We love cruises for many reasons. The main one is certainly the ability to explore multiple destinations without too many complications. You can visit different cities, countries or regions without having to worry about planning every stage of your trip.
What’s more, some cruises offer unique and memorable experiences, such as expedition cruises to remote locations, themed cruises focusing on cuisine, music or cinema, or luxury cruises offering exclusive services.
Second, cruises often offer a higher level of comfort and convenience than other types of travel. On board, there are a variety of services: restaurants, bars, stores, spas and sports facilities. There are activities and entertainment for all ages, including shows, themed evenings, swimming pools and even children’s aquatic facilities.
It’s also an excellent way to disconnect, as wi-fi connections are often lacking on the high seas. That’s when we MUST focus on relaxation, pleasure and discovery!
Now, with all the cruise lines on the market, how to find your way? Here are our suggestions.
To save or pay for a cruise with points, you’ll need to use travel points on certain credit cards. Here are some of them:
For example, the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card and the American Express Cobalt® Card offer a redemption rate of 1,000 points for a $10 credit. This can be applied to the cruise payment transaction to get a statement credit.
You can also book your cruise directly with loyalty programs such as Aeroplan (with Air Canada Vacations) and Marriott Bonvoy.
Read our complete guide on how to go on a cruise with the points :
The adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages is renowned for its quality culinary experiences and impeccable service. No buffets are on board, and all specialty restaurants are included, as are tips.
Among the other highlights of this cruise line: wi-fi is included throughout the ship, the atmosphere on board is reminiscent of Las Vegas, and the themed evenings and shows are original. In addition, 80% of the cabins have a balcony or a sea view.
Virgin Voyages sails regularly in the Caribbean and Europe. Here’s a sample itinerary entitled “Fire & Sunset Soirées”:
Day 1: Miami
Day 2: Key west
Day 3: Beach Club in Bimini
Day 4: Sailing
Day 5: Miami
Viking offers experiences for adults, ideal for cultural immersion. The company has a fleet of over 90 vessels, offering river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents.
It offers an upscale cruising experience, with more time in port than most cruise lines. On board, there are no casinos, no charges for specialty restaurants and no inside cabins either.
One of its highlights is a free shore excursion, offered in every port where the cruise stops.
Among the most impressive itineraries is the Viking World Cruise, which lasts 138 days from Ft. Lauderdale to London, with 59 guided tours in 29 countries.
The Norwegian company Hurtigruten specializes in helping you discover authentic Norway on a cruise that takes like the fjords and the northern lights. With it, you can visit many other destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland and South America.
Expeditions include daily excursions and activities, wi-fi, full board and beverages.
The company also supports some forty environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries.
Other cruises to consider for solo travelers include:
Norwegian Cruise Line the first to offer studios for solo travelers. As for Silverseas and Carnival offer one-to-one dinners and welcome cocktails to break the ice between singles.
Disney Cruise Line’s ships, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, are family favourites for their child-friendly atmospheres, whimsical amenities, and well-equipped cabins.
Each ship has themed pools, youth clubs, stores, several restaurants and even adult lounges.
A variety of Disney-inspired entertainment is also offered on board, including shows, movies and character encounters.
Disney Cruise Line itineraries depart from several ports, including Miami. Your itinerary may take you to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.
To learn more about Disney cruises, read our complete guide:
Royal Caribbean International offers travel to over 300 destinations on six continents. No matter which ship you’re on, you’ll have a generous selection of restaurants and activities for all age groups. These include children’s entertainment programs, marine amusement parks and adult-only pools.
There are five kids’ clubs on the company’s ships. From 3 to 5 years old, the Aquanauts; from 6 to 8 years old, the Explorers; from 9 to 11 years old, the Voyagers; and two clubs for teens from 12 to 17 years old. All of these spaces together form the largest space at sea reserved for young people.
These ships depart from ports all over the U.S., including Seattle, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as from several international ports.
Other cruises to consider for families include:
MSC Cruises offers the best spaces dedicated to the little ones. And Norwegian Cruise Line with its kids’ and teens’ clubs.
The ten or so Celebrity Cruises ships are designed with finesse and elegance in mind, offering couples an affordable high-end product.
Cruises offer an “all-inclusive” service , including the “Classic Drinks” package, as well as “Surf wi-fi”. But also “The Retreat” service, with four benefits included, including access to exclusive areas.
On board, you will be treated to romantic dinners, with menus created by a Michelin-starred chef worthy of the best luxury lines of the sea.
The most romantic itineraries include Italy, Turkey and the Greek islands.
Princess Cruises has a reputation for offering some of the most romantic couples cruises. On board, The Sanctuary is a full-service retreat with waiters and a menu of care treatments, including a couple’s massage in a cabana.
You can also book a Sky Suite, available on Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess. These staterooms include huge panoramic balconies, a personal concierge and a complimentary wine tasting.
Princess Cruises offers many dining options for two, but you may want to opt for the very romantic experience of dinner on your balcony. For an additional fee, cruisers are treated to a lobster dinner with champagne.
Among the most beautiful destinations to visit as a couple: the Mediterranean, the Adriatic and the Aegean. Some Princess Cruises depart from Barcelona, Athens, Rome or London (Southampton).
Other cruises to consider for couples include:
Seabourn is a top-of-the-range cruise line offering a bottle of champagne as a welcome gift, and offering itineraries untouched by mass tourism. And Silversea with its intimate, ultra-luxurious setting.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with your family, the cruise offer is more generous than ever. All that’s left is to find your ideal combination, the right balance between on-board service that lives up to your expectations and an itinerary that makes you dream.
Norwegian Cruise Line takes top honors among the larger ships. In the mid-size segment, Viking tops the Condé Nast Traveler 2023 list.
If you’re travelling with children, one of Disney Cruise Line’s ships is the best choice. Each ship features themed pools and a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment.
Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line, is known for its quality dining experiences and impeccable service. It offers several tours in the Caribbean.
Savings are here:
