Let’s Cruise: Everything You Need to Know Before You Set Sail

Mar 18

So, you’re thinking about going on a cruise? Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, cruising offers an incredible way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying luxury amenities, top-tier entertainment, and all-inclusive dining. Before you embark on your journey, here’s everything you need to know about cruise destinations, popular ports, durations, what to expect onboard, required documents, and the best cruise lines for your travel style.

Most Common Cruise Destinations

Cruises take you to some of the most breathtaking places in the world. Here are the most popular destinations to consider:

Caribbean: With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back vibe, the Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination. Common stops include the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and St. Thomas.
Mediterranean: A cultural and historical journey through Italy, Spain, Greece, and France, offering ancient ruins, scenic coastlines, and incredible food.
Alaska: Perfect for nature lovers, Alaska cruises offer glacier views, whale watching, and incredible wildlife encounters.
Hawaii: A tropical escape featuring multiple Hawaiian islands like Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Mexico: Ideal for short cruises with stops in Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, featuring rich culture and beautiful beaches.
Northern Europe: Cruise through Scandinavia and the Baltics, visiting cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg.
Asia: Experience exotic ports in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, where modern cities blend with ancient traditions.
South Pacific: Dreamy islands such as Bora Bora, Fiji, and Tahiti offer untouched beauty and crystal-clear waters.

Popular Cruise Ports

Certain cruise ports are among the busiest in the world, serving as hubs for travelers heading to exciting destinations. Here are some of the most popular:

Miami, Florida: The world’s busiest cruise port and a gateway to the Caribbean.
Port Canaveral, Florida: A great option for those visiting Orlando attractions before their cruise.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Known for hosting luxury cruises and Caribbean sailings.
Los Angeles, California: A starting point for cruises along the Mexican Riviera.
New York City, New York: Offers sailings to Bermuda, Canada, and transatlantic destinations.
Galveston, Texas: A growing cruise hub for Caribbean voyages.
Seattle, Washington: A popular departure point for Alaska cruises.
Vancouver, Canada: Another gateway to Alaska with scenic Pacific Northwest routes.
Barcelona, Spain: One of Europe’s largest cruise hubs, serving Mediterranean itineraries.
Southampton, England: Known for transatlantic and Northern European cruises.

Cruise Durations

Cruises vary in length, making it easy to find one that fits your schedule:

Weekend & Short Cruises (3-5 days): Great for quick getaways, often sailing to the Bahamas, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
Week-Long Cruises (6-8 days): The most common duration, allowing travelers to explore multiple destinations.
Extended Cruises (9-14 days): Ideal for deeper exploration of Europe, Alaska, and the South Pacific.
World Cruises (30+ days): A bucket-list experience covering multiple continents over weeks or months.

What to Expect on a Cruise

Cruising offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:

All-Inclusive Amenities: Most cruises include accommodations, meals, and entertainment, with some specialty dining and excursions available at an extra cost.
Excursions & Activities: From zip-lining and scuba diving to cultural city tours, excursions allow you to explore each port of call.
Onboard Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, casinos, and even waterparks are available.
Dining Options: Enjoy a mix of buffet-style meals, specialty restaurants, and 24/7 room service.
Dress Code: Most cruises have casual dress codes but may feature formal nights where cocktail attire is recommended.
Tipping & Fees: Many cruise lines charge daily gratuities ($14-$20 per person), which go toward crew service.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Internet access is available but often comes at an additional cost.

Needed Documents

Before you board your cruise, make sure you have the following documents:

Passport: Required for most international cruises. Some closed-loop cruises (round trips departing from the U.S.) may allow birth certificates and government-issued IDs.
Visa: Some destinations require visas, so check entry requirements in advance.
Cruise Boarding Pass: Provided by the cruise line before departure.
COVID-19 or Health Documents: Some cruise lines may still have health and vaccination requirements.

Most Common Cruise Lines & Who They Are Best For

There are plenty of cruise lines to choose from, each catering to different types of travelers. Here’s a breakdown:

Family-Friendly Cruises:

Disney Cruise Line: Best for families with young kids, featuring Disney characters, themed entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.
Royal Caribbean: Offers massive ships with water slides, rock climbing walls, and activities for all ages.
Carnival Cruise Line: Budget-friendly and fun, known for its lively atmosphere and entertainment options.

Luxury & Premium Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises: A sophisticated experience with gourmet dining and modern ships.
Princess Cruises: A mix of relaxation and adventure, perfect for couples and retirees.
Holland America Line: Offers an elegant atmosphere, ideal for mature travelers who enjoy culture and fine dining.

Adventure & Expedition Cruises:

Norwegian Cruise Line: Great for active travelers, featuring freestyle dining and onboard activities.
Viking Ocean Cruises: Small-ship cruising focused on history, culture, and immersive experiences.
Seabourn: A luxury option offering intimate, all-suite accommodations and unique expedition-style itineraries.

Budget-Friendly Cruises:

Carnival Cruise Line: One of the most affordable cruise options with lots of onboard fun.
MSC Cruises: A European-based cruise line offering budget-friendly pricing with a stylish touch.

Adult-Only Cruises:

Virgin Voyages: A trendy, adults-only cruise line with a party atmosphere, designed for young professionals and couples.
Azamara: A premium, intimate cruise experience catered to adults who love culture and fine dining.

Summary of Average Costs for a 7-Night Cruise (per person):

Carnival Cruise Line: $500 – $1,500
Royal Caribbean: $800 – $2,000
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): $700 – $1,800
Princess Cruises: $900 – $2,300
Celebrity Cruises: $1,200 – $2,800
Holland America Line: $1,100 – $2,500
Disney Cruise Line: $1,500 – $4,000
MSC Cruises: $700 – $1,800
Viking Ocean Cruises: $2,500 – $6,000
Azamara Club Cruises: $2,500 – $5,500
Virgin Voyages Cruises: $1,500 – $4,000

Take it Up a Notch: Luxury Cruising

Ultra-premium or ultra-luxury cruise lines cater to travelers seeking an exclusive, all-inclusive, and highly personalized experience. These cruises often feature smaller, more intimate ships, exceptional service, gourmet dining, spacious suites, and exotic itineraries that visit less-traveled ports. Here are some of the top ultra-premium cruise lines:

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

All-Inclusive Luxury: Fares include unlimited shore excursions, premium wines, spirits, specialty dining, gratuities, and even business-class airfare on select itineraries.
Spacious Suites: All cabins are suites with private balconies.
Global Itineraries: Exotic destinations, including world cruises.
Targeted to: Luxury travelers, retirees, and those who appreciate all-inclusive indulgence.
Average Cost: $500–$1,500 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $3,500 to $10,500 or more per person.

2. Seabourn

Small, Yacht-Style Ships: Personalized service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
Gourmet Dining: Partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs.
All-Suite Accommodations: Every room is spacious and elegantly designed.
Targeted to: Sophisticated travelers who enjoy luxury, fine dining, and unique destinations.
Average Cost: $500–$1,200 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $3,500 to $8,400 or higher per person.

3. Silversea Cruises

All-Inclusive, Ultra-Luxury Experience: Fine wines, butler service, shore excursions, and even door-to-door transfers included.
Small Ships: More intimate and able to access unique destinations.
Expedition Cruises Available: Specialized itineraries to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos.
Targeted to: Affluent travelers, adventure-seekers who want luxury with expedition-style cruising.
Average Cost: $600–$1,800 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $4,200 to $12,600 or more per person.

4. Oceania Cruises

"Upper-Premium" Experience: More luxurious than mainstream cruise lines but slightly below ultra-luxury competitors.
Culinary-Focused: Gourmet dining, often featuring Michelin-starred chefs.
Smaller Ships: Elegant, mid-sized vessels with a country-club atmosphere.
Targeted to: Food lovers, mature travelers, and those who want a refined but slightly more relaxed luxury cruise.
Average Cost: $300–$800 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $2,100 to $5,600 per person.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Blends Yachting with Cruising: Ultra-exclusive, intimate ships with a boutique hotel vibe.
Exceptional Service: Personalized concierge services.
Exclusive Destinations: Smaller ports that larger cruise ships can’t access.
Targeted to: High-end luxury travelers, Ritz-Carlton hotel enthusiasts, and those who enjoy private yachting experiences.
Average Cost: $1,200–$2,500 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $8,400 to $17,500 or more per person.

6. Ponant

French Luxury Cruise Line: Chic, upscale, and elegant, with a French-influenced onboard experience.
Expedition Focus: Specializes in polar expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Smaller, Eco-Friendly Ships: Designed for a more intimate, immersive travel experience.
Targeted to: Affluent adventure travelers, Francophiles, and those who enjoy expedition cruises with a luxury touch.
Average Cost: $600–$1,500 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $4,200 to $10,500 per person.

7. Crystal Cruises (Recently Relaunched)

Ultra-Luxury Experience: Known for world-class service and opulence.
Spacious, All-Suite Accommodations: High-end designs and amenities.
Exclusive Shore Excursions: Offers some of the best curated experiences.
Targeted to: Luxury travelers, seasoned cruisers, and those who expect five-star service at sea.
Average Cost: $600–$1,500 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $4,200 to $10,500 or more per person.

8. Explora Journeys (by MSC Group)

New Ultra-Luxury Brand: Launched in 2023 as MSC’s high-end offering.
All-Inclusive Experience: High-end dining, personalized service, and wellness-focused amenities.
Boutique, Intimate Ships: Focused on immersive, destination-rich itineraries.
Targeted to: Affluent travelers seeking a new luxury cruise experience with a focus on well-being.
Average Cost: $800–$2,000 per person, per night.
- 7-night cruise cost: $5,600 to $14,000 per person.

If you’re looking for the best of the best at sea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea are consistently ranked among the top ultra-luxury cruise lines.

Summary of Estimated Average Costs (7-night cruise):

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: $3,500 – $10,500+
Seabourn: $3,500 – $8,400+
Silversea Cruises: $4,200 – $12,600+
Oceania Cruises: $2,100 – $5,600+
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: $8,400 – $17,500+
Ponant: $4,200 – $10,500+
Crystal Cruises: $4,200 – $10,500+
Explora Journeys: $5,600 – $14,000+

Jacquai Harris