Cruises
From Riverboats to Ocean Liners: Traveling by Ship
Experience the joy of travel aboard your floating hotel. Cruises, whether navigating expansive oceans or meandering scenic rivers, offer overnight stays onboard, allowing you to effortlessly discover multiple destinations without unpacking more than once.
A Bit About Cruises
Cruise ships range from boutique vessels of under 50 guests to mega-ships carrying thousands. There are some destinations that are accessible only by cruising such as the Galapagos and the Dalmatian Islands. Other destinations may be easier to access with cruising such as towns along the Rhine. That said, some people love cruising and choose their destination based on the cruise options while other people avoid cruising. If you have a specific destination in mind, consider if taking a cruise for all or part of it provides a good option. Boutique and river ships foster convivial dining typically in one dining room, while larger ocean liners offer dozens of restaurants—from casual buffets to upscale specialty venues—where you can choose to mingle or dine privately.
Ocean & Sea Cruises
These voyages take you across open waters—whether the vast expanse of the Atlantic, the tropical playground of the Caribbean, or the dramatic fjords of northern Europe. Ocean ships tend to be larger, with multiple restaurants, theaters, pools, and onboard activities. You’ll usually sail for several days between ports, enjoying full-service dining (often with assigned tables shared by new friends or private tables reserved just for your party), evening shows, and a full complement of amenities—everything from spa treatments to rock-climbing walls. Click here to read our blog: What to ask before taking an ocean cruise
River Cruises
Glide along the world’s great rivers—from the Danube and Rhine in Europe to the Mekong in Southeast Asia—on vessels designed to slip beneath low bridges and dock right in the heart of historic towns. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises stop at a new port nearly every day, allowing you to disembark for guided tours, strolls through local markets, or lunch at a cozy café onshore. Ships are smaller, more intimate, and dining often feels like a gathering of familiar faces, though you can always opt to join larger tables if you’re in the mood to meet fellow travelers. Click here to read our blog: What to ask before taking a river cruise
Half-Day, Full-Day, & Excursion Cruises
If the full onboard experience isn’t your style, consider a short cruise as a day trip. Half-day or full-day excursions on scenic waterways or coastal routes let you enjoy stunning views—perhaps a sunset sail or wildlife-spotting voyage—without committing to overnight accommodations. It’s the perfect add-on for land-based travelers who want a taste of life at sea (or on the river) without joining a multi-day cruise with strangers. Click here to read our blog: What to ask before taking a sightseeing cruise
Cruise Companies
Ocean Cruising
Our favorites: Silversea (luxury), Royal Caribbean (families, economy-cruisers), Disney (families)
There is a cruise line for every traveler. Here, in alphabetical order, are some popular options you should review.
Informal, wellness-oriented ships aimed at German-speaking guests, featuring extensive spa facilities, fitness classes, and casual dining.
Carnival Cruise Line
Mass-market, budget-friendly vacations with fun-focused ships sailing mainly in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico.
Celebrity Cruises
Upscale, modern-luxury experience with sleek ship design, sophisticated dining menus, and destination-focused shore excursions.
European-style cruises—Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and transatlantic crossings—offering lively onboard entertainment and affordable fares.
Crystal Cruises
Generous space-per-guest, Michelin-level dining, and hallmark personal service on two flagship vessels.
Themed family sailings featuring Disney characters, Broadway-style shows, and exclusive island retreats (e.g., Castaway Cay). Great for multi-generational voyages.
Explora Journeys is a fairly new luxury cruise line, offering unique ocean voyages with a focus on immersive experiences and high-end amenities. They are often described as casual luxe cruises.
Holland America Line
Mature-traveler focus with cultural enrichment programs, live music, fine dining, and renowned Alaska and Europe itineraries.
MSC Cruises
European flair and family-friendly itineraries—strong Mediterranean presence with growing Caribbean and South American routes.
Norwegian Cruise Line
“Freestyle Cruising” – flexible dining and entertainment options, plus newer ships with go-cart tracks and open-air laser tag.
Oceania Cruises is a luxury cruise line, known for its gourmet dining and destination-focused itineraries. It operates a fleet of small, luxurious ships and offers cruises that typically last between 10 to 14 days, with some longer voyages available
Ponant
French luxury expedition cruises aboard intimate yachts and exploration ships, from polar voyages (Antarctica, Arctic) to Mediterranean and Pacific island getaways, all with gourmet dining and immersive shore excursions.
Princess Cruises
Premium service and dining, longer “grand” itineraries (including world cruises), and signature “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor cinema.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
All-suite, all-inclusive voyages with gourmet dining, shore excursions, and a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.
Royal Caribbean
Innovative “mega-ships” loaded with onboard thrills (waterparks, zip lines, Broadway-style shows) and family-centric entertainment.
Sea Cloud Cruises
Historic windjammer sailing cruises on three elegant tall-ship yachts (Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Sea Cloud Spirit), offering a “gentle tourism” experience with spacious cabins, open-air decks, and small-ship exclusivity for up to ~136 guests.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Luxury yacht-style ships offering spacious suites, award-winning service, and expedition-grade itineraries.
Operating two small luxury yachts, this company offers personalized and intimate cruising experiences primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with a focus on exceptional service and gourmet dining.
Silversea Cruises
Intimate ships featuring butler-served suites, nearly all-inclusive pricing, and exotic world-cruise itineraries
Viking Ocean Cruises offers destination-rich itineraries on small ships, catering primarily to mature travelers who enjoy cultural exploration and elegant casual dining. Their cruises include complimentary shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, and various onboard activities, making them a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated cruising experience.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is a cruise line known for its kid-free cruises and a focus on a younger demographic. As such, it is best suited for those who enjoy a vibrant, social atmosphere and exclusive adult experiences. The cruise line focuses on fun, relaxation, and unique dining options, making it ideal for those looking to celebrate and enjoy a lively onboard environment.
Windstar Cruises is known for its small, yacht-like ships that carry fewer than 350 guests, allowing for a more intimate and personalized cruising experience. Unlike larger cruise lines, Windstar focuses on unique itineraries that access smaller ports and emphasizes casual elegance and authentic cultural experiences.
River Cruising
Our favorites: AMA, Tauck, Viking
There are many, many more options including (in alphabetical order):
American Queen Steamboat Company
Authentic paddlewheel steamboat cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers, with onboard talk series and regionally inspired cuisine. Attracts a fairly old clientele.
AmaWaterways
Luxury river cruises featuring wellness-focused amenities (spa, fitness), regionally inspired shore excursions, and boutique-style ships on Europe’s major waterways.
Avalon Waterways
“Suite Ship” concept with wall-to-wall windows, flexible dining options, and active excursions—offering premium-value cruises on Europe’s rivers.
CroisiEurope
Family-run French line offering both budget-friendly and upscale cruises on European rivers, as well as “hotel barge” itineraries in France.
Emerald Waterways
Modern river ships with indoor/outdoor pools, “EmeraldACTIVE” excursions for the active traveler, and “EmeraldPLUS” cultural experiences.
Riviera River Cruises
UK-based river cruises on Europe’s waterways, featuring local guides, flexible dining, and a mix of classic and off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
All-inclusive ultra-luxury cruises with butler service in every suite, helicopter and submarine excursions, and Michelin-style dining.
Tauck River Cruising
Premium-guided river journeys with included gratuities, unique cultural experiences, and small-group shore excursions in Europe and Egypt.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Ultra-luxury, design-driven ships with locally inspired décor, personalized service, and included excursions in every port.
Viking River Cruises
Sleek Scandinavian-designed ships offering value-priced, destination-focused itineraries with included shore excursions on major European and Asian rivers.
Day Excursion Cruising
Most sightseeing day cruises are run by local companies and there is often a large selection.
Here is a very small sampling of some options in a few different locations:
Bateaux Mouches (Paris)
Scenic one- to two-hour cruises on the River Seine in Paris, offering views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral with live commentary.
Boston Harbor Cruises (Boston)
Offers day and half-day sightseeing tours of Boston Harbor, sunset cruises, and whale-watching excursions aboard modern vessels.
Captain Cook Cruises (Australia)
Australian operator providing guided day trips and sunset cruises on Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef, with onboard commentary and dining options.
CGN: Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (Lake Geneva)
Swiss lake-boat company running half-day and full-day scenic cruises on Lake Geneva between Lausanne, Montreux, and Geneva.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (NYC)
New York City’s premier sightseeing boats offering one- to two-hour narrated tours around Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
City Cruises London
Daily Thames River tours and sunset cruises between Westminster Pier and Tower Bridge, with live narration of London’s riverside landmarks.
DDSG Blue Danube
Vienna-based river-boat operator offering daytime excursions on the Danube, including skyline cruises and themed lunch or dinner sailings.
Hamburger Hafenrundfahrt (Hamburg)
Classic one-hour harbor tours of Hamburg’s port, waterways, and historic Speicherstadt warehouse district aboard glass-roofed boats.
Hornblower Cruises & Events (USA Cities)
Runs scenic bay and harbor cruises in multiple U.S. cities (San Francisco, New York, Chicago), including lunch/dinner cruises and short sightseeing jaunts.
Hurtigruten is a Norwegian coastal express service that has been operating for over 130 years, connecting various ports from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north. It serves as a vital transportation link for passengers and cargo along Norway's rugged coastline.
Kenai Fjords Tours (Alaska)
Alaska-based day cruises from Seward featuring glacier viewing, marine wildlife spotting, and narrated natural history tours.
Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls)
Iconic half-hour boat trips at Niagara Falls, taking passengers into the basin of the American and Horseshoe Falls for an up-close mist-soaked experience.
Seattle Whale Watch
Offers day-trip cruises from Seattle into Puget Sound and the Salish Sea for orca- and whale-watching, plus scenic coastal sightseeing.
Starline Tours (Los Angeles)
Los Angeles harbor and beach cruises, including sightseeing around the Port of Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, and Venice Canals on one- to two-hour trips.
Strömma (Stockholm)
Swedish tour operator running day cruises around Stockholm’s archipelago and historic city waterways, with themed boat trips and hop-on/hop-off options.
Vancouver Harbour Cruises
Guided day tours of Vancouver’s inner and outer harbors, featuring scenic coastal views, local history narration, and seasonal wildlife sightings.
Victoria Harbour Ferry (British Columbia, Canada)
Operates short-haul scenic commuter ferries and guided tours around Victoria’s Inner Harbour, offering half-day whale-watching and sunset options.