Lesley Munslow loves cruise vacations and has been on so many ships, she’s almost lost track. “But at least 16,” she says, “and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.”
Why is cruising her ideal choice for a vacation?
Her list is long: “You get pampered, there’s lots of variety, free entertainment and workshops, you can do what you want when you want, it’s good value, you can test the waters on ports of call for future vacations and there’s good food and plenty of it.”
She’s not alone. Last year alone, over 10 million North American passengers cruised the world’s waterways.
Choosing to go on a cruise is an easy decision to make, but deciding which cruise is considerably more daunting. With over 2,800 ports of calls, ships that range in size from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand passengers, and length of cruises from a weekend to a 107-day around-the-world voyage, the choices can seem overwhelming. And then there’s the smaller concerns like what cabin to get, what to pack and how much to tip.
Doing your research is essential to a good experience. Pick up some brochures and look carefully at the pictures of the passengers, so you can get an idea of the atmosphere on board. Are there kids sliding down a waterslide or diners dressed formally? Talk to a travel agent. Online, cruisecritic.com, a website that specializes in cruising, is an invaluable resource with more than 50,000 ship reviews and passenger forums to compare notes.
Knowing what you want is the key to minor decisions as well. Is relaxing on your own balcony your idea of vacation bliss or do you just need a bed to lay your head and instead save the money. Choose your cabin wisely. Like dressing up? Pick a more traditional cruise. Don’t want to worry about tipping? Look for a ship that adds gratuities automatically. With so many choices, there’s no reason not to get what you want.
Where to Cruise
The Caribbean’s crystal-clear water and plentiful island ports make it the top choice for cruisers, but are plenty of other worthwhile destinations, which are often overlooked. Here are a few to consider:
Norway
With its 1,250-mile coastline, one of the longest and most rugged in the world, Norway offers a different cruising experience. Hurtigruten cruises, a cross between a passenger liner and a working boat, don’t offer the typical cruise entertainment, but who needs it when you can watch the dramatic glacial landscape pass by? Above the Arctic Circle, experience the midnight sun in the summer and Northern Lights in the winter. It’s not as cold as you might imagine. Because of the Gulf Stream, temperatures along the coast are considerably warmer than comparable latitudes elsewhere.
River Cruises in Europe
For centuries, rivers were the lifeblood of Europe and the continent’s cities were built along their banks. Smaller cruise ships take you through the heart of Europe’s cities, and is a hassle-free way to experience a multitude of cultures within a short time-frame. The Danube River, for instance, runs from Germany’s Black Forest east through Austria, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine – and you only have to unpack once. Or why not visit France on the iconic Seine or discover Spain and Portugal along the River Douro?
New England/Canada Cruises
Choosing departure ports closer to home can mean significant savings in airfare. The Atlantic coastline along New England and Canada’s Maritimes has everything a cruiser could ask for – a rich and colourful history, vibrant cities and views that will keep your finger glued to the shutter button. Dubbed ‘the new Alaska,’ most of the major cruiselines operate here, so there’s a wide range of itineraries and ports to choose from. Possible activities include seeing the witches’ stock in Old Salem, enjoying Celtic Music and Keith’s beer in Halifax, visiting Avonlea, the home of Anne of green Gables in Prince Edward Island and being entertained by buskers in Place Jacques Cartier in Old Montreal.
Making the Most of your Cruise Vacation
Everyone loves to talk about their vacations, so pick the brains of your friends, aquaintances and friends of friends to learn from their experiences. Small tips can make a big difference.
Kat Brooks, a wildlife photographer always carries collapsible coolers, food, and Ziploc bags for off-ship day trips so she can eat what she wants when she wants. Don Longacre has been on 25 cruises to mostly the Caribbean and sometimes feels he can give the tours rather than take them. His recommendation is to book tours ahead of time since they sell out fast.
Finally, John Deiner, from cruisecritic.com, gives this advice. “Don’t overdo it. I know the temptation is there to overexert yourself and try to take in everything a cruise ship offers, but it’s your vacation. I’ve learned over the years that sometimes it’s best just to take a breather – find a deck chair and grab a book or hit the spa for a little “me” time.