Some 60% of cruises are in the Caribbean and I’m certain the Mexican Riviera is a close second.   But after they take their first seagoing vacation in one of these two areas cruisers ask their agent for recommendation of new areas of the world to explore by ship.   My five favorite cruising regions are best visited by ship or boat because you’ll see much more than you would by taking a land tour.    And, my picks for the best ships in the region that deliver the best exploration of the region.

1.  Alaska.   Combine the most spectacular scenery on earth with wondrous sights not found anywhere else and you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits on an Alaska cruise.  From calving glaciers to soaring eagles, whales breaking the surface, bears fishing for salmon and moose grazing on shore the experience of Alaska will remain with you always.  You’ll fly to either Seattle or Vancouver to begin what is, for many, the voyage of a lifetime.   Favorite cruise line: CruiseWest, which operates a fleet of small ships carrying fewer than 100 people.   The smaller the ship, the closer you’ll get to the spectacular flora and fauna.

2. Hawaii. What I discovered on a one-week cruise, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, was a tropical paradise with more natural beauty and diversity than I’d ever dreamed. Each port was distinctive, and my shore-side activities ranged from going to the top of the world’s largest volcano to a high-speed zodiac ride along Kauai’s Napali coast, with hundreds of dolphins leaping around us as we navigated into caves and marveled at the sheer cliffs that line this part of the island.  Norwegian Cruise Line sails year-round on seven-night Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.    Favorite Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha, the only ship sailing on seven night itineraries round-trip from Honolulu.

3. The Panama Canal. The “path between the seas” is considered to be one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. It is awesome to stand on deck as your cruise ship is raised and lowered in locks on the nine-hour journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you inch through the Panamanian jungle. The 48-mile canal, which opened in 1914, accommodates 40 ships per day ranging from private yachts to large container ships.  While the full canal voyage between the Caribbean and Mexico is 14 days, you can also opt for a ten- or 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Florida on Princess and Royal Caribbean.   Favorite Ship: On a ten-day itinerary,  Princess Cruises‘ sister ships Coral and Island Princess.  Carrying 1970 passengers,  the ships are mid-sized and very spacious inside.

4. The Greek Islands/Turkey. Spectacular beauty and world-famous antiquities abound on a one-week cruise to Greece and Turkey. From Kusadasi, Turkey, it’s a short ride to the 2,000-year old city of Ephesus, where a two-story ancient library lies at the end of the main thoroughfare, still marked with chariot tracks. In Delos, a short hop from Mykonos, you’ll walk among the 7^th century BC ruins of what was once the capital of the ancient world. Santorini is my pick for the most spectacular Greek island. You’ll sail into the bay — a huge volcanic crater — then ascend 900 feet to the winding streets of Thira, a tiny terraced town overlooking the Capri-blue Mediterranean.   Favorite Cruise Lines:  Oceania Cruises, with 640 passenger ships, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers.   Size does matter in Europe because you don’t want to disembark in port with thousands of other passengers.

5. The Baltic. Every port in this varied region called the Baltic is loaded with history, culture and tradition. From the opulent palaces of the tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and historic walking area and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures. Best of all, most ships dock right in the center of town, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own. A beloved port is Stockholm, built on 14 islands with charming meandering streets lined with stores selling glass.  Favorite Cruise Lines: Oceania Cruises, Holland America.  Pick the smallest ship possible that gives you multiple days in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Bookmark to:

You ain’t seen nothing yet, kid!   Some 60% of cruises are in the Caribbean and I’m certain the Mexican Riviera is a close second.   But after they take their first seagoing vacation in one of these two areas cruisers ask their agent for recommendation of new areas of the world to explore by ship.  My favorite cruising regions are best visited by ship or boat because you’ll see much more than you would by taking a land tour.

1.  Alaska.   Combine the most spectacular scenery on earth with wondrous sights not found anywhere else and you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits on an Alaska cruise.  From calving glaciers to soaring eagles, whales breaking the surface, bears fishing for salmon and moose grazing on shore the experience of Alaska will remain with you always.  You’ll fly to either Seattle or Vancouver to begin what is, for many, the voyage of a lifetime.

2. Hawaii. What I discovered on a one-week cruise, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, was a tropical paradise with more natural beauty and diversity than I’d ever dreamed. Each port was distinctive, and my shore-side activities ranged from going to the top of the world’s largest volcano to a high-speed zodiac ride along Kauai’s Napali coast, with hundreds of dolphins leaping around us as we navigated into caves and marveled at the sheer cliffs that line this part of the island.  Norwegian Cruise Line sails year-round on seven-night Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.

2. The Panama Canal. The “path between the seas” is considered to be one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. It is awesome to stand on deck as your cruise ship is raised and lowered in locks on the nine-hour journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you inch through the Panamanian jungle. The 48-mile canal, which opened in 1914, accommodates 40 ships per day ranging from private yachts to large container ships.  While the full canal voyage between the Caribbean and Mexico is 14 days, you can also opt for a ten- or 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Florida on Princess and Royal Caribbean.

4. The Greek Islands/Turkey. Spectacular beauty and world-famous antiquities abound on a one-week cruise to Greece and Turkey. From Kusadasi, Turkey, it’s a short ride to the 2,000-year old city of Ephesus, where a two-story ancient library lies at the end of the main thoroughfare, still marked with chariot tracks. In Delos, a short hop from Mykonos, you’ll walk among the 7^th century BC ruins of what was once the capital of the ancient world. Santorini is my pick for the most spectacular Greek island. You’ll sail into the bay — a huge volcanic crater — then ascend 900 feet to the winding streets of Thira, a tiny terraced town overlooking the Capri-blue Mediterranean.

5. The Baltic. Every port in this varied region called the Baltic is loaded with history, pride and tradition. From the opulent palaces of the tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and historic walking area and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures. Best of all, most ships dock right in the center of town, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own. A beloved port is Stockholm, built on 14 islands with charming meandering streets lined with stores selling glass.

6.  Western Mediterranean. From Barcelona and Venice are dozens of ships visiting some of the world’s most treasured sites.  If you opt to explore Italy, the treasures of Renaissance await in Florence while Rome holds ruins of one of the greatest civilizations on earth such as the Coliseum and Pantheon.  During a port stop in Naples the historic ruins of Pompeii and scenic towns like Sorrento and the Isle of Capri will make the day unforgettable.   Many ships spend an extra day in Venice, my pick for the most beautiful city on earth.    Some itineraries feature visits to some of the chicest spots on earth such as Monte Carlo, Cannes and St. Tropez.

Be sure to email me when you’ve completed these fantastic cruising regions and I’ll recommend a few more.

Bookmark to:

There’s the weather, but also budgeting for more expensive shore excursions, clothing and the perils of traveling by air.  Here are a few tips to help make it easier.

The Weather

The weather in Alaska can fluctuate wildly, so be prepared. Since Ketchikan gets 333 inches of rain annually, you should expect some inclement weather, although I’ve sailed during a full week of sunshine.  And remember, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.   Since Alaska is so far north, the sun rises much earlier and sets much later than you can imagine.  From mid-June through July, you’ll have extremely long hours of daylight.  Nonetheless, days may be chilly, rainy or warm and sunny.

What to Wear and Take
Take along clothes you can layer, including cotton sweaters or sweatshirts.  I consider a waterproof poncho with hood a necessity (it folds up into almost nothing, so it won’t take up much luggage space).  My standard packing list for a seven-day Alaska cruise: four pairs of cotton pants, two pairs of shorts, five T-shirts, a cotton sweater, baseball hat and rain poncho. At night, I suggest keeping it simple since Alaska is a much more casual destination.  For formal nights, women can made do with one long black skirt or evening pants plus tunics and scarves and jewelry to look dressy.

My other must-take items: binoculars, suntan lotion, a camcorder and/or camera plus tripod.  Avon’s Skin So Soft repels mosquitoes (they’re the size of EAGLES in Alaska!) and is sold in many drugstores often necessary during July and August.  Athletic shoes or good walking boots are also critical.     Plan on using sun block every day.

Shore Excursions

The most memorable cruises of my life all have one thing in common — an extraordinary experience in port, frequently an organized tour  but not necessarily a cruise ship shore excursion.

In Alaska my most unforgettable experience was a three hour excursion in Juneau to Taku Lodge which is only accessible by float plane. After flying over a glacier we gently splashed down in front of the lodge and were greeted by the sight of black bears meandering around the property and the incredible smell of salmon baking over an outdoor grill.     Staff gently chased the bears away but they always returned.  In fact, while dining on an incredible salmon dinner inside the lodge a bear came the screen door and snorted at us.

You can buy this excursion from the cruise line or directly from the small airline that services the lodge (see the link above).

To see the best of Alaska and have the most fun, a shore excursion is required almost everywhere. The only port with anything to see in the town itself is Sitka, and even there you’ll want to do other things.  Again, you should expect more expensive tours than are offered on Caribbean itineraries.

The good news is that you’ll find all the cruise line’s shore excursions on their websites.   In some cases, you can save money using the Internet to find locals who will take you on a less expensive tour. One Miami-based ground operator, Port Promotions, can set up Alaska tours for you at a lower cost.

Don’t Miss the Ship! If you decide to arrange your own sightseeing you are responsible for getting yourself back to the ship.   If you don’t make it in time the ship will sail without you.  To avoid problems like this, get the name and contact information of the cruise line’s port agent and take it with you.  You’ll find this information in the daily program, delivered each evening to your stateroom.

Travel Insurance:  I consider travel insurance mandatory these days due to airline delays and cancellations.  It covers you for lost luggage, trip cancellation and medical care.  And, third party insurance beats the cruise line’s own insurance.  Two highly recommended companies are Access America and Travel Guard, both available on the internet or through your travel agent.

Pre- and Post-cruise Stays.

Vancouver and Seattle are two of the most beautiful cities in North America and worth at least one night’s stay.  You could use the cruise line’s pre- and post-cruise hotel packages.  But I recommend checking out prices at Internet hotel discount sites such as Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” hotel option.   I had a delightful post-cruise stay in Vancouver at a bed-and-breakfast.    Another advantage to arriving in Vancouver or Seattle a day or two before you sail is that you’ll be fully rested from a long flight — it’s almost like getting an additional day at sea!

Have you sailed in Alaska?  Have any tips you want to share?

Bookmark to:

1. CRUISERS CONTINUE TO BOOK AT THE LAST MINUTE

According to a November, 2009 American Express survey of 405 member travel agents, 79% of customers are waiting until the last minute to book travel as a way of scoring the best deals. As long as the cruise industry continues to steeply drop cruise fares a month or so before departure the public will be conditioned to wait as long as it takes to score a deal.

AMEX travel agents also say that many travelers are choosing more “all-inclusive” types of vacations such as all-inclusive hotels and resorts (seen by 43% of agents) and cruises (seen by 40% of agents)

*** I personally think it’s better to book a cruise four to six months in advance, especially when your heart is set on a balcony cabin or suite. These staterooms sell out first and those who wait may only find inside and outside accommodations available.

*** Always factor in incentives offered by travel agents such as on-board credit, free gratuities and, in some cases, free airfare and shore excursions. Cruise enticements like these can lower the total cost of your cruise significantly.

2. LOWER CRUISE FARES WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE NORM

In its fourth quarter earnings report, Carnival Corporation forecast 2010 fares to be flat or up a bit.  An executive of the company, which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Costa and Cunard, said that while bookings are the strongest they’ve ever had, prices haven’t increased. According to Jeffrey Sherota, Sr. Vice President of Cruises Only, “ in 2010 we’ll see a gradual increase but prices won’t rebound to 2007 levels for a while.”

The cheapest prices continue to be Mexico cruises due to the number of high-capacity ships repositioned to this region and lack of itinerary options. Unless you want to cross the Pacific to Hawaii (five days of sea travel), cruisers must settle on taking 3-, 4- and 7-day voyages along the coast of Mexico. Cheap? We’ve seen a few seven-day Mexico cruises starting at $199 per person, double occupancy.

3. FEWER SHIPS IN ALASKA

Alaska cruising has changed more than any other popular destination.  While for years the average annual increase in passengers was a healthy 12%, the number of cruisers dropped significantly last year. Much of it was price related: not only are airfare and shore excursion very pricey, but the State of Alaska levied a $50 per person tax. Last year, cruise lines began pulling ships from this region or basing them in Seattle for the season because airfare is lower.    With fewer ships you’ll likely find prices a bit higher in 2010, but there will still be lots of bargains.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, “the cruise industry — the biggest player in Alaska tourism — is sending fewer ships to Alaska next year due to the taxes and environmental restrictions approved by voters three years ago. That will mean roughly 140,000 fewer cruise ship passengers for Alaska.”  Last summer you could get a one-week Alaska cruise for fares starting around $350 but rates may be higher in 2010 because of decreased capacity.  Your best option is to pick a ship sailing round-trip from Seattle because flights are more convenient and less expensive.

4. NEW LARGE SHIPS ADD TO CAPACITY

According to Micky Arison who heads Carnival Corp., in 2010 capacity in the Caribbean will increase by double digit numbers due to the influx of new mega liners such as Carnival Dream and RCI’s Oasis of the Seas plus a steady steam of enormous new vessels entering service during the next 12 months.

In 2010 we’ll continue to see brand new mega ships enter service.  Norwegian Cruise Line debuts the 153,000 ton Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Cruises introduces Celebrity Equinox (an identical sister ship of Solstice) and Royal Caribbean continues to trump all its competitors by welcoming Oasis of the Seas‘ sister ship, the 6200 passenger Allure of the Seas.

Other new ships are Holland America’s 86,600 ton Nieuw Amsterdam, sister ship of Eurodam, MSC Cruises’ 93,300 ton MSC Magnifica and Cunard Line’s brand new Queen Mary at 92,000 tons.

Fortunately there are still a few small ships entering service, including the 450-passenger Seabourrn Sojourn, which joins the ultra luxury fleet of the Yachts of Seabourn.  American Cruise Lines, which specializes in small ship cruising off the beaten path welcomes two new vessels,
104-passenger Independence and the 210-passenger Pearl Mist.

*** 5. WILD CARD: AIRLINE FARES AND CAPACITY

When I flew to Fort Lauderdale to board Oasis of the Seas last November the airport was mobbed already thanks to the addition of a 6,200-passenger ship.  Will this airport be able to handle another influx of passengers when sister ship Allure of the Seas starts sailing from the same home port this year? And, will consumers decide they don’t want to fly to take a ship because air travel is too much of a hassle after Christmas Day terrorist incident and subsequent new security measures?

In the end, it’s airfare prices that will determine whether many people can afford a cruise this year. Airlines cut capacity in order to keep fares as high as possible and this can make or break cruises departing from major cruise home ports like Florida.

Bookmark to:

How many breaching whales and leaping dolphins do you think you’ll see from the 12th (or higher) deck of a modern cruise ship sailing in Alaska waters?   And how close to a calving glacier, a soaring eagle or moose standing on the shore will you get aboard a mega-liner?

The photo of a Cruise West ship next to a Holland America vessel is the best way to grasp the size difference between a conventional behemoth and a small cruise ship.

If your sites are set on an Alaska cruise,  chances are you’re most interested in the incredible natural beauty, calving glaciers, animals and sea-life that can only be found in this region.  And the odds of having an up-close and personal experience with the incredible beauty of Alaska increase significantly when you opt to take a small ship versus a one of the mega-liners that are the norm today.

But there are many more perks to sailing aboard a small ship, including single open seating and suggested casual attire.  In Alaska these vessels offer the chance to explore by kayak and zodiacs plus shore excursions in pristine wilderness.  All carry naturalists and perhaps most important, other nature lovers who share your passion.

Syndicated travel writer Arline Bleecker, who wrote a column about taking an Alaska cruise aboard a large ship and not seeing any animals or whales, says “Alaska begs for small ships.  There’s no better way to experience the nooks and crannies of such a vast state than by tucking into remote towns, biding your time to wait for the whales, or coming so close to a glacier that you can practically fill your glass with its ice.”

2010 Small Ship Cruises

You’ll have many options to hop aboard a cruise ship carrying fewer than 150 passengers in 2010.

Cruise West

This company has been operating small ship cruises in Alaska for decades.  As an company executive once said, “our ice sculptures are outside.” Cruise West complimentary extras include one shore excursion  in every port, zodiac excursion craft, kayaks and snorkeling equipment on board ships to get you even closer to your destination.  Twenty-five week-long departures, roundtr In  ip Juneau, will operate May – August 2010 on board the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour.

American Safari Cruises

Even smaller and more intimate are the American Safari’s yachts, the 36-passenger Safari Explorer, 22-passenger Safari Quest and the 12-passenger Safari Spirit.  Your ship will take you right up to the shore and give you the opportunity to kayak around whales.  Included in the fare is premium wine and spirits, kayaking and shore boat exploring, fishing, visits to locals and airport transfers.  In 2010, the company offers eight day cruises sailing round-trip from Juneau and 15-day voyages between Seattle and Juneau.

Lindblad Expeditions

The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a familiar face in these waters, carrying the top experts in the local flora, fauna and history of Alaska.  Expect lots of spontaneous stops where wildlife is common and communing with whales via zodiacs.  An unforgettable experience!  In 2010 Sea Lion sails on eight day cruises between Juneau and Seattle.

Discovery Voyages

This small cruise line operates one vessel, the 12-passenger Discovery.  And while she’s far from luxurious (all accommodations have bunk beds), there’s a strong emphasis on bird watching, photography and, of course, nature up close.  In 2010, cruises range from six to 13 days in duration and most include overnight stays in Alaska.

Personally I think ships should vary by the destination.  In the Caribbean I’ll take a mega-liner for all the nightlife and entertainment facilities.  In this cruising region the ship is the destination itself.  In Europe, I’ll select a ship based on its itinerary.  On a six night transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton, it’s Queen Mary 2, the largest cruise ship in the world.  But for that once in a lifetime trip to Alaska, where I want to be immersed in nature, I’ll hop aboard the smallest ship I can find.

NOTE: Bypass small ships  if the thought of cruising without a tux makes you wince.  And if your heart is set on typical cruise ship nightlife — karaoke! casino! floor shows! — I suggest sticking to the big guys.

Have you taken a small ship?  Would you consider one in Alaska?

Bookmark to:

In Juneau, passengers can take an expedition-style catamaran to explore ice-hewn fjords and the rugged coast or go off the beaten path aboard a Hummer. In Ketchikan, NCL offers touring by skiff, SUV and floatplane. The “Alaskan Chef’s Table” excursion is a five-course tasting menu of local seafood prepared by a local chef. In Ketchikan, passengers may join a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea or visit Clover Pass and Naha Bay by high speed, enclosed jet boat. My favorite tour is grizzley bear viewing in Prince Rupert, British Columbia which has a high concentration of the mamouth animals.

Do these tours tempt you to visit Alaska? 

Bookmark to:

Highlights of the season include:

*  Three Celebrity ships, Infinity, Mercury and Millennium, sailing from five ports, will offer passengers an upclose encounter with Hubbard Glacier, the only advancing glacier in the state.

*  Celebrity Mercury will make a 14-night voyage sailing round-trip from Los Angeles on April 27, stopping at five Alaska ports plus Seattle and Victoria.  Immediately following that cruise, Mercury will make a 13-night voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

* Celebrity Millennium will sail the line’s first ten-night itinerary round-trip from Vancouver on September 18, visiting six Alaska and one Canadian port. 

* During September and October, Celebrity Mercury will make three- and four-night Pacific Northwest cruises from Seattle with port calls at Nanaimo and Victoria, British Columbia.

 * During the May through September season, Celebrity Infinity will depart Fridays round-trip from Seattle visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria.  Most sailings will also call at Icy Strait Port, Alaska’s only wilderness port.  Celebrity Mercury will depart Sundays on round-trip cruises from Vancouver whil Celebrity Millennium will sail between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia departing every Friday.

* Celebrity Mercury will make an 11-night wine cruise Oct. 12 sailing from Vancouver and San Diego.

Bookmark to:

Best Fares has big savings on Spring Break Cruises aboard Carnival Destiny available throughout the month of March. Sailiing on alternating one week Southern Caribbean voyages round-trip from San Juan, the ship visits St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados; Antigua; St. Kitts and Nevis plus St. Maarten. Per person, double occupancy fares begins at $479 (inside); $579 (outside) and $789 (balcony) and $1269 (suites). Best Fares members will also receive up to $700 in onboard credits (annual membership, $65, also includes discounts on airfare, hotels, car rental and vacation packages). For reservations and additional information call (800) 516-9829 or visit Best Fares

Board Cunard Line’s brand new Queen Victoria on a 12-night Scandinavian cruise departing July 6, 2008 offered by Cruise Brothers. Sailing round trip from Southampton, U.K., ports of call include Stavanger, Olden, Tromso, Honningsvag, Trondheim, Hellesylt, Geiranger and Bergen with four days at sea. Fares start at $2782 per person, double occupancy. For reservations call (800) 827-7779 or visit Cruise Brothers.

Bookmark to:

Based on “Black Friday” retail sales, people are spending less now.  Florida is not only the nation’s #1 state for cruise passengers, it’s also hit hardest by the housing downturn.  Consumer confidence is down, reflected by the steadily declining stock market.  Weather also plays a part: those of us in the Northern part of the U.S. don’t feel the need to escape when temperatures don’t reach freezing.  And, traditionally, cruise bookings decline in election years (don’t ask me why, I don’t know). 

Where will the biggest bargains be found?  Definitely in the Caribbean, especially Western Caribbean itineraries.  Mexico is still recovering from major hurricanes and many people find ports like Key West and Jamaica unappealing.   January is “wave month” when the May through September Alaska season is normally strong.  I think this cruising region will falter as well:  with the necessity for airfare and expensive shore excursions it’s pricey vacation. 

It’s still too early to predict how Europe cruises will fare.  Thanks to the depressed U.S. dollar, the price of hotels and food is sky high and a cruise is the most affordable way to visit Europe. 

Tips For Bargain Hunting:

* Over the past five years, when ships went out full, the booking period increased to four to six months before departure.  The closer you are to departure the greater the discounts will be so you may do better booking later.

* Get on the mailing list of a number of large cruise agencies and be ready to pounce the moment a fabulous discount arrives by email. 

*  Mass market cruise lines launch a new ship each year which gets all the publicity. Set your sites on the cruise lines’ older ships (by “older” I mean two or more years old, which is hardly an antique).  You’ll find the best discounts on these vessels. 

* Know what a bargain is and is not.  For example, cabin upgrades rarely are: today, cabins are standard in size and amenities and cruise lines will only upgrade you in the category you’re already booked in.  Frequently a cruise with airfare included is no bargain — check the price of airfare from your city to the ship’s home port and deduct it from the air/sea price to see if you’re really saving money.   If you take to take many shore excursions or to spend time in the ship’s spa, onboard credit can be a good deal.    

* A terrific travel agent is critical to getting the best deals.  He or she can steer you to another, in many cases better, ship if the vessel you want is too pricey.  Travel agents know when bargains become available before the public.  And, never book a cruise without a travel agent.  The best way to find a terrific agent is to ask for referrals, as you would a doctor, lawyer or anyone in a service business.

I’ll give an Amazon $25 gift certificate to readers who come up with terrific ways to score the hottest cruise bargains. 

Bookmark to: