Top 10 No-Fail Classic Cruises
Maybe you're a first-time cruiser and want to try something basic at a value price. Maybe you're taking the whole family and want to be sure the cruise is easy for everyone from little kids to elderly grandparents. Maybe you just want a reliable get-away you don't have to fuss over too much.
Whatever your situation, there are cruises that are "classics" that don't change from year to year, are safe and easy to do, and guarantee a satisfying cruise vacation. In other words -- they may not be the most exotic, but they are perfect!
#1. 7-night Mexican Riviera round-trip from LA or San Diego. No matter what cruise line or ship you choose, the itinerary is the same: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Why it's a classic:
* LA and San Diego are easy cities to fly into and cruise from, and you can almost always find a reasonable airfare.
* The cruise is available year-round.
* The weather is great! You rarely have to worry about bad weather cancelling or delaying your flight, or causing disruption to the cruise itinerary.
* The ports-of-call are excellent -- you'll find plenty of interesting excursions, or you can safely explore these towns on your own. Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta represent a more "authentic" Mexico versus a touristy destination like Cancun. December through March, the whales are in port -- adding another exciting dimension to the sight-seeing possibilities. Feel free to browse through shore excursions for more ideas.
Top recommended ship:
The Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas -- sailing from the San Pedro pier in LA every Sunday. She's one of those big ships with the interior promenade, ice skating rink, rock-climbing wall, and lots of dining venues. She's the perfect ship for a cruise with 3 sea days -- you'll never be bored. Sample starting fares: $782 peak summer, $483 low fall season.
#2. 7-night Alaska round-trip from Seattle, available on most cruise lines from mid-May to mid-September.
Why it's a classic:
* Seattle is the easiest and least expensive-to-get-to home port for Alaska cruises.
* This one is slightly more complicated because some of the ports-of-call do vary by cruise, but no matter which cruise line or ship you choose you'll cruise the Inside Passage, see glaciers and wildlife, and stop at interesting, historical ports (some only accessible by sea). See shore excursions for an overview of the many possibilities.
* The water is calm, even on those rainy North Pacific days and chilly days spent glacier-viewing.
Top recommended ship:
Holland America Line's Oosterdam -- sailing from Seattle every Sunday from May 9 to September 19. I prefer this one because you stop at all the classic ports: Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan; plus you get an evening in magical Victoria, and a day at Glacier Bay (so you see the most glaciers on this itinerary). The ship is beautiful and elegant, but never stuffy. Not known to attract a lot of families with small children, she is nevertheless family-friendly and offers plenty for cruisers of all ages to enjoy. Many other cruise lines and ships are available, though, so it's important that we have a consultation and find the right choice before you make your purchase. Sample starting fares: $649 early May, $949 peak summer.
#3. 7-night Hawaiian Islands round-trip from Honolulu -- the Norwegian Cruise LIne Pride of America sets sail every Saturday, year-round. She's the only American-flagged cruise ship that can sail this itinerary! Sample starting fares: $869 fall, $999 peak summer.
Why it's a classic:
* Taking this cruise is the most economical way to see all the islands -- forget about expensive and time-consuming "island hopping." Sail at night and wake up each day to a different port in paradise. Plus, all meals are included with your cruise, so you don't have to worry about paying for expensive meals out (unless you just want to). Browse shore excursions here.
* NCL has the best "golf at sea" program. You can actually golf on 7 different Hawaiian golf courses!
* The Pride of America has abundant balcony staterooms so you can have your own space for enjoying the breathtaking views as you sail around the islands.
* Your flight home is overnight, so you return on Sunday morning -- it's the perfect weekend-to-weekend Hawaiian vacation.
#4. 7-night Western Caribbean round-trip from Galveston -- the Carnival Conquest sets sail every Sunday, year-round. She's big, she's beautiful, she's bold -- she's a classic Fun Ship! Sample starting fares: $899 peak summer, $499 early May and other off-peak times. Why it's a classic: * You visit the classic islands of Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel -- ports with lots of sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and plentiful activities. Browse shore excursions here. * The shopping is great -- everything from local handicrafts to top-quality jewelry and designer goods. * Galveston is easy to drive to -- you save money, time, and the "hassle factor" by not having to fly; making it very family and group-friendly. Can you book in advance? Then ask me about Carnival's "Early Saver" program for the absolute lowest, guaranteed rates. Actually, Carnival has lots of discount fares, so be sure to talk to me first!
#5. 7-night Eastern Caribbean round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, or Port Canaveral. There are many ships and itineraries to choose from, but you'll typically go to 3 or 4 islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Martin, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos, and cruise line private islands in the Bahamas. You'll have a choice of Saturday-to-Saturday or Sunday-to-Sunday cruises. Why it's a classic: * You visit the lush tropical islands you always see in pictures -- the ones with secluded beaches, palm trees, shallow water where you can wade out forever, and dazzling marine life. * There's no end to the myriad activities and shopping. Take a look at all the shore excursions! I have 2 top recommended ships for this one: 1. The Oasis of the Seas -- yes, the world's biggest cruise ship is well worth it! You not only get Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, and St. Martin, but the ship is an amazing destination in itself with all of its dazzling array of shows, activities, and dining venues. Departs Ft. Lauderdale on Saturdays. Fares start at $849 for off-peak weeks. 2. The Emerald Princess -- an elegant ship with an elegant itinerary. Visit the private island Princess Cays, then St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Turks and Caicos. Departs Ft. Lauderdale on Sundays. Off-peak fares start at just $499! #6. 7-night Southern Caribbean round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. There are actually 2 different Southern routes -- one is more Eastern and takes you to islands such as St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and others, while the Western route goes to islands like Aruba, Bonaire, and Grenada. Almost all of the major cruise lines have sailings from San Juan. Why it's a classic: * Sailing from San Juan is surprisingly easy -- you just want to book in advance for the best air schedule, or plan to spend an extra day ahead of your cruise. And I'll be happy to assist with your arrangements. * You go to islands that are less crowded and have more unusual geologic and/or cultural features to explore. Click here to browse shore excursions. * It's the best cruise for seeing the most islands on one cruise. Top recommended ship: The Carnival Victory -- you get to see 7 islands in 7 days! She sets sail every Sunday, making it the perfect weekend-to-weekend cruise by adding a pre-cruise night in exciting San Juan. Prices start at just $479 for off-peak weeks. You'll definitely come home with a tan after visiting Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Kitts. #7. 7-night Canada-New England round-trip from New York City or Boston, available late summer and fall. Why it's a classic: * The ports-of-call are outstanding -- Boston or Portland, then Newport, Bar Harbor, and Halifax and St. Johns in Canada. Especially beautiful in the autumn, but also enjoyable as a late-summer get-away from the heat. If you've already done Alaska, this is a perfect cool-weather alternative. Wonderful natural features and historic sites to explore. Click here to browse shore excursions. * Boston and New York are easy to fly into and sail from, plus are excellent cities for spending some extra time before or after your cruise. Top recommended ships: Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, sailing from Boston on Saturdays beginning September 18th. Starting at $699. The Caribbean Princess, sailing from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York on Saturdays beginniing August 7th. Starting at $885 most weeks. #8. 7-night Mediterranean, round-trip from Barcelona. Many of the cruise lines have cruises like this, visiting such ports as Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Nice, Livorno (for Florence), and Toulon (for Provence, France). Why it's a classic: * It's the perfect overview of the north coast of the Mediterranean, featuring the French Riviera and western Italian coastline. Click here to browse shore excursions. * It's great for people who can't take time off for a longer European vacation. Perfect for families with older children -- a great introduction to the cultures and sights of Spain, France, and Italy. Top recommended ship: The Voyager of the Seas, sailing every Sunday from Barcelona beginning May 2nd. Starting fares range from $849 May 2, to $1169 peak summer. Yes, she'e our very own Galveston ship -- and BTW, she also has stunning trans-Atlantic cruises that Royal Caribbean packages together with bargain-priced air! Ask me about this year's east-bound cruise in April, and the west-bound return in November. #9. 10-night Panama Canal, round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Choose the Coral Princess or Island Princess for this fabulous, easy-to-do cruise to one of the top wonders of the world. The season begins October 26th and lasts through April 4, 2011 (some sailings still available for early spring 2010). Prices start at $1049 (but check with me about sales). Why it's a classic: * With this cruise, you don't have to commit to 2 weeks or longer to experience the Panama Canal. * You also visit Cartagena, Colombia -- World Heritage Site full of Old World charm and magnificent Caribbean views, along with Aruba, Jamaica, and ports in Panama and Costa Rica. Click here to check out possible shore excursions. * It's a wonderful and affordable vacation aboard one of the most beautiful ships afloat. #10. 6-night trans-Atlantic aboard Cunard's magnificent Queen Mary 2. Sail from New York to Southampton (for London) or the reverse, harkening back to the classic days of ocean travel. Of course, it's not just transportation, it's an experience! For some, it is also a historic quest, following the footsteps of their immigrant ancestors who journeyed across the Atlantic. Why it's a classic: * Whichever direction you go, the destination is worth your time! Add on extra days in New York or London to complete your vacation. * The Queen Mary 2 is full of surprises and adventures -- you can stay as busy as you want or completely relax. She offers educational and cultural classes and lectures, history, and grand elegance in all of her varied dining and entertainment venues. I found rates as low as $895, but always watch for sales (especially late in the season). Operates from mid-May to mid-November.
