All Eyes on Deck

When a ship departs for a cruise, passengers are often encouraged to be up on deck for a sail-away celebration. As you cruise, there are other times you may want to be up on a view deck (or at least near a window), such as when the ship approaches or departs from your ports of call. Not only is it interesting to watch the crew at work, but the surroundings can be spectacular. Here are a few of the ports where the views are exceptional.

Sailing in or out of New York City provides views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn and Verrazano Narrows Bridges, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and more. Note that ships that use the Manhattan or Brooklyn Cruise Terminals sail closer to these landmarks than ships that use New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Many cruise ships that call on London actually dock in Tilbury, on the eastern edge of the metro area. However, some smaller ships can sail further up the Thames River, offering views of the beautiful Tower Bridge and other London landmarks. Built in the early 1890s, Tower Bridge’s Neo-Gothic design echoes that of the famous Tower of London, which sits on the river’s north bank.

If a cruise of the Adriatic Sea takes you to Kotor, Montenegro, don’t miss the sail up and down the deep river canyon that connects the Adriatic to the city. There are incredible views of forested mountains, deep blue water, and the historic buildings of the city’s Old Town.

Sailing into or away from the Greek island of Santorini is breathtaking. The island is part of the rim of an old volcanic caldera, with cliffs that rise dramatically from the blue water. Sunrises and sunsets on Santorini are world-class.

Cruises that visit Hong Kong sail into Victoria Harbor, lined with impressive skyscrapers backed by forested mountains and fronted by shimmering water. If your ship stays into the evening, you can watch “A Symphony of Lights,” a beautiful light and music show around the harbor.

Sydney, Australia, is another port that greets cruise passengers with its most iconic sights, including the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Some midsize cruise ships can sail under the Sydney Harbor Bridge and on to more highlights of the city.

To experience these and other gorgeous sail-ins and sail-aways, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Warm-Weather Expedition Cruises

Expedition cruises are exciting because they explore some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the planet. You’ve probably heard about voyages that visit Antarctica or the Artic; if you like that kind of exploration but in warmer conditions, there are wonderful expedition cruise destinations in temperate zones, too.

An expedition river cruise is a terrific way to see the amazing Amazon River Basin, which spreads across a wide swath of northern South America. The rainforest canopy shelters a fantastic array of wildlife, from jaguars and macaws to pink dolphins and piranhas. Itineraries often include visits to small villages, biological reserves, and islands brimming with indigenous plants and animals. Some journeys can be combined with a pre- or post-cruise land tour to places like Machu Picchu, Peru’s 15^th-century Inca citadel.

Another balmy destination for expedition cruising is the Galapagos Islands, about 600 miles off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Some of the animals there are found nowhere else on earth – lava lizards, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and more. With no large predators on the islands, the animals have little fear of visitors or cameras. Over time, the animals have adapted to each island’s unique conditions; that’s why the shells of giant tortoises are shaped differently on different islands, and finches have different beaks.

In Central America, Costa Rica and Panama offer gorgeous backdrops for adventure cruises, which sometimes include a transit of the Panama Canal. These small countries are rich in biodiversity, with national parks and reserves teeming with hundreds of species of plants and animals, including monkeys, sloths, and macaws. There are also beautiful beaches, jungle-covered mountains, and both humid and dry tropical forests. The Pacific coast offers water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing.

The South Pacific – usually defined as Australia and New Zealand plus the islands that dot Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia – is another place for warm-weather expedition cruising. This is a vast region with a choice of itineraries, but you’re likely to encounter stunning beaches, waterfalls, and archaeological relics (think cave drawings and ruined temples made of coral). Some itineraries also offer opportunities to learn about local traditions and to try some new water sports.

Expedition cruises often have expert naturalists, photographers, and/or historians on board to share their love and knowledge of the destination with you. For expert advice on which warm-weather expedition cruise destination is for you, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Popular Cruise Souvenirs

If you enjoy purchasing mementos when you travel, most cruises present plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs and gifts in shops and boutiques both onboard and onshore. If you would like ideas for souvenirs that will provide memories of your voyage, here are some popular choices.

Local artwork and crafts are wonderful keepsakes that can tell a story about the ports you visit. Paintings, drawings, carvings, and jewelry made by local artisans are all lovely options. It can help to do a little pre-cruise research into the places you’ll visit – for example, are they known for things like weaving or pottery, or for certain fabrics or decorations? Note that any crafts made with straw must be declared and presented for inspection when you return home; this guards against the possibility of unintentionally importing a pest.

Locally made food and beverages can make great souvenirs. Pop into a grocery store or market to look for local specialties like jams, sauces, candy, wine, spirits or a different taste of the local culture to take home. However, note that U.S. and state law might limit the amount of alcohol or tobacco products you can bring back with you, and fruits, vegetables, and meats are usually not allowed. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as a general rule, condiments, vinegars and oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, and many prepared foods are admissible.

T-shirts are always a fun souvenir. Whether they bear the name of the cruise line or the place where you buy them, they will remind you of your cruise every time you wear them. Look for t-shirts made of good-quality material that will last through lots of washes.

Holiday ornaments can help you remember past cruises, too. Some cruise fans have collections, decking their halls with all the ornaments they’ve collected on their voyages. You might choose a different small item to collect, too, like fridge magnets, bottle openers, coffee cups, or playing cards.

For more ideas, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor. Once on board, ask the crew at the passenger services desk for tips on popular souvenirs and places to shop. Passenger services may also be able to help if you need some local currency for shopping. And, one more tip: before purchasing a souvenir that could be used as a weapon, such as a knife or other sharp object, find out if it will be allowed on board.

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The Lingo of Cruising

Just as you learn a few phrases in the language of a destination you plan to visit, you can learn (or brush up on) cruise lingo before you get on a cruise ship. Once you’re on board, the crew will be happy to explain any terms or procedures you don’t understand, but wouldn’t it be nice to set sail feeling familiar with the vernacular? Here are some of the basic terms to know:

Onboard Places

Ship. This one is important: when you cruise, you’re on a ship, not a boat (boats are much smaller than ships).

Gangway: A set of stairs or a ramp that connects the ship to a pier.

Cabin: A sleeping compartment, also called a “stateroom.”

Bridge: An upper deck where the captain and other officers navigate and steer the ship.

Atrium: The central area of the ship, similar to a hotel lobby.

Galley: A ship’s kitchen.

Lido Deck: The pool deck (often the location of a casual buffet or restaurant, too).

Onboard Directions

Bow: The front of the ship, also called the “fore.”

Aft: The back of the ship, also called the “stern.”

Starboard: The right side of the ship, when you’re facing the bow. This bit of lingo isn’t related to the stars, though. It comes from the Old English word “steorbord,” or “steer side,” because the oar (or rudder) used to steer a ship was usually on its right side.

Port: The left side of the ship, when you’re facing the bow. This evolved from “larbord,” or “load side,” because a ship’s left side was most often used for docking, loading, and unloading. If you mix up starboard and port, remember that “port” and “left” both have four letters.

Crew Members

Captain: The officer in command of the ship.

Cruise Director: The officer in charge of onboard entertainment and social activities.

Purser: The officer in charge of passenger services and billing.

Cabin Steward: A crew member who cleans and refreshes cabins and provides other guest services.

Safety Terms

Muster Station: A specific location where you should gather (or muster) if there’s an emergency.

Muster Drill: A mandatory drill that teaches passengers where to go and what to do in an emergency.

There’s much more to cruise lingo, but this list gives you a start. To book a cruise where you can use the lingo (and learn more), talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Exciting Moments from the EDGE, 2025

In early June, our team at Cruise Holidays - OKC had the incredible opportunity to attend the five-day Travel Leaders Network (TLN) annual conference held in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. This prestigious gathering brought together over 2,000 travel professionals—including agents and suppliers—all eager to connect, learn, and prepare for the future of travel.

Inspiring Conversations and Industry Insights

One of the highlights was a special fireside chat with TLN President John Levell and the legendary Sir Richard Branson. Their conversation provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at Sir Richard’s ventures and vision for his travel companies, inspiring us with ideas that will certainly enrich the experiences we offer our clients.

Deep Dives into Travel Trends & Partnerships

Throughout the conference, we engaged in lively discussions and educational sessions both in the bustling convention hall and intimate classroom settings. These sessions focused on evolving travel plans, emerging processes, and how to best adapt to the ever-changing industry landscape
. Thanks to these insights, our agency is well-positioned to anticipate upcoming changes and keep you informed about what to expect from our partners, whether cruise lines, airlines, hotels, or all-inclusive resorts.

Connecting Face-to-Face with Travel Experts

The trade show was another fantastic opportunity to meet directly with travel representatives from around the globe. We asked questions, raised concerns, and explored exciting new offerings. This FaceTime helped solidify our partnerships, ensuring we continue to provide unmatched service and exclusive travel experiences tailored just for you.

Returning Home Ready to Serve You Better

After this enriching experience, we returned to Oklahoma City energized and brimming with fresh knowledge to share. Our mission to be your most trusted resource for vacation planning has never been stronger. We can’t wait to apply what we learned to craft unforgettable journeys—whether it’s a serene beach escape, an adventurous expedition cruise, or a culturally rich tour.

Looking Ahead: San Diego 2026

With hearts full of inspiration and minds buzzing with new ideas, we’re already looking forward to next year’s conference, set to take place in beautiful San Diego. We’re excited to continue growing, learning, and most importantly, helping you explore the world with confidence and joy.

Thank you for being part of our Cruise Holidays - OKC family—we’re honored to be your experts at land and sea!

Must-Haves in Your Carry-On Bag

When packing for a cruise, be sure to put these items in your carry-on bag – the one that stays with you when the rest of your luggage is checked in for the cargo hold. It’s important to keep these items with you as you travel to meet your ship, just in case your checked luggage needs some extra time to catch up with you.

Government-issued identification. The cruise line will ask you to present your passport, or a driver’s license and birth certificate, so keep these essential documents with you.

Boarding documents. This includes copies of documents provided by the cruise line, along with other travel tickets and reservations. It’s a good idea to store them in a plastic sleeve or folder to keep them organized and clean.

Prescription medications. It’s easier to replace over-the-counter medications, but it can be very difficult to replace prescription medications while cruising.

Wallet. Bring a credit card or two and a small amount of cash in your wallet. You can charge onboard purchases to your onboard account (which you can settle with a credit card), but you may want a little cash for an occasional tip or small purchase on shore.

Electronic devices and chargers. Devices like smartphones, e-readers, cameras, earbuds, tablets, and laptops are safer with you than in checked luggage. Remember to bring their chargers and cords, too.

Change of clothes. It can take a while for checked luggage to be delivered to your cruise ship cabin, so a change of clothes in your carry-on can provide a quick refresh for the sail-away party. This is especially important when traveling to a different climate, say, Minneapolis to Miami. If you leave home in long pants and a sweater, a quick change to shorts and a light shirt will feel good.

Swimsuit (and sunscreen). If you want to jump into an onboard pool as soon as possible, instead of changing clothes, put on a swimsuit, a cover-up, and a small tube of sunscreen in your carry-on.

Jewelry. Truly valuable jewelry should stay at home, but you may want to keep whatever jewelry you bring with you.

Check with your professional travel advisor for additional tips on what to keep in your carry-on and on cruise packing in general. Finally, double-check that your carry-on bag meets any size or weight restrictions for the plane, train, or bus you’ll take to meet your ship.

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