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By smokesmom , August 21, 2022 in Cruise Blogs & Websites

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I've been writing my travel blog to chronicle the fun times and maybe inspire others to make fun travel memories of their own.  🙂

Fondest Travel Memories – Wonderful Memories of Fun Travel (mmmtravelmemories.com)

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  • 3 months later...

New blog added to Travel Memories in the Caribbean category. We took a back-to-back on Carnival Paradise out of Tampa to the Western Caribbean.

  • 2 months later...

New blog added to www.mmmtravelmemories.com under the South America Antarctica category - a 22 day cruise from Chile to Argentina passing through the Antarctica Peninsula on on the Holland America Oosterdam.

  • 1 month later...

New blog added to www.mmmtravelmemories.com. 21 day southern and eastern Caribbean on the Holland America Rotterdam.

New blog added to www.mmmtravelmemories.com. Eleven-day Atlantic Coast transitioning cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Montreal on the Holland America Zaandam.

  • 6 months later...

New blog added to www.mmmtravelmemories.com. Thirty-six-day Holland America cruise - 7 days in Norway, 14 days in Baltic, and 15 days TransAtlantic back to Florida. Ship - Rotterdam.

  • 2 weeks later...

How many countries you have travelled so far? 

On 12/13/2023 at 7:32 AM, khist said: How many countries you have travelled so far? 

I'm not sure. I lost count but there are still lots to go.  🙂

New blog added to www.mmmtravelmemories.com - Two seven-day cruises in the Caribbean on the Carnival Celebration.

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15 Reasons Why Cruising is the Best Vacation Ever

15 reasons why cruising is the best vacation ever

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What is it that makes cruising so special? If you’ve never cruised before, you may wonder why so many people claim that cruising is the best vacation and the best way to travel and see the world.

I asked a wide variety of cruisers, including repeat and first-time cruisers , for reasons they believe that cruising is the best vacation. This list is based on my experience, as well as input from clients, friends and those in my Facebook community

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy  for details.

Why Cruising the Best Way to Travel

1. Cruising is an Escape

There is nothing like being on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean and feeling like life’s routines and job stress is far behind. Cruise ship life is pretty good and it doesn’t take long before you give in and can’t help but relax.

  One of my favorite things about cruising is the Sailaway . My husband and I both swear that we physically and mentally feel lighter and more at ease as we watch our cruise ship sail away from land. I love that feeling.

As one of my cruise friends pointed out, your biggest decision on a cruise is likely, what fabulous restaurant or bar to go to that evening. Nice and easy!

cruise boarding process tips

2. Amazing Crew and Service

On what vacation will you have your room cleaned twice a day and have your every need looked after , without paying a fortune? A cruise, that’s where.

I still recall our first cruise and how our waiter remembered our beverage preferences and which type of bread we enjoyed each evening. It’s a little thing, but a great feeling!

As a cruise friend pointed out, the crew is so welcoming and friendly, and it really makes the cruise experience special. It is not often something we think about, but cruises really do have the very best staff, and without them, the cruise wouldn’t be the same.

cruise ship service

3. Something for Everyone

One thing you’ll notice on a cruise is that no one is bored. The truth is, even on a sea day , each person finds what they like best.

Whether you’re like me and enjoy relaxing by the pool with a book and a frozen cocktail, or prefer one of the other exciting things to do on a cruise likes race cars, waterslides or ziplines, there’s something for everyone on a cruise!

One thing to keep in mind is that different cruise lines will offer a different type of cruise experience, so make sure you do your research or check with your travel agent to find out which cruise ship is best for you .

cruise fitness center

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cruise and travel memories

4. Cruise food

Have you heard that you’ll gain weight when you cruise ? While this doesn’t have to be true, cruises have earned that reputation because the quality and choice of food on most cruises is really, really good!

Plus, most food is included on a cruise, so it’s pretty tempting to indulge and try dishes you may not eat regularly at home.

Cruise Tip: Consider cruise line specialty restaurants. One of our favorite cruise foodie experiences has been dining at the Tuscan Grille, Celebrity Cruises Italian Steakhouse . Even though the restaurant had an additional charge , it was well worth it.

15 reasons why cruising is the best vacation

5. Exciting Itineraries

If you love to travel, cruising is a great way to see and experience some of your wish list destinations. If you love the beach and turquoise waters, plus seeing several islands all in one cruise, Caribbean cruise is perfect. Do you prefer to visit one destination and stay a few days and explore? Plan a Bermuda cruise .

If you want to experience scenic wonders, nature and wildlife, as Alaskan cruise is a dream. If sight-seeing and historic travel is most appealing, consider a Mediterranean or Baltic cruise.

One of my cruise friends said “It’s like seeing the world, one ship at a time. It’s window shopping of the Earth.” I couldn’t have said it better!

horseshoe bay bermuda

6. Unpack Only Once

One of my favorite things about cruising is that you unpack only once, all while visiting several destinations. We experienced this on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise where we visited 9 different ports and cities. No packing and unpacking!

The same trip as a land tour would mean packing and unpacking at each destination, and probably living out of a suitcase. You would have to carry luggage on and off coach buses, and endure early morning drives to the next destination.

Whereas on a cruise, after a busy day sightseeing, you get to return home to your luxurious cruise ship. All you need to do is enjoy a relaxing dinner and perhaps see a show, or chat with new friends.

Cruise ships often sail to the next during the night, while you sleep in your comfortable cabin. This is a big reason that cruises are the best way to travel!

Read more:   25 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know

cruise travel athens

7. Cruising is a Great Value

Cruises are often thought of as an expensive vacation,. However, this misconception about cruising being only for the rich has been debunked over the years, as many people have found that they are such a great value.

In fact, many families with children find cruises less expensive than land vacations and theme park holidays. Plus, with the quality kid’s club and loads of engaging activities, it makes a great vacation for all.

When my children were young, we found so many ways to save money on our family cruises, so we could cruise more often!

15 reasons why cruising is the best vacation ever

8. Shore Excursions and Activities

While cruise sea days are awesome, it’s pretty exciting to wake up to a new port of call and adventures ahead. Cruise ports offer opportunities to do activities and shore excursions , either planned with the cruise line or on your own.

Days in a cruise port of call is the time to sightsee, go to the beach, shop for local art or souvenirs and do some exciting activities. Whether you want to swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman , tour the Crystal Caves in Bermuda or snorkel at your cruise line’s private island, there are so many adventures to be had when cruising.

After a fun day at a cruise port, you will often hear other passengers exclaiming at they board, “this is the best vacation ever!” .

cruise shore excursions

9. Making New Friends

Did you know that over 3000 people are on most cruise ships? This means there are many people to meet and connect with. Plus, on the most part people are pretty friendly on cruises.

While there’s no requirement to be social, if you’re like me and you like to meet new people, you’ll be in your element!

I love to talk to people from different cities and countries and I enjoy learning a little bit about them. I especially enjoy talking to those who have traveled and cruised extensively. They have amazing stories and cruise tips !

10. Learning New Skills

The opportunity to learn new things is all around you on a cruise. Whether you sign up for salsa class, learn origami, attend a lecture about ancestry research, participate in a cardio-boxing class (I did this!) or attend an art auction and learn about up and coming artists; there is always something new to learn and do while you are on a cruise.

why cruising is the best vacation - learning new things

11. Disconnecting

While wifi and cruise ship internet is improving, cruising remains a great way to disconnect. You can put your phone away, or check on emails and social media only at certain time of the day. While out in the middle of the ocean, you can get lost in the ocean and cruise ship life, and truly disconnect.

Related: 21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion

cruise vacation getting away from it all

12. Family Memories

If you bring your kids on a cruise when they’re young, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime!

Plus, the reality is, there is probably no easier and more fun vacation for families than a cruise. It’s easy to understand why. With amazing kid’s clubs staffed with qualified personnel, children and adults love it.

I remember my own kids begging me to stay longer at the kids club for Pajama parties, pirate parades and late night games of Ga-Ga Ball. If you don’t know what Ga-ga Ball is, as I sure don’t, my kids explained enthusiastically, “Only the greatest game on the Seven Seas!!!” . I still recall this and it brings back wonderful, happy memories.

If you asked my kids today, who are both young adults, they would 100% tell you that cruising is the best vacation ever!

Family Cruises are The Best Vacations

13. A Romantic Vacation

Cruises are the ultimate romantic vacation . Sunrises and sunsets at sea, romantic dinners for two, exciting adventures and activities – it’s easy to see why so many couples cruise to celebrate anniversaries and other special occasions.

Read more:   10 Romantic Things to Do for Couples on a Cruise

cruise and travel memories

14. No Fly Cruises

While this isn’t talked about much, some people don’t like to fly and will avoid it if possible. Cruises are a great way to travel, by ship instead of by plane. 

Of course, you’ll still have to drive to a cruise port or take a train, but perhaps you have a cruise embarkation port only a few hours from your home?

A day in the life on a cruise

15. Cruise Cocktails & Bars

One of the first things you might want to do on a cruise after you board is to sit and enjoy a cocktail. Not only are the drinks on a cruise awesome, but many cruise ship bars have a special atmosphere you might enjoy.

Whether you love a lively martini bar, or a friendly Piano bar, you’ll find a favorite bar and bartenders on a cruise. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, you can sit and have a virgin drink and take in the atmosphere and enjoy being with friends.

celebrity cruises crush martini bar

Related and Popular Posts:

37 Surprising Cruise Ship Facts  

50 Must-have Cruise Essentials to Bring on a Cruise

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

20 Super Practical Tips for first-time cruisers

27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By

17 Most Annoying Things About Cruises

10 Things that Cost Extra on a Cruise but Are Totally Worth It

Final thoughts: Why Cruising is the Best Vacation

In this post we’ve gone through the reasons why people love to cruise, and why so many people say cruises are the best way to travel, make memories and enjoy cruise ship life!

Do you agree? If you’ve been on a cruise and enjoy it, what do you enjoy most? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy cruising!

If you found this post helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Share it on Facebook or Save for later Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

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Ilana, I think that I hate you!! We’re set to take our fourth cruise on Celebrity, from Singapore in January 2019, but you have made my wife and me want to go tomorrow!! I wholeheartedly agree with all that you have written and although not big drinkers, need to investigate ‘Crush’ and thank you for that recommendation. We have a really great Agent, Bryan Villella of Cruise One and I share our wants and wishes and he always comes through for us and he is in the process of arranging our 2021 cruise, to The Suez Canal. Although it is unlikely, it would be great if we were on the same ship, sometime. Best wishes and carry on with your Blogging. Tom

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I hope that was meant only in a nice way, lol! I’m glad to hear that you’ve liked my blog posts, it means a lot to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and have a fantastic time on your cruise in January (sounds very exciting!)

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Hi Ilana! Hubby and I absolutely love love (did I say love?) To cruise. We’ve been places we lost lonely would have never been to. It’ll be #7 for the hubby and #8 for i’tsin January! This time we’re doing a 14 night out of NYC to the Western Caribbean! Our longest yet! I am so so excited since we will be going with my best friend and her hubby. I’ve been planning and shopping and have already started packing!

Yes-cruising IS the best vacation!

I’m just not 100% clear on if you really love cruising, lol!! Haha, this was one of the most fun comments I’ve read so far!

Oh wow, this cruise in January sounds amazing! Please let me know how it goes. I have’t cruised out of NY in the winter yet, but I’m up for giving it a try in the future.

Have a great cruise and happy shopping (I know that’s fun too!)

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For me it is where these fabulous ships take me. Seeing lava flowing into ocean in Hawaii. Glaciers 7 miles wide 400 feet tall in Alaska. Panning for gold in Alaska. ( I bought a pan at Amazon and found about $40.00 of gold) Other favorite Panama Canal. I would not say I am addicted to cruising. I one went 14 days between disembarking day and booking my next cruise.

Hi Russell,

Your travel experiences sound amazing! Thanks so much for sharing them.

And I agree, I wouldn’t say you are addicted at all ;-)! LOL!

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WE HAVE CRUISED A DOZEN DIFFERENT PLACES BUT OUR FAVE IS ALASKA. WE HAD BLUEBIRD SKIES, THE WHALES WERE LIKE MINNOWS , THE EAGLES LIKE SPARROWS THE SALMON WERE RUNNING. IT WAS PERFECT. WE SAILED SEATTLE TO SEATTLE ON HOLLAND AMERICA (THE OOSTERDAM ). BEST SHIP EVER!! THOSE PEOPLE DO IT RIGHT. I WISH EVERYONE COULD HAVE AS GREAT A TIME AS WE DO ON CRUISES. TREAT YOUR STAFF WELL AND POLITELY AND THEY WILL BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR YOU. BE SNOTTY AND THEY WILL SPIT IN YOUR ICE..

Sounds like your time cruising has been incredible. The way you describe Alaska really makes me want to go.

I agree that the cruise staff are generally just wonderful and really contribute greatly to the cruise experience.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

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Behind The Scenes Along The Inside Passage: Alaska Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

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Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Jim from  WINEtineraries  is back again with  another write up . This time he is here to share his Alaska cruise travel guide. An Alaska cruise is a bucket list item for many people. Most who make this trip will let their cruise line arrange their excursions. Even so, they may find some helpful ideas in this guide. For those, however, who enjoy independent travel and prefer to avoid paying inflated prices to be herded onto motorcoaches, this guide may be a gold mine of tips and high value experiences in some iconic ports of call.

Table of Contents

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide: General tips

Here are a few general tips to prepare for your cruise on the days leading up to your departure.

Tip #1: “Got a ticket for my destination….”

Many Alaska cruises depart/return to either Seattle, WA or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. All will include a Canadian port of call, usually Victoria or Vancouver (on the return). One benefit of cruising right now is that the U.S. requirement (at the time of writing) for a negative COVID test the day before returning to the States does not apply to entry by land or aboard a maritime vessel.

Cruisers prone to seasickness may want to consider that cruises departing from Vancouver sail in the calmer waters between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island on the first leg of their journey.

Tip #2: “Don’t worry; be happy”

Sure, you can (and, some would argue, you probably should) take out trip insurance but…you can (and, I would argue, absolutely should) plan to arrive in you embarkation port city the day before your cruise.

I learned this lesson the hard way when an air traffic ground stop at Newark caused us to miss the first 2 days of our 25 th anniversary Mediterranean cruise. Alaska cruises (at least from Seattle) tend to depart late afternoon.

When you consider flight connections, waiting at baggage claim for your luggage (see the following tip), waiting for your transfer from the airport to your ship, factoring in traffic on the almost 20-mile ride, and then the inevitable, God-awful lines at the cruise terminal, you can see how stressful a same-day arrival can become.

In fact, our flight was scheduled to arrive SEA @ 12:10pm but was delayed because of tailwinds and flight weight. In the end, we didn’t arrive until about 1:15pm which would have made it dicey to make our same-day cruise embarkation scheduled to depart @ 3:00pm. 

Tip #3: “Carry on, my wayward son…”

Carry on all your luggage; we haven’t checked any luggage (except wine shippers) for years. Even though heavy packers may consider this impossible; it can be done. Doing so means you can’t be separated from your bags, and it saves at least 30 minutes at baggage claim (which can be an absolute lifesaver if you’ve ignored Tip #2). Click on the links in this sentence for ideas about what to pack and how to pack for an Alaska cruise.

Seattle Sunset

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (aka SeaTac or SEA) Information

Since you will likely be flying into Seattle and hopefully staying over night (see tips above) here is some information on the airport and local area. You can take a little trip before your trip with your free night.

Lounges/Dining

SEA is home to one of nicest domestic airline lounges – the Alaska Airlines lounge in the North Satellite concourse (which is used exclusively for Alaska Airlines’ flights).

You can get access the following ways:

  • Admirals Club or Alaska Airlines Lounge membership
  • Alaska Airlines’ first-class ticket
  • Pay-in ($25 for Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card or $50 without)

SEA also has 2 Priority Pass restaurants; Bambuza in the North (N) Satellite concourse near Gate N19 or Trail Head BBQ Bar near Gate C1 . Both are open from 5:00am – 10:30pm, so it’s easy to get a meal no matter what time your flight arrives/departs.

Link Light Rail

If you’ve booked an Alaska cruise departing the next day, you can take the super-convenient Link light rail from the airport to the stop of your choice in downtown Seattle to enjoy a little sightseeing and a nice, relaxing dinner the day before your cruise.

One-way fares are just $2.25/person ($1.00 for seniors). The airport station for The Link is located on the 4 th floor of the north end of the airport parking garage. To get to the station, start at baggage claim carousels #15 and #16, cross the airport roadway using Skybridge #6, make your way to the 4 th floor, and follow the well-marked route.

Note : It’s not a short walk and if you’re toting luggage (especially if you haven’t heeded the advice to pack light above), it can feel even longer. If you’re lucky (as we were), you may be offered a ride by one of the skycaps that patrol the route.

The ticket kiosks at the station are easy to use, and the trains run about every 10 minutes. There are 12 stops between the airport and the Westlake station (where you can transfer to Seattle’s iconic monorail); the entire trip takes about 40 minutes.

Spending A Night In Seattle Before Shipping Out

If you get into town the night before then here are some tips on where to stay and some dining options.

Seattle Lodging

Whether you are brand-loyal or have points to burn, every hotel chain has one or more properties close by one of the downtown Link stations.

I had an annual free night certificate from Hyatt, so we chose the Motif Seattle near the corner of Pike Street and 5 th Avenue. It is just a short walk from both the Westlake Link station and Pike’s Place Market, one of Seattle’s top tourist attractions.

Tip : If you’re not familiar with Seattle’s neighborhoods, you may save time by launching the website for Hotels.com and entering any of the Link stops (e.g., “Westlake Station” or “Pioneer Square”) along with your travel dates to see a comprehensive list of lodging options.

You can then narrow the results by adding a filter for the hotel chain of your choice and their locations relative to the Link station you entered as your destination by using the “View map” feature. Finally, search for award availability on the website for your preferred hotel chain.

Seattle Dining

As with hotels, there is no shortage of dining options in Seattle’s downtown core:

Cutter’s Crahbouse

If you’re not familiar with Landry’s family of restaurants, it might be worth checking whether you have one of their brands near your home. It costs $25 to join Landry’s Select Club , but you get that back immediately in the form of a “Welcome!” dining credit. You also get a $25 birthday dining credit each year.

Landry’s also emails an offer for 40% in bonus dining awards for every $50 gift card purchased a couple times each year. Since I had $20 in bonus dining rewards that were expiring, I chose Cutter’s Crabhouse, a well-reviewed Landry’s restaurant on Elliott Bay near Pike Place Market.

Since Cutter’s is also on the OpenTable reservation system, I earned 100 dining points which I’ll save to cash in for a dining certificate at some point in the future. My wife ordered blackened mahi-mahi paired with a Washington state dry Riesling, I ordered a seafood trio paired with an Argentinian malbec and we shared a phenomenal crab and artichoke dip appetizer.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

This little family-run stand can be a bit tricky to find but it’s worth the effort! It’s in the Pike Place Market building, across the street from Rachel , the life-size bronze piggy bank (be sure to rub her nose and make a donation to a worthy cause for good luck!), tucked away behind two fish markets and the Three Girls Bakery . We shared a very tasty breakfast burrito ($10). Los Agaves is on Dosh , which gave me 5% cash back as well as on the AAdvantage Dining Rewards network which earns Loyalty Points to support my quest to requalify for Executive Platinum status with American Airlines for 2023-24.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide: Ports of Call

Here are the various ports of call we visited and what to do in each.

With 250 miles of hiking trails and only 190 miles of city- and state-maintained roadways, Juneau is the most remote state capitol in the U.S. But this doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do here.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is accessible via public bus but it’s a 1.5 walk from the closest stop on line #3 or #4. Juneau Tours operates the Glacier Shuttle ($45 for 13+, $40 for ages 3-12) departs from in front of the Mt. Roberts Tramway (right where your ship docks) at least twice/hour and drops you off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center , the admission ($5) to which is included in your ticket.

The closest you can get to a view of the retreating glacier is at the Visitor Center. The only path to the edge of the glacier itself is via the moderately challenging West Glacier Trail which is reached only by taxi or rental car. If your aspiration is to walk on the glacier, you’re looking at a strenuous, professional guide-led, full day trip ($200-$400/pp + tax). 

“ Juneau Voices ”

is a free, self-guided audio tour of downtown Juneau featuring first person storytelling from Juneau natives. The location of stops 2-11 are available online (I will gladly email a map free to M2M readers on request). The website says only “Juneau Voices #1 is located at several welcoming signs along the seawalk in downtown Juneau.” So, I asked at the Visitor Information building on the dock as you exit your ship where I could find stop #1, but they didn’t know. Eventually, I found a location with a #1 QR code; however, it played the script for stop #2. Evidently this project is still a work in progress.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

is the name given to a life-size bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale which is about a 20-minute walk from where the cruise ships dock. It is the happy marriage of two inspirations: a former Juneau mayor’s admiration of the monumental (6.5 tons, 25’ tall) sculpture of a blue whale at the entrance to Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and the sculptor’s observation of a humpback bubble net feeding off the west coast of Admiralty Island.

Installation was finally completed in 2018 with the addition of lighting and fountain jets to simulate the effect of water streaming off a breaching whale which, sadly, were not operating on our visit.

Here’s a counter-intuitive trivia question for you: “What is the largest city (in land area) in the U.S.?” With a population of 8,310 spread over 2,870.3 square miles (more than twice the size of the state of Rhode Island!), the answer is “Sitka.” In fact, the 4 largest cities in the U.S. by land area are all in Alaska! And Sitka offers these truly memorable experiences:

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Sitka Checkered Tour and Historic Sheldon Jackson Campus Tour:

“Who you gonna call” if you want the definitive introduction to this fascinating location? Not Ghostbusters but Jeff Bud (and his car is almost as cool)!

Sitka resident for 37 years, cruise line guest lecturer, and walking encyclopedia of local history, flora, and fauna, Jeff offers private tours using his pristine, classic 1973 Checker Marathon car (pictured above). Jeff’s mission in life is to convince everyone who enters his orbit that his adopted hometown is, indeed, more than worthy of its nickname, “The Paris of Alaska.”

To fully appreciate the moniker, one must understand Sitka’s heritage and vision, upon which Jeff will happily expound. While San Francisco was still a sleepy port town with a population of less than 500, Sitka could already boast of having the first piano, first opera house, and first theater on the west coast. The Reverend Sheldon Jackson , a Presbyterian missionary in the last quarter of the 19 th century, who subscribed to the ethnocentric concept of acculturation through education, also recognized the need to preserve important aspects of indigenous culture.

Today, Sitka is home to the Sitka Music Festival (a month-long series of classical chamber music concerts each June), the Sitka International Cello Seminar each July, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, a biannual performance of The Nutcracker (with an Alaskan twist! ) by the Sitka Studio of Dance, etc. And talk about ambition – Sitka has adopted a 100-year plan to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Jeff offers two tours. The Historic Sheldon Jackson Campus Tour (90 minutes, 30 of which are for you to explore the collection of native Alaskan artifacts in the Sheldon Jackson) focuses on the 20 buildings on this former site of Alaska’s oldest institution of higher learning. Jeff’s Sitka Checkered Tour can be focused on one’s interests – from Sitka’s history to the culture of its indigenous peoples to the rescue of its wildlife.

Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC):

The nondescript home to this hands-on aquarium and oldest operating salmon hatchery is directly across the street from and part of the Sheldon Jackson Campus.

SSSC’s 90-minute “Behind the Scenes” tour ($25/adult, $20 for12 and under) includes all day admission to the Aquarium (otherwise, $8/adult and $6 for 12 and under) and takes one through the research center and hatchery. The hatchery plays an important role in keeping the wild salmon population stable by rearing and releasing 3 million Pink salmon, 3 million Chum salmon, and 250,000 Coho salmon per year.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Alaska Raptor Center

It’s about a 24-minute walk (1.1miles) from Harrigan Centennial Hall (where the cruise ship shuttle buses drop you off) to this nonprofit home and hospital for injured raptors.

The oldest permanent resident, a bald eagle named Volta that was electrocuted, suffered a concussion, injured an eye and – most important – broke a wing bone necessary for flight in a 1992 collision with power lines.  Even though Volta can’t fly, he has visited almost every state in the U.S. as an ambassador for the Center and the important work of wildlife conservation.

The bald eagle Flight Training Center (included in the price of admission) is a marvel! Here, raptors which can be rehabilitated regain their flight skills for release into the wild. The slatted roof is open to the elements and, during our visit, we actually saw wild eagles perch and interact with their convalescing peers inside! Admission is $15/adult, $6 for ages 6-12.

Sitka National Historic Park

(free entry) is just a 13-minute walk from Harrigan Centennial Hall and is easily paired with a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center. The park was created in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 battle between the native Tlingit and the Russians who had established a post for fur trading in Ketchikan. Totem Trail leaves from the Visitor Center, passing replicas of 20 totem poles on a relaxing walk around this peninsula. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to watch Tlingit Master Carver Tommy Joseph working on a pole.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide: Ketchikan

is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles as well as the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” (which was never built). Its name is derived from the phrase Kich xáan , which, in the indigenous Tlingit language, means “thundering wings of an eagle,” referring to the sound made by the wings of eagles who frequent the area to catch and eat salmon.  There’s no better place to appreciate the appropriateness of the town’s name than at the Ketchikan Museums which include:

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Tongass Historical Museum

at 629 Dock Street, is just a 10 minute walk from where the cruise ships dock The Museum’s location, alongside and overlooking Ketchikan Creek, where salmon begin their journey upstream to spawn and die, is meant to convey that we are part of a circle of life much larger than any of us.

There’s a subtle genius to the way colored panels are used to organize the museum’s exhibits. Salmon (of course!)-colored interpretive signs describe each exhibit’s central theme. Panels with white text on a green background present photos, examples, and explanations of each theme. Finally, lighter green-gray panels present supportive quotations to ground each exhibit in the experience of individuals (often local). It’s like a color-coded outline to each exhibit.

Admission is $6/18+, $5/senior, 17 and below are free.

The Salmon Walk

From the museum, we walked along a route that will be called the “Salmon Walk,” which follows the path salmon take from where Ketchikan Creek empties into the Tongass Narrows, up a salmon ladder to the spawning grounds. Interpretive signs (shaped like salmon, of course!) will explain the significance of each step in the final journey of the salmon and the completion of their amazing circle of life.

The Salmon Walk ends at the Totem Heritage Center , built in the shape of a traditional native clan house. Here we learned that these poles can’t be read like a book; they were carved to honor important people or recall significant events in the life of the families or clan which erected them. Totem poles were never intended to be permanent museum displays; they were raised, allowed to weather and decay, finally returning to earth…again, completing the circle of life. (See the overarching theme here?) They are preserved here to honor the rich culture that created them.

The Ketchikan Story Project offers a thorough explanation of the Chief Johnson Totem Pole , one of the most photographed in the world. A replica stands less than a football field away from the Tongass Historical Museum at the intersection of Mill and Dock Streets.

Admission structure here is the same as for the Tongass Historical Museum, except that you can purchase a “Museum Pass” which gives you entry to both for $9.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide

Creek Street Photo Op

If you want the iconic shot of Creek Street , probably the most photographed spot in Ketchikan, be one of the first off your cruise ship and walk straight there.

The tongue-in-cheek sign on Dolly’s House, “Where both men and salmon came upstream to spawn” hearkens back to the Alaskan Gold Rush, when most these buildings were brothels owned by female entrepreneurs. Today, this walkway, elevated over Ketchikan Creek, is home to locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants.

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

That should about do it. Hopefully you enjoyed Jim’s Alaska cruise travel guide and got some valuable tips along the way. His trip looks absolutely amazing and I may need to revisit Alaska after reading this. The Takhu sculpture and Creek Street look like two things I would really love to see in person.

Thanks again to Jim from  WINEtineraries for putting this Alaska cruise travel guide together for us. If you enjoyed this guide be sure to check out his others he has written for us:

  • Everything To Eat, See & Do In Bangkok, Thailand: Our Complete Travel Guide
  • Road To Hana: How To Survive The Most Scenic White Knuckle Drive Out There
  • These Are Some of My Favorite Things to Do on Maui
  • Our Amazing Auckland City Guide Just In Time For New Zealand’s Reopening
  • Tour Like A Pro! 8 Tips to Demystify Wine Tasting
  • How to Spend 72 Magical Hours in Oslo, Norway
  • With Car Rentals Still Sky High, Here Is How To Visit Oahu Without A Rental Car
  • The Mileage Run From Hell in Pursuit of American Airlines Status
  • GEMS of Napa and Sonoma – The Best Wine Tasting Experiences

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Thanks for the article! I’m headed there in just a few days, and I would love to take you up on your offer to email the free map to Juneau Voices. Can you access my email from this post? (I’d prefer not to post it publicly.) Thanks!

I forwarded your email on to Jim so hopefully he gets that to you in the next few days.

Read the “guide” and decided against taking such cruise. The main reasons, being in Alaska twice on land by car and RV – definitely comes with way more wildlife experiences and choices of what to see. Even a day nature cruise from Seward offered more exciting things, including glacer viewing, island hopping, whale and other marine animals watching, plus local salmon dinner. And moose watching is unparalleled in mainland Alaska, compared like on African safari. I’d rather go see live animals than man-made statue.

Alaska is a huge place and absolutely one can get closer to much wildlife in Alaska’s interior. However, it’s impossible to drive (unless you load your vehicle on a ferry) to some of the places on most cruise itineraries (including Alaska’s capital!). For many who may want an “easy” introduction to the beauty that is Alaska, a cruise may be their preference. To each their own…. And, we saw a number of live humpback whales swimming very near the ship and on a whale watching excursion from one of the ports. Takhu is just kind of impressive — as a sculpture — and has a neat story behind it. Thanks for your comments.

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Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Family

You can generally find the same departure ports, ports of call and cruise length from several different cruise lines and even more different cruise ships. A Fantastic Memories Travel professional will help make sure that your family gets the cruise experience that is right for you (and for your budget), by helping you weigh considerations that are more varied, like ship size, dining style and options, travel dates and activities.

Ship sizes can vary substantially. The chart below shows the relative number of cabins/staterooms on just a few representative ships among mainstream cruise lines. Disney Wonder offers just over 30% of the number of staterooms as does Harmony of the Seas. Choosing a ship size involves balancing the advantages and disadvantages at the ends of the size spectrum, and matching those up with your family’s preferences.

  • Disney Cruise Line – Disney Wonder
  • Carnival Breeze
  • Norwegian Escape
  • Royal Caribbean – Harmony of the Seas

Some cruisers feel that the largest ships lack the personal service touches that have long been the hallmark of cruising. Larger numbers of passengers on board also means larger numbers of passengers in each port of call along with you and greater demand for limited-availability activities both on and off the ship. On the other hand, many cruisers feel that the largest ships offer more stability on the open sea. And greater size also means more space for a broader variety of onboard activities, and often the opportunity for more diverse specialty dining options.

All major cruise lines include at least basic dining in the cruise fare. But beyond the basics, there is a huge amount of variety from cruise line to cruise line (and even ship-to-ship) in the number of restaurants to choose from, kinds of food available, and what is included in your cruise fare versus subject to an additional charge. Some cruise lines offer primarily buffet meals, while others focus on a la carte dining. Meal times on a cruise can be a great opportunity to meet new people when seated at larger, communal, tables with fellow passengers, or opportunities to reconnect with family that have been off enjoying different activities until that point, at a private table for just your traveling party. Dining times and locations on a cruise can vary widely from line-to-line, as can the availability of adults-only fine dining alternatives (and quick service choices). Your travel professional will work with you to determine which approaches to dining are the best fit for your family’s preferences.

Travel Dates

Often, when people ask, “when is the best time to take a cruise,” what they’re really asking is when it will be least expensive to cruise. But cost is highly dependent on other considerations that all need to be balanced to figure out when the best time is to take a cruise in your unique situation. As the popularity of cruising has grown, it has become more important than ever to book your cruise as early as possible, to ensure the best stateroom selection options and (usually) to enjoy the best pricing. While some deeply discounted last-minute deals still exist, trade-offs like no ability to choose your cabin, higher last-minute airfares, and sometimes limited excursion options make them less of a value than they might seem initially.

Generally speaking, Caribbean cruise prices are lowest in January/February and September/October/November time frames. Average temperatures in the Caribbean in January and February are about 10-15 degrees cooler than average (for beach relaxers, this may be a positive, while for divers and ocean swimmers, it may be a drawback). The official Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but the peak of hurricane season is mid-September to mid-November, when the vast majority of significant tropical storms hit. While cruise lines have gotten very good at re-routing ships to avoid storms, the trade off for lower prices during this time frame is a much greater chance that your trip may be subject to cancelation or re-routing. (We always recommend travel insurance for cruises, but it’s especially important during hurricane season). Peak Caribbean cruise pricing is generally mid-March through July, due to warmer and drier weather in the Spring and a spike in the number of vacationers in the Summer. Other cruise destinations feature similar trade-offs.

Caribbean Cruise Price Premium in July vs. January or October

Activities on board and on shore.

Modern cruise ships offer an incredible array of activity options both on board and in port. Different cruise lines and different ships offer different activities. Your Fantastic Memories travel professional will help you identify the line and ship that is the best fit for your family, and then help you choose activities that match your preferences as well. In addition to excursions offered by the cruise lines, we work with carefully-vetted third party tour operators that can offer even more options. In many cases, our third party providers are offering the same or similar substantive experience as the cruise line, but may be offering it at a better price, with a smaller group, or a longer, more in-depth experience.

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A Retro Look At Cruises Through The Decades

Posted: November 29, 2023 | Last updated: November 29, 2023

From the earliest transatlantic voyages and golden-age ships to today's glittering juggernauts, we reveal 32 nostalgic images that chronicle cruise history.

Sailing through time

Before passengers began taking to the high seas, now-famous cruise lines principally operated as mail-shipping services. P&O, then the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, won a contract to deliver mail to the Iberian Peninsula in 1837, a milestone event that would pave the way for commercial travel by ocean. The Black Ball Line, whose ships carried both passengers and mail, also became the first line to schedule a regular trans-Atlantic service. A Black Ball ship is pictured here in 1833.

1830s: the very beginnings

In the first half of the 19th century, most people crossed oceans for business rather than leisure – nevertheless, P&O is credited with launching the first pleasure cruises in this era. Boats bound for the Mediterranean struck out from England in 1844, with on-board passengers dreaming of sun, sand and sea. Pictured here is the P&O passenger liner SS Deccan sailing from Southampton a little later in 1870.

1840s: the first pleasure cruises

This decade also saw some of the biggest names in cruising sail onto the scene. The Cunard Line was founded in 1840, boasting an impressive fleet of steam-powered ships and whisking the likes of Charles Dickens to destinations such as Boston. Pictured here, in 1848, is Europa, one of Cunard's early Atlantic ships. The White Star Line, the operator of the famously ill-fated Titanic, was also founded in 1845.

1840s: a landmark in cruise-line history

Passenger cruising continued to develop through the mid-19th century, with luxuries like on-board lounges and simple entertainment emerging. Shown here, in 1856, is Cunard's RMS Persia, one of the largest ships of her time and an early Blue Riband winner (an award given for high-speed Atlantic crossings).

1850–60s: early developments

Passenger cruising continued to develop through the mid-19th century, with luxuries like on-board lounges and simple entertainment emerging. Shown here, in 1856, is Cunard's RMS Persia, one of the largest ships of her time and an early Blue Riband winner (an award given for high-speed Atlantic crossings).

Business and pleasure weren't the only reasons for taking to the waves, though – in the 1870s, European immigrants were traveling to America in great numbers. Lines like the Holland America Line, launched in 1873, became famous for transporting great waves of people searching for a new life in the New World. This fun advert for the company dates to 1898.

1870s: the New World

In the 1880s, now well-established names like Cunard and P&O continued to make waves. Launched in 1881, and pictured here in 1899, SS Servia was the first Cunard passenger ship to function with electric lighting. To many, she represents an early model of today's modern liners.

1880s: lighting up the ocean

By the end of the 19th century, passenger cruise ships had become an exercise in luxury, with Cunard tipping its liners as "floating palaces". Offerings from competitors like P&O were just as lavish: this 1892 snap shows an opulent smoking room on P&O's Himalaya ship. Notice the plush booths, dark carved wood and intricate ceiling reliefs.

1890s: “floating palaces”

The period from the 1900s to the end of the 1930s is what many consider cruising’s golden age. By this point, the journey had become as important as the destination and passengers would don their finery to take to the seas for weeks on end. Here the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough relax on the deck of P&O's Arabia, en route to Mumbai in 1902.

1900s: entering cruising’s golden age

<p>At the turn of the century, there was still a frisson around cruising and large, buzzy crowds would often gather to see off the ships. This nostalgic photograph was snapped between 1900 and 1915, and shows large steam boats leaving from the White Star Line dock in Detroit, Michigan. Well-dressed passengers fill the ships' upper and lower decks too. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/67628/where-planes-trains-cruise-ships-and-automobiles-go-to-die?page=1">Discover where planes, trains, cruise ships and cars go to die here</a>.</p>

At the turn of the century, there was still a frisson around cruising and large, buzzy crowds would often gather to see off the ships. This nostalgic photograph was snapped between 1900 and 1915, and shows large steam boats leaving from the White Star Line dock in Detroit, Michigan. Well-dressed passengers fill the ships' upper and lower decks too.

By the 1900s, passenger cruise services were nothing new. But the Prinzessin Victoria Luise (pictured) – a glamorous ship pioneered by the Hamburg America Line – is generally touted as the first purpose-built cruise ship. Launched in the summer of 1900, she was a grand ship with an ornately decorated bow and lavish interiors complete with luxurious first-class cabins. She came out of service in 1906 when she ran aground.

1900s: the first purpose-built cruise ship

Many early 20th-century cruise ships had plenty of luxury amenities, but the entertainment on offer was a far cry from the glitzy shows and hi-tech attractions we're used to today. Common pastimes included shuffleboard, dancing and games like tug of war. Captured in 1912, these passengers on Cunard's Franconia enjoy a high-jump contest on deck.

1910s: onboard entertainment

<p>One of the most famous and devastating events in cruise history occurred in this decade. Dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line's vice-president, the Titanic set out from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 to much applause. But just four days later, she collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic: the compartments in her hull filled with water and she tragically sank. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/72633/secrets-of-the-titanic-life-onboard-the-worlds-most-famous-ship">Now discover the secrets of life onboard the Titanic</a>.</p>

1910s: the Titanic disaster

One of the most famous and devastating events in cruise history occurred in this decade. Dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line's vice-president, the Titanic set out from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 to much applause. But just four days later, she collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic: the compartments in her hull filled with water and she tragically sank. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people.

Just as cruising was enjoying its heyday, the industry entered troubled waters. The First World War halted progress in commercial cruising as attention was turned to the war effort. Many commercial liners were repurposed as military ships – Fred. Olsen, for example, purportedly lost 23 ships to the conflict. This 1918 photograph shows New York City crowds waiting for the return of Cunard's RMS Mauretania, which was carrying American soldiers back home after the war.

1910s: First World War

Still, against the odds, the cruise industry managed to keep its head above water and, post-war, the upper echelons of society took to the seas once more. Here affluent travelers dance on the deck of Cunard's Aquitania in 1922.

1920s: cruising’s golden age continued

In the Roaring Twenties, onboard entertainment was still focused around fun deck games and sports. Here spectators look on in delight as a pair of women take part in a fencing duel aboard Cunard's Berengaria (formerly Hamburg America Line's Imperator). The shot was taken in 1923.

1920s: setting the bar high

Huge dining rooms and bulging buffets are markers of the modern-day cruise and, in the 1920s, dinnertime was equally important. It was typically a grand affair requiring formal dress and involving course after course of fine food. Here, two chefs on Cunard's Aquitania stand before a splendid festive spread – the star is the giant cake in the shape of the ship.

1920s: a festive feast

Another major milestone came in the 1920s: the very first round-the-world cruise. The Cunard Line's RMS Laconia (pictured here leaving Liverpool circa 1920) sailed around the globe in 1922, calling at 22 ports along the way, and taking 450 lucky passengers with her.

1920s: the first round-the-world cruise

Another major milestone came in the 1920s: the very first round-the-world cruise. The Cunard Line's RMS Laconia (pictured here leaving Liverpool circa 1920) sailed around the globe in 1922, calling at 22 ports along the way, and taking 450 lucky passengers with her.

The 1930s unfolded in much the same way as the decades previous, as the golden age of cruising continued: think deck games, dinners and dances. The king of all cruise-ship hobbies was shuffleboard, a game that's still often played on modern-day liners. Here, a couple enjoy a game on a cruise to Gibraltar on Cunard's Aquitania in 1932.

1930s: all games on deck

Today mammoth sun-bed-lined swimming pools – often with twirling water slides for kids – are a cruise-ship staple. But in the first half of the 20th century they were much humbler indeed. It's thought that the earliest cruise-ship swimming pool was installed in 1907, on the White Star Line's Adriatic, but they didn't become commonplace until later. Here passengers sunbathe next to a compact swimming pool onboard a Cunard cruise to the West Indies in 1931.

1930s: making a splash

The Second World War was another blow to commercial cruising: yet again, liners were repurposed as war vessels and pleasure cruising came to an abrupt halt. By the end of the decade, though, surviving ships were returned to their lines and put back into service. Slowly but surely, the appetite for cruising grew again. Here an excited crowd welcomes a ship at a Java seaport in the 1940s.

1940s: post-war cruising

<p>Come the 1950s, cruise ships had another phenomenon to compete with: jet planes. Commercial air travel boomed in this decade, with comfier aircraft and improved routes enticing travelers into the skies. Many cruise liners underwent swish post-war refits in an attempt to stay afloat: this 1950s photo shows the opulent dining room of French liner SS Île de France after a dramatic post-war makeover. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/86315/how-air-travel-has-changed-in-every-decade-from-the-1920s?page=1">See how air travel has changed through the decades</a>.</p>

1950s: the post-war decades

Come the 1950s, cruise ships had another phenomenon to compete with: jet planes. Commercial air travel boomed in this decade, with comfier aircraft and improved routes enticing travelers into the skies. Many cruise liners underwent swish post-war refits in an attempt to stay afloat: this 1950s photo shows the opulent dining room of French liner SS Île de France after a dramatic post-war makeover.

There was one destination that proved particularly popular in the post-war decades, though. After the conflict, many Europeans decided to make a new life Down Under, with millions cruising to Oz on time-honored lines like P&O between the 1940s and the 1970s. P&O ship Oriana is pictured here in Circular Quay, Sydney circa 1950.

1950s: going Down Under

<p>Though formalized in the 1930s, the Blue Riband – the award for the passenger cruise liner with the fastest Atlantic-crossing time – has its roots right back in the 19th century. The record is still held by SS United States of United States Lines, which first sped across the Atlantic in 1952. She's pictured here on 9 July 1952, docking in Southampton. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/103600/vacation-on-mars-what-holidays-could-look-like-in-the-future?page=1">This is what vacations could look like in 2050</a>.</p>

1950s: the Blue Riband record breaker

Though formalized in the 1930s, the Blue Riband – the award for the passenger cruise liner with the fastest Atlantic-crossing time – has its roots right back in the 19th century. The record is still held by SS United States of United States Lines, which first sped across the Atlantic in 1952. She's pictured here on 9 July 1952, docking in Southampton.

By the 1960s, the Jet Age had well and truly taken hold, and fewer and fewer passengers were choosing to make trans-Atlantic journeys by boat. Still, though, that didn't stop some major players in the cruise world from launching. The decade saw the founding of brands including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. This vintage 1960s snap shows the already established SS Île de France sailing for the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique.

1960s: the Jet Age

<p>As flying became more commonplace, the popularity of cruising looked set to dwindle. However, one particular TV series is often credited with keeping travelers' passion for cruising alive. <em>The Love Boat </em>– aired from the 1970s – was a comedy series that followed the crew and passengers of luxury liner SS Pacific Princess. Such was its popularity, some say it brought cruising back into the mainstream once more. This shot shows Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1975. </p>

1970s: The Love Boat

As flying became more commonplace, the popularity of cruising looked set to dwindle. However, one particular TV series is often credited with keeping travelers' passion for cruising alive. The Love Boat – aired from the 1970s – was a comedy series that followed the crew and passengers of luxury liner SS Pacific Princess. Such was its popularity, some say it brought cruising back into the mainstream once more. This shot shows Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1975. 

By the 1970s, lower costs meant that cruising had opened up to the masses. But the invention of the jumbo jet meant air travel had too, and the latter was the quicker, more convenient choice for traveling overseas. Therefore, the cruise reinvented itself. Ships were no longer marketed as a way to get from A to B, they were destinations in themselves, and the "leisure cruise" was its own phenomena. Here passengers enjoy the deck of P&O's SS Oronsay in 1975.

1970s: cruising opens up to the masses

<p>The 1980s is thought to be the decade that pioneered the "cruise to nowhere", where the ship really was the destination. The SS Norway (pictured) – a lavish mega ship with room for thousands of passengers and amenities like a casino – embarked on a no-docking cruise in this decade. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/84317/the-incredible-story-of-how-cruising-has-changed-from-titanic-to-today">This is the incredible story of how cruising has changed since 1912</a>.</p>

1980s: the cruise to nowhere

The 1980s is thought to be the decade that pioneered the "cruise to nowhere," where the ship really was the destination. The SS Norway (pictured) – a lavish mega ship with room for thousands of passengers and amenities like a casino – embarked on a no-docking cruise in this decade.

By the 1990s Disney was spreading a little magic at sea. Disney Magic, a bold ship with black, yellow and red detailing à la Mickey Mouse, made its maiden voyage in 1998. It's pictured here that same year, cruising through Venice, and is still sailing today, complete with a spa, pools and plenty of shops and themed dining rooms.

1990s: Disney takes to the water

<p>Fast-forward to the 2000s and the larger-than-life, no-expense-spared, mega cruise ships we're used to seeing today were sailing onto the scene. This sunset snap shows Cunard Line's Queen Mary II as she completes her first trans-Atlantic voyage in January 2004. At this time, she was the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed with room for 2,200-plus passengers, a theater and even a planetarium, setting the bar for the ships of posterity. </p>  <p><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/81720/from-mayflower-to-titanic-the-worlds-most-historic-ships-you-can-visit"><strong>If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships</strong></a></p>

2000s: making waves in the modern world

The 2000s saw larger-than-life, no-expense-spared, mega cruise ships sail onto the scene. This sunset snap shows Cunard Line's Queen Mary II as she completes her first trans-Atlantic voyage in January 2004. At this time, she was the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed with room for 2,200-plus passengers, a theater and even a planetarium, setting the bar for the ships of posterity. 

Cruise ships continued to expand in the 2010s while cruising itself became the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas (pictured here) launched in 2018 as the largest cruise ship in the world (until 2022). The tide began to turn on sustainability, with several cruise ships built to run on liquefied natural gas and battery power. Another health-based factor was reducing onboard smoking to selected areas only.

2010s: bigger, better and healthier

<p>The 2020s got off to an eventful start. The COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all cruises, with some passengers and crew marooned onboard while testing and entry protocols were debated. In 2021 rife cancellations, last-minute border changes and variant outbreaks persisted. However, 2022 has indicated a return to pre-pandemic popularity, with 300 cruise ships departing in April – pretty impressive compared to just 22 departing in April 2021. Cruise lines have incorporated more health and safety protocols, such as advising passengers to control their TV, light and temperature via an app instead of touchpoints. </p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/81720/from-mayflower-to-titanic-the-worlds-most-historic-ships-you-can-visit">If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships</a></strong></p>

2020s: off to a rocky start

The 2020s got off to an eventful start. The COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all cruises, with some passengers and crew marooned onboard while testing and entry protocols were debated. In 2021 rife cancellations, last-minute border changes and variant outbreaks persisted. However, the years since have indicated a return to pre-pandemic popularity, with 300 cruise ships departing in April 2022 – pretty impressive compared to just 22 departing in April 2021. Cruise lines have incorporated more health and safety protocols, such as advising passengers to control their TV, light and temperature via an app instead of touchpoints. 

If this has floated your boat, here's where to see the world's most famous ships

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MemoryMinder TM Journals

Travel Journaling: Capturing Memories with the CruiseMinder Journal

Travel Journaling: Capturing Memories with the CruiseMinder Journal

Introduction 

Traveling is a whirlwind of fresh sights, intriguing accents, and brand-new experiences. While we cherish these unique moments, capturing and preserving them can be quite a challenge. That’s where travel journaling comes in, acting as a potent tool for not just recording our adventures, but also reliving them in vivid detail. With a travel journal, we can document the colors, sounds, aromas, and emotions that each trip offers. But imagine if there was a tool that could make this process even more enriching?

CruiseMinder Promo

Introducing the CruiseMinder Journal, your ultimate travel companion designed specifically for cruise vacations. It offers a comprehensive suite of sections to help you systematically organize and document your journey. From pre-trip planning, daily agendas, packing tips, and attire, to creating lasting memories through daily journaling, the CruiseMinder Journal has it all covered in a beautifully spiral-bound book. In this article, we’ll delve into the depths of this fantastic tool to help you create a lasting record of your cruise memories.

“Before my last vacation, I bought three different travel planner/journals to try out; one was computer based (and I did use it for some data organizing but found that printing it out wasn’t as handy or as easy to pack as a notebook) and two were notebooks. One of the notebooks is still buried at the bottom of some pile of papers while the CruiseMinder Journal became my constant companion. It took all my planning notes before the trip and became my journal during the trip. Since I wasn’t up to designing my own travel journal, CruiseMinder had the features I thought that I would want and use: places for organizing trip basics like emergency info, reservation numbers, phone numbers; a planner/agenda section for organizing day-by-day activities; packing lists; an addressbook; a place to keep track of expenses; a large section of formated journal pages with plenty of room for my own day-by-day notes. The CruiseMinder is simple and practical. There are no avant-garde cutsey quotes or distracting artwork. The typefaces are simple and legible. There are ruled lines everywhere I need to write. The paper is heavy enough that 1)you can write in pen on both sides of the pages and 2) it doesn’t pull out of the plastic coil binding. The fact that it is spiral bound made it a lot easier to stuff notes and receipts between the pages as the trip went on. I am very disorganized so the CruiseMinder was very helpful for me to keep all the necessary information in one place. In fact, I’m here today buying another CruiseMinder for my next trip. “ Peregrina

Getting Started with the CruiseMinder Journal

Before we set sail on our cruise adventure, it’s essential to get to know our trusty travel partner – the CruiseMinder Journal. The first section provides a thorough overview of the CruiseMinder Journal’s aim, with 17 tips on how to best use its intuitive layout, and its vast array of features. With its mission to be an all-in-one tool, the CruiseMinder Journal ensures we remain organized throughout our journey, capturing every memorable moment along the way. Familiarizing ourselves with its structure and the smooth functionality will lay the foundation for a rewarding travel journaling experience.  We will dive into a few of these sections in more detail.

Preparing for the Adventure: Countdown to Departure

An enjoyable cruise vacation is built on the foundation of good planning. The Countdown to Adventure section of the CruiseMinder Journal is designed to make this as simple as possible. It kickstarts your planning process six weeks prior to the trip, guiding you through every critical task, such as making sure you have the correct luggage, getting travel insurance, and making sure you have your pets cared for.  Do you need your mail held at the post-office for pickup when you return?  Your CruiseMinder Journal will remind you about that in the final week before you depart.

“This Cruise Planner was my bible in planning an 18-day transatlantic cruise. There were plenty of extra pages to list our tour information, things we wanted to see, and other important info. We were able to list our medical insurance & travel insurance information, itinerary and wardrobe planning, packing checklist, addresses for writing home as well as gift ideas for people and homecoming reminders (pick up the dog, pay bills, etc). While onboard the ship, I took notes about where we ate, what we did in port. This was great because after so many port stops you forget what the significance of things you took pictures of, the name of that great restaurant you want to recommend to friends, etc. There are also sections to list ship information (ship statistics, captain, crew members) and a “new friends address book.” I was also able to log our purchases by category and date in the 4 page expense journal… This book is so awesome – I highly recommend for your cruise vacationing, especially cruises of longer than 7 days or very port-intensive trips where you are doing a lot of private or on-your-own shore excursions. I will be buying a new journal for every cruise I take. “ Gadget Lover

Maximizing Your Experience: Daily Agenda and Activities

People in Deck Chairs on a cruise

To truly savor every moment of our cruise experience, careful planning and time management are crucial. The Daily Agenda section in the CruiseMinder Journal becomes your personal planner, helping you outline each day’s activities in detail. It reminds you to look over the cruise brochures, locations, ports, and activities online. Whether it’s an exciting onboard concert, a delicious culinary experience, or an adventurous excursion at the next port, the CruiseMinder Journal has a place for it in your itinerary.  It even has a section for pairing your planned activities with the perfect attire for the occasion. With the CruiseMinder Journal in your hand, you can curate a personalized itinerary that caters to your preferences, helping you immerse yourself in every opportunity for fun and discovery.

“I have purchased 2 of these journals and plan to order another. It was invaluable for planning, adding excursions and notes for each port. I am terrible at journaling, but found this format made it easy. I filled in the dates and ports before we went and then just added notes at the end of the day. Great to reference pictures when you get home!” Amazon Customer 

Packing for the Journey: Hints, Tips, and Checklist

Preparing for a cruise

Efficient packing plays a key role in a stress-free cruise vacation. Packing too much can create clutter, while packing too little can leave you wanting. The CruiseMinder Journal steps in with a smart packing section, filled with valuable hints, tips, and an exhaustive checklist. These insights cover everything from optimal wardrobe choices for different climates to packing essentials for you may have forgotten. The comprehensive checklist ensures you’re prepared for every situation, leaving no room for last-minute panic.

“I have had many travel journals, but this is by far the best ever. There is nothing that has been left out – there is a place to write all your documents, your wardrobe, your expenses, and lined pages for everyday of your trip. It is my favorite!!!” Kindle Customer

Preserving Memories: Daily Pages and Notes 

A cruise vacation is a treasure trove of experiences, from breathtaking sunsets to encounters with exotic wildlife. The Daily Pages section of CruiseMinder Journal is your canvas to vividly paint these moments. It provides a dedicated space for chronicling your day’s events, feelings, and discoveries. And for those overflowing moments, CruiseMinder also offers a full page for extra notes about the day. This page is perfect for detailed descriptions of a memorable meal, an unexpected interaction, or an insightful cultural experience. Filled over the course of your journey, these pages transform into a cherished keepsake that you can revisit anytime to relive the magic of your cruise.

Remembering the Ship and Crew: Capturing Special Details

A memorable cruise vacation isn’t just about the destinations; it’s also about the ship and its dedicated crew. The CruiseMinder Journal features sections to jot down details about the ship’s facilities and the crew members. What was the name of that helpful waitress that made you laugh so much?  There is a place for her in your CruiseMinder Journal along with a photograph.  

Did you spend most of your time with a wonderful family you met on the cruise?  There is an address book and place for photos so you can be sure to keep in touch.  

The CruiseMinder Journal allows you to capture every detail of your cruise vacation, extending gratitude to those who made it memorable, along with ways to keep in touch.

Additional Features and Resources 

Father and Son in Front of Ship

Beyond being a practical journaling tool, the CruiseMinder is also a treasure trove of useful resources. It includes a Nautical Glossary to demystify maritime jargon, allowing you to converse with ease onboard. Detailed maps in the CruiseMinder aid you in exploring new ports and provide a geographical context of your journey. And if you need for more travel insights or inspiration, the CruiseMinder Journal has several pages for extra notes about your journey.  There is also a place to log all your expenses and purchases so you can ensure you don’t go over budget.

“You’ve just booked the cruise of a lifetime, and although it may be months in the future, you know you’ve got a lot of planning to do before your big trip. The CruiseMinder Journal was created with all your needs in mind. Divided into four sections, this journal is designed to make sure you stay organized. The first part is the anticipation section, which includes information on packing, planning your agenda, a mini address book for postcards you’ll send, and anything you’ll need to do once you get home again. The next section is your daily diary, where you can record any activities you participated in, along with general thoughts about the day. The third section allows you to record information about the ship, the crew, expenses incurred, and any new friends you’ve made while on the cruise. And the reference section has helpful nautical terms and maps. The journal pages are of high-quality paper, with a spiral binding and sturdy cover. An introductory section explains how to use this journal for maximum effectiveness. This pretty and useful little book will record the details of your cruise for a lifetime of memories.” Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

Practicality and Design: The Convenience of the CruiseMinder 

CruiseMinder Journal strikes a perfect balance between compactness and spaciousness. Its robust construction and stylish design make it your ideal travel companion. Every feature of the CruiseMinder Journal, from the high-quality paper to the convenient layout, is designed to enhance your journaling experience.

Conclusion: The Power of Preserving Memories 

Travel journaling is an art that requires a specific toolset, and the CruiseMinder Journal stands out as a well-designed, comprehensive, and intuitive tool. It encompasses every facet of cruise vacationing, from pre-trip planning to packing, daily agendas, and creating lasting memories through journaling. It’s more than just a journal; it’s an all-inclusive cruise companion that ensures you miss nothing in your voyage. 

The CruiseMinder Journal’s expansive sections will guide you to meticulously plan and document your trip, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned cruise-goers. Whether it’s the detailed checklists, the personal planner, the daily journaling section, or the added bonus of the nautical glossary and maps, this travel journal offers a wealth of features aimed at enhancing your cruise experience. With an elegant design and practical layout, it perfectly marries aesthetics with functionality, allowing you to capture and cherish every memorable moment on your cruise journey.

In a nutshell, the CruiseMinder Journal is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and in-depth planning, making it a must-have tool for anyone seeking to capture the essence and beauty of their cruise travels.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

  • Boat Rentals
  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Fishing Charters & Tours
  • Water Sports
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding
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1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

JCW703

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

DarshanaBR

3. Sup-Club

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4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

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5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

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6. CheapRussia Tours

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7. Kite School Kiteclass

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8. SUP Center

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9. Erwin. Reka

Igorgrins

10. Easy Russia Tour Guide

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11. Lovely Russia Tours

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13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

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14. Alfa Centr

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15. Diving Club Divers

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16. Sup Outdoor

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17. MORE MOSCOW

WorldTraveler0723

19. Soho Sailing Style

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20. Diving Center Crocodile

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21. Dive-Project

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22. Mosparokhodstvo

imyshin

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

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25. Kayak Moscow

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26. DIVECLUB CHE

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27. FLOW Moscow

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28. Moswake

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29. Morskiye Volki

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30. S-cruises

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Alaska Cruise Travel Guide 2024: A Comprehensive Family Guide To Crafting Unforgettable Memories On Your Cruise Expedition Through Glaciers Wonders and Coastal Fjords (Insiders Travel Guide)

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Betty Caulfield

Alaska Cruise Travel Guide 2024: A Comprehensive Family Guide To Crafting Unforgettable Memories On Your Cruise Expedition Through Glaciers Wonders and Coastal Fjords (Insiders Travel Guide) Paperback – February 15, 2024

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  • Detailed Itineraries: Perfectly crafted plans for every day of your cruise, ensuring you make the most of each stop.
  • Insider Tips: Unlock the secrets of each destination with local insights and recommendations.
  • Stunning Imagery: A visual feast awaits with vivid images capturing the allure of the Alaska's landscapes and landmarks.
  • Betty Caulfield tour goes beyond information—it's an invitation to embrace the soul of the Alaska Cruise . Immerse yourself in a travel experience where every element is painstakingly crafted to improve your vacation.
  • Her guide is thoroughly researched and updated to provide you the most up-to-date information for a faultless trip experience.
  • Recommendations from Experts: Take advantage of expert advice on accommodations, food, and activities to ensure your vacation is both instructive and pleasant.
  • Book 25 of 26 Insiders Travel Guide
  • Print length 82 pages
  • Language English
  • Publication date February 15, 2024
  • Dimensions 6 x 0.19 x 9 inches
  • ISBN-13 979-8879751291
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CVS82B1Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (February 15, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 82 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8879751291
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.19 x 9 inches
  • #12 in General Alaska Travel Guides
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  • #464 in Pacific West United States Travel Books

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Betty Caulfield

Betty Caulfield is a seasoned travel guide specialist with a wealth of experience in exploring and navigating diverse landscapes. With a passion for cultural immersion and a keen eye for detail, Betty has spent decades curating unforgettable journeys for travelers seeking enriching adventures.

Her extensive expertise spans a wide range of destinations, from bustling urban hubs to remote and exotic locales. Betty's commitment to providing authentic and personalized travel experiences has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry.

Having traversed the globe, Betty possesses an in-depth knowledge of various cultures, historical landmarks, and hidden gems. Her insightful commentary and dedication to showcasing the unique aspects of each destination set her apart as a go-to resource for those seeking more than just a typical tourist experience.

Betty Caulfield's career has not only been defined by her ability to plan seamless itineraries but also by her commitment to responsible tourism. She advocates for sustainable travel practices and encourages clients to engage with local communities, fostering a deeper connection with the places they visit.

In addition to her practical experience, Betty stays abreast of emerging travel trends, ensuring that her guidance remains relevant and innovative. Her comprehensive understanding of the travel industry, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for exploration, makes Betty Caulfield a standout professional in the realm of travel guides.

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Malt Shop Memories Cruise

Malt Shop Memories Cruise

October 27 - November 3, 2024

Ft. Lauderdale • St. Maarten • Tortola

(844) 855- MALT (6258)

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2024 Lineup

  • The Beach Boys
  • The Four Tops
  • Chubby Checker
  • The Rascals
  • Darlene Love
  • The Duprees
  • Charlie Thomas' Drifters  with Jeff Hall
  • The Flamingos
  • The Coasters
  • Jan & Dean's Beach Party starring Dean Torrence
  • Peggy March
  • The Chantels
  • The Doo Wop Project
  • Ricky Nelson Remembered feat. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
  • Frankie Pizarro , former lead singer of The Platters
  • Johnny Farina
  • Bobby Wilson
  • Sounds of the Street
  • Urban Guerilla Orchestra  - A Tribute to the Soul of Malt Shop
  • Vinnie Medugno
  • Elvis Tribute Artists
  • Tribute Artists George Trullinger and Tim Stamper
  • Comedian Tom Dreesen
  • A Conversation with Priscilla Presley
  • and more to be added!

Ready to Book?

A word from the malt shop memories cruise....

Booking for the 2024 Malt Shop Memories Cruise is Available!

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! Booking for the 14th sailing of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise is now open, and we’re already over 65% sold out. This cruise sells out faster every year, so secure your cabin today before it’s too late! Plus, sign up to receive our emails to get all the latest info on The Rock ‘n’ Roll Party at Sea!

Onboard Activities

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See More Photos

Unlike a concert, you have the chance to mingle and interact with these amazing performers while onboard. Events include:

  • Artist-Hosted Brunches
  • Hosted gameshows
  • Panel discussions
  • Artist Q&A sessions
  • Vow renewal service

See All Activities

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T.J. Martell Foundation

We proudly support the T.J. Martell Foundation by donating auction items, which funds medical research to discover new treatments and cures for cancer with the support of the music and entertainment industries. A world without cancer is possible through targeted and bold investments in high-risk, high-gain cancer research that advances science and ultimately saves lives.  Read More

The Malt Shop Community Online

Come join our thriving Malt Shop Memories Cruise Facebook Community to share memories, hear the latest news and reconnect with friends from the cruise.

Join Our Community!

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Get more ship information >

2024 Itinerary

See full itinerary >

Aboard the Trip of a Lifetime

Malt Shop Memories Cruise is THE Gold standard for Rock 'n' Roll Fans

  • Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame & Grammy award winning artists
  • Live nightly performances
  • Celebrity-led programs with the stars
  • Special themed events just for the Malt Shop Rock 'n' Roll fan
  • Luxurious accommodations for 7 glorious nights

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Crystal begins booking 27-country, $85,000 luxury world cruise.

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The Crystal Serenity, a 740-passenger cruise ship remodeled in 2023, pictured cruising through New ... [+] York Harbor.

There’s an old joke where a travel consultant asks a customer, “Are you interested in a world cruise?” The customer responds, “No, I’d rather go someplace else.”

But if you’re interested in a five-month luxury journey that will take you to more than 27 countries, the upcoming 2026 World Cruise from Crystal may be for you.

The cruise, that will transport guests from world capitals to tropical paradises, will be open for booking on March 19, 2024. A waitlist is already available.

The Crystal Serenity will be one’s home for 135 days on the World Cruise. The 68,000-ton Serenity is 820 feet long and 105 feet wide with a maximum cruising speed of 22 knots. The ship’s 740 passengers all enjoy ocean view rooms and suites, and the ship has a guest to crew ratio of just 1.33 to 1.

The Serenity was launched in 2003, with Dame Julie Andrews named the ship’s ‘godmother.’ Serenity, which was updated last year, is similar in size and passenger capacity to the Regent Grandeur of the Seas , launched in 2023.

Crystal, formerly Crystal Cruises, was acquired by A&K Travel Group (Abercrombie & Kent) in 2022, after suffering a near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal included the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Crystal says the ships have been “reimagined” with larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes and new wellness offerings.

The newly-updated spa on the cruise ship Crystal Serenity.

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The 13-deck Serenity includes such amenities as a cigar bar, a putting green, a pickleball court, a spa and various restaurants, including an ice cream shop and UMI UMA, the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea.

The Crystal Serenity will depart on its global journey from Los Angeles on January 11, 2026. The 135-day voyage will include visits to 72 destinations in more than 27 countries, to experience their culture, cuisine and civilization.

As one might imagine, such a titanic cruise bears a similar price. Pricing for the 2026 World Cruise will start at $84,000 per person based on double occupancy. Although the departure date is more than 20 months away, this would undoubtedly be a good time to open a certificate of deposits to guarantee one’s funds for the journey.

The World Cruise 2026 destination highlights of the 2026 include:

· The Marquesas Islands

· Bora Bora

· New Zealand

· Hong Kong

Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc drives during the warm-up lap prior to the Monaco ... [+] Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 23, 2021. - (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

The cruise kicks off from Los Angeles on Jan. 11, 2026. The Crystal Serenity will traverse the Pacific, visiting the landscapes of the Marquesas Islands, Bora Bora's turquoise lagoons, and the greenery of New Zealand.

From there, the ship and its passengers will visit Australia and the iconic Sydney Opera House and sail on to the bustling city of Hong Kong. The iconic Indian city of Mumbai, the towers of Dubai and the beauty of Bali on are on the Asian itinerary.

The voyage travels on through the Mediterranean, including a visit to Athen and a stop in Monaco, just in time for the Grand Prix. It will conclude in Rome on May 26.

"Celebrating the spirit of discovery and epicurean travel, Crystal presents the 2026 World Cruise, a magnificent journey that embodies intuitive service, cultural immersion and unforgettable memories. Our commitment to providing exceptional experiences is exemplified in every detail of this spectacular itinerary," said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.

UMI UMA, the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea, on ... [+] board the Crystal Serenity.

Guests booking World Cruise 2026 can anticipate tailor-made celebrations and exclusive benefits including:

· Exclusive World Cruise events and themed onboard events

· Business Class Airfare allowance or credit.

· $1,500 ‘As You Wish’ shipboard credit per person.

· Unlimited dining at Osteria d’Ovidio and Umi Uma (reservations required.)

· Private transfers to and from the airport and the hotel will be provided.

· Luggage Valet, including up to two pieces per person, and up to four pieces per guest room/suite, includes shipping from the guests’ home (in the U.S., Canada, Europe and the U.K.) to the ship, and from the ship to the guests’ home.

Unfortunately, the ship’s complimentary laundry does not include dry cleaning.

On the other hand, Crystal's Chairman and Brand Ambassador, Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, will be on board to lend his expertise and guidance.

"Crystal, in collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent, has redefined the essence of an immersive voyage,” said Barroso de Oliveira. “Our meticulously crafted itinerary encompasses all the essential elements – from exceptional service and soul-enriching experiences to visits to unexplored destinations and spectacular events."

Aquamarine Veranda suite on the Crystal Serenity cruise ship.

For more information on the 2026 World Cruise, Crystal recommends contacting your travel advisor, visiting crystalcruises.com, or calling 1-800-446-6620.

Michael Goldstein

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

Gates at Gorky Park in Moscow

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

River cruise in Moscow

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

Moscow Metro station

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

Moscow State University at dusk

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

The skyscrapers of Moscow City

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Art in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve in Moscow

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow at night

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

The rooftops of Moscow, Russia

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

A pool at Sanduny Banya in Moscow

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

  • 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
  • Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
  • Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

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Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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This Italian Cruise Line Has European Sailings for Under $300 This Summer — When to Book

Cruises must be booked by April 11.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Italian cruise line Costa Cruises wants travelers to live la dolce vita with a spring sale that has sailings to the Mediterranean and northern Europe starting at less than $300.

The sale, which must be booked by April 11, has cruises starting at just $299 per person for double occupancy and is valid on select trips from May to November traveling to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and beyond, the cruise line shared with Travel + Leisure . To book, travelers must look for the “Costa’s Spring Sale” icon on the company’s website . 

“For travelers ready to plan their next European adventure, our ‘Spring Sale’ offers reduced fares to some of our most desired destinations in the Mediterranean and northern Europe ,” Erik Jamarillo, the head of sales for Costa Cruises North America, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Costa is looking forward to more incredible adventures in these two regions, and we’re inviting travelers to join us to experience Italian-style cruising at an exceptional value.”

Travel on a weeklong cruise from Civitavecchia, just outside Rome, to Marseille, France, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and more. Or visit Istanbul, Mykonos, and Ibiza on a roundtrip cruise from Athens.

In May, Costa will sail nine to 23-day cruises in northern Europe complete with stops in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. And in July, the company will add week-long cruises to Denmark, Germany, and the Norwegian fjords.

The sale also includes voyages that feature the company’s new “Sea Destinations,” which incorporates the ports the ship visits into onboard programming, like offering a “typical Caprese breakfast” in front of the Faraglioni rocks of Capri before disembarking in Naples, or hosting “a hippy chic party” after visiting Ibiza .

Costa Cruises, which is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, operates nine ships and sails around the world from the Mediterranean and northern Europe to the Caribbean, South America, and more.

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