Cruise Vacations

Some ships visit ports in Africa during world cruises, while others sail voyages from Lisbon (Portugal) and other European countries as well as from India and Cape Town. Itineraries to Africa, for the most part, do not strictly visit only ports on the continent. Stops along the way to Africa may include port calls in the Seychelles, Spain, Greece, India and Egypt. Africa cruise itineraries tend to be longer than most cruises and can last more than 20 days.

Alaska cruises are generally divided into two types, Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September. Cruises to Alaska are 7 to 12 nights in length.

Cruising to Australia gives you the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of pleasures. From the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, you can see a variety of sites and sounds that range from metropolis to wilderness. Few locations on earth give you the opportunity to scuba dive in the world's largest coral reef and go on a shopping spree the same week. Most sailings leave from Sydney or Auckland, New Zealand. Cruises in Australia may visit Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, or destinations around the continent and New Zealand.

Asian cruises present a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, interesting cultures and breathtaking sights. Climb aboard an Asian cruise and discover this complex and fascinating region for yourself. Asia cruises depart from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Bombay, Bangkok and Hong Kong. A few will depart from Australia and Alaska as they reposition to new cruise regions. Asia cruises are typically 4 to 25 nights in length, but longer cruises are offered.

The Bermuda cruise season lasts from late-April to October. Most cruises to Bermuda last seven nights, and ships typically spend three nights at the island. Some ships will stay in one port, while others may visit up to three Bermuda cruise ports. Most cruises to Bermuda depart from Boston or New York City. Bermuda is an extremely popular golf destination, boasting some of the most beautiful greens in the world. Because ships stay in port for several days, it is easy to schedule tee times when you cruise Bermuda.

Canada/New England cruises usually begin in Montreal, New York or Boston, and call on popular Canadian ports including Halifax and Quebec City. Passengers see rugged coastlines guarded by lighthouses, quaint villages and fishing boats bobbing in picturesque harbors. Popular shore excursions include touring Montreal's old town in a horse-drawn carriage or visiting the Maritime Museum in Halifax. The Canada/New England cruise season lasts from May through October, and fall is the most popular time to visit. Cruises are 4 to 16+ nights.

More ships cruise the Caribbean islands than any other region in the world, and Caribbean cruises treat vacationers to crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, abundant water sports and duty-free shopping. Caribbean cruises are divided into three regions: Western Caribbean cruises, Southern Caribbean cruises and Eastern Caribbean cruises. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Ships can easily change course to avoid storms and will substitute alternate Caribbean cruise ports as necessary.

Central America cruises visit ports on the Caribbean and/or Pacific sides of Central America. On a Central America cruise along the Pacific coast, you'll find drier weather and more mountainous terrain onshore. Central America travel on the Caribbean coast will be characterized by a more humid climate and lush vegetation.
The Panama Canal cruise season lasts from September to April. Panama Canal cruises are usually 10 to 15 nights (sailings between Florida and Los Angeles through the canal are about 15 nights).

On a Europe Cruise you have the advantage of seeing many ports of call and only unpacking once. Cruises are 7 to 56+ nights. There are 5 major areas for a European Cruise:
*British Isles - Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England
*Baltic and Northern Europe - Russia, Germany, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden
*Eastern Mediterranean - Eastern Italy, Turkey, Greece, Sicily and Croatia
*Western Mediterranean - Western Italy, Spain, France and Portugal
*Fjords - Norwegian Fjords, North Cape, Polar Icecap

There are three basic types of Hawaiian cruise itineraries. First, only NCL America has a Hawaiian cruise that both starts & ends in Hawaii. Some Hawaiian cruises start or end in Hawaii and connect to California, Ensenada or Vancouver. The third and most popular type of Hawaii cruise sails entirely within the Hawaiian Islands, or begins and ends in Hawaii and includes one foreign port, such as Fanning Island, in the itinerary. Hawaii cruises typically last 7 to 15 nights.

Most South America cruise tours are available from November through March. A South America cruise tour can last from 10 to 30+ nights. If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your South American cruise tour. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship.

The most popular South Pacific vacations are in French Polynesia. Most South Pacific cruises are seven to 15 days. You may need to fly a long distance to reach your departure city. When making your South Pacific travel plans, consider arriving at the port of departure at least one or two days before your ship departs to give yourself time to relax and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most South Pacific cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.