Your
answer may indicate the type of cruise you enjoy most: a port-intensive cruise
that calls on a different location most days of the cruise, or a sea-intensive
cruise that spends most days on the open water.
On
a port-intensive cruise, the ship usually sails at night and arrives in a new
port early each morning. You’ll have time to disembark and explore the port,
shop for souvenirs or take an excursion designed to help you experience the
attractions, scenery, food, wine or culture of the region you’re visiting.
Advantages
of a port-intensive cruise include plenty to see and do, with no effort on your
part to move between ports. Popular destinations that offer port-intensive
cruises include Alaska ; clusters of islands,
such as Hawaii and various island groups in
the Caribbean; and the Western Mediterranean ,
where distinctive port cities are a relatively short distance apart.
Port-intensive
cruises are great for guests who like a lot of activity, but these cruises can
leave less time to enjoy the amenities of the ship, which may include pools and
water slides, games, sports, lectures, spas, shops and a variety of dining
options and nightlife spots.
If
exploring the ship appeals to you, a sea-intensive cruise provides plenty of
time to enjoy the amenities and simply relax. Examples of sea-intensive cruises
include trans-Atlantic sailings between New York
and Southampton , England ;
cruises to the Hawaiian Islands that depart from the West Coast; and cruises
that reposition ships, such as ships that sail from Alaska
to the Caribbean at the end of summer.
Keep
in mind that you can reduce the activity level of a port-intensive cruise by
simply remaining on the ship while your fellow passengers go into port. But,
you can’t do much to change the nature of a sea-intensive cruise – the captain
can’t change course to visit the nearest port simply because you feel the need
to get off the ship for awhile.
For
more information about the type of cruise – as well as the destinations, ships
and accommodations – that will suit you best, talk with your Cruise Holidays
personal cruise expert.
