Cruise Comeback
After more than a year on pause due to the pandemic, cruising is making a slow but eagerly awaited comeback.
On The Ocean
Ocean cruises are perfect for those who want to explore numerous ports, from the Caribbean to Alaska to Europe. With leisurely days at sea, guests enjoy onboard experiences like splashy shows, private dining experiences, endless activities and spa days
▶ Known for their intimate ships, Windstar Cruises sails to new regions like Southeast Asia, Australia, Egypt and the Holy Land. Nearly half of the itineraries offer late-night departures and overnights in port for more diverse excursion selections.
▶ EYOS Expeditions specializes in extreme adventure and bespoke itineraries that take travelers to the far ends of the Earth, including remote-location expeditions in Antarctica, Alaska and the Hebrides.
▶ Set sail for the Galapagos Islands on the luxe yacht Ecoventura’s Theory, where guests are assigned to naturalists who lead them on daily hikes and water adventures filled with mind-blowing nature and wildlife encounters.
On The River
River cruises can reach places that many ocean liners can’t, and they offer slow, intimate travel through destinations such as Europe, Asia and the Amazon. Think of them as fl oating boutique hotels, boasting spacious quarters and the opportunity for more time in diverse ports.
▶ Crystal Cruises impresses with its butler service and expansive suites with panoramic balcony windows. Known for its high staff-to-guest ratio, every whim is accommodated, including standout meals and wine.
▶ Lauded for its itineraries down Central Europe’s Danube River, cruisers onboard Viking Cruises will discover stunning old cities, ancient monasteries and breathtaking wine regions.
▶ Cruise the upper Peruvian Amazon with Delfin, a Relais & Chateaux cruise company that offers several boats, like the exclusive Delfin 1, which houses only four oversized suites.
For Adults, Singles
Single and ready to mingle? Or longing for peace and quiet without kids screaming or splashing in the pool? Choose a cruise meant for adults only, or even one that caters to singles looking to meet other like-minded travelers.
▶ Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady offers those 18 and older a modern cruise experience with tech-savvy rooms, Michelin-inspired menus, group fitness classes and evening spa parties where a killer DJ transforms the spa’s thermal suite into a mermaid hideaway.
▶ Travelers aboard the Vista, the newest ship at Oceania Cruises, experience luxury with all-veranda suites, floor-to-ceiling windows for afternoon tea at Horizons, and relaxation at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and pool.
▶ “Friends”-obsessed travelers can embark on a cruise themed around the hit show in May 2022 on Celebrity Equinox, which sails out of Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
For Families
When it comes to family-friendly cruises, choose a ship with nonstop entertainment, from onboard shows to themed dinners, and kid-centric activities like thrilling slides, go-karting, laser tag and mini-golf. Many also offer spots for parents to escape, like the spa or adults-only restaurants.
▶ Kids flock to the Norwegian Encore, the newest ship in the fleet to offer go-karts and laser tag, along with an expansive Aqua Park with two exhilarating slides.
▶ Families love the massive Disney Fantasy for its roster of entertainment, from meetings with Disney characters to Broadway-style shows and adults-only spaces.
▶ Royal Caribbean is known for its rockclimbing walls and ice rinks, and the newly renovated Navigator of the Seas touts three pools, two water slides and a three-level bar for adults.
This story is from the Fall 2021 issue. Read the magazine here.
