Sunday, March 31, 2024

6 Best Cruises Out of Port Canaveral

best cruise vacation packages

When considering one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, plan extra time before and after your sailing to soak up all the fun that the area has to offer. There's so much to do in Orlando that you could stay for several days and never get bored — music to your ears if you're traveling with children. One of the best things about Orlando cruises is that you have your choice of theme parks to round out your vacation. They're expansive and immersive escapes into playful worlds, not unlike a great cruise. I love tacking on an extra day or two at an Orlando theme park, usually before my cruise departs.

Hotels

Another ship that sails the Galápagos, the Celebrity Flora, has 50 suites, many with large verandas, plus a stargazing deck and a fleet of comfortable tenders. The line’s “outer loop” also includes plenty of wildlife watching, plus a stop at the less-frequented Daphne Island. Upstart cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers all-inclusive fares on its two 98-suite vessels, and, in a departure from industry norms, the brand doesn’t charge solo travelers a single supplement. It will sail nine-, 10-, 11-, and 12-night round-trips from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica through March 2023 before heading to the Mediterranean to hit Spain, France, and Portugal.

The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023

Best Cheap Flights, Cruise Deals, and More Now - Travel + Leisure

Best Cheap Flights, Cruise Deals, and More Now.

Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Lines that include laundry services (or at least a free launderette) are a boost to your deal because they can save you on checked bag charges. To view the full details of each category, visit the 2023 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. Silversea Cruises topped the list as Best Luxury Cruise Line for the second year in a row.

Cruise lines where kids sail free - The Points Guy

Cruise lines where kids sail free.

Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Best Destination for Wildlife Runner-Up: The Amazon

Five-day pre- and post-cruise UNESCO Treasures of Tuscany packages -- available on cruises beginning or ending in Civitavecchia -- take cruisers to medieval towns and ancient vineyards. Meanwhile, the six-day Venice Simplon-Orient-Express pre-cruise addition -- for cruises beginning in Venice -- is an overnight journey from London to Venice in an elegant Belle Epoque of the Orient-Express carriage, plus hotel stay. As a pioneer cruise operator in Alaska, HAL is something of an expert in the area, and its nine- to 14-day Denali Land + Sea Journey include a stay at its exclusive McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. It's the only cruise line to offer land stays in the Yukon Territory, with nine- to 18-day Yukon and Denali Land + Sea Journey. This includes a ride in McKinley Explorer glass-domed railcars, panning for gold and a Yukon River cruise, while three-night stays in Denali only include a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour. Typical cruise itineraries leave Vancouver or Anchorage and sail the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay.

Although they’re known best for their Caribbean itineraries—good for a quick weekend getaway—Carnival also sails to many other destinations, including Europe, Mexico and Hawaii. Determined to dispel the myth that cruising is only for seniors, Richard Branson has shaken up the industry with a cruise line geared toward millennials—and the young at heart. Virgin Voyages’s fleet of “Lady Ships” (a playful nod to “your ladyship” and the line’s British heritage) is filled with surprises including terrace hammocks, the first tattoo shop at sea and an onboard record store. Suffice to say, it’s all a little different than the usual hidden features on cruise ships. Bermuda's cruise season might not be as long as the one in the Caribbean, but the beaches are still top-notch.

best cruise vacation packages

Health & Safety On Board: New Sanitizing Technology on Norwegian’s Ships

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service. In addition to seeing penguins, polar bears and reindeer, travelers are surrounded by stunning landscapes on and off the ship. Explore the area’s natural beauty on Zodiac boat excursions, and back on board, you’ll get to relax while kids are treated to special activities including themed dinners, games and movie nights. Before you book, you’ll definitely want to know these Disney cruise tips.

Greek Isles Cruises: 10 Things to Do in Mykonos

With much of the world now accessible by cruise ship, it can be hard to pick exactly which destination is right for your vacation. You can also sail from Sydney to New Zealand, stopping at Melbourne before crossing the Tasman Sea for scenic cruises in Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds at the bottom of South Island. Then, you'll travel up to Dunedin, Picton, and North Island's Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland. Iglu Cruise's Desert Dunes in Dubai itinerary starts with three nights in Dubai, followed by a cruise to Muscat, Khasab, Abu Dhabi before returning to Dubai.

More information on Ponant's Asia voyages can be found on the line's website. Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family. There are also combined Alaska and Canada cruise tours, featuring an Alaska sailing, a stay in Denali and another land tour from Vancouver to Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary. The land tour features stays at hotels and lodges, guided tours and transportation, including rail journeys through the Rockies.

SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II. The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels. Though mass Covid-19 outbreaks early in the pandemic exposed health concerns surrounding cruising, a new survey indicates travelers may not abandon ship travel after all.

Marella's Caribbean cruises are seven-night round trips from either Barbados or Jamaica. The Barbados itineraries go to British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and St. Vincent, while Jamaican cruises call at Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and the Mexican resort of Costa Maya. In Asia you can spend five days on land seeing Cambodia's temples in Phnom Penh and the magnificent Angkor Wat complex at Siem Reap.

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category.

The small-ship line, which is known for both its sleek “Star Plus Class” ships and its classic vessels with their dramatic sails, also has an array of itineraries along the coast of Australia and in the South Pacific. Silversea gives Antarctica travelers the option to skip two days of sailing the often-rocky Drake Passage. Instead, they can fly in comfort over the waters separating South America from the continent, then hop aboard the 127-suite Silver Cloud and 100-suite Silver Endeavour for trips along the frosty coastline. Celebrity Cruises' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch.

The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff. French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna.

The Best Time To Cruise Alaska What To Expect In Every Month

best time to go to alaska cruise

Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. A handful of cruise lines -- mostly small ship and luxury lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Windstar -- offer Alaska cruises ranging from nine to 14 days in length (generally departing from Vancouver). Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide

Ship captains expertly maneuver the vessels to perform full 360-degree turns, ensuring that passengers from all sides can fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. This period is especially spectacular at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Located along the Chilkat, Klehini, and Tsirku Rivers, the preserve becomes a prime spot for viewing these birds as they fish and rest near the waterways. For bird watchers, especially those keen on seeing eagles, May and June are prime times as the weather is nice and the birds are plentiful.

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

September Alaska Cruises

best time to go to alaska cruise

When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born. Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Of course, temperatures during September will be lower than other times of the year, but the opportunity to see the Northern Lights is a real treat.

What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise

Then, you’ll travel over to Kodiak Island, out to the far stretches of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch Harbor, and around to Nome, and through the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer pre or post-cruise fly-in opportunities to remote areas of Alaska, like leaving from Fairbanks to the visit the Arctic Circle. The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky. Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals.

Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights. According to McDaniel, some ships are even starting to extend the Alaska cruise season, sailing as early as April.

Other than May, September is the best month for an Alaska cruise if you're looking for a deal. The price of an Alaska cruise in August should be cheaper than June or July, especially if you can take a cruise in the latter half of the month. The best months to catch a glimpse of the amazing fauna that call Alaska home are the months of June and July.

Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide

Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,

There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. You also might see fuzzy harbor seal pups and sea lion pups (born in June and July) warming themselves on rocks with their mothers.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Plus, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings provide a captivating backdrop that can both entertain and educate kids. It’s a comfortable and convenient way to experience the vast wilderness of Alaska together as a family.

September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. Check out our list of the 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise for more information on packing necessities on your Alaskan cruise. A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State. Come prepared, and always check trail conditions with locals or tourist information centers first before setting out.

If having the highest chance of warm temperatures and sunny days is important to you, cruising to Alaska in the peak summer months is your best bet. The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning.

best time to go to alaska cruise

These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.

Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation.

If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife.

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