Once upon a time (ahem, just a few years ago), had anyone ever asked me if I’d go on a cruise, I’d’ve said, “hell no.”
That was before the difficulties of Covid outbreaks on ships.
My view has done a 180-degree turn.
But before I get into the specifics of what animated that change in perception, did you know that Mark Twain journeyed on a cruise ship through Europe and the Holy Lands and wrote about the experience in Innocents Abroad with his renowned wit and humor? Hemingway, too, wrote about the landscapes and scenes he encountered on a Mediterranean Cruise in A Moveable Feast. Also, Virginia Woolf’s first novel, The Voyage Out, relays how travels on a cruise caused self-discovery for the main protagonist Rachel. Katherine Mansfield wrote the short story, The Voyage, which depicts a sea journey that symbolizes a journey between significant phases of life. Finally, of course, Evelyn Waugh’s exquisite chapter, “Orphans of the Storm,” in Brideshead Revisited, wherein Charles Ryder and Julia Flyte fall in love on a transatlantic voyage.
That rich literary history bestows an aura of romance that turned my head and opened my heart to what a travel adventure on a cruise could be like and result in.
Please bear with me, and even if you’re doing an inner eye roll, read on and give me 5 minutes to give you reasons to reconsider, as I did.
Options proliferate
The myriad of options is truly mind-boggling. All social media isn’t pernicious; it depends on how we use it. Additionally, all TV isn’t bad; the quality depends on the writing, the production, and the delivery.
The same is true for cruises. The experience truly depends on the vision of the cruise line, how they manifest that vision, and the manner in which they deliver extraordinary experiences to their guests.
Takeaway :: More options abound than you think there are, and many you have never heard of. I guarantee you they deliver experiences you did not think were possible. Different lines attract different demographics. Design and decor vary greatly. Truly elevated dining options abound, as do wellness, adventure, and touring opportunities.
Evolution is constant
Not only are there exciting new entries like Virgin Voyages, Atlas Ocean Voyage, and Explora Journeys, established lines are retrofitting ships to create larger staterooms and more excellent guest-to-staff ratios. Explora Journeys just launched their first ship this past week, and I couldn’t be more excited. The vibe is contemporary and chic, and they offer wellness amenities like a sleep retreat and a yoga program to help guests reach an “Ocean State of Mind.”
In addition, and this is the real indicator of change, Ritz Carlton launched their yacht line, and the Four Seasons is following.
Takeaway :: Conjure a chic boutique hotel on the sea or a yacht experience with a few extra new friends. Imagine ships with 300, 400, or only 750 passengers. You can relish a cruise that feels like a luxurious experience with lavish attention.
Climate change centered
Climate change is top of mind with this recording-breaking heat this summer. It’s true – cruise ships have yet to be considered the most sustainable choices. Admittedly, some in the industry are doing better than others. Still, they all know respect for the climate is a priority, not just because of some abstract value but also because their future vitality depends on the planet’s health.
Takeaway :: Because we focus on wellness here – your own and our collective health – we’ll ensure your investment in travel has the right impact. One of the many reasons I value being a part of the Virtuoso consortium is an established leader in effecting change, producing white papers on sustainability, such as Sustainable Tourism: From Trend to Transformative Movement – How Virtuoso Can Effectively Influence Consumer Behavior. Virtuoso is also influencing supplier behavior. Further, Premier Wellness Travel is a proud member of Virtuoso’s Sustainability Community.
You’re still here and reading?
Here are some additional reasons why a cruise may be the perfect opportunity for you.
1 || See the world without packing and unpacking
2 || Visit more places with more convenience
3 || Maximize your travel investment with all the inclusions
4 || Extract even more value because all aspects of your trip are in the strong US dollar
5 || Enjoy a lovelier room for less cost
6 || Loyalty is rewarded with savings for subsequent cruises,
7 || Cruise lines engender loyalty. The clients return for many reasons
8 || You can enjoy pre, and post-cruise stays to enhance your holiday experiences. Or add a cruise to the end of a destination visit
9 || Everything can be arranged as a package from and back to your front door, seamlessly and stresslessly (yes, I just made up that word.)
Lately, I’ve been surveying clients’ thoughts about cruising and getting answers like “Absolutely not” and “Yeah, uh, no.”
I get that. That was me.
Here’s the thing – when I probe a bit about why, I realize that the pervasive perception is not taking into account the changes and values I see.
I hope I’ve cracked open that slammed-shut door a little bit and encouraged you to see what’s new and what’s possible. I hope by now you can call yourself “cruise curious”!
If I’ve succeeded, below is a listing, by region, of sailings that you can still reserve for a late summer getaway. Thanks to my host agency EMBARK Beyond for assembling this fantastic roster! The fact that they so helpfully assembled this list is why I had to write.
Click below on the post to discover the amazing itineraries and learn more about the vessels that host from 16 to 750 (and, notably, not thousands)
Featured Partners
First, let me provide an overview of the cruise lines that could still provide an escape for you this summer. If any of their available cruises pique your interest, fill out our brief booking request form to get started.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s offers many ships, including several that carry no more than three to four hundred passengers. The vessels boast contemporary appointments, spacious rooms with marble bathrooms, Frette linens, and Michelin-starred chefs. Rated the best small ship at sea consistently, guests love their experiences. Those who delight in discovery and stimulating the mind will love Silversea.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Luxury explores the majestic capitals of Scandinavia aboard the new Regent Seven Seas Voyager, hosting no more than 750 guests. Every accommodation on board is a suite with a balcony, so you can’t go wrong. Service is superb and onboard entertainment is a delight. With Regent, you can travel the world for the best life with true all-inclusive luxury and discover a truly unrivaled experience.
Explora Journeys
Brand new, Explora Journeys is perfect for individuals seeking highly-curated and transformational travel experiences. With 461 oceanfront suites, all with private terraces, eleven culinary experiences providing unrivaled variety at sea, and equipped with the latest environmental-supporting and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a unique luxury travel experience. A company statement published in a 2021 Travel + Leisure write-up shared that Explora Journeys will bring guests to lesser-traveled harbors to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel.
Aqua Expeditions
As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50-meter, Italian-built Aqua Mare takes an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. With her expansive size and world-class pedigree, she boasts 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts her size, making her the perfect respite after active days exploring the remote wildlife and dynamic nature of the Archipelago.
Summer Sailing Opportunities
Galapagos
- Every Saturday – Saturday for seven nights
San Cristóbal, Galapagos to San Cristóbal,
Silversea - Every Monday – Monday for seven nights
San Cristóbal, Galapagos to San Cristóbal
Aqua Expeditions
Mediterranean
Note these are great options and terrific values for those who don’t want to spend the crazy rates of hotels in the summer.
- Monday, July 24th, for eight nights
Athens to Venice, visiting Split, Dubrovnik, and Corfu.
Silversea - Wednesday, August 2nd, for six nights
Venice to Venice, visiting Trieste, Zadar, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija.
Silversea - Wednesday, August 9th, for six nights
Venice to Venice, visiting Trieste, Zadar, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija.
Silversea - Wednesday, August 14th, for six nights
Venice to Venice, visiting Trieste, Zadar, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija.
Silversea - Wednesday, August 16th, for eight nights
Venice to Athens, visiting Piran, Zadar, Split, Kotor, Bari, Corfu, Katakolon, and Nafplion.
Silversea - Monday, August 24th, for ten nights
Venice to Rome, visiting Split, Dubrovnik, Bari, Corfu, Valletta, Siracusa (Sicily), Palermo, and Sorrento.
Silversea - Friday, August 25th, for eight nights
Athens to Istanbul, visiting Nafplion, Souda Bay (Crete), Aghios Nikolaos, Rhodes, Santorini, and Kusadasi
Silversea - Friday, September 1st, for six nights
Rome to Monte Carlo, visiting Alghero (Sardinia), Livorno (Tuscany), Portoferraio, Genoa, Toulon, and Antibes
Silversea
Iceland
- Tuesday, August 1st, for seven nights
Copenhagen to Reykjavik, visiting Lerwick (Shetland Islands) and Kirkwall.
Explora - Tuesday, August 8th, for seven nights
Reykjavik to Copenhagen, visiting Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Skagen.
Explora - Sunday, September 9th, for sixteen nights
Reykjavik to New York City, visiting Akureyri, Isafjordur, Paamiut, Nuuk (Godthaab), Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Sydney, Saint John (Bay of Fundy)
Explora
Greenland
- Sunday, July 23rd, for fifteen nights
Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), visiting Sermilinnguaq, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Iqaluit, Lowe Savage Islands, Akpatok Island, Monumental Island, Lady Franklin Island, Kekerten Island, Cape Dyer, Auyuituq National Park, Upernavik, Qerqertarsuaq, and Ilulissat.
Silversea
- Monday, July 31st, for nine nights
Kangerlussuaq to Pond Inlet, visiting Kangaamiut, Evighedsfjord, Sisimiut, Itilleq, Eqip Sermia Glacier, Ilulisat, Uummannaq Fjord, Upernavik Fjord, Kraulshavn, and Cape York.
Silversea
- Thursday, August 24th, for fourteen nights
Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik, visiting Sisimiut, Ilulissay, Evighedsfjord, Evigheds Glacier, Nuuk, Uunartoq Island, Tassermiut Fjord, Lindenow Fkord, Scoresby Sund, and Ittoqqortoormiit.
Silversea
Norwegian Fjords
- Monday, August 7th, for sixteen nights
Southampton to Reykjavik, visiting Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Nuuk, Paamiut, Qaqortoq, Nanortalik, Grundarfjordur, Isadjordur, and Akureyri.
Regent
Alaska
- Thursday, July 27th, for six nights
Vancouver to Seward (Alaska), visiting Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, Skagway, Icy Bay, and Valdez
Also available August 3rd, August 10th, August 17th, August 24th, and August 31st
Silversea - Thursday, July 27th, for six nights
Seward (Alaska) to Vancouver, visiting Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan
Also available August 3rd, August 10th, August 17th, August 24th, and August 31st
Silversea - Thursday, July 20th, for thirteen nights
Vancouver to Vancouver, visiting Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seaward, Juneau, Haines, Sitka, and Wrangell.
Also available August 3rd, and August 17th
Silversea - Thursday, September 7th, for twelve nights
Seward (Alaska) to Tokyo, visiting Kodiak Island, Dutch Harbor, Muroran, Hakodate, and Aomori.
Silversea
British and Irish Islands
- Thursday, August 24th, for nine nights
Southampton to Glasgow (Greenock), visiting Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Newcastle (Tyne), Invergordon, Portree, Greencastle (County Donegal), and Liverpool.
Explora - Saturday, September 2nd, for seven nights
Glasgow (Greenock) to Reykjavik, visiting Fort William, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Kirkwall, Lerwick (Shetland Islands), and Thorshavn.
Explora
