Ward Cove offers budget-conscious cruise passengers some ways to experience Alaska without expensive shore excursions, though it's important to set realistic expectations. This port, located seven miles north of Ketchikan, provides free transportation to downtown attractions plus limited complimentary activities at the port itself that can provide authentic Alaska experiences for independent travelers.
Read more: Free Things to Do in Ward Cove: Budget-Friendly Cultural & Wildlife Experiences
Ward Cove represents one of Alaska's newer cruise destinations, where genuine Indigenous culture meets pristine wilderness in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. This intimate port, located seven miles north of Ketchikan, offers cruise passengers a more concentrated and culturally respectful approach to experiencing Southeast Alaska's rich Native heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
Read more: Ward Cove Alaska: Authentic Tlingit Culture & Tongass Wilderness Adventures
The Merrell Jungle Moc proved to be the ideal footwear choice during my recent Viking Octantis Great Lakes cruise, delivering unexpected versatility across diverse cruise experiences from rocky island trails to elegant shipboard dining. When packing space is limited and cruise itineraries demand footwear that transitions seamlessly between adventure and sophistication, these slip-on shoes exceed expectations.
Read more: Merrell Jungle Moc Review: The Perfect All-Purpose Shoe For On and Off The Cruise Ship
The two biggest players in the Great Lakes cruise market right now are Viking and Victory - oddly enough they both have names starting with V, but they are completely different vessels and the cruise experience, including guest experience, will be vastly different as well.
We just got back from Viking Octantis on a 15-day Great Lakes Collection cruise from Duluth, Minnesota to Toronto, Ontario, exploring all five Great Lakes. While I've been dreaming of doing this cruise for the past five years (Viking Expeditions was introduced in 2020), it was even better than I expected. Despite my familiarity with the Viking product and the Great Lakes region, I didn't fully understand just how different the cruise experience could be on different ships since on the surface it might seem like Viking and Victory are pretty similar levels of quality, sailing to many of the same ports.
It wasn't until midway through our voyage that I started asking questions from friends in the Great Lakes maritime community and a harbormaster I knew that I realized just how fundamentally different these ships are.
Read more: Viking Expeditions vs Victory: Which Great Lakes Cruise Is Right for You?
I just returned from a Great Lakes cruise on Viking Octantis and it was an incredible experience - certainly a bucket-list adventure that I encourage all of you to consider. However, some comments and questions from our community involved the concept of how "all-inclusive" the cruise was and how it compares to other ships.
This question arises from the travel industry's overuse of the word "all-inclusive," something the cruise industry used to be known for but has somewhat eroded over the years. While all cruise lines operating Great Lakes cruises would be considered "all-inclusive," this means different things for different operators.
If you've experienced the magic of an Alaska cruise - the authentic cultural connections, incredible seafood, and breathtaking coastal scenery - you already know what makes for an exceptional cruise experience. Canada New England offers that same experiential DNA with its own distinctive Maritime character, making it an ideal choice for your next cruise adventure.
Read more: Canada New England Cruises: Perfect for Alaska Cruise Veterans
Popular west coast cruise destinations are becoming increasingly crowded each year, with both mega-ships and ultra-luxury small ships filling waters from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera. While these destinations remain spectacular, savvy travelers seek exclusive experiences away from the growing crowds, discovering that private yacht charters can access remote locations that cruise ships simply cannot reach.
Read more: Top 10 Private Yacht Charter Destinations for the Discerning Traveler
This year, I experienced SeaTrade Cruise Global firsthand, immersed in conversations with visionaries planning decades ahead. From food waste biodigesters transforming scraps into water to bubble technology reducing hull friction, the showcased innovations were nothing short of remarkable. Seeing the industry's genuine commitment to sustainability paired with enhanced guest experiences left us truly inspired. Here are ten groundbreaking technologies reshaping the future of cruising, plus a look at the megaship trend heading west.
Read more: Cruising Into The Future: Top 11 Tech Trends and Innovations from SeaTrade 2025
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, renowned globally for their unparalleled service and luxury, has set sail into the world of cruising with the announcement of Four Seasons Yachts. Partnering with luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. and Italian shipbuilding icon Fincantieri, Four Seasons is preparing to redefine the luxury cruise experience, launching its inaugural voyages in 2026.
Read more: Private Charter Alternative: Four Seasons Yachts Are Luxury Cruising's Newest Crown Jewel
The cruise industry continues its march toward sustainability with MS Mitsui Ocean Fuji, formerly known as MV Seabourn Odyssey, recently setting sail with an innovative food waste management system that could become the new standard for West Coast cruise operations. The MS Mitsui Ocean Fuji, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines under its new Mitsui Ocean Cruises brand, has emerged from an extensive refit in Yokohama with Power Knot Ocean's LFC biodigesters onboard. Originally installed by Seabourn Cruise Line, these advanced systems were maintained during the ship's transformation for its new role cruising Japan's scenic Seto Inland Sea.
The vessel, which began its inaugural voyage under Mitsui Ocean Cruises on December 1, 2024, represents a growing trend in the maritime industry: embracing technologies that significantly reduce environmental impact while complying with increasingly stringent international regulations.
Read more: From Food Waste to Clean Seas: How Biodigesters Are Transforming West Coast Cruising
When planning your cruise vacation along Mexico's stunning West Coast or Alaska, deciding between the ship's spa or a local treatment in port isn't a one-size-fits-all choice. Different passengers have varying needs, budgets, and service expectations. While port options often provide savings, quality can vary significantly—especially with beachside vendors. Let's explore how to make the right wellness choice for your specific situation.
Wondering if Ensenada is safe for cruise visitors? Rest assured, this charming Baja California port city offers a welcoming and secure experience for travelers who take simple precautions. Unlike some destinations with restrictive safety warnings, Ensenada allows you to confidently explore beyond the immediate port area, with clear navigation, visible police presence, and straightforward transportation options that make independent exploration accessible even for first-time visitors. Throughout this guide, you'll discover exactly how to safely navigate from your ship to authentic local experiences, which areas are most secure for tourists, and practical transportation tips that ensure a stress-free return to your vessel well before departure time.
Ensenada's rugged Pacific coastline and diverse landscapes create the perfect playground for adventure seekers visiting on cruise ships. While many Mexican ports focus on beach relaxation or shopping, this Baja California gem stands out for its thrilling outdoor excursions that can be easily experienced during your cruise visit. From racing across desert trails on ATVs to paddling alongside marine wildlife in crystal-clear waters, Ensenada offers outdoor adventures that maximize your limited port time while showcasing Mexico's spectacular natural environment and authentic coastal culture.
Read more: Wild Baja: 5 Must-Try Outdoor Excursions During Your Ensenada Cruise Stop
Ensenada reveals a seafood culture that exists nowhere else along Mexico's Pacific coast—where family recipes passed through generations transform the morning's catch into coastal delicacies at humble street stands. While many cruisers rush toward Calle Primera's tourist corridor, those who venture just three blocks inland discover the authentic mariscos scene where local fishermen and chefs converge around midday, creating impromptu feasts of raw, grilled, and citrus-cured specialties.
There are a lot of topics related to efforts that the cruise industry is making to "go green" and while some such as banning straws and single-use plastics are easy... the fuel that runs these giant ships is not so clear. While there are currently no LNG or hybrid-powered ships planned for service on the West Coast, we are home to four environmentally sensitive areas that are playing a global leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions on cruise ships. This includes Alaska, Hawaii, California, and British Columbia who led the way by mandating the use of scrubbers and are now progressing to improve on that as well.
Read more: Beyond Bunker Fuel: How Cruise Ships Are Sailing Toward Sustainability
The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886 is the critical regulatory framework shaping West Coast cruise itineraries, requiring ships to make stops in ports like Victoria, British Columbia and Ensenada. This 137-year-old federal law prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports without calling at a foreign destination. With approximately 95% of cruise ships operating under foreign registry to sidestep U.S. labor laws, taxation, and maritime regulations, cruise lines must strategically incorporate these international port calls into their West Coast sailings. For travelers planning Alaska voyages or California coastal cruises, these mandated foreign stops represent not just cultural diversions but legal necessities that directly influence itinerary design, sailing durations, and ultimately, the cruise experience throughout the Pacific region.
Read more: Why Your West Coast Cruise Must Stop in Canada or Mexico: Understanding the PVSA
Royal Caribbean's expansion to San Diego marks a significant development for West Coast cruise options. Beginning in 2026, the cruise line will operate Mexican Riviera sailings from San Diego, creating a dual-homeport strategy alongside its established Los Angeles operations. This move provides West Coast cruisers with greater flexibility when planning Mexican Riviera itineraries to popular destinations including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. The addition of Serenade of the Seas to Southern California also represents Royal Caribbean's growing commitment to the West Coast cruise market, which has historically had fewer major cruise line options compared to East Coast and Caribbean deployments. For travelers based in the Western United States, these new San Diego departures will offer convenient access to Royal Caribbean's signature amenities without extensive travel to more distant embarkation ports.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Begins Mexican Riviera Cruises From San Diego in 2026
Virgin Voyages is bringing its newest vessel to the West Coast next summer and cruise enthusiasts have plenty to be excited about. Brilliant Lady, the fourth and final ship in Virgin's fleet, will conduct a series of "Mermaiden" voyages including her grand debut in New York this September before bringing her unique brand of adults-only cruising to the Mexican Riviera and offering Alaska cruises exploring glacial fjords in the spring and summer of 2026!
Read more: Virgin Voyages Unveils Showstopping Entertainment Lineup for Brilliant Lady
