Vacation Planning

Today, I’m going to provide a roundup of cruise lines who offer special deals or events during the holidays, and share a little about each one. Feel free to leave comments about your experiences with any I list, or any I leave off. The topic of cruising could take all week - and I’m already planning a full week of cruising info - but for now, here’s just a tiny taste to get your started planning your next vacation.

Cruises make a fun and romantic gift for couples to give each other, and they make a great family tradition for a yearly getaway. For some cruise lines, the holidays are considered their “Value” or “Economy” season, for others, it’s considered “Peak” so be sure to shop around for the best prices.

Another fun part of cruising is choosing the type of ship you want to sail. Here, I’m providing you with a variety from the luxurious cruise liners, to the stately 5-mast sailing ships, to the good old-fashioned paddlewheel boat, and more.

Here’s a sampling of what’s available:

Star Clippers: Cruises on these ships are sure to be memorable.  Passenger limit on these boats is less that 250, so the trip will be intimate and simple. But the amenities aboard are luxurious, and include an elegant dining room, spa and fitness center, piano lounge, library, and a tropical bar, so you’ll probably not want to go home. Destinations vary, too, so you’ll have your choice of itineraries in the Caribbean, Far East, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, and Ocean Crossings.

photo courtesy of Star Clippers

American Cruise Lines:  This small cruise line offers a number of unique voyages along the East Coast. Cruises are offered in Florida, New England Islands, and at several points in between. Their 14-day East Coast Inland package includes stops in Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  

Majestic America Line: A paddlewheel trip up the Mississippi - about as Americana as you can get. When I was a girl, the Delta Queen docked in my hometown, and it was an amazing sight that I will never forget. As I grew up, and read about Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and then eventually studied Mark Twain, the Mississippi River grabbed hold of my heart, and continues to hold a special place there. This year, they are retiring the Delta Queen - and I never got a chance to sail on her. A holiday vacation on one of these magnificent boats will be a memory your family will cherish a lifetime.

 photo courtesy of Majestic America

Royal Caribbean: From November to January, several cruise ships in their fleet pull out all the stops, with special activities, decorations, religious services, events, and menus to commemorate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Disney Cruise Lines: Disney creates a memorable experience both on land, and at sea, and this cruise is sure to be a pleasure boat for your entire family. With age-specific programming geared for children of all ages, families will find something for everyone. But it’s not cheap. One of the sites I gave you earlier this week will come in handy on the Cruise Line, too: MouseSavers.

And just for a fun night of festivity: The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, in the Pacific Northwest, has been in existence for 59 years. Their fleet of 45 ships sail within Puget Sound during the holidays, stopping at various communities for bonfires, caroling, and other special events. If you’re in the area, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Other Cruise Lines to Explore:

Celebrity Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Other Resources:

Cruises Only

Cruise Deals

Vacations to Go

We’ll talk more about cruises in the coming weeks. Be sure to let us know if you book a holiday cruise! We want to travel with you!

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