Sunday, March 31, 2024

9 Best Cruises for Couples

best cruise lines for adults

With its sleek ships, a focus on cuisine and drink as a cultural experience, butlers that pamper all guests, and an overall ultra-luxury ambience, Silversea is a favorite of well-heeled adult travelers. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a group of friends in pursuit of adventure, or a solo traveler looking to unwind in style, adults-only cruises have something extraordinary to offer. These voyages promise a chance to explore breathtaking destinations, revel in sumptuous amenities, and relish the serenity of a child-free environment. It is important to note that many cruises will have some children onboard, but in many cases, the cruise ship has areas, events and onboard venues that do not allow children. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated atmosphere of like-minded (and aged) travelers or simply need a little time away from your own kiddos, there are several excellent cruises out there that provide a more mature, yet still fun, experience. Below, we’ve selected the adults-only cruise lines for 2024 that will ensure that everyone onboard is old enough to vote, as well as adults-focused sailings that are guaranteed to make you the center of attention—at least while you’re on vacation.

Navigator of the Seas

Of the four venues, The Grande is the most elegant and tends to draw in more adults. After dinner, head to the theater to see "We Will Rock You," a musical tribute to Queen that originated in London's West End. We've rounded up the best cruise lines for couples, along with our top recommendations on where to sail for a romantic getaway. We've rounded up the most romantic cruise lines — and the top itineraries to book. Every suite includes butler service, a private terrace, and a minibar stocked with personally selected premium beverages.

Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

The 10 best cruises for couples - The Points Guy

The 10 best cruises for couples.

Posted: Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Consider an onboard cooking class at the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, followed by afternoon tea service, a poolside cocktail or two, and a spa treatment. Founded in the early 1990s, the Regent Seven Seas boasts 25 years of experience providing top-notch sea experiences to its passengers. This cruise line is incredibly elegant, and passengers get exactly what they pay for, including stately suites, multi-award-winning dining options and unique excursion opportunities. Interested in a more refined luxury cruise experience or a cruise line with one-of-a-kind excursions to ignite the spirit of adventure in you? Cruises are a great way to travel to multiple destinations while indulging in onboard activities and entertainment in between.

Best Adults-Focused All-Inclusive Cruise: Seabourn Cruise Line

This British company serves the needs of the 50-plus community, from insurance to all-inclusive holidays and cruises. Specializing in small-ship voyages, Saga Cruises offers itineraries aboard two 987-passenger ocean vessels as well as a handful of river ships—some owned and some chartered. The line is very inclusive, offering alcohol, tours, tips and more bundled into the price (just be aware that it will be listed in pounds). Saga is so confident you’ll love your first cruise with them that they offer a money-back guarantee.

While most famous for its Antarctica and Arctic itineraries, the line also offers itineraries through Central America, Mexico, Peru, Southwest Africa, and the Chilean Fjords. Its fleet of three small ships offers elegant accommodations, dining options, and common areas. Take in the panoramic vistas from the sauna or heated Jacuzzi, or get up close and personal via Zodiac.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offer the Most Base Fare Inclusions

Don't overlook Rhapsody of the Seas just because it's one of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It still has lots to offer adults looking for a fun getaway, especially to Europe, where you can book back-to-back port-intensive cruises for a customized vacation. With entertainment options such as sultry game shows and dance parties, it’s nearly impossible to be bored on board.

best cruise lines for adults

For many, the appeal of adults-only cruises lies not just in what they offer but also in what they leave behind. These carefully curated voyages create an environment where serenity, relaxation, and sophistication converge to provide an experience that caters to the desires of adults seeking to escape the daily hustle and embrace the extraordinary. While there are several geared to adults, some offer children’s services as well. In the Oasis or Quantum-class ships, many venues and activities are strictly for adults. The Boleros Latin Bar and English Pub are home to adults of varying ages and are perfect for singles or those without kids.

Mariner of the Seas

Finally, while Le Commandant Charcot is certainly impressive, don’t sleep on the line’s other ships, either. Among them is the three-masted, 16-cabin Le Ponant, which is specially designed for cruising the Polynesian waters. The smaller amount of kid-friendly activities means far fewer families book cruises on Rhapsody of the Seas compared to the fleet’s newer ships.

The Best Cruises for Adults in 2024

The 8 Best Cruises For Teens 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best Cruises For Teens 2024.

Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Picture yourself setting sail across the mesmerizing, azure waters of the Caribbean, where the warm tropical breeze gently rustles your hair, and the sun paints the sky in hues of gold and pink. The Caribbean, a haven of pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultures, has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking idyllic escapes. Now, imagine experiencing this tropical paradise in a way that offers more than just sun and sand – welcome to adults-only cruises in the Caribbean.

best cruise lines for adults

Their itineraries include less-travelled destinations such as the Middle East, northern Europe, or the South Pacific. Azamara offers enriching experiences and cultural activities with a relaxed, elegant ambience for adults. Meanwhile, the atmosphere of Royal Caribbean ships is always fun and classy without being too wild nor too stuffy. Your other passengers range everything from families (fewer if you sail during the school year) all the way to older couples. There are also tons of places to eat and drink on the ship — including lots of different types of food for any appetite.

Royal Caribbean also offers a loyalty program crafted for frequent travelers, providing exclusive offers and discounted rates. Known as the “World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” those with the financial means and want to experience luxury at its highest will no doubt enjoy a trip aboard one of these intimate ships. Regent Seven Seas also offers plenty of shore tours and excursions, such as gliding over the Alaskan mountains via helicopter or exploring the monuments in Valencia, Spain. For a more refined cruising experience, consider one of P&O’s quintessentially British luxury liners. The Arcadia and the Aurora are both adults-only ships (18+) that regularly sail out of Southampton.

"What we're looking to do is try not to be everything for everyone," Viking's executive vice president of marketing, Richard Marnell, told TPG. "We do not have a kids' program. What we have is . . . [an] immersive experience that is best suited for people that are intellectually curious." Virgin is designed to appeal to millennials and older travelers who want to party like they are millennials.

Other select ships offer adult-only areas on deck, such as Spice H20, available to all adult travelers at no added price, as well as the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only space with limited capacity, which must be purchased upon boarding. Virgin came out of the gate in 2021 when billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson debuted Scarlet Lady, the cruise line’s first adults-only ship. Take a look at any cruise line’s website to get a good idea of the image and atmosphere it tries to project. You can get a good hint of the sort of atmosphere on a ship through these marketing materials.

5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024

best alaska cruise line

Cruisers will be accompanied by a Viking Resident Historian who will deliver lectures on Pacific Northwest expansion and development, indigenous people, and glaciers. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier.

best alaska cruise line

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That's especially true of large ships, so consider a small ship for cruising to Alaska, like UnCruise or Silversea, if those glaciers are high on your must-see list. Conditions can sometimes prevent ships from reaching the glaciers, particularly in Tracy Arm Fjord. On either end of your sailing, you can tour on your own or book a cruise tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. Almost all Gulf of Alaska cruises visit to Hubbard Glacier and spend some time scenic cruising in College Fjord. Alternatively, Gulf of Alaska cruises are typically seven-night, one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the gateway ports for Anchorage and northern destinations in the state. If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick.

Enjoy the Views

Princess also offers the most departure cities, potentially saving you money on airfare. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details. Seabourn Odyssey's timeless design suits the country-club-ish ambience and makes for a cushy onboard experience.

best alaska cruise line

Celebrity Alaskan Cruises

"It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. The Spa offers complimentary access to its Thermal Suite, where guests can rejuvenate by alternating between a steamy sauna and a frigid Snow Grotto. Regatta is offering six-, nine-, 10- and 11-night cruises from May through September 2024.

In Alaska, NCL offers passengers countless off-ship activities to choose from. Many of the sailings to Alaska center on the state’s major ports of call, like Juneau and Sitka. There’s nothing wrong with those itineraries, but they do tend to focus more on touristy downtowns and less on the great outdoors. The landscape and views you’ll experience on an Alaska cruise will be unforgettable, so be sure to pack your binoculars and your best camera to capture the incredible sights to share with friends and family. For photo enthusiasts, an assortment of wide-angle lenses, x-factor lenses, multipurpose lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, and even a tripod can help you capture that perfect shot.

Best Alaska Cruise For Families: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder

While excursions from the ship are the best way to get out and explore (it’s not as easy to stroll on your own atop a glacier, after all), some cruise lines are more invested in the state. Sailings include seven- to 14-day itineraries and a host of land tours that can be added to the experience. In addition to Denali National Park, this is the only cruise line to take passengers into Canada’s Yukon Territory. If you're intent on a Gulf of Alaska cruise, book a northbound route so you'll cruise the Gulf at the end of the trip when you have your sea legs. If you get seasick easily, also think twice about round-trip cruises from Seattle that spend days cruising in the open ocean.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.

Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship. Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. The Quantum-class ships of Royal Caribbean have studio staterooms for one passenger that have ocean views and balconies.

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all native Alaskan owned.

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

There are also lectures and professional guides to complete the experience. Oceania currently offers 30+ Alaska cruise options, plus Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs that let cruisers explore places like Anchorage and Denali in Alaska and Calgary in Canada. For cruisers 5–12 years old, it also offers the Alaska Youth Explorer Program, which is staffed by camp counselors and centers around Alaska-inspired activities and programming. Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR Media

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024.

Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. Back on the vessel, after a gourmet meal and drinks, evening entertainment is viewing the deep fjords, glaciers, and abundant whales that make Alaska so magical. There’s also complimentary Pilates and yoga, a gym, jogging track, spa, observation library, and a slew of bars and restaurants. Here you’ll find remote islands dappled with stately spruce trees, dreamy fields of pink fireweed, and long stretches of undisturbed, rocky beaches.

Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

"You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero. Silversea Cruises' newest ship, the 728-passenger Silver Nova, brings the outdoors in with abundant floor-to-ceiling windows, making the ship an idyllic ride for Inside Passage cruising. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and try something entirely new, several cruise lines will send you on the adventure of your dreams in Alaska.

Princess Cruises even has its own Princess Lodges as part of its combination packages. UnCruise Adventures is a sustainability-focused line traveling the waters of the Inside Passage. Culture, regional cuisine and nature adventures are the top themes, with ports of call in the decidedly less touristy spots. Cruises to Alaska with Celebrity depart from Seattle and Vancouver, and Princess sails from San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. Holland America, which has medium and larger ships, often sails from Vancouver and Seattle.

Check out our list of the 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise for more information on packing necessities on your Alaskan cruise. Dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off (or add on) slowly as the thermometer dictates. You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska. It's known for calm waters and excellent scenery (often including Glacier Bay).

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