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Theme Cruises

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Theme cruises give people with a shared interest the opportunity to sail and indulge in their hobby together. Some theme cruises are organized by affinity groups, some by travel agencies, and some by the cruise lines. Some occupy a portion of a cruise ship’s cabins and common spaces during a regular sailing, and others take over an entire ship. Many theme cruises focus on common popular interests, like music, art, dance, comedy, TV, movies, cooking, or wine. But some cruise themes are a little more unusual, like these: Goth Enthusiasts. Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas will depart Miami on February 14, 2027, for a week-long cruise called “Vampire: The Masquerade.” It includes four nights of immersive storytelling and live-action role play (LARP) set in the World of Darkness, along with social mixers, tabletop games, and themed gatherings on every night of the cruise. Clothing Optional. The Norwegian Jewel will depart Miami on February 15, 2027, for the “Big Nude Boat Cruise” – an...
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Holland America Begins Ship Revitalization

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Holland America Line, which has been sailing the world for more than 150 years, has embarked on a bow-to-stern revitalization of six of its popular ships. The multiyear project, named “Holland America Evolution,” is the biggest ship enhancement in the line’s history. It will renovate and update ships in the Vista Class ( Oosterdam , Zuiderdam , Westerdam and Noordam ) and Signature Class ( Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam ). The project will give all six ships new spaces and features, including some that have already proven popular on Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships. The project will equip each ship with new cabin styles and categories. For example, the Oosterdam will emerge with 76 additional cabins, including 30 specifically designed for solo travelers. In addition to private balconies, these cabins will have dedicated workspaces and other amenities popular with solo travelers. The renovation will also enhance Oosterdam ’s suite accommodations, adding new Vista Suites with c...
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What to Know About Luxury Cruises

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Just about everyone enjoys a little luxury now and then, and that’s something cruises deliver. On a cruise ship, you don’t have to organize transportation, think up activities, cook, mix cocktails, or clean up – it’s all done for you, by the crew, with a smile. While you can get luxury feels on any cruise, you can guarantee a higher level of luxe by choosing a luxury cruise line. These include Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises, among others. Here’s a quick look at what sets these cruises apart. Ship size. Luxury lines sail smaller ships that accommodate hundreds, rather than thousands, of passengers. The vibe is usually elegant, calm, and relaxed – different from larger ships that hum with activity. Luxury lines also sail with more crew members per passenger, for more personalized service. Inclusions. Luxury lines charge higher base fares, but they often include things you would pay extra for on ...
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Explore Central America on a Panama Canal Cruise

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Panama City from the Pacific Ocean A cruise through the Panama Canal is more than a rare opportunity to see this major engineering achievement; it’s also a chance to enjoy some of Central America's unique ports. Here’s a look at just some of the ports that may be included in a Panama Canal itinerary. Fuerte Amador, Panama, sits on a narrow causeway at the western end of the canal, with plenty of duty-free shops, locally handcrafted gifts, and restaurants. But there’s also the Biomuseo, a Frank Gehry-designed museum that highlights the area’s extreme biodiversity, and the Punto Culebra Nature Center, where you can meet some of Panama’s wildlife, including sloths. Fuerte Amador is just five miles from Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), which has beautiful colonial architecture set around lovely plazas. You can also visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to learn even more about the canal and watch other ships pass through. Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, is a major sea...
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Exploring Montreal: A Perfect 3-Day Pre-Cruise Getaway

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  Quebec, Canada Thinking about heading straight from the airport to the cruise ship? Think again! For our recent late-September Canada and New England cruise, we flew into Montreal three days before embarkation to see the stunning fall colors and explore Eastern Canada. Arriving at least a day or two before your ship sails is highly recommended. Flight delays and cancellations are far too common these days, and arriving early completely eliminates that stress while giving you time to experience a world-class city. Here is what we learned during our three days in beautiful, historic Montreal.   Where We Stayed: Embassy Suites Near Old Town We spent our three pre-cruise nights at the Embassy Suites , located right on the edge of the city center. It proved to be an excellent home base for our trip. The Rooms: The hotel is located in a beautifully remodeled building, and we loved the spacious layout of our room. The Vibe: The on-site hotel restaurant ...
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Cruise Destinations for the Winter Holidays

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A beach in South Africa Celebrating a winter holiday (or two) while on a cruise is a fantastic idea. So, where should you sail? Many travelers looking for a winter holiday getaway choose to sail in The Bahamas or the Caribbean, and these are solid choices: they are close to home, with reliably warm, sunny weather, lovely scenery, abundant beaches, and many other attractions. However, other destinations may be right for you. Here are some to consider. European Christmas Markets. During December, Christmas markets pop up in cities and towns along the rivers of Europe, including the Rhine and the Danube. You can browse the locally made gifts and keepsakes, sip delicious hot drinks, sample traditional holiday dishes, and admire sparkling light displays. The Mediterranean. Winter is the quiet season for Mediterranean cruises, so your professional travel advisor may be able to find some exceptional fares. The weather will be cool and a bit rainier than in summer, but you won’t face sum...
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When Your Job Might Deliver a Cruise Discount

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  Everyone loves a discount on a fabulous cruise vacation. Your professional travel advisor is your best source of information about all kinds of cruise discounts and deals – many of them are not advertised or known to the traveling public. For example, did you know that people who do certain jobs may qualify for cruise fare discounts? Major cruise lines that offer these discounts include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Virgin Voyages, and more. Getting a deal on a cruise fare may not be a reason to change careers, but if you’re already doing one of the following jobs, talk with your travel advisor for more information. ·          Members of the military. If you’re currently serving or are a veteran of the armed forces, many cruise lines offer discounts to honor your service. ·          First responders. This group includes people who are often first on the sce...
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