The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

Table Of Content

• THE BEST CRUISE DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS
• Europe Cruises: A Baltic Experience
• The best cruise lines for every type of traveler
• Alaska, from Seattle

South America cruises that can be bought with a hotel stay in Iguazu Falls go to Chile's Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco and the Chilean fjords down to Glacier Alley and Ushuaia in Argentina. The ship cruises past Cape Horn and up to the Falkland Islands, before moving on to Montevideo in Uruguay and disembarking in Buenos Aires. The reverse itinerary is in operation when escorted Machu Picchu tours are on offer. ● If you are comparing deals on two different cruise lines, make sure you know if either includes the port taxes and fees in the advertised price. You’ll travel aboard the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet—expedition ships that can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that aren’t accessible on larger vessels, so you can get as close as possible to amazing sights. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration.

THE BEST CRUISE DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS

Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings, as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

Europe Cruises: A Baltic Experience

8 great vacations that combine a cruise and a train trip - The Points Guy

8 great vacations that combine a cruise and a train trip.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While there are a few things you can no longer do on cruises, this cruise line will make you forget all about them. The aptly named Celebrity Cruises treats all passengers like A-listers. And they’ve won numerous awards for not just being LGBTQ-friendly but for being totally inclusive and wholeheartedly embracing and encouraging diversity. Cunard has been sailing for more than 180 years, and you could say they’ve perfected it. The line features three magnificent ships (a fourth is on the way), and while the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are certainly fit for royalty, Cunard’s centerpiece—the historic Queen Mary 2—is resplendent in both its decor and history. When it comes to delicious local specialties and copas with class, it's hard to beat the ports found on a Western Mediterranean itinerary.

The best cruise lines for every type of traveler

Who doesn't dream about a vacation where you get to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters? With Norwegian, you can choose a Caribbean cruise that includes a stop in Great Stirrup Cay. Our private island is for Norwegian cruise passengers only so that you can enjoy some personal indulgence all to yourself. Consider renting a private cabana or one of the Silver Cove luxury villas for the day for a more exclusive private island experience. You'll feel like a VIP, especially as you get access to the upscale Silver Cove buffet. With the return to cruising now fully underway, it’s safe to assume many of us are already thinking about our next cruise vacations.

Ready to start planning your next getaway? Start exploring cruise deals now.

Based on our search, any cruise you find that includes a large balcony cabin with Wi-Fi, beverage packages, most specialty dining, gratuities, and some excursions with a price tag near or below $450 per person per night is a deal. If you aren't careful about the details, marketing phrases or limited time deals can make you think you'll be getting more than what's included in the fare. The other caveat to watch for on mainstream lines is the wide variability between prices, which can fluctuate day-to-day and is based on many factors, including the size and age of the ship. That may mean you can find an all-inclusive deal on one ship on a particular sailing date, but not on similar cruises.

● You aren't locked into expensive suites in order to get all-inclusive fares. Azamara and Oceania both have interior staterooms that can save you a bundle on a premium all-inclusive (or mostly inclusive) cruise. We found a 10-night Greek island cruise in an interior stateroom with Oceania's O-Life add-on package that includes airfare, some excursions, and onboard credit for around $400 per person, per night.

On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation. Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list.

13 expert-approved tips for saving money when booking a cruise - CNN Underscored

13 expert-approved tips for saving money when booking a cruise.

Posted: Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Your Facebook friends will understand when you bombard them with photos. If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley. Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors. The transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York (a traveler’s must-do at any age) is a great option for older travelers because you never leave the ship.

Alaska, from Seattle

Each ship in the fleet will participate in this vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community—and that, in itself, is worth celebrating. Sure, the weather is changeable, and you're as likely to be kayaking in the rain as you are to see the sun. With its mountains and glaciers, eagles soaring above and whales surfacing from below -- taking in the scenery is the real reward a cruise in Alaska, no matter what the temperature. Denali National Park, White Pass Railroad and Mendenhall Glacier are a few of the most popular sites on these itineraries. Pack layers and a camera with a zoom lens; this is not the place to rely on your smartphone. Celebrity is also the cruise industry's biggest champion of the LGBTQ community and has LGBTQ cruises that feature same-sex weddings at sea.

Ships are small and intimate, with one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. You’ll also be treated to exclusive dining options, including the acclaimed restaurant The Grill by Thomas Keller. As an avid cruiser who’s been everywhere from Alaska and Iceland to Russia and the United Arab Emirates aboard cruise ships, I’m recommending these specific cruise lines based on my own experiences and those of my friends and colleagues.

You'll also find activities like a Nassau pirate tour and access to the all-inclusive water park at Atlantis resort on your itinerary. Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing. You'll cruise the Atlantic for the first nine days, living it up on a ship that is packed with ways to play and relax. You'll arrive in idyllic Tenerife in the Canary Islands on the tenth day. Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture by spending part of your day exploring the Museum of Nature and Archaeology or the Basilica de Candelaria shrine. Norwegian has repeatedly been voted "Europe's Leading Cruise Line." With these many accolades, it's no surprise we know what guests want in a Europe cruise.

This itinerary might very well define the beaten path, but if you're seeking a tan, this is exactly where you belong. Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers, pan for gold in prospecting towns, and trek across the rugged tundra on an Alaska vacation. And savor a burst of flavors throughout culture-rich ports in the Mediterranean, the British Isles, Scandinavia and beyond on an unforgettable cruise through Europe. No matter where in the world you choose to wander, cruises can take you deep into top-rated cruise ports and off-the-beaten-path gems, so you can experience each one like a local.

● Just because the cruise line's website shows happy cruisers in Zodiacs exploring the coast of Alaska does not mean that those trips are part of your cruise fare. Before you book, know which excursions are included, and which cost extra. If your cruise leaves from a port where you can easily book airfare on your own, price shop the air yourself before you commit. To help you decide what a "deal" really is for an all-inclusive cruise, we ran searches on Caribbean cruises for the upcoming season on the lines known for all-inclusive cruising. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or an extended voyage, you'll find cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida that tick all your boxes. McDaniel notes other ways in which ship size affects the cruising experience.

● Put your name on the email lists of the cruise lines you are considering so you never miss an opportunity. Foodies will delight in fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes on this itinerary to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wonder of the Seas®. In Cozumel, Mexico you'll find lunch specialties featuring locally caught seafood, often grouper and red snapper fried on a plate with rice and a vibrant salad.

These are the best times to visit Alaska

Table Of Content

• Book Your Alaska Cruise Vacation
• Cruises
• Alaska cruise in September: Return to cooler temperatures and lower prices
• What Alaska cruise itineraries are available during each month of the cruise season?
• When is the best time to explore Alaska’s cities and towns?
• Planning a cruise is an exciting experience that offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation.

The warmer the weather, the better your chance to view a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence called “calving.” This is when a large chunk of the glacier separates in a giant icy landslide. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason.

Book Your Alaska Cruise Vacation

Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. September offers the best possibility for cruisers to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska. They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park. You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis.

Cruises

If you’re looking to explore Alaska without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May and September. In these months, the weather remains cool, and most schools are either still in session or just starting, resulting in fewer crowds. Increase your chances of seeing fall foliage on an Alaska Southbound Glacier Cruise itinerary that sails from Seward, Alaska down to British Columbia. If spotting wildlife is a priority for you on an Alaska cruise, pick your sailing date carefully. June, July, and August are fantastic times to cruise Alaska to view wildlife, as these months bring the highest chances of spotting whales, bears, and salmon.

Alaska cruise in September: Return to cooler temperatures and lower prices

Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. If you’d like a small ship cruise to Alaska, but crave a bit more adventure, expedition cruises might be more your speed. Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance.

The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising. Alaska is also the only place in North America to see the Pacific walrus, which will be at some of the more remote beaches and islands in the western part of the state. Temperatures are beginning to warm, and vegetation hasn't fully grown in or concealed the best views. Bears, caribou, sheep and mountain goats are all active, and you can find them in easily accessible areas. If you are along the coast of western Alaska, you may also spot a bowhead whale, seal or walrus.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, choose "a sailing that starts mid-week rather than on a weekend," suggested McDaniel. "The best reason to cruise to Alaska is there are things that you can only truly see from the water. It's why it is a bucket list destination for many, many people," said McDaniel. "When you're out on the water, you can do wildlife viewing as well, and it's built into that cruise experience." On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter.

What Alaska cruise itineraries are available during each month of the cruise season?

Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska.

With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard UnCruise Adventures' 86-guest S.S. Legacy settled in for what turned out to be an hour-long private show by a juvenile humpback who had migrated from Hawaii to spend the summer in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. Cruise lines typically lower their prices in September, so if you are traveling on a budget, September is a great time to cruise.

July is the ideal month to cruise Alaska, as it offers the most pleasant weather conditions. With the warmest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours and minimal rainfall during this month. If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights on your cruise, the best time to cruise Alaska is the last part of the shoulder season, late September.

The median months will see higher temperatures and longer days for touring, and it represents the limited summer that Alaska enjoys. However, July and August tend to also have higher levels of precipitation. For those who crave luxury and personalized experiences, the Northern Passage – Glacier Bay Cruise is tailor-made for you. With smaller ships and fewer passengers, this cruise offers a premium and upscale journey through the wonders of Alaska. The Official Visitors Guide for Juneau playfully uses a raindrop graphic for every month in the calendar (in Southeast Alaska it’s never a question of whether it will rain, but how much it will rain). Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn.

If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska. But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season.

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail. As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry and locals are emerging from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunshine. The wildlife is doing the same, and you might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii. With its scenic landscapes, abounding wildlife, and majestic glaciers, Alaska is a beautiful destination any time of year. But if you’re thinking of exploring this vibrant region on an Alaskan cruise, the best time to do so is between May and September. However, within these months there are differences that may impact the time during which you choose to travel.