People tend to have strong feelings about cruising.
Some love that you can sample a variety of destinations and get your feet wet, rather than diving right into one place. Others get a sinking feeling about crowds, claustrophobia and constant buffets.
If the thought of casinos and wacky shipboard activities makes you want to steer away from a big ship, don’t despair. Mega ships aren’t your only cruising option. Today, there are cruises for every kind of traveler. Whether you want to plunge into a non-stop party or relax on a refined river cruise along the Danube, there’s likely to be a cruise that floats your boat.
So how do you decide which cruise line and itinerary to choose? If anyone can navigate these tricky waters, it’s Charles Doherty. He’s spent the past 29 years as editor of the bi-monthly magazine,Cruise Travel, edited and published out of Evanston since 1979.
“The best part about cruising? No need to pack and unpack, waste time in airports, or endure many of the other hassles of a land tour,” Doherty says. “Your ship is a home-away-from-home that moves with you. Add in the value of the almost all-inclusive package and onboard entertainment, and what’s not to love?”
What’s the Deal?
Doherty’s advice for getting a great rate on a cruise: “There are often excellent deals on last-minute bookings, if your travel schedule allows for that. You’ll see ads in the local papers for these cruises, or your travel agent can be on the lookout for you.”
Recent ship mishaps have meant rough seas for the cruise industry. However, their bad press could mean a good price for you. Carnival Cruises, already known as a budget-friendly cruise line, just announced a 110 percent money-back guarantee. For anyone nervous about cruising, this is a great way to test the waters. Carnival’s so certain you’ll have a great time aboard what’s known as the Fun Ship, they’re agreeing to give passengers their money back, plus an additional 10 percent, if they want off a cruise in the first 24 hours. If you do decide to jump ship, they’ll fly you out of the next port and cover the cost of a hotel.
Rolling on the River
River cruises are moving full steam ahead. Doherty credits their popularity to the growing number of retired baby boomers. “Riverboats don’t have the extensive resort and theme-park facilities of the big cruise liners, but they offer the intimate guest experience and personalized service of the small luxury ships, at a much more affordable price,” he says. “Best of all, riverboats usually dock right downtown in fantastic cities, with major attractions often just steps from the gangplank.”
Natural Selection
Are you someone who loves nature and adventure? Eco-voyages aboard expedition boats can make for a great vacation where you really get to learn about a place. Consider joining trained naturalists aboard Un-Cruise Adventures for a once-in-a-lifetime whale-watching trip through the Sea of Cortes. Jacques Cousteau called this region of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, teeming with marine life, “the world’s aquarium”.
Photo courtesy of Un-Cruise Adventures.
Ride like the Wind
If you’ve always wanted to live out a pirate fantasy, unleash your inner swashbuckler aboard a sailing ship like Star Clippers. Drop anchor in out-of-the-way coves and islands the mega ships can’t get to.
Photo courtesy of Star Clippers.
Up for even more adventure? Be captain of your own destiny by chartering a boat. Live out your Jimmy Buffet fantasy, island hopping to some of the most scenic spots on the planet. If you’re a confident sailor you can consider going on your own, or bring a skilled captain along for the ride. Established yacht charters like Sunsail and The Moorings can steer you in the right direction.
Children on Board
Cruising has become increasingly popular with families. Why? There’s something for every age. High-quality children’s programs give Mom and Dad time alone. Combine that with fun activities the whole family can do together, from dance classes and cooking demos to ziplining and sports tournaments.
Not surprisingly, younger children will love the chance to vacation with Minnie and Mickey aboard aDisney cruise. Parents will find a Disney cruise magical for their own reasons. Unlike most cruise lines, Disney has a nursery, where babies as young as 3 months can be dropped off.
Got teens and tweens too cool to get goofy with Disney characters? They can head over to Vibe, Disney’s teens-only lounge. No adults allowed in this uber-hip hangout with a dance floor and the latest computer and video games. Other mega ships like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess andNorwegian also have teen clubs.
Carnival Cruise photo by Andy Newman.
Charting Your Course
So, how do you map out your adventure? “There are so many great world-class cities that are also major cruise ports, from Honolulu to Rio, Bangkok to Barcelona,” Doherty says. “Lovely little Portofino, a fishing village/jet-set resort on the Italian Riviera, is perfect. You can see it all in a few hours—both churches, the museum, the lookout point, the fine shops, and still have time for a fine meal.”
Doherty recommends cruising out of Fort Lauderdale if you’re looking for a quick getaway. “[There are] plenty of direct flights and you’re practically within walking distance of the cruise ship piers. But to be safe, it’s always best to fly in the day before your cruise.” There are plenty of hotels just a mile or two from the port. Consider staying at the Harbor Beach Marriott along the ocean, or the Westin Beach Resort and Spa, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s famed “strip” with its long lineup of bars and restaurants along the beach.
Whichever destination you choose, don’t miss the boat. There are lots of cruises for every age and interest!
Top right photo: Andy Newman, Carnival Cruise.
