Discovering Your Personal Cruise Style (Part 2)

If you read my most recent blog post on Luxury, All-inclusive Cruises, then you know that I’m a big fan of that particular manner of cruising. There are so many benefits that come with paying a single cost upfront: unlimited meals & drinks, gratuities, and shore excursions, plus VIP benefits and amenities that come with working with a seasoned travel advisor.

Even within the luxury, all-inclusive category, there are still several different styles of cruises, and each will appeal to a different type of traveler.

Each cruise style comes with its own unique advantages and, depending on your specific travel needs, you might find that one is a better fit than the others.

In the second part of our cruise series, I break down the different cruise styles to help you determine which is the most ideal for you. Figuring this out before you actually book your next cruise will not only prevent disappointment, but it’ll set you up to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Ocean Cruising 

Definition

Imagine you’re sitting on your private balcony overlooking the ocean with a G&T in your hand. The sea breeze gently caresses your skin, the water shimmers in the distance, and the salty smell of the ocean wafts past your nose. This is the essence of ocean cruising.

This leisure activity has been around since the mid-19th century when ocean liners like Matson were still in their heyday. However, instead of transatlantic voyages, today’s ocean cruises sail around the coastlines of different countries, often making stops at multiple ports.

Cruise vessels come in all shapes and sizes – from mega-ships that host 6000+ passengers to smaller boutique vessels that can accommodate just 20 people. I discuss the different kinds of luxury cruise vessels in more detail in my first blog post.

What to Expect on an Ocean Cruise

• Wide range of onboard activities: If your idea of a great cruise vacation depends on the availability of multiple onboard entertainment options, then an ocean cruise is perfect for you. From educational lectures, wine tasting, dance workshops, pottery painting, trivia night, comedy shows and live music performances, you will never run out of things to do on an ocean cruise.
• Socialize and make new friends: The person seated next to you on the sun deck or in your favorite specialty restaurant might be from Amsterdam, Texas, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Ontario, you name it. If you love to meet people from around the world, ocean cruising provides a fantastic opportunity to make new friends every day.
• Shore excursions in famous ports: Ocean cruises allow you to explore some of the most famous seaside cities in the world as well as off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you want to view archaeological findings in a European museum or relax on an idyllic beach in the Caribbean, an ocean cruise will get you that opportunity.
• Shop til you drop: Today’s cruise ships offer world-class shopping as part of the overall vacation experience. You can now find exclusive boutiques like Tiffany, high-end jewelry brands, technological devices, and even haute couture in the onboard shopping plazas. If you’re sailing to your home port and have no baggage allowance worries, you’re restricted only by your imagination and the size of your budget!

Top Ocean Cruise Destinations & Best Time to Go

Mediterranean Cruises

With over 15 nations around the Mediterranean Sea, a cruise in this region is the ideal way to visit many different European countries in one voyage without the usual hustle and bustle of international travel. For example, a cruise itinerary might offer you the opportunity to explore the charming, ancient harbors of Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Spain. 

Typically, Mediterranean cruises can be categorized into either three zones:

• Eastern Mediterranean cruises typically visit the following countries: Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Cyprus and Bulgaria.
• Western Mediterranean cruises visit Italy (including Sicily), France, Spain (including the Canary Islands), Portugal and Croatia.
• Southern Mediterranean cruises include Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Morocco.

Popular ports of call include:

Rome: A Roman tour may include some of your bucket list items, such as tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain or climbing the Spanish Steps.

Athens: Archaeology lovers and Greek mythology fans will swoon over a stop in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Dubrovnik: Croatia’s capital city is locally known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic.” This iconic city sits within a medieval wall that still stands today.

Barcelona: This popular port is only a 10-minute drive to the city center. This allows for a cultural tour of Catalonia and other exciting excursions to the Wine Regions outside Barcelona.

Since many ports of call are relatively close to one another, you may effortlessly experience three or four countries in a single trip.

Peak season for cruising the Mediterranean is late May to early September. During this time, the weather is warm and you’ll have lots of onshore and sightseeing options.

Caribbean Cruises

With sunny weather year-round and wildlife-rich coral reefs, the Caribbean is one of the top cruising destinations at any time of the year. It’s especially popular with travelers looking to get out of the cold in the northern regions of the United States & Canada during winter. 

Though the phrase, “Caribbean Cruise” might sound like one location, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sailings in this highly sought-after region are divided into three regions: Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean.

A Western Caribbean cruise sails between Cuba and Mexico and heads south along the Central American coast. You can expect to stop in ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan.

Eastern Caribbean cruises include the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico. Some of the popular ports of call are St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. John, San Juan, St. Lucia and Basseterre.

A Southern Caribbean cruise covers some of the smaller, less populated and remote islands in the region. These include the French West Indies (Martinique, Guadalupe and St. Bart’s), St. Lucia, Dominica, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Alaska Cruises

Alaska is an ocean cruising favorite, and for many good reasons. Beyond the famed glaciers, the beautiful fjords, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains are equally mesmerizing. Those who cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage marvel at calm waters and spectacular scenery as the ship glides through protected waterways.

Travelers specifically visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights and larger-than-life marine life. Imagine spying orcas, humpback whales and dolphins that frequent the waters and can often be spotted from the decks of cruise ships.

On some cruise lines, you can even enjoy shore excursions into the Alaskan wilderness or hop aboard a helicopter for an aerial view. Alaska’s cruise season takes place during the summer, starting in mid-to-late May and typically over by the middle of October. The weather in Alaska is always unpredictable but is generally at its warmest and sunniest during these months.

Find out if adventure cruising is right for you by taking my cruise quiz.

River Cruising

Definition

Did you know that river cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the cruise industry? Not surprising because a river cruise offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed grand tour of some of Europe’s most popular inland waterways with port stops along the picturesque countryside.

On a river cruise, you’ll experience scenic routes, dramatic hilltop castles, awe-inspiring landscapes and quaint villages and towns all waiting to be discovered. 

As for ship size,  river vessels can range from small ten-passenger canal barges to the larger passenger riverboats that accommodate 100-200 passengers. A barge typically cruises within one region of one country (usually France), while a riverboat can travel through several European countries during the span of one trip. Every river is unique, and each tells a different story, not only of the countries through which it flows but also of its locks, canals and bridges.

What to Expect on a River Cruise

• An intimate experience: Traveling on small ships with fewer guests, you enjoy more personal space and personalized service.
• Dive into the local culture: River cruises take you through the countryside, allowing you to discover hidden gems and take in the history and local culture of every unique town and village you visit.
• Magnificent architecture: River cruises take you right up to the doorsteps of world history. With over 40 fairy tale castles along the Rhine River and at least 15 along the Danube, a European river cruise offers colorful architecture and unparalleled scenic landscapes.
• Diverse excursion options: A river cruise offers a fantastic adventure, whether you’re a solo traveler, or part of a group of friends, or a multi-generational family. Popular activities include visiting local wineries, biking along the river or visiting world-famous museums.
• Exceptional culinary experiences: Chefs on river cruises, especially on culinary-oriented sailings, love to utilize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You can also look forward to the in-house sommelier to recommend the perfect local wine pairing for every meal.

Top River Cruise Destinations & Best Time to Go

The biggest challenge about planning a European river cruise is identifying which itinerary most intrigues you the most. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Danube or Rhine: The Danube and Rhine rivers are the top two destinations for European river cruises. These cruises are usually week-long and typically cover at least three countries. Every day you’ll enjoy immersive tours of towns and cities along the route, ancient castles, and wine tasting. To avoid low water levels, impassable locks and frozen rivers, book your cruise in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September – October).
• Tulip Time: This particular cruise doesn’t focus on a specific river but rather on cities along Dutch Waterways. As you sail between Holland and Belgium, you’ll explore historic and charming cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brugge, and Antwerp. Most Tulip Time cruises occur during spring, from the end of March through early May, as that’s when tulips are most typically in bloom.
• Themed river cruises are increasingly popular with more river cruise lines offering itineraries that revolve around a single theme. A perfect example are the holiday cruises offered between November 25 and December 24. These cruises are designed around the delightful Christmas markets, where you’ll see how each country celebrates its own distinct holiday traditions. Wine cruises that include visiting Europe’s unique vineyards and wineries are also top-rated. For instance, Portugal’s Douro River is lined with vineyards, making it an excellent option for a wine cruise. Other themes include culinary, cycling and even topical subjects like European history and Jewish Heritage.

Find out if river cruising is right for you by taking my cruise quiz.

Adventure & Expedition Cruises

Definition

If you’re less keen on visiting the Caribbean or Europe, and more interested in nature-watching and visiting remote islands, then an adventure cruise may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Adventure cruises are a growing segment of small-ship cruises. From Antarctica to the Arctic, these small-ship voyages immerse you in the most remote and wild places on the planet. 

What To Expect on An Adventure Cruise

• Plenty of shore excursions: Since off-the-ship discovery is the purpose of any expedition voyage, you won’t find activities such as Broadway-style theater performances and pool parties. Instead, the emphasis is on shore activities such as swimming with whale sharks, watching the Northern Lights, tracking polar bears, kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, animal viewing and much more.
• Remote wilderness exploration: Expedition vessels are retrofitted scientific research vessels explicitly built for adventurous excursions. This means they’re able to access far-flung corners of the earth, plow through ice fields and ride out rough seas.
• Onboard experts: The onboard crew on adventure cruises will often include well-traveled expedition teams of wilderness experts, scientists, and historians to provide an enriched guest experience.
• More than comfortable accommodations: Luxury expeditions vessels don’t sacrifice comfort. You’ll still enjoy your hot shower, a glass of wine with a delicious meal and a fine stateroom with a private balcony or floor-to-ceiling ocean view.
• Stronger bonds with fellow cruisers: Whether it’s the Galapagos or Antarctica, visiting some of the planet’s most indescribable destinations with a small group of like-minded travelers will lead to more meaningful interactions. You’ll make friends for life on an adventure cruise.

Top Expedition Cruise Destinations & Best Time to Go 

With expedition cruises, you’ll explore these remote and picturesque locations. 

The Galápagos Islands

Unleash your adventurous spirit when you travel on a unique cruise to the diverse islands and ecosystems of the Galápagos Archipelago. Here are the best ways to explore its main islands:

• South Plaza Island 
• North Seymour Island
• San Cristobal Island
• Santa Cruz Island

The remote and unspoiled islands offer rare opportunities to snorkel and kayak at one of the most diverse reef systems in the world. You can also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an inside peek at the conservation efforts of the islands’ most famous residents, giant tortoises. You’ll get up close and personal with other species such as the marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies. 

Underneath the turquoise blue waters, volcanic activity constantly alters the landscape of these islands, meaning no two visits are ever the same!

The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is from December to May. Though the Galápagos is beautiful year-round, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting.

Arctic and Antarctica

The Arctic is an ice-covered wilderness in the Northern Hemisphere where polar bears outnumber people. Here, you’ll also spot several whale species, like the humpback and the blue whale. Antarctica is located in the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s home to one of the most beloved creatures, the penguin.

The Northwest Passage represents centuries of effort to find a westward route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the Arctic seas. Until a little more than a decade ago, it typically took a ship with icebreaking capabilities to make it all the way through. Due to climate changes, several adventure cruise ships can now make it through. If you’re sailing to Antarctica, you’ll come face-to-face with the volatile Drake Passage. This is where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans converge, and it is often a notoriously bumpy ride.

Opportunities are available in both destinations to get off-ship and explore the icy wilderness. In the Arctic, popular excursions include King Crab Safari (catch and cook massive crabs), summer dog-sledding, hiking and bird watching. In Antarctica, you can stop by the Penguin Post Office to send postcards to your family and friends, do some hiking and – for the brave – scuba dive.

If you’re looking to interact with locals during your cruise, choose an Arctic cruise. Approximately 40 ethnic groups live year-round in the region, including natives like the Inuit. In Antarctica, there are no indigenous tribes. The most human interaction you will find are your fellow cruisers and resident onboard scientists.

For the Arctic, the summer cruise season runs from May through September, while for Antarctica, it extends from November through March. If you are willing to brave the much-colder days and nights to see aurora borealis (the Northern Lights), winter Arctic cruises are also available.

French Polynesia

The idyllic islands of French Polynesia, which include Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea, are world-famous for their picture-perfect beaches, thriving coral reefs, lush landscapes and romantic ambiance. Get up close and personal to vibrant marine life, hike on pristine beaches and discover fascinating geology on a French Polynesian cruise. The major draw of any South Pacific cruise is the various French Polynesian cultures.

The best time to cruise the South Pacific is the dry season between May and October.

Find out if adventure cruising is right for you by taking my cruise quiz.

Exotic Cruises

Definition

Exotic Cruises are a relatively new cruise style whereby you experience something entirely different from your typical river or ocean cruise. These trips to exotic lands emphasize learning about the local culture, the history of the region, ancient sites and biodiversity. An exotic river cruise is the best way to explore the world’s most remote rivers like the Amazon and Mekong.

What To Expect on An Exotic Cruise

Connect more deeply with nature: One of the unique advantages of exotic cruises is that they invite you to explore diverse ecosystems and unspoiled nature. Indeed, there are no large ports of call or big cities lining the rivers. You’ll connect with nature in some of the most remote parts of the world where peace and quiet and sernetity reign supreme.

Off the beaten path activities: You might consider exotic cruises as a cross between expedition and river cruising. In addition to smaller vessels, you’ll enjoy smaller excursion groups and customized outings with local guides who lend their expertise to every unique off-ship adventure.

More wildlife viewing: Farther away from huge populations and industries, you stand a better chance of spotting more exotic wildlife species. Smaller cruise vessels are designed to venture further along the rivers and inlets into more remote and less developed areas where they live. 

Enthralling cultural experiences: Exotic river cruises provide wonderful opportunities to connect with different cultures. You will interact with cultural heritages, people, customs and languages you might never encounter in your lifetime.

Top Exotic Cruise Destinations & Best Time to Go

If you’re looking for something truly unique for your next cruise, consider one of these exotic travel destinations.

Amazon River in Peru

Explore the wild and tropical Amazon, the most biodiverse rainforest and river system on Earth. The Peruvian section of the river offers the most ideal touring experience. Expect a much smaller vessel that can accommodate a maximum of 38 passengers, quiet mornings kayaking the Amazon, and unforgettable hikes through the rainforest with your indigenous guide.

The Amazon River is located in a tropical region near the equator, which means that there are no defined seasons. Instead, there’s a high-water season (January-June) and a low-water season (July-December). The high-water season is ideal for animal spotting and water-based excursions while the low-water season allows visitors to enjoy land-based excursions such as hiking, canopy climbing and ziplining. This is delightful news for those wanting to experience the mighty Amazon River because you can cruise all year long.

Mekong River in Southeast Asia

Exotic cruises on the Mekong River travel along the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar in a region of Southeast Asia known as the Golden Triangle. This is the best way to explore its ancient sites, dramatic landscapes, and remote villages, all while immersing yourself in local Southeast Asian culture and cuisine. Foodies will absolutely delight in the region’s sweet and spicy dishes.

The best time to take a cruise down the Mekong is in the dry season, between November and March. In particular, November through January is perfect right after the wet season when the weather is cool and the sun isn’t too hot.

Nile River in Egypt

A luxury cruise on the Nile River is arguably the best way to experience the land of the Pharaohs, its incredible historic sites and majestic temples. Imagine turning the pages of your favorite book as you enjoy the cool river breeze from the comfort of a Balinese-style canopied daybed. History buffs will be more than pleased by the numerous opportunities to engage with ancient Egyptian culture. Expect hot air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings, visits to a Nubian Village, and sailing on traditional small sailboats called feluccas. 

The best time to cruise the Nile river is between October and April. During these months the weather is not too hot, meaning you can get the most out of your offshore excursions to famous temples along the river.

Chobe River in Africa

While a traditional land safari is the most popular way to enjoy Africa’s wildlife, it’s rivaled by exotic river voyages. The Chobe River in Botswana offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences you’ll find anywhere. Expect to see elephants, hippos, Cape buffalo, crocodiles and puku antelopes, to name a few. If you’re ready for an adventure and looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, you won’t be disappointed. 

Here’s a hat tip: you can combine a Chobe river cruise with a visit to awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The dry season, from April to October, is the ideal time for a Chobe River cruise.  As inland water holes dry up, animals move toward the mighty Chobe in search of water, creating spectacular viewing opportunities.

Find out if exotic cruising is right for you by taking my cruise quiz.