean

Most Southern Caribbean cruises start and end in Florida and are an average of ten days. Ports can include Antigua, Barbados, Aruba, Curacao, Dominica and Grenada.

For vacationers who are short on time, many shorter Caribbean cruises are available. Popular three-to-four-day itineraries include the Bahamas, Key West and Mexico.

Bermuda

Renowned for its pink-sand beaches, Bermuda is a British island territory in the North Atlantic. Bermuda cruises are normally offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall and include two to three days docked on the island.

Panama Canal

Usually 14 days is needed to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast along the Panama Canal. Cruises run from late September through to April, with the best cruise weather offered after November.

Mediterranean

Spring or Fall are the most popular times to take a Mediterranean cruise and common itineraries include Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia.

Hawaii

Other than the Norwegian Pride of America that offers 7 day year-round Hawaiian cruises, Spring and Fall are the only times to experience Hawaii by ship. Hawaii is one of the more expensive places to cruise.

Northern Europe

Northern European cruises normally include ports in Norway, Finland, Sweden, British Isles, France and the Netherlands. Expensively priced, it’s best to experience this cruise option from May to September.

Alaska
Most Alaskan cruises operate from May to September, with balcony rooms being more expensive due to high demand. Witness picturesque postcard settings during a round trip through Southern Alaska or do a one-way cruise that combines a land tour of Seward, Whittier or Anchorage.

Other Cruise Destinations

Other popular cruises are also available in South America, Asia, Baltics or Southwest Pacific (Australia and New Zealand).

Choosing the best time to go on a cruise depends on where you’re cruising. Overall, the most expensive time to cruise is during high season, when the weather is best and popular travel periods (i.e. during school holidays).

More affordable cruises are offered during less desirable weather or inopportune timing (i.e. too close to the start of school). The Caribbean is most affordably priced during hurricane season, occurring from September to November.

The type of cruise ship you book will play an important role in your overall cruising experience:

Mega-ship – Normally the newest types of ships, mega-ships are massive and very family friendly.  They’ll keep the kids busy with plenty of activities and entertainment including water slides, 3D theatres, ice skating rinks, go-karts, roller coasters and surfing simulators.  Recommendations include: Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas  and MSC Meraviglia

Large Ocean Liners – These ships will range from family friendly to a modern oasis depending on the cruise line.  Recommendations include: Celebrity Reflection, Regal Princess, Norwegian Encore, Carnival Mardi Gras and the Holland American Nieuw Statendam

Small Premium Ocean Liners – A reduced number of passengers creates a more intimate experience aboard smaller ocean liners. These often older ships offer fewer amenities but still have plenty to enjoy. Recommendations include: Azamara Pursuit and Oceania Riviera

Luxury Ocean Liners – Premium ocean liners’ smaller ship size enables them to access smaller ports. More amenities are included in cruise fares.  Recommendations include: Silver Muse and Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

Although there are many affordable options, cruises are known for being a luxurious type of vacation.

Each port presents new opportunities for shore excursions, which are usually not included in your cruise fare. Additional charges include flights and transfers to and from your cruise port, hotel accommodations (if you’re flying in the day before your cruise), trip insurance, specialty and alcoholic beverages and spa treatments.

The cruise line will have a recommended gratuity amount starting from $14.00 USD/person/day. Typically, gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account (which is linked to your credit card) at the end of the cruise. If you would rather pay cash or alter the gratuity amount, you can do so by visiting Guest Services onboard.

Our agents can provide you with a realistic budget for the cruise you’re interested in taking. Depending on the cruise you book, some of the additional charges may be included as a promotion.

Remember, you’ve worked hard all year for this vacation, so enjoy it to its fullest!

Due to their large size and built-in stabilizers, passengers aboard modern cruise ships rarely have to worry about seasickness. Plus, innovative engineering and design provide captains with enough notice to navigate around inclement weather.

To be extra safe, bring motion sickness medication with you. A dedicated medical centre on most cruise ships can provide you with medications to combat the ailment as well.

The attire you wear on cruises has become a lot more informal. Although daytime wear is always casual, some cruise ships have specified casual formal evenings. You can find out about these in advance so that you can pack accordingly.

After we book your cruise for you, you will receive information on how to set up a personal account with the cruise line. In your online account, you will be able to book shore excursions, spa appointments, specialty dining, upgrade drink packages and add internet packages.

Closer to your sailing date, use your online account to complete your cruise documents, print your luggage tags and check-in.

The cruise ship has a strict timeline to follow and does not wait for anybody who is late to the embarkation point.

In case of a flight delay, we recommend that you fly into your cruise departure port at least one day before your cruise sets sail. Book an overnight stay at a hotel near the cruise terminal and enjoy some sightseeing before your cruise begins.

During your current cruise, you’ll be given the opportunity to put down a deposit on a future cruise. As an incentive, an onboard credit is usually provided.

Our travel agents can help you book that future cruise when you’re back home. This is a great way to save some money while having a future cruise to anticipate!