Expedition Cruise Destinations

If you’re interested in exploring some of the remote reaches of our planet, consider taking an expedition cruise. These active, adventurous cruises focus on the wonders of the destination; regional experts are often on board to talk with passengers about local history and culture. Shore excursion options usually include active pursuits like hiking, biking, kayaking, or climbing, as well as immersive, hands-on cultural experiences.

Expedition cruise ships are small, carrying as few as a dozen and no more than a few hundred passengers. They can sail close to shore, pass through narrow channels, and dock in remote areas. They don’t have multiple dining options or big entertainment venues, but they are built for both safety and comfort.

Like cruising in general, expedition cruises are available for both cool-weather and warm-weather destinations. Here are some of the cool-weather options, including voyages to both polar regions.

Antarctica is a major bucket-list destination, and an expedition cruise is one of the very few ways to get there. Whales and seals may swim close to your ship, while wandering albatrosses and giant petrels fly overhead, and emperor penguins perch on shore. Know that Antarctic itineraries must be somewhat flexible, because weather conditions often dictate where the ship is able to go on any given day.

Another southern hemisphere destination is the Chilean fjords, found along the southern reaches of Chile’s long Pacific coastline. The fjords are home to several types of whales, elephant seals, magellanic penguins, and other marine life (in addition to stunning scenery).

On the other side of the globe, expedition cruises of the Arctic often focus on the islands of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. There are whales and seals here, too, but many other animals that are not found in the Antarctic, like Arctic foxes, caribou, walruses, and puffins.

Alaska is a popular mainstream cruise destination, but you can take an expedition cruise there, too. The ships can take you close to everything from calving glaciers to shaggy bears. On an expedition ship, the captain can more easily do things like pause so passengers can watch a pod of whales or move from one bay to another in search of good kayaking.

Cool-weather expedition cruises can only happen during their destination’s warmest time of year, so cruise seasons are short. This, along with growing demand, means the expedition cruise you want can sell out quickly. For more information and advice, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Gets a Makeover

A cruise ship needs a glow-up occasionally, and Cunard Line’s elegant Queen Elizabeth just received one during a three-week makeover. The ship is ready for new adventures, including more Alaskan voyages and a debut season in the Caribbean.

Cabins have been refurbished with new soft furnishings and balcony furniture, plus more USB ports for powering your devices. Also, Oceanview TV (satellite TV with movie and music channels) is now available in every cabin.

The popular Commodore Club bar, high up on deck 10, has new seating that’s as colorful as it is cozy. It’s a great place to settle into a chair and sip a beverage while watching the changing sea views.

The two-deck high Queen’s Room also has new, comfortable chairs for relaxing with shipmates over afternoon tea, or catching your breath after taking a spin on the spacious dance floor. There’s also new carpeting with a pattern of garden shrubbery; it’s a subtle homage to a mulberry plantation, established in 1608 by King James I, on the grounds of what is now Buckingham Palace.

Passengers sailing in Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites can relax in the refreshed surroundings of the private Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace. The terrace now boasts new double sunbeds, perfect for stretching out and napping under the sun.

New to the Queen Elizabeth is the Pavilion Wellness Café, first introduced on the Queen Anne. This casual spot offers plant-forward cuisine, along with dishes that feature sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy. Diners enjoy antioxidant-rich smoothies, hearty salads, grain bowls, and other healthy options for breakfast and lunch. Passengers can also sign up for the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea Program, which includes spa treatments and wellness sessions.

As for destinations, the Queen Elizabeth will sail out of Seattle for the first time during its 2025 Alaska season. A series of round-trip cruises, 7 to 11 nights in length, begins June 12 and runs through September 25. Cunard will add even more sailings to Queen Elizabeth’s 2026 Alaska season.

After the Alaska cruise season, the ship will take a repositioning cruise to Miami, becoming the first Cunard ship to homeport there. The Queen Elizabeth will sail a series of cruises all around the Caribbean until it’s time to return to Alaska in 2026.

To find out more about sailing Alaska or the Caribbean on the Queen Elizabeth, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Introducing the Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the launch of its newest ship, the Norwegian Aqua, the first in the line’s Prima Plus Class. Constructed at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the Aqua can accommodate up to 3,571 passengers and is about 10% larger than Prima Class ships. Norwegian allocated a share of the additional square footage to outdoor areas: for example, the pool deck has space for 50% more lounge chairs than Prima Class ships, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be about 40% larger on the Aqua.

“Firsts” on the Aqua include:

The most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet. In The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship complex, two-level Duplex Suites boast three bedrooms, three bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and large balconies. The ship will also have the cruise line’s first ocean-view and balcony cabins for solo cruisers.

New dining spots, including Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai and Planterie, a vegetable-forward eatery in the Indulge Food Hall. Plus, some passenger-favorite dining venues will be larger on the Aqua, including Le Bistro and Hasuki, Norwegian’s Japanese teppanyaki grill.

The world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and water slide. The Aqua Slidecoaster’s dual slides will whirl passengers through two different courses at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. The Drop, Norwegian’s thrilling 10-story free-fall slide, will be on board too.

The first show at sea based on the music of Prince. “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” will take the stage in the Aqua Theater and Club. Norwegian promises a concert-like experience, including opportunities for audience members to join the performers on stage.

Lots of familiar spaces on the Aqua also have new and updated features, including the Game Zone, which has everything from classic arcade games to the latest virtual reality experiences. The Mandara Spa will be updated with a two-story waterfall, a clay sauna and IV drip therapy. The expanded mini-golf area will have 12 interactive holes across two decks. And the top deck will have a new feature called the Glow Court. By day, passengers can play a variety of sports on the Glow Court’s interactive LED floor, which transforms into a dance floor at night.

After its April christening, the Aqua is scheduled to sail 7-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral. This fall, the ship will move to New York for a series of Bermuda cruises, and then will spend the winter sailing Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami. To get on board, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Accommodations for Solo Cruisers

If you’re interested in cruising on your own but not in sharing a cabin, good news: there is a growing number of cruise ship cabins designed for one. And, these single-occupancy cabins come at single-occupancy prices. If you cruise on your own in a cabin intended for two, you’ll probably have to pay what’s known as a “single supplement,” which can be as much as another cruise fare. So, you could pay up to double to have your own cabin, or you could consider sailing with a cruise line that provides solo accommodations, like these:

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in accommodating solo cruisers with cabins that are thoughtfully designed for one. You can find them on most of the line’s newer ships: the Epic, with 128 “studio” cabins, has the most. Most of the NCL studios are inside cabins, but some have windows to the corridor or virtual portholes that stream a view of the water. And when you sail in a studio cabin, you’ll have access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a social space with coffee, cocktails, big-screen TVs, and pre-dinner gatherings to enjoy.

Royal Caribbean has cabins for solo cruisers on several ships – some have just a few, but Quantum Class ships have up to 28. The solo cabins are from a mix of categories, including inside cabins, inside cabins with virtual balconies, and outside cabins with open-air balconies. Plus, while all of the activities on Royal Caribbean make meeting other passengers pretty easy, there are also hosted meetups just for solo cruisers.

Virgin Voyages’ three ships each have 46 cabins for solo cruisers; these are mostly inside cabins, but some have ocean views. All of Virgin Voyages’ cabins are sleek and stylish, and the cabins for one are no exception. While the cruise line organizes meetups for solo “sailors,” these ships are designed for easy socializing. The wide variety of activities, restaurants, and bars creates lots of opportunities to mingle and chat with other solos, couples, and friend groups.

Holland America Line also has some solo cabins on some of its ships, including the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. These ocean-view cabins have the same amenities as double-occupancy cabins, but are available for a single-occupancy fare.

Whatever the cruise line, cabins for one are popular, and they tend to sell out well in advance. To reserve one for yourself, contact Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Preparing to Pay for Cruise Extras

Your cruise fare pays for so much, including accommodations and housekeeping, lots of onboard dining and entertainment, port fees, and great service. But when you get on board, you’ll encounter some tempting extras that carry separate fees. Understanding and planning for these optional extra costs before you sail can help you stay comfortably within your vacation budget.

Here are some popular items for which most mainstream cruise lines charge extra:

Beverages. Most cruise lines offer at least a few complimentary beverages, but the majority of them, from bottled water to cocktails, are available at a per-drink price. You can save by purchasing a beverage package before you board the ship. Ask your professional travel advisor for more information.

Specialty restaurants. The dining venues included in your fare will serve delicious food, but it’s fun to try the elevated cuisine at an onboard specialty restaurant; and the extra charge is often less than you would pay for a similar dining experience at home. Pick an evening to treat yourself and make a reservation in advance.

Room service. Room service used to be complimentary on most cruise ships, but many now charge delivery fees. To avoid this, pick up some food or snacks at one of the no-free-dining venues to take to your cabin.

Internet access. Your cruise line is likely to charge a fee for internet access (which can still be spotty). To avoid the fee, use your cruise as a time to unplug from your devices. Or, wait until the ship is in port to check email and socials; you can usually get connected in port facilities, or at a nearby shop or restaurant.

Shore Excursions. While most shore excursions come with fees, there’s usually a variety to choose from, including options that are fun and reasonably priced. If you’d like to splurge on a special shore excursion or two, be sure to select and reserve them in advance to help avoid any pricey impulse buying as you sail.

There are other optional extras you can plan for, like spa treatments, professional photos, laundry services, and even certain high-cost menu items (think lobster and chateaubriand). One way to avoid some of these fees is to reserve your cruise well in advance: extras may be included in promotional and early-bird fares. For more information, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor, who has the best access to special offers from the cruise lines.

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Cruising the Western Mediterranean

 To explore some of the loveliest and most historic places in Europe, consider a cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A wide range of itineraries is available from various cruise lines. Your professional travel advisor can help you find the cruise ship, schedule, and style that suits you best.

While the Western Med is a fine destination for cruising all year long, the summer months can be hot, with the largest crowds on shore. Also, many Europeans take all of August off for their own vacations, so some shoreside attractions may be closed during that month. In spring or fall, cruise passengers often enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in the Western Mediterranean. Winter can be a little chilly in some areas, but holiday celebrations make it a lovely time to sail.

Many voyages focus on popular ports along the southern coasts of Spain and France, as well as the west coast of Italy. Here are just a few of the wonderful Western Med ports you may wish to visit:

Barcelona, Spain. There’s so much to see in the ancient Gothic Quarter and Old Town, but you can also visit the Sagrada Familia and other buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, tour FC Barcelona’s stadium, walk the beach at La Barceloneta, or visit a Benedictine abbey on the peaks of Montserrat.

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). Where you dock along this famous coastline may depend on the size of your ship: it could be a larger port like Marseilles, or a smaller one like Saint-Tropez. No matter where your ship calls, the scenery along the coast is stunning.

Rome, Italy. Most ships dock in Civitavecchia (a major port since the second century), where passengers hop on trains or buses for an hour’s ride to Rome. On a first visit, a highlights tour will take you to the most iconic sites; on a return visit, spend more time exploring a favorite place, like the Colosseum, the Vatican, or the Piazza Navona. Before or after Rome, your cruise might also call on the Italian ports of Genoa, Livorno (for Florence), or Naples.

Some Western Med cruises also call on Portugal, Monaco, or Mediterranean islands like Mallorca, Sardinia, Corsica, or Malta. And, some venture to North African ports in Tunisia, Algeria, or Morocco, too. For much more information about your options for cruising the Western Mediterranean, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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What to Do as Your Cruise Ends

When you approach the end of a cruise feeling relaxed and carefree, you know that your floating vacation has done its job. But, remember that there are some things you should do to prepare for leaving the ship and heading home.

If you have onboard credits, use them up. Onboard credits, which passengers can purchase or receive as a booking incentive, are the same as money on board. If you have any left on the last full day of the cruise, treat yourself to something in a shop or at the spa.

Pack your bags. It’s not as much fun as packing before the cruise, but it’s necessary during your last full day on board. Take a careful look around so you don’t leave any belongings behind, but don’t pack anything that belongs to the ship – you’re likely to be charged for it. If the crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, be sure to attach the color-coded tags you’ll receive and put your luggage in the hall by the appointed time (but, put the things you’ll need in the morning in a carry-on bag you’ll keep with you).

Check-in for your flight home. Many airlines encourage advance check-in; if you have Wi-Fi access on the ship, check in on the airline’s app to help your homeward journey go smoothly. This is also a good way to double-check your flight time. If you don’t have onboard Wi-Fi, you should be able to connect once the ship docks.

Check on your disembarkation time. Most ships assign disembarkation (leaving the ship) times based on flight times. If your time doesn’t agree with your after-cruise travel plans, visit the guest services desk and ask to make a change. Of course, if you travel light and can carry all of your own baggage off the ship, you may be able to disembark as soon as port authorities clear the ship.

Check your final bill. Errors happen, and it’s important to check your bill and settle any issues before you leave the ship. If you find unfamiliar or inappropriate charges on your bill, visit the guest services desk.

Book another cruise. To entice you to book before you disembark, the cruise line may offer attractive discounts and extra rewards. If you’re interested, talk with the staff at the guest services desk.

For even more tips for a smooth end to any cruise, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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