With so many cruise lines you will find one that will fit practically perfect with your vacation style. I'll list some major cruise lines and points for each one. I will list some major cruise lines and some key points about them to help you find what might be the best fit for you to have a great vacation
THE FUN SHIPS!
Carnival is called "The Fun Ships" for a reason. They are fun. They have lots of families, and singles, and couples young and old. This cruise is more laid back, with the exception of formal nights (1 or 2 nights depending on the length of the cruise). This is also great for cruising on a budget. They have great food, several classes of ship to choose from (they range in size), fun onboard activities, and much more. For kids they have a program for kids from ages 2-17 broken up in to 5 age groups. There are even newer ships with rooms dedicated to families.
So Carnival is good for:
Families
Parties
Budget
All Ages
Great Food
Casual or Relaxed Cruisers
Kids Programs
Virgin Voyages is for someone that has an open mind to trying something new, with parties like; black and white, pride parties, deck parties. etc. This cruise is more for the extrovert, or introvert looking to explore outside of their comfort zone. This is not your young families cruise, well maybe for them but not for their kids. Or older couples looking for some fun in their getaway. This might be good for a bachelorette, or bachelor party. Stunning food on this ship, as well as cocktails, will be a highlight. This is a great solo cruise as well.
So Virgin is good for:
Singles
Open Minds
Foodies
Extraverts
Partiers
LGBTQ
Friend Groups
Not on a Budget
Gen X
Older Parents
The Love Boat
Come feel the love on a Princess® cruise.
Princess Cruises was catapulted to stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called “The Love Boat.”. Its "Sea Princess logo have remained synonymous with cruising ever since.
A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers millions of guests each year the opportunity to immerse themselves in top destinations around the globe, aboard a fleet of 15 modern vessels.
Princess Cruise Lines passengers tend to fall between the ages of 35 to 65 and sometimes older. Princess passengers have usually sailed multiple times, so it has a more elegant and upscale feeling to the ship, which is reflected in a more adult-oriented atmosphere. However, families should feel welcome here as well. There are generally a few adults-only areas on these cruises.
Princess MedallionClass Vacations begin with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.
So Princess is good for:
All ages
Families
Social adults
People all around the world
Relaxation
Explorers
Adventurers
Learning
Foodies
Adults Only Areas
Great teen clubs
COME SEEK: There’s nothing quite like a Royal Caribbean vessel. The line’s biggest ships are more than 20% bigger than any others, and they feature every type of amusement imaginable. From rock climbing walls and surf simulators, to Broadway shows and ice-skating rinks. Families, in particular, will love it. Royal Caribbean ships are designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including travelers willing to spend at a wide range of price points. With low-cost, windowless “inside” cabins measuring 149 square feet, to multiroom suites that can be more than 10 times that size. The majority of the cabins are balcony cabins, catering to what most cruisers look for. RC is great for families, and people of all ages since these are some of the largest ships there is something for everyone at every age group. With 27 ships, many of them offer adult-only areas and venues for a cruise getaway completely kid-free. For kids, complimentary, year-round Adventure Ocean program is recognized as one of the industry’s leading youth programs. They are also so many other things to know about RC. Contact me for more information,
So Royal Caribbean is good for:
All Ages
Families
Adventurers
Partiers
Foodies
Mid to upper priced
Fun
Relaxed
Kids programs
Adult Only areas
Entertainment
Designed For You: The stylish ships of Celebrity Cruises feature high-end decor, modern technology, excellent enrichment programs, superior dining options and outstanding spas. It is an upscale line that offers some of the small luxuries (like welcome champagne and mimosas) associated with the luxury lines. The ships have elegant public areas featuring high-end artwork, sophisticated modern decor, spacious staterooms and multiple dining choices. There is no shortage of onboard activities and entertainment. Passengers can choose culinary classes/events, language classes, yoga classes, cultural enrichment by distinguished lecturers, dance classes, games and competitions, Vegas-style revues, comedians, talent shows, etc. There is a dress code at some venues and in the dining room. The Celebrity Cruises Youth Program is split into four groups to ensure each group gets the optimal focus and programming for their age, as well as a peers. The kids clubs include, fun and games, S.T.E.M. activities, arts and crafts, culinary classes, and much more. Teen clubs have hangout areas, game systems, sports activities, dances, etc.
So Celebrity is good for:
Upper middle age
Families
Young Adults
Soft Adventurer
Those looking for enrichment at sea
Spa Lovers
Foodies
Luxury at premium price
The most modern fleet in the world:
MSC Cruises sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in Europe, where it’s the biggest cruise operator.
In a typical summer, the line will deploy ships in the Mediterranean or in Northern Europe. In recent years, the line has also kept at least a couple of ships in Florida in the summer for voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
During the winter, MSC Cruises typically will add more ships to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. It’ll also typically send four ships to South America in the winter. It also often deploys vessels in the winter to South Africa and the Middle East.
They also have teen and tween friendly attractions. From some of the largest waterslides at sea, to sprawling amusement areas with race car simulators, flight simulators and XD cinemas. That makes them particularly appealing to families. Families are a big part of MSC Cruises’ business.
But it’s not just families that flock to MSC Cruises. The line’s ships are designed to offer something for everyone, they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers. They also draw customers from a wide range of the income spectrum.
So MSC is good for:
All ages
Families
Singles
People all around the world
All demographics
Relaxation
Entertainment
Kids Programs
Foodies
Adventurers
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Why A River Cruise?
Sailing by river means enjoying all the conveniences of a traditional cruise, along with all the benefits of inland travel. Stopping in multiple destinations on every trip, you’ll visit bustling cities and hidden gem villages, only unpacking once. Even while onboard you’ll be immersed in the local sights, with ever changing views right outside your window. River cruising is absolutely the best way to cruise, and the best and most luxurious river cruise is with Uniworld.
Check out my Uniworld website below!
River & Ocean
We do not try to be all things to all people. Instead, we focus on delivering meaningful experiences to our guests.
Check out my Viking website below!
Cruise excursions are a way to ensure you will have a trip that is as safe as possible, as well as make sure you get to your ship on time. If you just go to port and decide to choose someone there, that might be a great idea as long as they are reliable and get you back in time before your ship leaves...BUT, it also might not be a great idea. There have been several instances where people get left behind because the operator failed to pick them up in time, or bring them back in time, or worse yet, forgot them all together! So this is where Excursion groups come along. Some people like to get their excursions with their cruise line. Others like to look to outside sources because they can be more cost effective. The biggest reason to get a cruise line excursion is because if the excursion for any reason get's back late, the cruise ship will wait for you to come back. Cruise excursion groups don't offer that, but they are very reliable about getting you back in time. They pay attention to traffic and will get you back well before the time your cruise sets sail again.
Shore excursions group is a great shore excursion company that is reliable and cost effective. They have many awards and are proven to have safe companies that are affiliated with them. They offer unique experiences you won't get from the cruise line or any other shore excursion company. You can book with me or choose to check out your options and book yourself by clicking on the link below
Project Expedition is also knows as Elevate. They have a unique website that has a lot of activities to choose from. They have activities for almost anywhere in the world, as well as transportation/or transfer services. They also have a page for shore excursions. I can book an excursion through them for you or you can check them out yourself and book anything you'd like by clicking on the link below.
Find your destination spotlights. Viator will help you find a great tour wherever you want to go. This includes Transfers, tours, and excursions for, Independent travel, cruise travel, and full area tours with overnight stays. You can book directly on here or contact me to book for you. Sometimes I can find more excursions that are not on this page.
Tours by Locals is a private tour guide with a guarantee back to your ship on time. Your local guide will tailor a day of exploring just for you. Go at your own pace, seeing what interests you, skipping what doesn't, and perhaps finding some unexpected surprises along the way. Private shore excursions are great to do as a couple, a family or with a group of friends.
I can book something for you with them. I will help find the best excursion for you
Tours and Excursions
Experience the World with Leading Experts Personal tours for the intentional traveler
Our Difference
Context is a network of scholars and specialists whose aim is to invite travelers off the tourist track and into the real life of the people, history, and culture of the world's greatest cities.
While over 80% of our guides have MA or PhD-level degrees in their fields of expertise, we live by the rule that learning isn't a finite activity. We're inquisitive about the places and people around us. We're inspired by conversations ripe with new perspectives and oft-untold stories. We don't play loose with the facts. Ours is the intellectual seeker's approach to the world: both in life and in work, we thrill at the potent possibility of "yet".
At day's end—we believe that travel is the ultimate form of education, one best served with a heaping side of meaningful interaction and memorable conversation.
Royal Caribbean's Private Island
Get your perfect day at CocoCay. This amazing island has something for everyone!
Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater poolin the Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana.
Carnival's Private Island
This one’s a private island, and — smile! — you’re absolutely welcome here. Grab a Carnival cruise to Half Moon Cay and from your first toe in the sand you’ll understand why it’s anything but a typical destination. All the features and excitement aboard your Carnival cruise pause for a bit, opening up your vacation with a unique island experience.
Disney Cruise Lines Private Island
Castaway Cay invites cruisers to enjoy balmy tropical weather and world-class recreation on a Bahamian oasis with signature Disney hospitality. Disney Cruise Line does its part to preserve this pristine island with clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Castaway Cay researchers are restoring the health of coral reefs by transplanting long-spined sea urchins and fostering their growth.
Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a tourist resort at the southern end of the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas. It is owned by Carnival Corporation, which owns Princess Cruises, among others. Carnival Corporation also owns nearby Half Moon Cay. Contrary to the implication of its name, it is located on Eleuthera, rather than on separate islands.
The island has a tropical climate, with little seasonal variation. Average daily high temperatures in winter are about 75 °F (24 °C), while daily highs in summer are in the 85–88 °F (29–31 °C). The dry season is in winter, while summer is often the wet season with daily thunderstorms.
Excursions here are only available through your cruise line.
In this video link, they provide an updated overview (2023)– and some new tips – for your visit to Princess Cays.
For New or Experienced Cruisers
List With Links
Here Is a list of tips and tricks with non affiliated links of items that might help with your cruise. This list will include just an overview of some important things to know and what you can pack to make your cruise easier.
These are things I personally use and item's I've gathered from others.
IMPORTANT INFO.
One Parent Traveling with a Minor
Most cruise lines do not require a child travel consent form if a child is traveling with only one parent. However, if parent and child do not share a last name, many lines do require you to bring your child's passport and birth certificate as legal proof that you're related. Some cruise lines, such as Princess and Holland America, require children cruising with only one parent to provide a passport in order to cruise, even on closed-loop, round trip U.S. sailings where a birth certificate is otherwise acceptable travel documentation. (This is for emergency situations in which families might need to be debarked in a foreign country.) It's always a good idea for adoptive parents, legal guardians and separated or divorced parents to bring copies of legal documents showing their status, as a precaution.
Do I have to pay full price for my kids?
The first two passengers in a cruise cabin pay the full fare, regardless of age. That means single parents are stuck paying "adult" rates for one kid. The second and third child in the cabin will pay the extra-passenger fee (which is usually discounted off the regular price).
Traveling with a child under 21 that is not legally your child.
Children traveling with adults who are not their parent or legal guardian must present an original, notarized consent form signed by the legal guardian and authorizing them to take the child on the specific cruise, including activities, excursions and allowing emergency medical treatment to be administered if needed.
Each Cruise line will have a unique form to fill out and get notarized.
Do I Need a Passport?
Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location only a birth certificate and ID are needed. A real ID is not necessary for this. These cruises are considered "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere. For instance, if you board a cruise ship at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and after visiting at least one foreign port of call, such as Bermuda, or Cancun, and return to Fort Lauderdale, you have taken a closed loop cruise.
However, you will need a passport if you board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise. This requires you to travel with a valid passport (including infants).
It is recommended to always travel with a passport though in case of emergency. Some emergencies on land might require you to stay at that port in a foreign country. You will need your travel documents in this case to get you back to your country.
For more information visit the US Customs and Boarder Protection website or by clicking the link below.
Cruise Tips Tv
Cruise Tips TV has a great amount of videos to help with cruising. Here is a video on thigs cruisers like to travel with.