There’s so much value in a cruise vacation that it’s no surprise millions of Americans choose these types of trips. Your cruise fare typically includes your cruise cabin, most food venues, entertainment and onboard activities—including the pool deck, fitness center, and amenities like sports courts. But, if you keep sailing the same itineraries and cruise lines, you could miss the boat—literally. Instead, consider trying something different for your next voyage at sea. Here are some suggestions to inspire new cruise ideas.
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Plot a new course
If your cruise goal is to sail to the tropics and immerse yourself in the sun and surf, there are ample great choices out there. And you are likely to have a favorite line because you feel you know what to expect from a particular cruise line, but don’t let that keep you in a cruise rut. If you’re a fan of beaches and crystal-blue water, think about visiting a port in the Caribbean you haven’t already been to. Some cruise ships have varying itineraries, so a bit of research on your end can facilitate a visit to a new island stop. For example, there are Southern Caribbean itineraries on Celebrity Cruises that visit Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Bonaire, and Curacao. These ports could be new ones you haven’t experienced.
Sail into a new season
If your cruise plans are to escape the winter season and visit sunny and warm destinations, you could be repeating the same trip every year. If you are a fan of cruising due to its ease of travel, consider swapping the time of year for your next cruise. For example, consider a summer cruise to Alaska or Iceland. Many of these high-demand sailings book up a year in advance, so consider booking your stateroom for next summer now. Winning picks include Crystal Cruises to majestic Alaska and Viking Ocean in Iceland, which offers an Iceland’s Natural Beauty itinerary featuring an included shore excursion in each port.
Think beyond the buffet
There’s no shortage of food on cruise ships, and that’s what makes a cruise so much fun and value-based. These impressive buffets serve breakfast, lunch and dinner—and sometimes bonus meals—to guests and the menu and selections are well-curated and bountiful. Additionally, your ship’s main dining rooms offer sit-down table service, changing menus and attentive staff that make you feel like you’re truly on vacation. Additionally, some cruise lines offer included themed venues and poolside grills, as well as additional complimentary options.
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Consider elevating your dining experience. Most cruise lines now offer specialty dining restaurants that elevate your cruise experience. These will come at a cost. During your next cruise, it could be a treat to pay extra for a visit to a specialty venue or two for gourmet meals or top-tier service. My favorite specialty dining picks include Cagney’s Steakhouse on Norwegian Cruise Line, Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises and Pinnacle Grill on Holland American Line. Splurge on a specialty dining venue on your next cruise, you’ll be glad you did.
Trade sea views for river vibes
Whether you enjoy the unpack-once convenience of a cruise or the concept of using a cruise ship as your floating hotel, you can expand your vacation options by trying a new mode of cruise travel. For example, river cruise vacations can open new sailing opportunities. For example, river cruise itineraries sail on calm rivers in Europe, offering city-based excursions that provide up-close culture, history, and culinary immersion. Viking River Cruise offers several good choices in the Danube, Rhine and other rivers. Other river cruise carriers, such as Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, offer themed cruises, including Christmas Market sailings to various European cities. Standout choices on Uniworld include the Belgian Holiday Markets and Magical Parisian Holiday, which offer cruise guests the gift of visiting various Christmas markets to experience the enchanting holiday season abroad.
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