Luxury Cruise News Editor, Author at Luxury Cruise News

5 Tips For Cruising With Friends

Cruising with friends can be an adventure of a lifetime…sometimes. People claim that you never really know someone until you travel with them. While cruising with your best pals may seem like a great idea, it can also turn sour, quickly. These five foolproof tips will ensure you and your besties return with great memories and intact friendships.

Hold A Pre-Cruise Meeting

Sit down together before the cruise and discuss the needs of each individual. While there is no pleasing everyone, addressing issues such as shore excursions, budget, habits, or pet peeves ahead of time allows each person to share their thoughts. And if only a few members want to go snorkeling, that’s ok. The group doesn’t need to take part in every activity together. Knowing this ahead of time avoids hurt feelings and gives everyone a chance to find who shares their interests. There’s nothing better than getting together at the end of the day and recapping your adventures over dinner and drinks.

Discuss Budgets At your Pre-Cruise Meeting

Cruising is undoubtedly the best trip you can take with friends. It takes out the uncomfortable scenarios such as splitting bills, individual budgets, and embarrassing situations. Thankfully, cruises incorporate most costs upfront, minimizing potentially awkward circumstances that may arise during group vacations. Decide ahead of time if you would like to prepay for alcohol packages, tips, or specialty dining, that way the only out of pocket group cost that may pop up will be minimal. For instance, transportation costs or shore excursions. Helpful tip: Link everyone’s credit card to their room key even if you are sharing cabins.

Manage Your Expectations

Know before you hop on board that traveling with a group requires some level of flexibility. If a majority of the group wants to dine at the Italian specialty restaurant, but you were hoping for a casual dinner, you may have to take one for the team. Try to see the silver lining and find the positive in the situation. Wouldn’t you love to try the tiramasu at the Italian venue? Remember the idea of cruising with friends is about creating memories. Keep your expectations manageable and be willing to compromise. Believe us, a little effort goes a long way.

Be a Good Roommate

Be mindful when sharing a cabin, a little bit of manners goes a long way. Observe quiet evenings and early mornings, keep your cabin tidy, and respect privacy. For more tips on sharing cabins, check out “Cruise Courtesy for Sharing Cabins.”

A cruise with friends is a great way to escape everyday life and reconnect with those you love. Just follow these tips for smooth sailing!

Best Cruises to Take if You Like Arts and Crafts

Cruises have plenty of activities onboard to keep passengers entertained as they make their way to the next destination. While you may be familiar with cruise ships having pools, spas, gyms, and bars—you may not know that some cruise lines offer special classes and experiences onboard. Some companies even cater their programs to those who love arts and crafts. Do you want to cruise with a company that has art classes? Here are the best cruises to take if you’re into arts and crafts:

Visit the Artist Loft When Cruising with Oceania Cruises

When you set sail with Oceania Cruises, you’ll have access to the Artist Loft. Here, artists-in-residence teach art classes and offer step-by-step instruction. Whether you wish to sketch, paint, or create another kind of masterpiece–the experts are ready to help guide you. This is available when you sail on the Marina or Riviera ships, or when you book an Insignia World Cruise.

Uniworld Cruises Offers Floating Art Workshops

Uniworld, a boutique river cruising company, also caters to those who enjoy arts and crafts. Currently, they’re offering Floating Art Workshops. Here, travelers can learn from an expert artist as they make their way to the next destination. Artist Larry Aarons shows passengers how to create art in different ways in small, personalized classes. This is an excellent excuse to try your hand at a new skill or to improve your art skills.

Take a Painting Class with Avalon Waterways

Taking a cruise with Avalon Waterways is another option. This cruise line offers its Active and Discovery journeys, where it focuses on providing a mix of activities and experiences to travelers. This is the perfect chance to explore personal interests. On their Active and Discovery 8 Day River Cruise from Amsterdam to Mainz, passengers can attend a painting class.

Set Sail with Princess Cruises and Explore Their Art Classes

When you take a Princess Cruises cruise, you’ll also be able to dabble in art. Their Scholarship@Sea program aims to give passengers the chance to take home new skills and hobbies. The educational classes and programs are available on a mix of topics. Examples of art-focused classes include travel photography, pottery and ceramics, and water coloring.

If you love arts and crafts or enjoy exploring new hobbies and interests, you’re going to love the art classes and programs available on cruise ships. You may find yourself making m

Europe’s Best Shopping Ports

If you think shopping in ports means overcrowded markets with kitschy merchandise, you may be surprised to discover some of the best shopping meccas lie in these European cities. From authentic hand made leather goods to the latest designer handbags, here’s your go-to guide to Europe’s best shopping ports.

River Cruises:

Milan, Italy

One of the most recognized fashion meccas in the world undoubtedly has the latest designer trends. Milan also boasts the oldest shopping mall in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Here, high-end couture shops reign; Versace, Chanel, Louis Vuitton. Quadrilatero d’Oro or the “golden rectangle” is the pulse of the fashion-centric city, exploding with just about every designer you can imagine. Don’t miss Piazza del Duomo, the 10 floors retail wonderland featuring everything from home goods to clothing.

Best For: Fashionistas with unlimited budgets

Shopping Streets: Via Montenapoleone, Corso Buenos Aires

Geneva, Switzerland

Watch enthusiasts take heed. Geneva is the city known for luxury timepieces. Gleaming with renowned Swiss watches, you will want to head to Rue du Rhone and Rue de la Confédération. Be sure to stop by the famous flower clock in the Jardin Anglais, a true symbol of Geneva. Brimming with charm, the city flourishes with magnificent markets. An epicures haven, Les Halles de Rives, is known as one of the most famous food markets in Europe. If your looking for designer boutiques and department stores, explore the block around Place du Molard.

Best For: Watch enthusiasts and high-end fashion

Shopping Streets: Rue du Rhône, Rue du Mont-Blanc

Porto, Portugal

The best part about shopping in Portugal lies within the boutique shops passed from generation to generation. If you prefer unique stores rather than big-name retailers, you will love Porto. Our favorites include; for reasonable and unique finds from local craftsman, La Vida Portuguesa for everything from hand-printed stationery to ceramics, and the Feeting Room for authentic Portugues brands.

Best For: Local handmade goods and charming boutiques

Shopping Streets: Rua Santa Catarina, Rua Formosa

Ocean Cruises:

Nice, France

Overflowing with glamour, if you can pull yourself away from Nice’s sun-drenched beaches, you’ll find a high octane shopping experience with over 7000 stores awaiting. The streets of the French Riviera offer something for everyone, from local boutiques to the best names in fashion. Gourmands will revel in Alziari, a family run business which has been growing olives since the mid-1800s and selling the delightful results in a charming boutique. gLOVEme is a must for handcrafted leather items at amazing prices. And of course, there’s Chanel, Hermes, Bémon Gérald and any other haute couture brand on your radar.

Best For: A variety of local goods and couture brands

Shopping Streets: Carré d’Or, Rue Paradis, Cours Saleya, Avenue Jean Medecin

Civitavecchia, Italy

Steps away from the port lies a world of shopping pleasures. Via Garibaldi will likely be the first street you stumble upon. A great place to grab a bite and begin your shopping extravaganza. Civitavecchia’s main shopping area is not far beyond Via Garibaldi. Corso Centocelle’s pedestrian-filled streets feature many of the towns best shops. For a wide range of designer stores at great prices, head to Castel Romano. While, Civitavecchia is about 50 miles away from Rome, if you have the time and transportation, be sure to venture to Via del Corso and Via Dei Condotti.

Best For: Quaint markets in a seaside town

Shopping Streets: Via Garibaldi, Corso Centocelle

Whether you fancy designer duds or handcrafted goods, Europe boast some of the best shopping around. The next time you sail into one of these European ports, get your dose of retail therapy. You never know what you may find!

Breathtaking Hawaiian Cruise Excursions

The Hawaiian islands are a volcanic paradise full of waterfalls and rainforests. These three Carnival Cruise shore excursions explore some of the most unique and exciting landscapes the islands have to offer.

Amazing Waterfall Swim and BBQ Lunch Tour

Hilo is home to Hawaii’s tallest, most beautiful, and most famous waterfalls and visitors on this tour will see all three and a few more. After touring Akaka Falls, Kahuna Falls, and Rainbow Falls, the tour goes off road to a double-tiered waterfall flowing into a natural mountain pool. At this stop, guests can relax and wait for their BBQ to be prepared and served while watching the majestic waterfall. After lunch, the tour goes to a final waterfall stop where visitors may swim in the natural pool and then explore the surrounding rainforest.

Molokini and Turtle Town Zodiac Snorkeling Adventure

The Molokini Crater lies just thirty minutes off the coast of Maui and is reached by a raft ride. Once at the crater, visitors can snorkel and explore the sea cliffs, coral reefs, and the unique and famous “back wall.” After snorkeling, visitors will move to “Turtle Town” for a swim with the giant sea turtles and have lunch.

Kona Coast Helicopter Tour

The Kona Coast of the big island in Hawaii is famous for its towering sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls. When in the helicopter, visitors are able to see the immense valleys and shimmering lava flows contrast with the emerald green golf courses of the island. From the air, hidden ancient Hawaiian villages can be seen nestled into the rainforests and mountainsides. This tour enables visitors to see parts of the island most never witness.

Luxury Cruising Bermuda | What a Gem

Favorite Activities on a Cruise to Bermuda

The British flair of crisp colonial architecture, is a delightful contrast to the isle’s verdant hills and laid-back island vibe. It’s a place where bright white roofs are used to catch rainfall for drinking water. There are more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Come experience where the classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail was born. Tour UNESCO-protected St. George in a horse-drawn carriage. Lounge on Bermuda’s famed pink-sand beaches at Horseshoe Bay, explore the archipelago’s legacies and past along the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. Browse the shops and vibrant street art on Front Street in Hamilton.

Seabourn Sets Sail to Europe

From boutique ports to favorite destinations, Seabourn sets sail to Europe when it returns to the continent in 2020. With cruises from seven to 28 days, the luxury liner will set off for more than 200 destinations. A few of the ships’ new destinations include Vesteralen, Norway; Saint-Cyr-Sur-Mer, France; and Viareggio, Italy. Whether you enjoy basking in the sun-drenched islands of Greece or exploring the majestic Fjords of Norway, there’s a trip for everyone. We are highlighting a few of our favorites.

14 Day Greek Isles Odyssey

What could be more endearing than summer off the coast of Greece? Bask in the beauty of the valleys and plateaus on Crete, where thousands of wildflowers and herbs bloom. Discover the whitewashed cosmopolitan city of Mykonos and the rich history of Sicily. After crossing the Ionian Sea, explore the other side of Greece from Santorini to Paros. Great for: A Group Getaway

7 Day Romance of the Rivieras

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or just want a romantic getaway, this seven day cruise will have you falling in love all over again. Live the Riviera lifestyle as you sail between Barcelona, Spain and Civitavecchia near Rome. In between, stroll through the romantic streets of Cinque Terre, explore the dazzling nightlife in Monte Carlo and lounge on the beach of St. Tropez. Great for: The Romantic

15 Day British Isles & Iceland

After departing from Dover, England, set sail throughout the British Isles before embarking to Iceland. You’ll discover the amazing wildlife of Skomer Island, known for its adorable puffins; explore the uninhabited island of Copinsay in Scotland brimming with kittiwakes and razorbills; and conclude in Reykjavik, Iceland, home to one of the most prestigious cultural institutions. Great for: Nature Lovers

24 Day Route of The Vikings

Spend three weeks tracing the Vikings from Southampton, England to Montreal, Quebec. Before heading to Iceland, you’ll stop in Cork, Dublin and the Isle of Mull. Other notable destinations include the Denmark Strait and Price Christian Sound to Greenland and Saguenay. Brimming with culture, these islands have been continually inhabited since after the Ice Age. See where the Vikings attacked the great monastery in Cork in 820, and discover the Norse colonization of North America all on one exciting vacation. Great For: The Historian

Each Seabourn cruise has a handpicked group of naturalists, archeologists and photographer enhancing offshore excursions. These expedition teams share their keen insight with guests for a truly immersive experience in the culture and history of the ports. In addition to gaining valuable insight of the excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in exclusive programs like “Shopping with the Chef” in select ports and Seabourn Conversations with special guest speakers and destination experts.