Learn About Cruising

Everything you need to know to plan your perfect cruise vacation

What is a Cruise?

A cruise is a vacation experience where you travel on a large ship that serves as both your transportation and accommodation. You’ll visit multiple destinations while enjoying world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities onboard. Think of it as a floating resort that takes you to exciting new places!

Planning Your Cruise

Consider what type of experience you want. Tropical beaches? Historic European cities? Natural wonders? Your destination sets the tone for your entire trip. Popular regions include the Caribbean (warm weather year-round), Mediterranean (rich culture and history), Alaska (stunning natural beauty), and Asia (exotic cultures).

Timing matters! Peak season (summer and holidays) offers the best weather but higher prices and more crowds. Shoulder season (spring and fall) provides a balance of good weather and better value. Consider your work schedule, school calendars, and destination-specific weather patterns.

Your cabin choice affects both your budget and experience:

Interior: Most affordable option, no windows but you’ll spend most time exploring anyway
Ocean View: Window or porthole with sea views, mid-range pricing
Balcony: Private outdoor space, perfect for coffee with ocean views
Suite: Extra space, premium perks, and VIP treatment

Booking 6-12 months in advance typically offers the best prices and cabin selection. Many cruise lines offer early booking discounts, onboard credits, and other perks. Last-minute deals exist but come with limited choices.

Life Onboard

Dining

Multiple restaurants, buffets, and specialty dining options available throughout the day.

Entertainment

Broadway shows, live music, comedy, movies, and themed parties every night

Activities

Pools, fitness centers, spas, sports courts, and countless organized activities

Daily Schedule

Morning

Wake up to breakfast buffet or room service. Port days start with shore excursions. Sea days offer morning activities like yoga, cooking classes, or pool time.

Afternoon

Explore ports on your own or return to the ship for lunch. Enjoy afternoon activities, hit the spa, or relax by the pool with a book.

Evening

Dress up for dinner in the main dining room or try specialty restaurants. Catch a show, dance at the club, or enjoy quiet time on deck under the stars.

Type Of Cruises

River Cruise

River cruising offers an intimate, effortless way to explore the world’s most iconic destinations. Gliding along scenic inland rivers, you’ll sail directly into historic city centers, enjoying ever-changing landscapes without the crowds or hassle of frequent packing.

Ocean Cruise

Ocean cruising combines grand shipboard luxury with unforgettable island-hopping and coastal exploration. Voyage across vast oceans aboard magnificent floating resorts designed to entertain, pamper, and connect you to the world’s most spectacular seaside destinations.

Luxury Cruise

Luxury cruising redefines ocean travel into an ultra-exclusive, highly personalized getaway. Combining boutique, smaller-scale ships with white-glove service, these voyages cater to discerning travelers seeking sophistication, space, and seamless comfort.

Repositioning Cruise

Repositioning cruises occur when cruise lines move their ships from one seasonal region to another—such as crossing the Atlantic between Europe and the Caribbean or sailing from Alaska to the Pacific Islands. These unique one-way voyages offer a slower, highly relaxing way to travel long distances for a fraction of the usual cost.

World Cruise

A World Cruise is the pinnacle of bucket-list travel—a monumental, multi-month odyssey that spans continents, oceans, and world wonders in a single, seamless journey. Ranging from 90 to over 180 days, these epic circumnavigations allow you to explore dozens of countries while making a luxury ship your long-term home.

Learn About Cruising

What is a Cruise?

Planning Your Cruise