Sail Your Own Way

In years past, to say that you are going on a cruise was description enough.  Today’s cruises explore the world in unique and customized ways and cruise lines offer diverse experiences to match.  The range of options creates new adventures for those who are avid cruisers, and also appeals to those who have never considered it before.

Take an intimate river cruise through wine country, or sail aboard a ship fitted with an ice rink, driving range, and a wave pool. We know what makes each ship and itinerary extraordinary.  My staff jump at the chance of trying a new ship and a different route.  This way, we can suggest a cruise perfectly suited to your passions. I went nine times to Alaska, each time on a different ship and cruise line so I could rate them, and know which is good for families, singles, passengers with handicaps, sophisticated or bare bones.  I think the staff have been on over 100 Mediterranean cruises.  Here are some style choices:

Theme Cruises

The beauty of theme cruising allows you to immerse yourself in not just travel, but in another one of your passions.  Experts on board provide specialty classes and shore excursions often complement the onboard experience with everything from golf outings to art gallery visits.  There is everything from poker, bridge focused journeys with lessons, tournaments and cash prizes, to cooking, wine, flower arranging, garden design, knitting, quilting, photography, ballroom, square, and line dancing.  A team of world experts teach the various classes.  

World Cruises

A world cruise often three to four months in length, offers you the opportunity to blend the comfort and convenience of a home base while exploring far flung destinations.  Experience the cruise or do segments and have your family join you for a portion of it.

Expedition Cruises

This is very popular, and gets booked up quickly.  Passing icebergs, skirting glaciers, exploring ashore with binoculars in hand and a guide in tow is cruising in all its glory. They usually have world famous names as guides and lecturers.  Visit the Antarctic, the Chilean fjords, Straight of Magellan and South Georgia Island, the Arctic Circle off the coast of Russia.  See the land of reindeer, walrus, whales and polar bears;  they even provide the warm clothes.  The first one I went on I thought, smashing, I can get to wear my full length mink coat.  The ship’s crew gave me a big grin, and said – you looked chic, but we need you more casual and promptly fitted me out with heavy jacket,  hat, and boots.

Small Ship Cruising

Sea Dream Yacht Club’s vessels are limited to 112 passengers and 95 staff.  Star Clipper boasts the largest fully rigged sailing ships in operation today limited to 227 passengers or less.  Another great experience is on Windstar Cruises in the South Pacific.   AMA Waterways Celebration of Wine itineraries take you on experiences from the Baltics to Bordeaux

Family Cruising

With cruise lines expanding onboard programs and accommodations alike there are more exciting options for families than ever before.  Several cruise lines offer extensive babysitting services and kids clubs to ensure fun for everyone and most importantly, give the hard working parents a restful holiday and some private time.

Disney does a fantastic job, for children of all ages, and they sell out quickly. One cruise line has cabins which sleep six, with the ability to connect another room for a total of ten.  Another has three bedroom suites, complete with a steam room, private deck, and six-person whirlpool.  This could convince you to make the family cruise an annual event.  Shore excursions can be escorted by a private driver.  Whatever you wish, a good cruise specialist can make sure you get the perfect match.

I think the trend today is for people to be casual, comfortable, and pack light.  Is this your year to cruise?

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.