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Ships are filled with stylish, adult-oriented bars promising a hopping scene late into the night as well as hipster venues like a colorful karaoke lounge. Onboard entertainment is inventive and often edgier than what you might see on traditional-style cruises. If "more is better" is your mantra, skip the search and look up Icon of the Seas. At 250,800 gross tons, the new, 20-deck-high vessel is the biggest cruise ship in the world. Norwegian Fjords cruises give an intimate insight into one of the world’s most stunning and unspoilt regions. With their outstanding beauty, the Fjords are imprssive, dramatic and breath-taking.
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Carnival cruises may be low priced, but they’re high on guest satisfaction. The ships are packed with activities, from water slides to game shows to the thrilling SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike 150 feet above the top deck. There’s plenty to keep kids busy, so you can spend some guilt-free quiet time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. You’ll also find lots of great included dining options, such as Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network star Guy Fieri. And since you’re saving money on the cruise itself, you may want to consider a meal at specialty restaurants like Emeril’s Bistro 1396 or Rudi’s Seagrill, even though there’s an additional charge. My husband and I scouted out the best cruises for kids when our own children were young, and since becoming empty nesters, we’ve found the best adults-only cruises and couples cruises.
Day Caribbean Cruises
Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.
WESTERN CARIBBEAN RUINS AND RAYS FOR DAYS
Wherever you’re heading, you can choose from a variety of Romance Packages featuring everything from flowers and champagne to couples massages and breakfast in bed. Or just treat yourselves to date-night dinners at one of the restaurants helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. A unique, fun and educational option for families with older kids who want to experience nature with a touch of Disney magic, these expedition cruises are the stuff of lifelong memories. Small, purpose-built ships are designed to access the remote landscapes of the Polar Regions and the Galápagos Islands—and to appeal to both kids and adults.
Best Alaska cruise lines
If you book a Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. The aptly named Celebrity Cruises treats all passengers like A-listers. And they’ve won numerous awards for not just being LGBTQ-friendly but for being totally inclusive and wholeheartedly embracing and encouraging diversity. In addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, Rotterdam features five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery to an upscale steakhouse.
WEEK LONG CRUISES
With two sea days, the sailing offers a good mix of onboard shenanigans and port-of-call exploration. Party by the pool or swim with stingrays during your day at Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club. Chill out on a powder-white beach or go waterfall hunting in the jungle in the Dominican Republic. Also, depending on the time of year you sail, you can enjoy special onboard activities and events for Halloween or Christmas. Some itineraries also include a "Pixar Day at Sea," which features a day of playing, dancing, swimming and dining with your favorite Pixar characters.
Viking Ocean Cruises' West Indies Explorer
You'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.
Where To Sail From — And To
Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships. Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors.
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It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.
It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. Your Personal Suite Steward will take care of everything from laundry to snacks to little surprises you hadn’t even considered. You’ll feel well taken care of, and that’s the biggest luxury of all. While there are a few things you can no longer do on cruises, this cruise line will make you forget all about them. This line hosts LGBTQ+ welcome parties, social hours and other events on almost every cruise, from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean to Australia.
Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. You’ll travel aboard the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet—expedition ships that can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that aren’t accessible on larger vessels, so you can get as close as possible to amazing sights. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration.
THE 25 BEST July 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST July 2025 Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:07:49 GMT [source]
Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dogsled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the Gold Rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dogsled camp.
Surrounded by their favorite characters—led, of course, by Mickey and Minnie—children will love made-for-them activities like the AquaDuck Water Coaster and Nemo’s Reef Splash Zone. The seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary begins and ends in St. Maarten. It features sun-kissed beaches, secret coves and gin-clear waters in idyllic ports of call like St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia. Also, you'll usually only see luxury sailings in the Caribbean during the winter months — from December through March. For luxury cruises in the Caribbean, the period between April and October is pretty much a dead zone.
One child might want to explore the temples of Ephesus in Turkey, while the other may prefer to take a vaporetto (water taxi) to the glassmaking island of Murano near Venice, Italy. Royal Caribbean offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings departing from Miami aboard Icon of the Seas through April 2026. Spend an unforgettable week in the Last Frontier on a cruise to Alaska. Keep your eyes open for Alaskan wildlife including whales, bears, and eagles.
While in Tortola, explore the beautiful boulders and grottoes of the Virgin Gorda Baths. Play with dolphins and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the steel pan in St. Kitts. These are just a few of our favorite Caribbean things — but it’s only a slice of what the region offers. 7 Night Caribbean Cruises gives you a chance to uncover unexpected adventures while discovering distinct cultures and authentic cuisine not found anywhere else in the world. Here’s how to hit reset with a life changing Caribbean cruise vacation. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights.
Let your adventurous side run wild on thrilling excursions such as dog sledding, kayaking, and hiking. Or simply relax and enjoy the view of the state’s rugged outdoors from the comfort of your ship. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports.
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