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An Award Winning Team

Here at Cruise Nation, we're extremely proud of the recognition within the travel industry that we have received.

The company was started in 2009, and it that short period of time we have won awards from four different cruise lines, as well as winning awards for our innovation within the cruise market and also for this website!

Best Cruise Holiday Retailer

2019 British Travel Awards

For the third time, the British Public have voted Cruise Nation as their #1 Cruise Holiday retailer! This was announced at the glamourous BTA ceremony in London on the 27th November, 2019.

2017 British Travel Awards

At the star-studded, prestigious event in London on the 29th November 2017, Cruise Nation were voted by the British public as the Best Cruise Holiday Retailer for 2017 at the British Travel Awards.

Best Digital Service

Wave Awards 2017

On 16th February 2017, Cruise Nation won the Best Digital or Web-based Service or Platform at the 2017 Wave Awards.

Best Online Cruise Agent

On 16th February 2017, Cruise Nation won the Best Online Cruise Agent at the 2017 Wave Awards.

Passenger Favourite Cruise Agent

On 16th February 2017, Cruise Nation won the High Commendation for the Passenger Favourite Cruise or Travel Agent at the 2017 Wave Awards.

Best Travel Agent Website

Travolution Awards 2016 2016

On 29th November 2016, Cruise Nation won the Best Travel Agent Website at the 2016 Travolution Awards.

Best Online Travel Agent

Wave Awards 2016

On 18th February 2016, Cruise Nation won the Best Online Travel Agent at the 2016 Wave Awards.

British Travel Awards 2015

On 25th November 2015, Cruise Nation won the Best Cruise Holiday Retailer at the 2015 British Travel Awards.

Website of the Year 2015

Agent Achievement Awards

On 7th July 2015, Cruise Nation came out on top over several other companies across the travel industry to win the Website of the Year at the 20th Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards. This prestigious award was presented by Stephen Mulhern and Lucy Huxley.

Best UK Agent 2015

Costa Cruises

For the second year running Cruise Nation were announced as the Best UK Cruise Agent at the Costa Champions of the Seas event. Cruise Nation were also announced as 'Over the Top' winners, meaning we had gone above and beyond expectations for Costa Cruises. The event was held between February 24th and March 4th 2015 on the Costa Diadema.

CLIA Rising Star 2014

Cruise Lines International Association

Brand new for 2014, The Rising Star award was presented to Cruise Nation for its ability to innovate and adapt to the changing scene within the cruise market by the Cruise Lines International Association for UK and Ireland.

Outstanding Achievement 2014

Carnival Cruise Line

On the 29th January 2015, Carnival Cruise Line presented Cruise Nation with the Outstanding Contribution award for our outstanding work in selling Carnival Cruises.

Best Newcomer 2013

Cruise Nation were named and presented with the Best Newcomer award by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2013.

Best UK Agent 2014

Cruise Nation were officially announced as the Best UK Cruise Agent for Costa Cruises for the first time after winning the prestigious award at the Costa Champions of the Seas event in May 2014 held aboard the Costa Luminosa.

The Champion of the Seas 2012

The Champions of the Seas award was presented to Cruise Nation at the 20th annual Champions at Sea event. The event was held between May 21st and 24th aboard Costa Mediterranea

Best UK Agent Growth 2012

In 2012 Cruise Nation were presented with the Best UK Agent Growth award by Costa Cruises for having the biggest growth out of any UK agent.

Agent Account Development 2011

Princess Cruises

In 2011 Cruise Nation were presented with the Agent of the Year - Account Development award by Princess Cruises. This award was presented to Cruise Nation for having the largest growth out of any agent in the UK.

More than a Million

Norwegian Cruise Line

In 2014 Cruise Nation were presented with the More than a Million Award for generating over £1,000,000 worth of Sales for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

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12 of the best UK cruises

Discover destinations closer to home and avoid the airport queues with a uk cruise holiday.

A UK cruise provides a very different perspective of the place you call home. With no long journeys or baggage restrictions, it’s a hassle-free way to travel and cruises depart from a variety of ports around the country. On a week-long ocean cruise you’ll cover much greater distances and see more than you would on a land-based journey — with the added bonus of only having to pack and unpack once. Cruise companies provide a wide variety of sailings to different parts of the British Isles, including the Orkneys, Hebrides, Scilly and Channel Islands. Here are 12 of the best UK cruises to choose from.

Main photo: the harbour of Portree on the Isle of Skye (Alamy)

Best for sailing in style From the institution of afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters to dancing in the glamorous ballroom, savour everything Cunard is famous for on a four-night scenic cruise to Scotland without touching shore. Depart from Southampton aboard the luxury Queen Victoria, which hugs the coastline before entering the 18-mile Sound of Mull. Look out for golden eagles as you pass the landmark Rubha nan Gall lighthouse and Duart Castle perched on the clifftop.

• Best cruises from Southampton

2. Royal Caribbean

Best for short breaks If you fancy a weekend getaway at sea this two-night cruise to and from Southampton is the way to go. You’ll nip across the Channel to Le Havre where you can head to the beach, explore the MuMa museum of modern art or reach Paris in two hours. Or stay on board and enjoy the fun-filled Anthem of the Seas where the raft of exciting attractions include a skydiving simulator, dodgem cars and the North Star, the highest observation platform at sea.

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3. MSC Cruises

Best for family fun Sail into one of the world’s biggest natural harbours at Cork on a four-night round-trip sailing from Southampton to Ireland on MSC Virtuosa, one of the biggest cruise ships in the MSC fleet. Cork’s maritime history, which includes the Titanic making its last stop before its ill-fated voyage, can be explored at the dramatic Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre. Next stop is the Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of Dorset with the 18-mile sweep of Chesil beach.

4. Princess Cruises

Best for number of ports Circumnavigate the whole of the UK on this 11-night itinerary that features nine ports of call including Dublin , Belfast , Glasgow , Edinburgh and Newcastle . Sailing to and from Southampton on Emerald Princess, you’ll also head across to the Channel Islands with a stop at Guernsey , where there’s a garden celebrating the life of its famous resident, Les Misérables author Victor Hugo. Before returning home the ship nips across to Le Havre with the chance for a day in Paris .

5. Oceania Cruises

Best for exploring islands Discover the mainland and more on this 20-night sailing from Southampton to Dublin aboard Oceania Sirena. Enjoy a taste of the Scottish Highlands on the Shetland Isles before cruising to the Orkneys to see the enigmatic standing stones of Stenness and 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. After sailing around Ireland, with seven ports of call, Sirena crosses the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man where quirky transport options include the longest narrow-gauge steam railway in the British Isles.

6. Fred. Olsen

Best for wildlife spotting Representatives from the marine charity Orca will join this five-night sailing around Ireland aboard Borealis and they’ll keep a lookout to help maximise wildlife spotting opportunities; passengers can also learn about Orca and play a part in assisting with conservation work. The ship will cruise through the rugged landscapes of Lough Swilly and Tory Island, the most remote inhabited land in Ireland. The round-trip Liverpool sailing also brings the chance to see the dramatic Unesco-listed Giant’s Causeway near Belfast.

7. P&O Cruises

Best for off-the-beaten-track ports Showcasing a mix of famous sights and lesser-known destinations, this 14-night round-trip Southampton sailing is on the adults-only Arcadia. You’ll sail to Killybegs in Donegal, Ireland’s largest fishing port, and visit the factory of Donegal Carpets, whose rugs grace the White House and Buckingham Palace. Another fascinating stop is Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey off Wales, where you’ll soak up the views on a coastal walk or visit the Roman walls and 13th-century church.

8. Regent Seven Seas

Best for all-inclusive Sail the nation’s shorelines in ultimate comfort on this ten-night cruise from London to Belfast on Seven Seas Voyager, a line known for its luxury cruise holidays. Shore excursions, unlimited drinks, laundry service, wi-fi and tips are all included and the top suites come with butler service. Taking in England, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man, a Manx highlight is taking the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit. On fine days you can see six kingdoms; Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and — the locals say — heaven.

9. Noble Caledonia

Best for small-ship cruising Garden-lovers will be in their element on this six-night sailing along England’s south coast which also takes in the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly . The round-trip Portsmouth itinerary is on the intimate 100-passenger Hebridean Sky. On Guernsey you can visit the subtropical gardens at Sausmarez Manor and in Cornwall Caerhays Castle is home to the magnificent National Magnolia Collection. You’ll also venture to the renowned Abbey Gardens on Tresco where more than 20,000 species from over 80 countries thrive in the island’s warm microclimate.

noble-caledonia.co.uk

Best for adults With a focus on the history of the Celts, this 13-night round-trip Southampton cruise is aboard the line’s newest adult-only ship Spirit of Adventure. The itinerary explores the heritage of five of the six Celtic nations; Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Cornwall. Elsewhere, the ship calls at culture-rich St Helier, the capital of Jersey , and the colourful first town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, plus vibrant Liverpool with a maritime history that can be explored in the waterfront museum.

travel.saga.co.uk

11. Ambassador Cruise Line

Best for value for money Head onboard the 1,400-passenger Ambience for an 11-night round-Britain cruise from Tilbury and you’ll sail to Scotland, Ireland, the Isles of Scilly and Guernsey in the Channel Islands before hopping over to France for a day in the pretty fishing port of Honfleur. Highlights include Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, where paintbox-coloured buildings line the main street.

ambassadorcruiseline.com

12. Hurtigruten

Best for expedition-style cruising Modern-day adventurers can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs along the dramatic Jurassic coast and learn about the Callanish standing stones, described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, on this round-trip 14-night sailing from Dover. Other highlights on the cruise include isolated islands such as Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. Passengers on the 528-passenger MS Maud sail with knowledgeable expedition team members that lead shore excursions and give in-depth talks on all the destinations.

hurtigruten.com

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The Top Cruise Advisors

To find the ship and sailing right for you, go through a cruise specialist. Here's why—and who to call.

Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips

Ashton Palmer of Expedition Trips began as an expedition leader, guide, and naturalist. He specializes in small ship expedition cruises—companies like Aqua Expeditions, Ponant, Lindblad, Scenic, Aurora, and more. He has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon. His email: [email protected]

Tom Baker, Cruise Center

Tom Baker of Cruise Center specializes in large and ­medium-size ships from such lines as Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. He also has clout with river lines: AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Viking. But really there is nothing cruise-­related he can’t help with; he has sailed on more than 250 ships over the course of 50 years. His email: [email protected]

Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Mary Jean Tully of Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel has for decades now sent a great many clients to all the luxury cruise lines. Her contacts enable her to secure the best cabins for her customers, as well as a wide range of onboard credits—i.e., she can be your ticket to special treatment at sea. Because she is intermittently in Africa—her other passion, in addition to life on the high seas, is wildlife conservation—her deputy, Cheri Ozimac, will take excellent care of you. Mary Jean's email: [email protected]; Cheri Ozimac's email: [email protected]

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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Cruise holidays: Why you should book cruises through a travel agent

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 31 October 2021

Updated on: 23 February 2024

Booking a cruise holiday at the top of your travel list right now? You may well wonder if you should book through a cruise agent or book direct. Here are the advantages of booking with a cruise specialist.

You have hundreds of tabs open on your computer, all featuring different cruise lines, ships, deals, excursions and flights as you desperately try to make sense of it all – don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

When it comes to booking a cruise holiday, it can be an overwhelming experience to say the least. With countless elements to remember such as booking onboard services, it is almost too easy to forget something essential when booking a cruise holiday occurs exclusively between you and your computer.

Cruise agents are a knowledgeable and reliable option for those booking their first cruise or even for repeat cruisers and can prove invaluable when finding the best deals and holidays for you.

Close down those tabs and discover how booking a cruise (and all the extras!) could be as easy as simply speaking to a travel agent.

Should I use a travel agent for cruise?

Using a travel agent to book a cruise means you can put your cruise holiday in the safe hands of an expert. Gone are the days of hoping your cruise is everything the website describes it as, with cruise specialists on hand, you can be secure in the knowledge that you will have a ball!

Moreover, travel agents possess years of experience in the travel sector, with leading agent ROL Cruise having over 25 years of experience working alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Cunard, P&O Cruises and more.

ROL Cruise goes further to ensure they train their employees to the highest standard to ensure that you get exactly what you want out of your cruise holiday. The proof is in the pudding, with ROL Cruise winning Best Specialist Cruise Agent at the Wave Awards 2021 and Call Centre Agency of the Year at Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards 2021.

Why use a travel agent for cruise?

You truly feel the benefits of the expertise a travel agent possesses when it comes down to booking your cruise holiday.

From personalised advice as to how to achieve exactly what you want to do, whether this is to simply shop till you drop or maybe to marvel at the expansive wildlife the world has to offer, simply tell your travel agent and your wish is their command!

- READ MORE: How to book a cruise for the first time -

For nervous first-time cruisers, a travel agent will be on hand to answer any burning questions you have right up to embarkation day to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible – from what to pack to personalised top tips on what to do onboard, no question is a silly question.

Even seasoned cruisers can find use with a travel agent, you may be encouraged to go outside of your comfort zone with an excursion recommendation or perhaps with a different style of cruise entirely!

A travel agent also comes with an extra layer of security, with ROL Cruise having an ABTA membership and ATOL licence, meaning that all packages of tailormade holidays booked are protected including flights.

Travel agents look after your holiday as if it were their own, meaning the previously stressful experience of booking and organising a cruise holiday is taken away. With ROL Cruise staff having a combined 1,000 years-plus travel expertise, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.

Can a travel agent save you money on a cruise?

The short answer is – yes, they can! Booking with a travel agent typically comes alongside additional benefits such as Cruise Miles, the official rewards programme from ROL Cruise. The programme, which is endorsed by all major cruise lines, rewards customers with one Cruise Mile for every pound spent.

- READ MORE: What you might not know about living on a cruise ship -

The Cruise Miles rewards programme currently has over 400,000 members and has saved them over £9million on their cruises!

Book your cruise holiday with ROL Cruise here and find out more about the Cruise Miles programme here .

Competition: Win a Cunard 7-night Atlantic Coast and Iberia cruise worth over £2,500 with ROL Cruise - COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

Most popular cruise destinations for 2022 and beyond, how to enjoy p&o cruises ship iona to the max as a couple or family, foodie or spa seeker, can i live on a cruise ship what you might not know about full-time life on board, jennie bond on cruising with george clooney and the one 'treat' she's allowed, jennie bond announced as guest speaker for 2019 rol cruise, the best cruises to the world’s oceans, five must-see sights on a river cruise through europe, top 5 ‘must-see’ destinations on a world cruise, about lucy abbott.

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best travel agency for rssc

By Missmimi , April 28, 2019 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Last time we cruised with Regent, we booked directly through the hotline. Once on board, everybody talled us it would be much better to book though a travel agency. How is your experience? Did you get the same conditions, per example cabin upgrades, and in addition further perks and benefits? Does it mean you have to go in an agency ( I mean physically), or is it also possible by phone? We live In Europe and I guess the TA are not really specialized in selling lots or rssc cruises. Thank you for your advices.

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ronrick1943

The best TA is the one you're happy with and works for you.  You should get everything Regent gives and more.  Once you find an agent that you enjoy and that works and meets your needs, when you book directly you can transfer your booking to your TA.  We always book with an e-mail to our TA, it's that easy.

Cruise Critic - being a travel agency themselves - do not like posts that recommend other agents and they delete them, which is understandable.  So I will just talk in general terms...

We live in Switzerland and so should book our cruises via whichever Swiss agents Regent has or via Regent Europe in Southampton UK.  For several cruises, when we started cruising, we did book via a Zürich agent.  Then our agent retired and someone I met on a cruise suggested using an agent in the USA.  We both lived in the US for a long time, have US bank accounts etc so this was not a problem for us and that is what we did.  We love our agent who is hyper efficient.  Only downside is that she cannot do flights for us because we originate from Europe.  You need to consider that too - some agents will give a "kick back" on the costs and others discount it heavily but if you then have to add flight costs as well you might pay more for your cruise than if you went directly to RSSC.

I would check the offerings on Cruise Critic UK via this site and then see what other deals you can get.  More than this I am not prepared to say on this site!!

10 hours ago, Missmimi said: We live In Europe and I guess the TA are not really specialized in selling lots or rssc cruises.

We live in the UK and there are a number of Travel Agencies who deal with all the luxury cruise lines, including Regent. I am sure the same is true for many other European countries.

Most TAs will give a reasonable discount off Regent's web price and/or other perks; this on top of any promotions that Regent are offering at the time.

The Agencies advertise on the internet and can be dealt with by phone and email.

You can always discuss your requirements direct with the Regent office and then have the booking transferred to your chosen TA for their additional benefits.

Obviously do your research and due diligence on any TA before using them as there are a few rogues out there; one check is to ask Regent how much business they do with them.

We know people (one on this thread) that use a TA in the United States.  There are benefits to doing that but I'm not certain how it was arranged.  I'm also not sure if people that use a TA in the U.S. have that rule where deposits are non-refundable like they do in the U.K. but these things are worth looking into.

You definitely do not need to have a TA that you can visit.  Our TA is nowhere near where we live - we communicate mostly by email (which is nice because you don't have to "remember" what was said as it is in writing).   

We've been using our TA for about 15 years, even after three or four moves.  He's now located about 1,500 miles away from us and although we book travel through him once or twice a year, we haven't set foot in his office since about 2009?  In fact, I think we only went to his office once or twice even when we lived close!

So no, your TA doesn't need to be local.    :-)

• 2 weeks later...

When I am looking for an agent I find that it can be helpful to search the videos on YouTube for the cruise line and ship in which you are interested.  My reasoning is that if there is an agency that is interested enough to invest time and money into a video they might make a good agency.  Sometimes the video will be in a language other than English.

I gave this advice to a friend who lives in Germany and he found a very good cruise agency in that country by using this system.

I use a TA in the US because my husband is a US national (Swiss as well though) and he worked for a very long time for a US bank consequently we have US bank accounts - from which we pay for our cruises.  I think because of that we were allowed to work with a US based TA.   I am very very happy with my TA!  That said, she warned me at the outset that her agency could not handle my flights.  At the time it didn't matter because Regent UK was not offering included flights.  Now they are - just like Regent in the US.  This could change things for us I suppose because flights are getting more and more expensive...

4 hours ago, Hambagahle said: I use a TA in the US because my husband is a US national (Swiss as well though) and he worked for a very long time for a US bank consequently we have US bank accounts - from which we pay for our cruises.  I think because of that we were allowed to work with a US based TA.   I am very very happy with my TA!  That said, she warned me at the outset that her agency could not handle my flights.  At the time it didn't matter because Regent UK was not offering included flights.  Now they are - just like Regent in the US.  This could change things for us I suppose because flights are getting more and more expensive...

You don’t need any American connection to use an American TA. I’m 100% European, but I have booked all our Regent cruises through an American TA based in Florida, as she offers good service and significant rebates. The USD 100 cancellation fee is also an incentive. 

Everything is done via email, and it works perfectly fine.  

7 minutes ago, jmalux said:   You don’t need any American connection to use an American TA. I’m 100% European, but I have booked all our Regent cruises through an American TA based in Florida, as she offers good service and significant rebates. The USD 100 cancellation fee is also an incentive.    Everything is done via email, and it works perfectly fine.  

When we switched from a Swiss agent to the US one years ago I was given a hard time by Regent for doing this.  Same thing happened with Oceania when we booked our first O. cruise.  Finally I told them that either I used the agent I preferred or I would find another cruise line...  that sorted it.   It does however help a lot to have a US bank account - no exchange rate problems.

We live in US and our awesome TA is in Canada!

If you don't need hand holding then just follow the money and find the one that gives you the best deal. Trust me; if you spend a little time and make some phone calls you can find someone who will give you an excellent deal. Always call. Don't use email except maybe for and initial contacts. Many agents will never negotiate via email.  Keep shopping and don't be afraid to tell the agent if you found a better deal. Let the agent know that you could become a long time customer for the right deal. Also some Agents are part of different consortiums that  offer additional amenities, often in the form of onboard credit. (Sometime the onboard credits are like cash; in that you can cash it out from the purser when onboard. Others are use it-or lose it.)

19 hours ago, amusea said:   When I am looking for an agent I find that it can be helpful to search the videos on YouTube for the cruise line and ship in which you are interested.  My reasoning is that if there is an agency that is interested enough to invest time and money into a video they might make a good agency.  Sometimes the video will be in a language other than English. I gave this advice to a friend who lives in Germany and he found a very good cruise agency in that country by using this system.

In my opinion, it is much more important for a TA to have sailed on all Regent ships rather than simply doing a video (unless they have videos of all the ships that they took themselves while onboard.)

For us, the rebate is important as well as being on top of changes (our TA constantly looks for any changes/promotions offered by Regent).  We have called them with what we thought was a better deal than we had only to learn that what we had was actually better.

It is also helpful if the TA is not a one person agency.  One person agencies stand still when the TA is unavailable or on vacation.  Having an excellent team to help clients makes a huge difference.  If we need our TA on the weekends or at nights, they are available (of course, we would not contact them during these times unless it was important).

I understand that the laws in some European countries prevent TA's from offering what is offered in the U.S. and Canada but, if you can use a U.S. based TA, it is worth the effort.

Unfortunately my friend had a very hard time finding any agency that specialized in cruises in Germany.  I suggested that he use my agent but he did not want to use an agency outside Germany.  He travels extensively around the world but his travel agency does not focus on cruise travel.  Finally he did find a large German agency that specialized in cruises.   Actually he was about to give up on his quest but using the YouTube video as a source things turned out well.  He has been very happy with this cruise agency although it is not in his hometown.  Since he is very proficient on the internet (he is a lawyer) and had searched for several weeks this was a very happy result for him.  I also tried to search agencies in Europe and was surprised at the lack of specialized cruise agencies so it would have been even harder to search for an agent who had sailed on Regent.  The whole thrust of European agencies seems to be on package tours and although he lives in the biggest city in Germany he could not find any cruise specialist there.  So while your comments are valid for North America I don't think they necessarily apply to other countries which was the original inquiry.  In any case, I was delighted with his find because he and another person will now be joining us next year on our Regent cruise to the Middle East and I was just trying to pass information about this successful search.

And what do you do if your tried and trusted travel agent doesn't offer any Regent cruises?  They offer Seabourn, Silversea and Azamara and nothing else in the luxury class!!!!

DavidTheWonderer

56 minutes ago, babs135 said: And what do you do if your tried and trusted travel agent doesn't offer any Regent cruises?  They offer Seabourn, Silversea and Azamara and nothing else in the luxury class!!!!

Sadly you need to consider another TA.

3 hours ago, babs135 said: And what do you do if your tried and trusted travel agent doesn't offer any Regent cruises?  They offer Seabourn, Silversea and Azamara and nothing else in the luxury class!!!!

Then, go on Seabourn!

It is interesting that the TA offers only 2 luxury cruise lines and one premium plus (Azamara).  Obviously, both Regent and Crystal are luxury cruise ships.  Very strange!

9 hours ago, babs135 said: And what do you do if your tried and trusted travel agent doesn't offer any Regent cruises?  They offer Seabourn, Silversea and Azamara and nothing else in the luxury class!!!!

That's ridiculous, time to get another TA. I understand he/she is "trusted", but we're not talking brain surgery here!

17 hours ago, Travelcat2 said: I understand that the laws in some European countries prevent TA's from offering what is offered in the U.S. and Canada

🤔  I am not aware of any laws in Europe that curtail TAs making offers to their customers.

Regent has promotions on some cruises that are only offered in certain countries. Sometimes the USA gets a deal; sometimes Europe; sometimes everywhere.

The main driver for price differentials is currency exchange rates, especially during periods of volatility.

It is also important to check what is included in the cruise fare. For example: Regent base fares in the USA include Business Air; base fares in the UK include Economy Air; in some other countries Air is not included

10 hours ago, babs135 said: And what do you do if your tried and trusted travel agent doesn't offer any Regent cruises?  

Does your "tried & trusted" TA offer discounts or other perks?

Although I cannot name them there are very good TAs in the UK that deal with all the luxury lines, including Regent, offer excellent customer service and provide healthy discounts  🙂

Maybe time for you to "shop around".

35 minutes ago, flossie009 said: 🤔  I am not aware of any laws in Europe that curtail TAs making offers to their customers. Regent has promotions on some cruises that are only offered in certain countries. Sometimes the USA gets a deal; sometimes Europe; sometimes everywhere.   The main driver for price differentials is currency exchange rates, especially during periods of volatility. It is also important to check what is included in the cruise fare. For example: Regent base fares in the USA include Business Air; base fares in the UK include Economy Air; in some other countries Air is not included

I did not post that there are laws in Europe that curtail TA's from making offers to their customers.  I did post that some laws in Europe/U.K. prevent TA's from offering what is offered in the United States and Canada and this is true.  

In recent years, sales in the Med. have been soft and it is likely more cost effective to lower prices for people in Europe since they do not have to include international business class airfares, etc.  

Perhaps sometime you may want to list the benefits offered in the U.K. (like lower fares) and posters can see which benefits in the U.S./Canada are the same and which are not.  

You mentioned Regent discounts that are sometimes country specific and sometimes are not.  I do not disagree, however, I thought that we were discussing TA offers rather than Regent offers.

Note:  I'm specifically referring to consumer protection laws in the U.K.  that we do not have in the U.S.  (at least not to the extent that they exist in the U.K.).  

8 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said: I did post that some laws in Europe/U.K. prevent TA's from offering what is offered in the United States and Canada and this is true.

Sorry if I am slow on the uptake, but I am still struggling to understand what is being offered by TAs in North America that cannot, by law, be offered by European TAs.

Regarding your suggestion that I list UK benefits, the only detailed information I could give is the Regent web prices offered to us in the UK and the discounts offered by our UK TA.

I did not understand your reference to " benefits offered in the U.K. (like lower fares) "

Certainly most, if not all, additional offers made on Regent cruises by TAs in the UK emanate from Regent; either as a special offer to that TA and/or by the TA passing on part of their commission to the customer. Is this not the same as arrangements in the USA?

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Is It Best To Use a Travel Agent or Book Directly With The Cruise Line? (Money-Saving Hints and Tips For Booking, and Much More…)

Welcome to today’s lesson, where we look at whether or not it is best to use a travel agent.

I usually use a Travel Agent, as it saves me any problems should something go wrong!

Knowing my travel agent will be there for me saves lots of unnecessary stress, and booking costs no more (and sometimes less) than booking directly with the cruise company.

Should You Book Through a Travel Agent?

Always use a reputable travel agent make sure they are members of a reputable trade body (such as abta in the uk.).

• No travel agent should charge you more than booking directly with the cruise line.
• They earn their money from the sale of the cruise and get a commission from the Cruise line for doing that.
• You don’t have to pay to use a travel agent.
• At the very least, it should be the same price as booking direct.

Extra Perks You May Get Through Booking With A Travel Agent

• Free upgrades.
• Onboard Credit.
• Freebies – like a bottle of champagne in your room on arrival.

The Pros of Booking with a Travel Agent

• A travel agent has great buying power, so they may be able to get a better price as their company can sell multiple cabins on that cruise.
• They provide free advice and support to those wishing to book.
• They have early access to offers – cheap deposits etc.
• Freebies and perks are often included.
• They may have a hold on certain cabin types – for example, you may not be able to book an inside cabin directly with the cruise line, they may say they are sold out. The agent may still have some of that grade of cabin available for them to sell to you.
• You can tell the agent if there is any particular grade or type of cabin you want to avoid – for example, cabins with interconnecting doors to the next cabin.
• They will notify you if there have been any changes to your itinerary or flights after booking.
• If you have any problems after booking the agent will contact the cruise line on your behalf. This saves you from being on hold for hours – particularly useful for cruise lines where customer service is not a high priority!
• They will give you impartial advice about the cruise you are booking. Cruise lines will want to sell you their cruise – whether it is suitable for you or not!

The Cons of Booking with a Travel Agent

• You may not have as much control over your cruise booking. You may be able to log in online to the cruise line website to view your cruise booking, but you may not be able to change dining times etc. You will need to email the agent with any changes and they will contact the cruise line directly.

Reasons to Consider Booking Directly

Sometimes I do book directly with the cruise line, but only if I have a very good reason to do so. Some of the reasons I have booked directly are below:

• If you know exactly what you want to book, booking online can be very quick and easy. If you are unsure of what you want, maybe consider an agent.
• I often use cashback websites for online purchases, and on one occasion I was able to get 10% cashback on my cruise booking. This cashback is well worth having on a large spend like a cruise holiday.
• When I booked both an ocean cruise and a separate river cruise with Tui, I booked direct because they were offering a discount code to use on every booking.
• If you shop in Tesco in the UK, you can use “Clubcard points” earnt to get money off your cruise.
• These clubcard points can only be used if you book directly with the cruise line.

To find out about the Tui cruises I booked directly, using an online discount code – and whether I got value for money watch these videos next:

Ocean Cruise

​I Took My First FLY Cruise Since The Pandemic​

River Cruise

​I Tried a BUDGET River Cruise and It Wasn’t What I Expected​

Other ways to save money on your booking or get money back

• You may only get 1% back on your purchase, but if they are free to use, you have made money that you can put towards a drinks package or excursion. (Do first check that your particular card doesn’t charge any unexpected additional fees)
• Many cruise lines have their own credit cards. When you spend money your earn points which can be exchanged for onboard credit. These last for around five years. Do make sure you pay off your credit card bill as soon as possible though, as the interest rates can be very high.

How to find cheap cruises

I like to start my searches with “ Vacations To Go .” They are an American Cruise Travel agent, and they list all the cruises sailing every month, all over the world. ​Vacations To Go​

You can sort by:

• Price Per Night
• By the month
• Last minute bargains

Be aware that the prices shown will have tax and port fees on top, it isn’t the final price. It will, however, give you some good ideas, and let you find the cruises that are a good deal.

Although you can book with “Vacations To Go” if you are in the USA, and in some cases the UK or the rest of the world, you won’t have the same protection as if you booked in your own country of residence.

UK Travel Agencies

I have used many online cruise travel agencies – Iglu Cruise, CruiseNation, Cruise.co.uk – but now I use Travel Counsellors.

Travel Counsellors send my quote via an App and I can accept or decline it. They are always available if I have any concerns or questions and provide wonderful service.

I have found that many other travel agencies offer an attractive price – but when you ring and try to book it, that offer is suddenly no longer available!

Other Important Things to Check Once You Have Booked

• Check your paperwork to make sure that everything you are expecting is included – flights, transfers etc.
• Make sure your personal details are correct. This is particularly important if you have an unusual name like me! it will cause problems further down the line if there is a misspelling of any kind.

I do hope this email will help in your search for bargain cruise deals! Hopefully, it has also helped you decide whether booking with a travel agent or going directly to the cruise line is best for you.

Taking a Cruise: Recommendations and Resources Book a Cruise Get Travel Insurance Emma Cruises Shop My Favourite Bags – Mia Tui

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Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book in 2024

C ruises are a type of vacation many people enjoy, especially us. They allow for an all-inclusive trip where you can partake in your favorite activities on the ship and off, with selected excursions. But what is the best cruise for you?

It's easy to indulge in gourmet cuisine that seems ever-flowing and never-ending and to enjoy ship amenities. We consider these things when planning a cruise and weighing the options. Here, we share other factors for you to consider to find the best cruises for you, like health and safety, ship-within-a-ship experiences, and even ports of call to factor into your decision.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase,  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Cruises to Book: Top Considerations

Different types of cruises vary in cost, from river cruises to mega-ship cruising to yacht cruising and beyond.

Ocean and river cruises , for example, have similarities yet differ in amenities and dining options. They tend to target different ages and types of travelers. Additionally, the ship size helps determine what ports they can stop at.

Maybe you cruised once and didn't like it, yet something has piqued your curiosity again. We truly believe there is a cruise for everyone! If you tried a huge ship and didn't love it, seek out small ship cruises. Or vice versa.

The ship size is one of the top considerations to start exploring the best cruise to book. That will also determine where you look for a cruise.

Start Your Best Cruises Search by Size

We recommend trying different varieties of size cruise ships. Try a small or medium-sized ship if you took a cruise on a large ship in the past.

You can consider a cruise line with 500 passengers, for example (like Hurtigruten ), or go even smaller, like 200-passenger river cruise ships (like Emerald Cruises ). You can even go smaller and try yacht cruises !

We have included resources for you if you're unsure of what size cruise to book. Or, you can reach out to our preferred travel agents to have a conversation about it.

Mega-Cruise Ships

Larger ships, which are the most readily available and approachable for families and couples overall, have thousands of passengers. Sometimes, they have upwards of 1,000 to 4,000 guests depending on the cruise line and ship. And cruise lines seem to be outdoing themselves, making them bigger and larger every year.

Because of their size, mega ships often have sizeable fitness centers/gyms, big spas offering many treatments from massages to teeth-whitening, and multiple pools and hot tubs.

Here are our top three places to look for current prices and offerings if you're going to look up cruise vacations on big ships:

• Cruise Direct
• Cruise Critic

Small Ship Cruises

On the contrary, river and yacht cruises usually have one pool, max, and one or two spa treatment rooms. Some ships don't have a pool at all. Some cruise ships have gyms, while others don't. A good example is Emerald Cruises vs. Viking – Emerald Cruises river cruise ships have a gym and a pool, and Viking Longships do not have either.

A small cruise may be perfect for a couple traveling abroad, wanting to experience something special and more intimate. In this case, river cruises, barge cruises , and expedition cruises are the perfect cruises to consider. These cruises travel to unique destinations.

Take an eco-focused cruise to Alaska , a journey to Antarctica , or a river cruise to the wine region of Portugal on the Douro River.

But depending on your needs, desires, and preferences, often the favorable guest-to-crew ratio and intimacy of a small cruise is just what you need for your best cruise vacation.

When we sailed on Star Clipper , there was one small massage room on the top deck. But it was perfect, and the massage was incredibly affordable. It was just what we needed.

Ports to Consider for the Best Cruises

Maybe you want to go to big ports, like in Barcelona, Spain, Marseille, France , or Nassau in the Bahamas. These are big cruise ports that larger ships go to. Or, say you want to go to small, lesser-known European destinations that only river cruise ships can dock at.

The ports you have in mind may inform your decision of the best cruises for you. Additionally, if you don't have a passport or want to stay very close to home in the United States, consider a closed – loop cruise itinerary.

United States Embarkation Ports

One of the benefits of going on a cruise from the United States is that you can potentially drive to the port or quickly fly there from within the country. (Don’t forget to check if you need a passport if your cruise heads to other ports outside of the USA.)

US cruise ports are plentiful! There are dozens of ports over the coastal United States, from California and Florida to Maryland, New York, and South Carolina.

Five of the most popular ones that are all near major airports and highways are the cruise ports of:

• Seattle, Washington
• San Diego, California
• Los Angeles, California
• Miami, Florida
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

All major cruise lines have a cruise leaving from one of the ports above.

If you're gravitating towards the idea of a United States River Cruises, it will surely leave from a United States port. Some are even inland, like along the Mississippi River or Tennessee River.

International Cruise Ports

If you want to sail in other countries or even continents, when considering the best cruises, consider cruises that sail through Europe, Asia, or South America.

Great cruise itineraries sail the coast of places like Chile, Japan, and the UK. You usually have to start somewhere outside of the United States for this, though some cruises that start in the USA sail to Mexico and Central America.

A Central America cruise may stop in Panama (and even go through the Panama Canal), Costa Rica, or Belize. A popular Mexico port of call on the east coast is Cozumel, and Porto Vallarta is popular on the west coast .

As an example, we sailed on Celebrity Apex from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and we stopped at Belize City, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. Another example was when we were able to go to three continents in eight days during a Celestyal Cruises vacation.

Destination Ports of Call

Suppose you are interested in a cruise that goes to a particular region of the United States, North America, or the world. In that case, you will want to search by destination or embarkation port.

Examples are:

• For a cruise to Baja California (which sails into Mexico), leave Los Angeles.
• Do you want to cruise to Alaska ? Search for cruises that leave from Seattle, Washington.
• If you want to sail to the Caribbean, you’ll likely depart from the Port of Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. This is because they are all Florida ports.
• Are you cruising to the Great Lakes ? You’ll want to leave from the Midwest or Northeast, including Chicago and Boston.
• If you want to sail to the Mediterranean, in Europe, search for a cruise that leaves from Barcelona, Spain.

Best Cruise Lines to Consider

The best cruise lines are likely all names you’ve heard, even if you’ve never been on a cruise. However, if you’re starting to look into the world of cruising, some may be new to you!

Mega-Ship Cruise Lines to Look into for Your Next Cruise Vacation

• Celebrity Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Viking Ocean Cruises (they have a popular river cruise line too)
• Holland America Line
• Virgin Voyages

Small Cruise Lines to Consider for Your Next Cruise

• Emerald Cruises
• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• Maple Leaf Adventures
• American Queen Voyages
• American Cruise Lines
• AmaWaterways
• European Waterways
• Hurtigruten
• Linblad (including National Geographic cruises)
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

Cruise Pricing

The search criteria on any cruise's or third-party cruise-booking website contains the categories we shared above. However, there are more factors for you when you determine the best cruise to book. Price is a result that pops up in search results, affecting which cruise you book for your next vacation.

Cruise prices will vary based on the following factors:

• Length of the cruise.
• Cruise destinations (or ports the cruise visits).
• The season you’re sailing.
• How many guests are in your cabin or stateroom. (Most cruise lines allow two adults and two children, maximum.) 
• Category of stateroom you book: inside, outside view, balcony or suite, for instance.

For small cruise ships, the price may also vary depending on the supply and demand. This is true for larger cruise ships too (especially for seasonal demand) but with smaller cruise ships, the smaller the ship and the more in demand the cruise line or itinerary, the more money the cruise.

Read more about what's included with river cruises , in particular.

Best CruiseS Prioritize Health and Safety

If you are concerned about the number of people on a cruise ship, we would argue that cruising is one of the safest ways to travel . This was true pre-pandemic and remains true now.

We have always appreciated the measures cruise lines take to ensure it is the safest way to travel.

This includes sanitization of the ship, cleaning all areas of the vessel, and the lengths they go to report these methods to the public. No other travel industry sector does so much, so publicly for its guests.

Additional Factors to Consider When Deciding What Cruise Is for You

Other factors may influence your decision about what cruise you book, which you may not have previously considered. 

Deciding what amenities or bonuses you desire before booking your cruise is important. The following few sections will provide helpful tips when considering a cruise vacation.

Travel Agent Kickbacks and Perks

If you book a cruise with a travel agent, there is the potential to get an onboard stateroom credit to use on the ship. Many people use the credit for things like cocktails, dining reservations, or spa treatments.

Ready to Book Your Cruise or INquire?

Use our preferred travel advisors, bolds travel, because….

• They take away the hassle of travel planning : time spent on the phone with the cruise line could be time you spend doing other things.
• You don't pay them a dime : their service is free (this is because they get paid by the cruise line or destination).
• Their experience: They have decades of experience and attention to detail.

Loyalty Programs

If you’re the type of person who likes to be rewarded for loyalty, consider cruise lines that reward repeat cruisers. 

For example, Disney Cruise Line has its “ Castaway Club ,” and Princess has its Captain’s Circle. Some enrollment is automatic after your first cruise, and others you have to sign up for.

Ship-within-a-Ship Cruises

The ship-within-a-ship cruise category is for cruisers who want a large ship’s amenities, activities, and entertainment but the exclusive treatment of smaller cruises.

These are clubs, of sorts, within a cruise you book before you reserve a suite, for instance, with access to a concierge level. In addition, you’ll gain privileged access to private pools, restaurants, and services like a butler 24/7.

Ship-within-a-ship cruises will cost you a little more than another category room, of course. But that’s because of the added services you’re receiving with it. 

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has The Haven, and Princess has its MedallionClass . One of our favorites is The Retreat with Celebrity Cruises , where guests get perks like eating at Luminae and have access to suite perks, including in-room workout gear if you sign up for an AquaSuite .

Private Islands

Some cruise lines have private islands that are cool to visit. Only the cruise line’s ships will visit them.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean itineraries go to their island, CocoCay. Disney Cruise Line’s Caribbean sailings go to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. 

These islands have been developed with cruiser vacationers in mind. So they’re complete with memorable excursion adventures, waterslides, rides (like zip lines), bars, restaurants, and more.

Family Friendliness

Some cruise lines are more friendly towards multi-generational groups. 

Disney Cruise Line has repeatedly been voted the best cruise line for families, which is not a surprise to anyone! Other cruise lines aren’t necessarily known for their “youthful” activities. Rather than wave pools and rock climbing, they focus on fine dining and casinos.

More children and families will be on cruises when kids’ school breaks occur, regardless of the cruise line. This is expected during spring break, summer break, and winter break.

There are things to keep in mind to determine if a cruise is a right fit for your family, especially if you have young kids:

• Onboard a ctivities , like laser tag, go-karts, ice skating, and more.
• If there is childcare onboard , including what ages it covers. Onboard childcare means that you can check your kids into a “babysitter” service. They can be supervised and play with other children their age while you enjoy the cruise as adults only for a few hours. Some cruise lines require additional payment for this service.
• Bathtubs : It may seem like a silly thing to consider, but if you have a young toddler who doesn’t bathe in a shower and you need a tub for bath time at night, you will want to check to see what the bathroom situation is in the cabins before you book. Some cruises have cabins with standing showers only, and others have tubs too.
• Kids sail free : Sometimes, to entice you to book a particular cruise, a company will have promotions for “kids sail free,” as long as two paying adults are in the cabin.

Culinary Cruises

One of the cool things about cruise lines in the past few years is their focus on culinary experiences.

Various cruise lines, from big to small, focus on Epicurean experiences. If you're a gourmand and seek vacations entailing special food experiences, look for notable sailings featuring celebrity chefs or special menus .

For example, Emerald Cruises and Scenic have featured cruises with Bravo celebrity chefs onboard.

The Future Of Cruising is Bright, No Matter the Best Cruise for You

No matter the year, cruising is on a constant upward trend, with more people wanting to go on cruises each year. That is why the future of cruising is bright, with new ships being introduced every year.

Going on one of the best cruises will only feed your desire to keep on cruising!

Planning a cruise? Read this next:

• 23 Ways to Be a More Eco-Conscious Cruiser Before, During + After a Cruise
• 11 Memorable Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas
• Over 25 Nonfiction Cruise Books and Assorted Cruise-Appropriate Reading by Crew, Cruisers, Scientists, Explorers and Historians

The post How to Decide the Best Cruises to Book in 2024 appeared first on Sometimes Sailing .

6 reasons why a luxury river cruise is the best way to taste the flavours of Bordeaux

Delicious fine dining, charming scenery and the world’s best wines await

And while Paris might be France's most famous spot, we think Bordeaux makes a very compelling case as one of the country's best city break destinations , especially when it's experienced from the sybaritic luxury of a sleek river cruising ship.

Located in south-west France, the region is just a short flight from the UK. Warm summers and mild winters, as well as the sandy, gravelly soil, create the perfect terroir (conditions) for vines. This is why Bordeaux is home to many of the best-known wine producers in the world: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Margaux, to name but a few.

Three major rivers run through this famous region, and where the Dordogne and the Garonne meet, they form the Gironde estuary. This body of water lends itself particularly well to a river cruise, so that’s where we embarked on our seven-night sailing adventure.

We stepped aboard the five-star Scenic Diamond in the historic centre of Bordeaux at Port de La Lune, before heading to the Left Bank moorings at Fort Médoc and Cadillac, and the Right Bank towns of Libourne, Bourg and Blaye. Punctuated by charming medieval towns and endless vineyards, this route was the perfect way to explore Bordeaux.

As for when to visit, early September is particularly pleasant, when the heat gives way to a milder climate (ideal for touring wineries) with grapes hanging plump on the vines and the excitement of the impending harvest filling the air. That said, the summer months are blissful here too, and from May to October the days tend to be long, warm and sunny.

Read on to discover why a river cruise on Scenic Diamond is the best way to discover Bordeaux…

Taste incredible wines

The city of Bordeaux is vibrant, the countryside is idyllic and there’s even an impressive rugby team but, let’s be honest, the highlight of any visit is likely to be the wine. For oenophiles and casual drinkers alike, Bordeaux is one of the greatest regions in the world.

On this cruise, each new mooring opens up easy access to nearby appellations and during tours and tastings (all included in the price), the vineyards will let you into their world and share their secrets. In a region with some seven thousand wineries, we learned about the difference between Left Bank and Right Bank, the five (occasionally six) grape varieties that can go into a Bordeaux blend, and the historic Grand Cru Classé classification.

Stay in a floating five-star hotel

River cruising has come a long way since its introduction in the late 1960s and Scenic Diamond is a trailblazer in the world of luxury cruising. This ‘Space-Ship’ is the smart way to discover the city, its vineyards and the estuary – and all with the comfort and style of a great five-star hotel.

Our Balcony Suite on the Diamond Deck was unexpectedly spacious and elegantly furnished. We loved the full-length window and outdoor balcony with a nifty glass panel to open or close depending on the weather. We watched the appellations float by (corny but that’s what you do on a river cruise) with a morning coffee or glass of chardonnay cheerily delivered by our stateroom’s butler.

On board, there’s a wellness space, a hot tub on the sun deck and nightly entertainment in the swanky Panorama Lounge and Bar. One evening we were joined by Jérémy Dupouy, a street singer who was invited on board by the captain seven years ago and has now become a regular fixture serving up classic hits by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Simon and Garfunkel.

Get under the (grape) skin of the region with local guides

Scenic’s included excursions will take you on a carefully planned journey through the region’s wineries. You’ll explore everything from the cobbled medieval streets of Saint-Émilion and the traditional Château Siaurac, to the boutique 82-hectare Château Gruaud Larose, with its high-tech tower and black box that can evaporate clouds to prevent hail from destroying the vines.

A highlight of the week was our visit to Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, a winery owned by luxury glassmaker Lalique, which is famed for producing exceptional sweet Sauternes wines. It also has a two Michelin-starred restaurant and is home to the world’s only full-size crystal wine barrel. It takes a day or two to get used to tasting wine after breakfast, but you’ll certainly get into the swing of things as the local guides bring it all to life.

Enjoy exquisite fine dining and classic dishes

Hats (or berets) off to Executive Chef Julian Grigore and his team – the all-inclusive food on Scenic Diamond is among the finest served on river ships. The elegant Crystal Dining Room is the main space for all meals, with the River Cafe offering daytime snacks and lighter lunches.

Meanwhile, French restaurant L’Amour serves a delicious tasting menu with accompanying fine wine by invitation. Our culinary highlight happened mid-week; the duck breast and duck leg confit à l’orange with a red cabbage spring roll and sautéed vegetables was truly a triumph.

But it's not all about eating on Scenic Diamond – you’ll also get to pick up some cooking tips. We booked a class at the intimate Scenic Culinaire, where the chef demonstrated how to make the perfect coq au vin. With walnut oil, chanterelle mushrooms and veal stock on the shopping list, the recipe is tucked away ready to impress house guests.

On our final afternoon, back at Port de La Lune, guests got to taste delicate oysters from Bassin d'Arcachon, which are harvested on the sun-drenched coast to the west and washed down with a zesty glass of Crémant De Loire, a fine sparkling wine.

Moor up and go off-piste in pretty French towns

Although tempted to join every excursion on offer, or enjoy the ship’s excellent facilities, we chose to explore the small Right Bank town of Blaye ourselves. The Citadel is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This military complex has ramparts to explore, village streets and stunning estuary views. Back down in the town we visited a mid-week market, watched French life pass us by with a Café au lait and had an impromptu tasting of Merlot-dominant reds at the fabulous La Petite Cave – all before lunch.

Bordeaux is the French city that has it all

Move over Paris! We found Bordeaux easier to navigate and with a milder climate, we think it’s the perfect French city to explore year-round. Moored centrally at Port de La Lune, join one of Scenic’s excursions or borrow an e-bike to see the city at your own pace. With art galleries, museums, shopping streets and riverside walks you can make a stay in Bordeaux your own.

On our Cruise Director’s recommendation, we made our way to Les Bassins des Lumières for an immersive art exhibition of the works of Salvador Dali. This spine-tingling experience takes place in a WWII submarine base and is set to the music of Pink Floyd. Back on theme, we visited La Cité du Vin, an interactive museum of wine in an impressive building inspired by the swirl of wine in a glass.

Browse Bordeaux and more French river cruises from Scenic.

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