Our Popular Cruise Destination
Alaska
Many travelers choose an Alaskan cruise to immerse themselves in its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Cruising offers exclusive access to remote destinations along the Inside Passage and provides unparalleled views of glaciers that are difficult to reach by road. This mode of travel allows you to experience Alaska’s unique natural beauty and historical sites in a way that land tours alone cannot match. For those also interested in exploring landlocked areas like Denali National Park, adding a cruise line-operated land tour either before or after the cruise offers a seamless experience, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple travel arrangements.
Bahamas
The picturesque islands of The Bahamas rank among the world’s most popular cruise destinations. Its close proximity to the United States makes it a convenient and appealing choice for cruise ships, with nearly every Royal Caribbean vessel offering itineraries to this stunning island nation. A primary draw of cruising to The Bahamas is the opportunity to experience its world-class beaches, featuring turquoise waters, soft sand, and exceptional snorkeling at every port. Whether you choose to relax on a beach chair, enjoy a resort day pass, embark on a catamaran tour, or explore a shipwreck while snorkeling, you’ll find an abundance of crystal-clear beaches to explore. The short distance from Florida also makes weekend cruises to The Bahamas particularly popular for a quick and refreshing getaway, complete with opportunities to savor local cuisine such as conch fritters and rum cake and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Bermuda
Bermuda, located just 774 miles off the coast of New York, offers a perfect island escape for those seeking its renowned pink-sand beaches. While there are many beach destinations to choose from, Bermuda stands out with its historic town of St. George’s and its 1612 fortresses, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond history, Bermuda caters to a variety of interests with watersports, golf, stalactite-dotted caves, and renowned rum swizzlers.
Although you could fly to Bermuda and stay in a quaint inn or beachfront hotel, this often proves more expensive. For instance, a seven-night package including flights from New York’s JFK and a three-star, non-beachfront hotel costs around $1,480 per person without meals. In contrast, cruises to Bermuda offer more affordable options, such as $749 per person on Celebrity Eclipse for an outside cabin or $1,541 per person on Norwegian Gem for a balcony cabin, both including meals onboard. With several East Coast departure points and various cruise lines to choose from, cruising to Bermuda provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy a relaxing or adventure-filled getaway, with the added benefit of meals and entertainment included on the ship.
Caribbean
Sun, sand, and sea are the quintessential elements that draw travelers to Caribbean cruises. If you’re looking to escape chilly weather and bask in warm, sunny days on pristine beaches or swim in crystal-clear waters, a Caribbean cruise is the perfect choice. Unlike a resort stay, a cruise allows you to explore multiple beaches across various destinations while enjoying onboard amenities like pools and entertainment. Caribbean cruises are also known for their affordability and convenience, with departures from numerous U.S. ports—ranging from Galveston, Texas, to Boston—allowing many travelers to drive to their embarkation points and avoid airfare costs. Additionally, cruise ships have the flexibility to alter their routes to avoid adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes, ensuring you can continue to enjoy your vacation even if a storm threatens a specific island. In contrast, a land-based stay may force you to cancel or wait out the weather.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s allure as a vacation destination is undeniable, with its stunning beaches, exceptional snorkeling and diving, scenic hiking trails, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. While a hotel or resort stay is a popular choice, cruising offers the unique advantage of exploring multiple islands. Instead of limiting yourself to one or two islands, a cruise allows you to experience highlights from across the archipelago, including Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii and Kauai’s Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast.
Additionally, Hawaii’s high lodging and dining costs can be offset by choosing a cruise. While you can enjoy local Hawaiian cuisine during your time in port, many meals are included on board, offering significant savings. Cruises to Hawaii are available year-round, with Norwegian Cruise Line offering weeklong cruises throughout the year. For longer itineraries or small-ship adventures, you’ll find the most options from mid-September to April. During the spring and fall, repositioning cruises provide opportunities to travel between Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest or the South Pacific.
Mexico
Mexico is an exciting and varied destination with white-sand beaches, dense jungles, modern cities, and ancient ruins. The large country offers coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Sea of Cortez bordering Baja, along with many fascinating places to visit. A stay at one of Mexico’s luxurious resorts is one way to experience the country, but for those who want to see more than one destination, a cruise might be the way to go. With a cruise, you can visit a variety of ports and enjoy the onboard amenities on your way to somewhere new each day. Most ships offer pools, spas, fitness centers, several dining options, and entertainment and enrichment activities — and, when you’re in port, organized excursions offer a range of options, from lazy beach days to exciting adventures. Mexican cruises allow you to experience all these offerings and a laundry list of destinations with no worries about changing hotels, packing up, or getting yourself from place to place.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal stands as one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels and is a must-see for any travel enthusiast. This crucial link between two oceans, connecting North and South America, has been vital since its opening in August 1914. A cruise offers the most immersive way to experience the canal, allowing you to appreciate its significance and beauty. Historically, full-transit cruises were popular among seniors due to their length, typically around 14 days, but partial-transit cruises, which navigate only partway through the locks, are now available. These shorter cruises provide more opportunities to explore nearby Central American cities and their diverse attractions.
Choosing a Panama Canal cruise not only offers a chance to witness an engineering feat but also provides an unparalleled cultural and natural experience. You’ll share the canal’s waters with a mix of cargo ships, pleasure boats, and other international cruise vessels, enhancing the global ambiance. The region boasts incredible biodiversity, appealing to birdwatchers, botany enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. For an enriching experience, consider excursions such as ziplining through lush rainforests, exploring Gatun Lake by catamaran or kayak, visiting the historic Ember Indian Village or the Panama Canal Railway, or enjoying the vibrant museums, shops, and restaurants of Panama City.