Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

Photo Credit: AmaWaterways

But, where do you start planning? What cruise line? What ports of call? With so many options out there, let’s take a look at the beginner’s guide to cruising!

One of the first decisions to make is from ocean liners in the Caribbean and Alaska to river cruises across Europe. If you are looking for sandy beaches, snorkelling, and sunny adventures, Caribbean sailings are for you. Alaskan sailings will include National Parks, wildlife and icy glaciers. A European river cruise itinerary could consist of the castle-lined Rhine, romantic Danube, or historic Seine River.

Once the destination is determined, what is the best cruise line? With dozens of options, each cruise line has a variety of choices. Small ships to mega-ships, family-friendly to adults-only, cruise lines offer something for everyone.

Disney Cruise Line offers luxury, family-orientated cruising with the extra magical Disney touch. Each of their four cruise ships offers award-winning broadway-style musical shows, pirate-themed deck parties, and gourmet dining. Plus, the many Caribbean and Bahamian sailings include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island oasis. Disney Cruise Line cruises around the world, from the Caribbean to Alaska to Meditterran sailings.

Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is known for some of the boldest ships at sea. Royal Caribbean offers sailings that cater to adults and families alike. Their wide range of ships offer innovative thrills, exciting shows and a wide range of gourmet dining. Royal Caribbean has sailings throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia and Australia. Each ship offers a variety of stateroom options, from romantic staterooms for couples to ultimate family suites with room to spread out with the whole family. Enjoy a Perfect Day on the many Caribbean and Bahamian sailings at Royal Caribbean’s 125-acre private island retreat, Coco Cay.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a freestyle experience that allows guests to cruise with no schedule but their own. Norwegian’s Free at Sea program provides guests with the choice of up to five free perks – from free beverage packages, speciality dining, shore excursions and more. Norwegian Cruise Line currently boasts the youngest fleet among major North American cruise lines. Sailing across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Norwegian Cruise Lines has your destination on the map.

Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Photo Credit: @VirginVoyages Instagram

Debuting in 2021, Virgin Voyages is creating a luxe, adults-only cruise experience. Cruise the Caribbean or Mediterranean aboard the Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady. The Virgin Voyages experience is designed to differ from other traditional cruise lines with free WiFi, included gratuities, and no buffets. Instead, over 20 dining locations will be available to all guests throughout the ships. In addition, to immortalize your trip aboard a Virgin ship, two full-time tattoo artists will be ready to create a masterpiece of art. Tattoos on a cruise ship? You heard that correctly!

AmaWaterways is the best way to travel through Europe, Asia and Africa. Offering luxury river cruising, Ama Waterways allows you an unforgettable journey with full concierge services. As a result, there is no need to unpack when travelling between capital cities and charming villages. Instead, your ship docks close to city centers – you can step right off the ship and start to explore. Spacious and uncrowded ships with an average of 156 guests, Ama was the first river cruise line to offer a fleet of complimentary bikes, wellness programs and The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant – all of which are included in the cruise fare.

Photo Credit: AmaWaterways