All the World’s a Cruise

 In Grand Cayman you can snorkel with stingrays; Costa Maya, in Mexico, attracts thousands of cruise passengers for kayaking and windsurfing; and in Barcelona, wine tasting and Basilica tours take center stage. These are just the tip of the iceberg (glaciers, fjords and rainforests, too) as far as the assortment of shore excursions offered when one embarks upon a cruise.

Welcome Aboard

No matter what time of year, travelers can easily find a cruise line with destinations, activities and shore excursions to fit their particular desires and budget. According to Cruise Lines International Association, Inc., an estimated 17.2 million passengers sailed with their 26 member lines in 2012, stopping at some of the most popular and exotic ports of call.  From intimate 100 passenger vessels, to behemoth mega ships that carry over four thousand passengers and crew, you’ll find a wealth of cruise lines to float your boat.

Take Celebrity Cruises, for example, tailored toward an upper income clientele, with itineraries encompassing enchanting locales like the Galapagos Islands, Paris and the Panama Canal. Royal Caribbean International, which attracts a wide array of active travelers with great value priced cruises, docks in some 280 ports of call in the Caribbean, Croatia and China, just to name a few.

Affluent travelers with refined tastes embark upon Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, each offering sophisticated entertainment, onboard activities and shore excursions in destinations like Rome, Athens, Hamburg, Mumbai and Montreal.

Holland America and Princess are two other highly rated cruise lines geared toward upscale travelers, offering popular Eastern Caribbean, Australian, Peruvian and Argentinean destinations, among others.

Often referred to as “The Big Three,” Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Star/Norwegian Cruise Lines capture the lion’s share of cruisers – an estimated two-thirds of the world’s passenger capacity. From the Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera, the Hawaiian Islands, the Mediterranean and a host of other destinations, these well-known cruise lines offer amenities and itineraries tailored towards first time, family, active single and seasoned cruisers.

 

I’ll Take “Sailing the Seven Seas” for $200, Alex

OK, that’s a bit of a play on Jeopardy but I hope you get the point. The ocean covers the globe and the same can be said for cruising options. Choosing a particular cruise line is only part of the equation. Travelers must also decide where they want to visit and what they want to experience. So, whether you desire to explore waterfalls, underwater reefs and white sand beaches; majestic ice caps and penguin colonies; volcanoes, temples and ruins; or anything in between, there’s a unique destination that speaks to your sense of adventure.

 By far the Caribbean is the top destination in the world. Dotted with distinctive, awe-inspiring islands and cays (pronounced “keys”) all over the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean has long been a cruisers’ paradise.

One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is swimming with the dolphins and sea lions, giving visitors a unique opportunity to interact with these beautiful creatures in a very up close and personal way. In Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, both beginning and avid anglers love deep sea fishing for barracuda, wahoo, dorado and tuna. Wanna take your passion for hiking to the next level? Then perhaps a waterfall or volcano excursion in Hilo, Hawaii should be on your itinerary.

The truly adventurous will thoroughly enjoy hiking along beautiful lava-sculpted landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic ice caps in Reykjavík, Iceland. And if archeological sites, quiet coastal roads and caves are your thing, then a Polynesian adventure in Bora Bora or Moorea, Tahiti may be the ticket.

But of course, many cruisers just want to escape the daily grind all together—sans schedules, technology, or the need to go anywhere. That’s where the ship is like a floating all inclusive resort. Once onboard, passengers can enjoy an array of activities and entertainment from shopping to casinos, nightly shows, poolside games, fitness and sports facilities, spas, saunas and steam rooms, card nights, happy hours, wine tastings, culinary workshops, mini-golf, shuffleboard, pools and  Jacuzzis … almost everything to suit your every whim and desire.

And let’s not forget the outstanding culinary adventures offered. From quick noshes to poolside grills, multi-ethnic buffets, formal dinners, intimate dining experiences and in-cabin service, you’ll find it all.

 

Something Just for You

Themed cruises are another popular draw for travelers, each offering a distinctive flavor and flair to the onboard experience. Jazz, gospel, blues, R&B and Broadway musicals as well as other music genres are popular cruise themes, some featuring an A-list of artists who (unlike at a one night concert) perform throughout the voyage, transforming the ship into a festival at sea.

What used to be classified as gay cruises are now known in many circles as alternative lifestyle cruises, designed around the customary amenities, activities and entertainment, but tailored toward LGBT passengers.  In recent years, numerous cruise lines have upped their game from offering mere art for sale nights, to staging auctions and creating gallery spaces that feature the work of some of the most talented artists. So it’s no surprise to find a wide array of art lover’s cruises to a variety of locales.

Family cruises are much more than multi-deck playgrounds with kids running amuck, rather they are specifically tailored adventures to address the needs of today’s multi-generational family, from toddlers to grade-schoolers, tweens to teens and parents and grandparents. Onboard options include kids’ clubs, teen discos, family tournaments, game and pool nights, special buffets, and even spa days for mother-daughter onboard “getaways.”

Are you single? The cruise lines have you covered, too. Twenty something’s, over 40’s, 50-plus, baby boomers, twilight cruisers, in fact all age groups, you name it and there’s a themed cruise for you.

Travelers with special needs also have a lot of options, as many cruise lines have uniquely trained staff, doctors, nurses and technology that support physically and mentally challenged guests – from the visually and hearing impaired, to those with autism, respiratory issues, ambulatory issues and the like.

Celebrity appearances have also become big cruise draws as well. From celebrated authors to superstar chefs, financial gurus, well-known actors, comedians, TV show hosts and others, there are cruises showing off their expertise and talent.

Now, it may be a buzz kill for me since I’m cruising to get away from it all. But financial investing, business, marketing and politics are other themes that appeal to cruise passengers.

And if you can’t quite decide, then just choose one of your passions – photography, cooking, yoga, dance, poker – the options are endless.

 

Grab Your Passport and Meet Me at the Port

 Cruising is a fantastic way to travel the world and a mode of vacation that continues to gain in popularity. When it comes down to it, all you really need is a sense of adventure, your passport and the desire to travel – the way you want to do it.