Value & ease | authenticity | accessing the inaccessible | sustainability
Changing tides
A sk any 10 travelers their opinion on cruise travel, and you're likely to get 10 wildly different answers. There's a huge cabal of superfans out there, for sure—but there are skeptics, too. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find many within the latter group haven't been on a ship in a while. Take a look around at the current state of cruising and you'll see that many lines have been responding to consumer calls for more value and flexibility, authentic onshore experiences, diverse destinations and more eco-friendly practices. The result? The modern-day cruise landscape satisfies a sea of vacation wishlists.
Read on to see if yours is one of them.
Value-packed vacations
There are few forms of travel that can rival cruise's value for money. What you see is what you get with most cruise lines—upfront pricing includes accommodations, meals, drinks and a variety of other inclusions, depending on the line. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Kids Sail Free" promotions make the line a go-to for family travelers, while their "Free at Sea" program lets travelers choose from a variety of complimentary perks—a free beverage or specialty dining package, for example. Royal Caribbean ships pack in entertainment value; free Broadway show performances, concerts, ice skating and rock wall climbing are just the start of the engaging free things to do, depending on the ship and sailing. Some cruise lines—Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking River Cruises, for example—even cover shore excursions. For even more value, keep your eyes out for flight-inclusive packages—often featured on Travelzoo—which may cover cancellation protection.
Get on board with the new world of cruise.
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Value & ease
Authentic experiences
Accessing the inaccessible
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Plan your trip
M.S. Richard in Norway | photo credit: Hurtigruten
Èze, France | photo credit: Windstar Cruises
Couple in Santorini, Greece | photo credit: NCL
Cruising India's Upper Ganges River | photo credit: Pandaw
Easily explore with a group| photo credit: Windstar Cruises
Stay connected while at sea
Boats docked in Sitka, Alaska
Windstar Cruises in Moorea, Tahiti
Concept design of Hurtigruten's first ship with zero-emission operations, targeted to set sail in 2030
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WE'VE BEEN
Couple in Corfu, Greece | photo credit: NCL
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Secret Lagoon, Iceland | photo credit: Windstar Cruises
Hurtigruten's Kong Harald on the Norwegian coast
Incredibly easy
What other form of travel allows you to explore multiple destinations while unpacking only once? And, of course, the "transit time" between destinations is highly enjoyable—which is hard to say about other ways of getting around. The cooking and cleaning are taken care of by the friendly and hard-working crew, leaving you and your party with no choice but to relax and enjoy.
Cruising is arguably the easiest and most comfortable way for friend groups, families and multi-generational travelers to explore together, because there's usually something on the ship to appeal to diverse interests. There's no fighting about who gets to pick up the check at dinner time, either.
The ease of cruise vacations applies doubly for those who live near a cruise port. Simply drive up, get onboard and you'll soon be whisked off on your relaxing vacation.
There's an app for that
New technology is making what was already an easy experience even more seamless. Carvinal's HUB app let's you check in pre-cruise, make dining reservations or even book a spa treatment. Celebrity Cruises' app also lets you link your plans with other members in your traveling party. Holland America Line's "Navigator" app includes the option to request ice, towels or other services from your room steward, plus the chance to view and purchase photos taken by the cruise line photographers. Staying up to date on the ship's itinerary, activities and services is all at your fingertips in the new world of cruise.
Cunard also recently debuted its super high-tech SpaceX Starlink technology Wi-Fi, which uses low earth orbit satellite technology to provide guests with superior Wi-Fi (for a fee). This makes movie and sports event streaming, real-time social media sharing and all the other conveniences of the Internet accessible at sea.
Cuisine and history
Some travelers may not think of cruising as a top choice when it comes to enjoying destinations in an authentic, deep way. But many cruise lines have launched programming that prove this a misconception. Azamara Cruises, for one, is known for providing extended or even overnight stays in culturally rich ports of call, allowing travelers more time to explore, check out the local nightlife scene or embark on private tours.
Silversea's Sea and Land Taste program offers an immersive, destination-specific culinary experience both on board and ashore. Try cured duck breast with traditional Alaskan frybread; sample Basque dishes in a countryside restaurant; taste fjord-fresh seafood on a remote Norwegian island and much more. On Viking River Cruises, meanwhile, Resident Historians are on hand to share their expert knowledge of the history and culture of each destination, while the line's Privileged Access excursions give guests exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to cultural sites.
Culture and nature
Those seeking an experience that combines breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings with historical and cultural context will want to check out Ponant's Polynesian and Pacific Islands cruises. On these, the line's small ships transport travelers to remote archipelagos. Guests learn about indigenous cultures as they visit traditional villages and meet local artisans.
Alaskan Dream Cruises is another line that excels at providing an authentic cruise experience. The only cruise line owned and operated by Alaska natives, the family-run company brings guests to historic fishing villages where only a handful of people reside year-round. Itineraries are spontaneous and adaptable to make the most of the living, breathing surroundings each day. That means you might shift gears to witness pods of orcas hunting or to catch a glimpse of harbor seals basking on the ice.
Get closer ...
Cruise ships today come in all shapes and sizes. For those looking to venture way off the beaten path, smaller vessels are an excellent choice. Windstar Cruises' luxury yacht-style sailings accommodate as few as 148 guests and bring travelers to difficult-to-reach places like the Norwegian fjords, breathtaking Icelandic shores and less-traveled, UNESCO-listed Mediterranean sites like Cinque Terre and Kotor, Montenegro.
Adventurous types may consider UnCruise Adventures for its Alaska or Galapagos itineraries. These small-ship voyages focus on wilderness and wildlife, navigating to hidden coves and untouched natural areas where guests can further explore via Zodiac or kayak. Meanwhile, if Antarctica is on your bucket list, a number of cruise companies can get you there. Swan Hellenic, for one, brings travelers to the White Continent aboard a 5-star boutique ship that can bring guests closer to sights like breaching humbpack whales, towering mountains and giant glaciers.
... and closer.
Cruising can take you across Asia's fascinating waterways as well. Pandaw River Cruises brings travelers to ride rickshaws, visit terracotta temples and dine on exquisitely spiced cuisine in India via the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. Pandaw also sails to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos via the Mekong River, making it exceedingly easy to see hidden gems across these scenic Asian countries.
Cruisetours offer another ingenious way to to take cruise travel to the next level, adding in on-land experiences before or after your cruise itinerary. Princess Cruises pioneered this concept with their Alaska cruises, creating journeys on land incorporating rail travel and stays in their Wilderness Lodges. The line also offers land and sea experiences for their Canada & New England, South America and Europe cruises.
Sustainable cruise practices
A number of cruise lines are making waves in the sustainable travel space through initiatives both at sea and on land. Hurtigruten, a line that specializes in sailing the Norwegian coast, was the first to banish single-use plastics from its decks and company offices. Its fleet includes three hybrid ships, and the line aims to debut a zero-emission propulsion ship by 2030. MSC Cruises transformed private Bahamian island Ocean Cay into a marine reserve where coral reef restoration and environmental education programs are top priority. The line has also planted thousands of native trees, plants and shrubs on the island to enhance biodiversity. Launched in 2023, MSC Euribia's reliance on liquified natural gas rather than conventional marine fuels reduces emissions, while its specially painted hull reduces the likelihood of organisms being transferred into non-native environments.
Ready to sail off into the new world of cruise? Check out special offers on Travelzoo and see for yourself why it's the preferred travel style for so many.
Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners performing the Junba, a story-telling song and dance
Horizontal Falls in The Kimberley
Seabourn President, Natalya Leahy, being welcomed with a smoking ceremony (Jimirri) in Kimberley, Australia
Laos
The Kamakhya Temple in Nilachal Hill, India
Pandaw River Cruise on The Upper Ganges River, India
Mekong River | photo credit: Viking River Cruises
Family in Amsterdam | photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Line
Supporting local people & industry
An increasing number of cruise lines are also making strong commitments to protecting the places their ships visit—and supporting the people who live there. Luxury cruise line Seabourn has partnered with the Aboriginal Wunambal Gaambera people in Kimberley, Australia, contributing financially toward the creation of the Indigenous group's self-sustaining industries and employing its people to lead cultural tours and experiences for Seabourn guests. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, promoting sustainable visitation to vital natural and cultural sites around the world. Scenic Cruises has a comprehensive sustainability plan as well, aligning to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their work to date has included providing clean running water and sanitation blocks for communities in Asia, providing food and health supplies for villages in need and continuously reducing emissions and waste on ships.
Read firsthand cruise experiences from our travel experts.
SEE WHERE
WE'VE BEEN
Read firsthand cruise experiences from our travel experts.
SEE WHERE
WE'VE BEEN
Read firsthand cruise experiences from our travel experts.
SEE WHERE
WE'VE BEEN
Read firsthand cruise experiences from our travel experts.
Value & ease | authenticity | accessing the inaccessible | sustainability
Value & ease | authenticity | accessing the inaccessible | sustainability
Value & ease | authenticity | accessing the inaccessible | sustainability
Value-packed vacations
There are few forms of travel that can rival cruise's value for money. What you see is what you get with most cruise lines—upfront pricing includes accommodations, meals, drinks and a variety of other inclusions, depending on the line. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Kids Sail Free" promotions make the line a go-to for family travelers, while their "Free at Sea" program lets travelers choose from a variety of complimentary perks—a free beverage or specialty dining package, for example. Royal Caribbean ships pack in entertainment value; free Broadway show performances, concerts, ice skating and rock wall climbing are just the start of the engaging free things to do, depending on the ship and sailing. Some cruise lines—Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking River Cruises, for example—even cover shore excursions. For even more value, keep your eyes out for flight-inclusive packages—often featured on Travelzoo—which may cover cancellation protection.
Incredibly easy
What other form of travel allows you to explore multiple destinations while unpacking only once? And, of course, the "transit time" between destinations is highly enjoyable—which is hard to say about other ways of getting around. The cooking and cleaning are taken care of by the friendly and hard-working crew, leaving you and your party with no choice but to relax and enjoy.
Cruising is arguably the easiest and most comfortable way for friend groups, families and multi-generational travelers to explore together, because there's usually something on the ship to appeal to diverse interests. There's no fighting about who gets to pick up the check at dinner time, either.
The ease of cruise vacations applies doubly for those who live near a cruise port. Simply drive up, get onboard and you'll soon be whisked off on your relaxing vacation.
There's an app for that
New technology is making what was already an easy experience even more seamless. Carvinal's HUB app let's you check in pre-cruise, make dining reservations or even book a spa treatment. Celebrity Cruises' app also lets you link your plans with other members in your traveling party. Holland America Line's "Navigator" app includes the option to request ice, towels or other services from your room steward, plus the chance to view and purchase photos taken by the cruise line photographers. Staying up to date on the ship's itinerary, activities and services is all at your fingertips in the new world of cruise.
Cunard also recently debuted its super high-tech SpaceX Starlink technology Wi-Fi, which uses low earth orbit satellite technology to provide guests with superior Wi-Fi (for a fee). This makes movie and sports event streaming, real-time social media sharing and all the other conveniences of the Internet accessible at sea.
Cuisine and history
Some travelers may not think of cruising as a top choice when it comes to enjoying destinations in an authentic, deep way. But many cruise lines have launched programming that prove this a misconception. Azamara Cruises, for one, is known for providing extended or even overnight stays in culturally rich ports of call, allowing travelers more time to explore, check out the local nightlife scene or embark on private tours.
Silversea's Sea and Land Taste program offers an immersive, destination-specific culinary experience both on board and ashore. Try cured duck breast with traditional Alaskan frybread; sample Basque dishes in a countryside restaurant; taste fjord-fresh seafood on a remote Norwegian island and much more. On Viking River Cruises, meanwhile, Resident Historians are on hand to share their expert knowledge of the history and culture of each destination, while the line's Privileged Access excursions give guests exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to cultural sites.
Culture and nature
Those seeking an experience that combines breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings with historical and cultural context will want to check out Ponant's Polynesian and Pacific Islands cruises. On these, the line's small ships transport travelers to remote archipelagos. Guests learn about indigenous cultures as they visit traditional villages and meet local artisans.
Alaskan Dream Cruises is another line that excels at providing an authentic cruise experience. The only cruise line owned and operated by Alaska natives, the family-run company brings guests to historic fishing villages where only a handful of people reside year-round. Itineraries are spontaneous and adaptable to make the most of the living, breathing surroundings each day. That means you might shift gears to witness pods of orcas hunting or to catch a glimpse of harbor seals basking on the ice.
Get closer ...
Cruise ships today come in all shapes and sizes. For those looking to venture way off the beaten path, smaller vessels are an excellent choice. Windstar Cruises' luxury yacht-style sailings accommodate as few as 148 guests and bring travelers to difficult-to-reach places like the Norwegian fjords, breathtaking Icelandic shores and less-traveled, UNESCO-listed Mediterranean sites like Cinque Terre and Kotor, Montenegro.
Adventurous types may consider UnCruise Adventures for its Alaska or Galapagos itineraries. These small-ship voyages focus on wilderness and wildlife, navigating to hidden coves and untouched natural areas where guests can further explore via Zodiac or kayak. Meanwhile, if Antarctica is on your bucket list, a number of cruise companies can get you there. Swan Hellenic, for one, brings travelers to the White Continent aboard a 5-star boutique ship that can bring guests closer to sights like breaching humbpack whales, towering mountains and giant glaciers.
... and closer.
Cruising can take you across Asia's fascinating waterways as well. Pandaw River Cruises brings travelers to ride rickshaws, visit terracotta temples and dine on exquisitely spiced cuisine in India via the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers. Pandaw also sails to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos via the Mekong River, making it exceedingly easy to see hidden gems across these scenic Asian countries.
Cruisetours offer another ingenious way to to take cruise travel to the next level, adding in on-land experiences before or after your cruise itinerary. Princess Cruises pioneered this concept with their Alaska cruises, creating journeys on land incorporating rail travel and stays in their Wilderness Lodges. The line also offers land and sea experiences for their Canada & New England, South America and Europe cruises.
Sustainable cruise practices
A number of cruise lines are making waves in the sustainable travel space through initiatives both at sea and on land. Hurtigruten, a line that specializes in sailing the Norwegian coast, was the first to banish single-use plastics from its decks and company offices. Its fleet includes three hybrid ships, and the line aims to debut a zero-emission propulsion ship by 2030. MSC Cruises transformed private Bahamian island Ocean Cay into a marine reserve where coral reef restoration and environmental education programs are top priority. The line has also planted thousands of native trees, plants and shrubs on the island to enhance biodiversity. Launched in 2023, MSC Euribia's reliance on liquified natural gas rather than conventional marine fuels reduces emissions, while its specially painted hull reduces the likelihood of organisms being transferred into non-native environments.
Supporting local people & industry
An increasing number of cruise lines are also making strong commitments to protecting the places their ships visit—and supporting the people who live there. Luxury cruise line Seabourn has partnered with the Aboriginal Wunambal Gaambera people in Kimberley, Australia, contributing financially toward the creation of the Indigenous group's self-sustaining industries and employing its people to lead cultural tours and experiences for Seabourn guests. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, promoting sustainable visitation to vital natural and cultural sites around the world. Scenic Cruises has a comprehensive sustainability plan as well, aligning to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their work to date has included providing clean running water and sanitation blocks for communities in Asia, providing food and health supplies for villages in need and continuously reducing emissions and waste on ships.