Not All Cruises Are Created Equal

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that every cruise is essentially the same experience on a different ship.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

A week aboard a large resort-style ocean ship can feel completely different from sailing through Europe on a river ship. An intimate yacht offers another experience entirely, while an expedition voyage may have you boarding a Zodiac in Antarctica instead of heading ashore for a traditional port day. 

The question isn't simply whether you want to take a cruise.

It's how you want to cruise.

Ocean cruising offers the greatest variety of ships and experiences. You can choose everything from enormous resort-style ships filled with restaurants, entertainment, pools, and activities to sophisticated premium ships offering a quieter, more refined atmosphere.

You may love an Ocean Cruise if you want:
Plenty of choices onboard, entertainment and dining variety, family or multigenerational options, popular destinations around the world, and a vacation where the ship can be as much a part of the experience as the ports. 

River cruising puts the emphasis firmly on the destination. Smaller ships travel inland waterways and frequently dock close to the cities, villages, vineyards, and historic places you've come to experience. Excursions and other amenities are also commonly included in the cruise fare. 

You may love a River Cruise if you want:
Culture and history, smaller ships, fewer guests, scenic sailing, included excursions, food and wine experiences, and an easy way to explore multiple destinations without constantly changing hotels.

Elevated yacht and small-ship cruising trades crowds and endless onboard attractions for space, personalized service, exceptional dining, and a more intimate atmosphere.

Smaller ships can also create opportunities for different ports and destinations while putting greater emphasis on the quality of the onboard experience.

You may love an Elevated Yacht Cruise if you want:
Fewer guests, spacious accommodations, personalized service, exceptional dining, a quieter atmosphere, interesting ports, and an experience where the details matter.

Expedition cruising is built around exploration. These smaller, specialized ships travel to some of the world's most extraordinary destinations, where days may revolve around wildlife, Zodiac landings, hiking, kayaking, photography, and learning from expedition teams rather than traditional cruise entertainment. 

You may love an Expedition Cruise if you want:
Adventure, wildlife, nature, remote destinations, expert-led exploration, active experiences, and a journey where you don't necessarily know exactly what each day will bring.

Choosing the type of cruise is only the beginning.

Even within ocean cruising, the experience can range from a massive ship filled with attractions and entertainment to an intimate vessel carrying only a few hundred guests.

The same is true with river, elevated yacht, and expedition cruising. Dining, service, accommodations, inclusions, excursions, atmosphere, and even the other travelers onboard can vary considerably from one cruise line to another.

That's why I don't believe there's one “best” cruise line.

There's a cruise experience that's right for you.

Do you want the ship to be part of the destination?
Ocean cruising may be your starting point.

Would you rather spend your days immersed in culture, history, food, and wine?
Take a closer look at river cruising.

Do space, exceptional service, dining, and a quieter atmosphere matter most?
Explore elevated yacht cruising.

Would you trade traditional entertainment for wildlife, adventure, and extraordinary destinations?
Expedition cruising may be calling.

You don't need to understand every cruise line, ship, stateroom category, itinerary, or inclusion before you start planning.

That's part of what I'm here for.

Tell me where you'd like to go, who you're traveling with, what you enjoy when you travel, and what you want this vacation to feel like. I'll help you narrow down the choices and find a cruise experience that fits.

Professional ocean, river, elevated yacht, and expedition cruise planning and reservation services through Sea & Sun Travel Agency are complimentary.