Why a cruise?

It’s hard to believe I’ve been home almost a week from my Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess!  It was a great 10 night cruise with plenty of fun, relaxation, and education.  Yes, education!  The Panama Canal is a marvel, and I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list!  As you can tell from the picture, we traveled with a very fun group!

As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m often asked by brides and grooms why they should consider a cruise for their honeymoon; my first response is “Why not”?

First, let’s look at the general benefits of a cruise:

• You have the ability to visit multiple countries or islands and only unpack once.
• There are worldwide itineraries and cruises available every week of the year.  Itineraries range from most often thought of Caribbean cruise to the more exotic options of the South Pacific or the Far East and everywhere in between!
• There are ocean cruises and river cruises – there is something for everyone.
• Cruising is a great value!  As a general rule, included in your cruise fare are your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and your transportation between the countries / islands.  The entertainment onboard is amazing!  The newer generation ships have taken entertainment to all new levels.  You have comedians, Broadway style shows, Cirque du Soleil style shows, and top name entertainment such as Blue Man Group.

When it comes to romance or celebrations, there are many ways to enhance your cruise experience.  Most of the newer ships have adult only areas if you want a quieter adult only retreat.  Many of the ships also have a “ship within a ship” feel because the suite areas are accessible only be those guests in suites; some have their own lounges, pools, etc…   How about a couple’s massage?  A champagne toast on your balcony is always a great way to start your cruise!   You can also have a private meal on your balcony or try one of the specialty dining venues that offers a quieter more intimate atmosphere.  Who doesn’t like a sunset stroll along the deck?  How about decorations and a party just for your group? These are just a few of the many options to enhance your cruise.

When it comes to cruises, there is an option for every budget range and travel style.    Here are just a few samples of what is avaialable:

• River Cruises – This is destination immersion at its finest!  Some of the world’s greatest cities are accessible only by river – not by the ocean.  You visit a different city each day and have the entire day and often the evening to enjoy the local area and culture. Cruising the world’s rivers from Europe to Russia and is truly a special experience.
• Luxury – this can be a luxury destination, a luxury category ship or cabin, or both!  When you cruise on a luxury cruise line, there are generally more inclusions than in your premium or mass market cruise lines.  Some of them are more like an all-inclusive resort at sea really increasing your value.
• Premium – the premium cruise lines offer a more upscale adult experience and the emphasis is on the adult market.  This does not mean there is necessarily an older age group onboard, but that although they do welcome families, they typically do not have extensive children’s programs, activities, or itineraries specifically tailored for the families.
• Moderate – the moderate cruise lines offer a great all-around cruise experience and can be couple focused depending on the itinerary, cruise line, and cabin type chosen.
• Budget – with all of the cruise options now out of Galveston,  soon Houston, and other US ports that may be in driving distance of you, your vacation dollar goes further because you no longer have to fly to cruise on some of the better cruise lines!  The money you may have spent on air can be used to upgrade your cruise experience and try that suite that may have been otherwise out of reach for you.  Perhaps your vacation time is limited, you have 4 or 5 night options out of Galveston that we can also enhance to make it your perfect honeymoon.

My role as a Couples Travel Concierge is to provide you with your ideal vacation experience.   I hope that this brief overview has increased your awareness of the possibilities that a cruise can provide to you.  As your personal travel advisor, we’ll discuss all vacation options available to you and if a cruise isn’t a good fit for you don’t worry – that’s why you have me!