While this site focuses specifically on west coast cruises, I know a lot of you also dream of floating down some of Europe's most famous rivers like the Danube and Rhine as well as other iconic waterways around the world such as the Nile, Amazon, and MeKong. What many of our clients don't quite understand initially is that river cruising is a far different experience than simply a cruise on a smaller vessel and no waves.
As you shift from the ocean's expanse to the river's intimacy, there's stuff you need to know and we're here to help. River cruises offer a unique cultural immersion, delicious local cuisine, and personalized service that we enjoy as much as we do cruising Alaskan fjords and whale watching off the coast of Cabo.
Read more: What Fans Of Ocean Cruises Need To Know About River Cruises
Princess Cruises has just announced something special for all you wine aficionados out there. Set sail this fall on two Pacific Coast Wine & Food Experience cruises: one on Discovery Princess leaving October 1, and the other on Sapphire Princess departing October 8, 2023.
While I love to experience the thrill of watching whales on cruises to Cabo and other ports in the Mexican Riviera, Alaska is equally special. Here though, in the icy northern waters the ships tend to go a little bit slower and especially on inside passage cruises, there's more of an opportunity to relax and watch the whales from the ship. However, one of the big differences between a Mexico cruise and Alaska is that virtually every port here has access to fabulous spots to see whales very close to port. This means shorter rides, more whale sightings, and ultimately more fun too. So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Alaska's pristine waters, where you'll witness the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat? From humpbacks to orcas and even elusive blue whales, an Alaska whale-watching cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
Read more: Alaska Cruise Guide To The Best Time To See Whales
If you are preparing to embark on a culinary adventure during your Alaska cruise, chances are you have dreams of and discover the top spots for fresh seafood dining along the way. While most people only think of salmon from Alaska, the reality is that this cruise that you are about to embark on will be a wonderland for anyone who loves seafood. Depending on the season, no matter where you go, there will be fresh King Crab, mouthwatering halibut, local oysters, and other local treats the might even include pickled kelp based on indiginous traditional recipes. Foodies will love an Alaskan cruise since they will have tons of opportunities on, and off, the ship to explore all that Alaska offers in terms of a delectable variety of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Read more: Discover The Top Spots For Fresh Seafood Dining On Your Alaska Cruise
My absolute favorite place on Earth to watch whales is along the Pacific Coast. During the winter, there is no better place for this than the southern tip of Baja. Imagine sailing into Cabo, sitting on deck (or on your balcony), holding a cup of hot tea and enjoying some breakfast while spotting for spouts and splashes from breaching whales ... all while you get ready for your shore excursion in a few hours that will bring you even closer to these amazing animals. While whale watching excurisons are available at several different ports along your Mexican Riviera cruise itinerary ... it is important to plan ahead so you can maximize your time and money!
Read more: Guide To Baja Whale Watching On A Mexican Riviera Cruise
When you're on a cruise, getting disconnected from the world outside is easy. In fact, that’s the biggest reason why I started cruising. Simply put, I could board the ship and then forget about everything for a week. Some twenty years later though, the availability of internet on cruise ships is now an essential feature instead of a pricy option, and this means that you need to make sure your phone and laptop are protected.
Have you ever heard of a Fish Extender on a Disney Cruise? This unique concept may sound strange, but it is actually an important part of the cruise experience for many people that sail on a Disney cruise. While socializing with other guests on your itinerary before the cruise is something that is common regardless of which cruise line - the notion of sharing gifts with each other, planning your door decorations, and indeed encouraging people to travel through the ships hallways seeking out door decorations that they learned about online is something that in uniquely Disney. I think this extends from the already popular activity of trading pins with other folks at the Disney parks but I'm not entirely sure. Whatever the reason - it's an incredibly fun experience that anyone can join in on ... even if it is your first cruise with Disney!
Going on a cruise vacation with your loved ones is exciting, exhilarating, and entertaining. While you will enjoy your much-anticipated time, your phone can be distracting. So, it's good to refrain from using your phone on such once-in-a-lifetime excursions.
Read more: Best Walkie-Talkies For 2024: Stay Safe and Connected On A Cruise
Planning your visit to Alaska, then get ready to experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a black bear standing in a dense forest, a humpback whale breaching at dawn, or an iceberg falling into the water. Of course, if you want to look at nature at its closest, why not invest in a first-rate pair of binoculars?
Read more: Witness Alaska's Wonders: Top 5 Travel Binoculars for Your Cruise
Are you a smoker looking to take a cruise vacation? If so, you may be wondering what the regulations are for smoking on board. Luckily, there are some options available to smokers who want to enjoy their cruise without having to give up their nicotine fix.
Read more: Cruise Ship Smoking Policies Are Confusing But Here's What Smokers Need To Know
There are a lot of restaurants in Avalon where you can grab a quick lunch during a cruise ship visit. Some are better than others and luckily, we had the opportunity to do some first hand research during a foodie trip to the island last month. Based on our findings, we now have some favorite lunch spots that you guys need to check out.
Read more: Where To Grab A Great Lunch When You Visit Catalina Island
There are a lot of reasons why Holland America Line is our top pick for west coast cruises from San Diego as well as Alaska cruises. While there are a lot of options out there where you can spend a few days relaxing on a beautiful ship with fabulous food, drinks, and service - Holland America Line as a company goes further. This is clear from small things like the fact that their ships are constantly being cleaned, repainted, and updated while in port and it is even more evident from a corporate responsibility perspective as well. That's why we were so excited to be there earlier this month when they donated $450,000 in aid to Ukraine to California-based Direct Relief.
Congratulations! If you're reading this article about planning a proposal aboard a cruise ship then that means you are probably in a strong relationship and looking for the right way to take things to the next level. Whether your idea of the perfect proposal is getting down on one knee in the dining room on a formal night or popping the question from the comfort and privacy of your private cabana, this is going to be a big moment for both of you.
Read more: How To Plan Your Perfect Marriage Proposal On A Cruise
Last week we talked a bit about the incredible opportunity that will be coming up next year to view the 2024 total solar eclipse from one of the most sunny places in the entire world, one that also happens to be in a fabulous cruise region - off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico. While there are multiple options for big ship cruises, one option that we think will appeal to those looking for something more adventurous is to join UnCruise adventures for a Sea of Cortez sailing aboard Safari Voyager.
Read more: UnCruise Offers The Ultimate In Total Solar Eclipse Adventure Cruising
Almost every cruise line now offers some sort of exclusive area that is separate from the crowds that are endemic to the rest of the ship. On some lines this exclusive space is part of a comprehensive suite of benefits that include butlers and expedited boarding, while others such as Holland America Line offer it on a sort of ad hoc basis. While they have two components that offer different aspects of this exclusivity - Club Orange and the Retreat - it is the latter than I'm absolutely addicted to and should be a part of your next cruise if you love to relax.
Read more: Holland America Line's Retreat Cabanas Are The Best Deal At Sea For Relaxation
Theme nights, especially Gala dinners, are something almost every cruise line has had since the beginning of time. It should come as no surprise then that Holland America Line does too and theirs is tied directly to the Dutch heritage they proudly display throughout the cruise experience. Instead of a "white party" or a "scarlet night", the color orange is the focus here during Holland America Line's Orange Party. This is because it is the color most associated with the Netherlands and virtually everything on Orange Party night will embrace this theme. Throughout the evening, guests will celebrate in style with a dutch-inspired dinner, orange drinks, and are encouraged to dress for the occasion as well, while enjoying one of the best music programs at sea and maybe even getting up and dancing a bit too!
Read more: What To Expect During The Orange Party On A Holland America Line
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting summer vacation, look no further than an Alaska cruise. Want to make it better? Add a land tour to extend your opportunity to explore the Alaskan wilderness at whatever pace matches your style by staying in one of the lodges and resorts offered by cruise lines like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich culture, Alaska is the perfect destination for a one-of-a-kind land and sea adventure.
Read more: A Cruisetour Is Your Ultimate Opportunity To Explore Alaska This Summer
Have you ever wanted to experience the excitement of the Klondike Gold Rush? Well, now you can with Holland America Line's Alaska cruise tours. These special cruises take you to some of Alaska's most beautiful and historic locations, including Whitehorse, Dawson City and Skagway. You'll get to explore the stunning landscapes, learn about the rich history of this area, and maybe even find some gold yourself!
Read more: Explore The Yukon Gold Rush Experience With Holland America Line Alaska Cruisetours