Cruises
It is said, “You haven’t lived until you’ve cruised”. And there has never been a better time to cruise. Ships are more luxurious and plentiful than ever in history and prices are rock bottom. It’s no wonder that cruises are the fastest growing type of vacation today.
Many lines offer specialty cruises that feature such things as Big Band Music, Jazz, Christian speakers, Shag dancing, Gardening classes & tours, cooking & wine tasting and fans of any sport imaginable. Do you like scrapbooking? Playing chess? Follow soap operas? Join others with the same passion on a themed cruise.
Above The Crowds Travel is a proud member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and has been for over 17 years. CLIA is composed of 24 of the major cruise lines serving North America. They serve you, the public by being a source of information and regulation of their member lines.
CRUISE DESTINATIONS
The Caribbean
A great starting point for the first time cruiser! It also appeals to those who just want to get away to the sun and sea time after time. With itineraries covering the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, there is no shortage of cruising choices. Caribbean cruises are a great choice for honeymooners, families, seniors or groups. Some of our most popular cruise lines are featured here.
Europe & Mediterranean
Cruising through the Mediterranean or Europe allows you to see so many area with such little effort. You pack and unpack once and your “floating hotel” takes you from one place to the next. Even if you have been to Europe before, you are sure to enjoy the freedom that seeing it via cruise ship affords.
South Pacific
Just as the movie/musical conjures memories of “Bali Hai”, so will a cruise through the South Pacific! It’s a vast area and allows for plenty of days of finding one island even more enchanting than the last. Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Cunard and other lines can take you on a magical journey here.
Alaska
The most popular cruise destination by far is Alaska. The natural beauty that abounds there is like none other in the world. Cruising is a great way to see Alaska as you can sail beside glaciers as big as mountains while dining on sumptuous fare prepared by the ships chefs. Cruise West, Princess, Holland America, Carnival and Celebrity, among others, all offer great Alaska Cruise itineraries and most offer the option for a cruise/tour to further enhance your Alaska experience.
Canada/New England
This is becoming a popular cruise itinerary for many. Popular in the fall when the changing colors of the trees make for amazing scenery, many of these cruises depart from New York or Boston and traverse the Atlantic seacoast and end their journey in Canada.
Small Ship Cruising
If you long for an up-close, casual and personal cruise experience, Cruise West can provide just that. Their smaller ships can go into places the larger ships cannot. Don’t like to dress up for dinner or be there at the same time and with the same people each night? Cruise West to the rescue! With itineraries to Alaska, Costa Rica, the Pacific Northwest, Asia, Antarctica and Europe, you’re sure to find just right Cruise West experience for you! For more information, go to Cruise West.
River Cruises
This relaxed and “up close and personal” method of cruising gains more and more in popularity each year. Your floating hotel takes you along some of the great rivers of the world – the Seine, the Rhone, the Danube, the Volga, the Yangtze. The best part is, during the day you visit such great cities as Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam, Paris or St Petersburg then at night your ship departs and quietly cruises through the night to your next destination. Look for AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Cruise West and Peter Deilman Cruises for interesting itineraries. We have been on several river trips and thoroughly enjoyed the intimacy and personalization provided on them.
Luxury Cruises
Yes, every cruise feels luxurious. You are fed every meal to your specifications. You are waited on and cleaned up after. You do what you want, when you want to do it. However, for those who desire “over-the-top luxury in their cruise experience, there are cruise lines that can provide that and provide it quite nicely! Look for Silversea, Crystal, Azamara and Regent Seven Seas in particular. Many of the luxury cruises are longer, allowing you even more time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Cruise Lines
Avalon Waterways River Cruises
Azamara Cruises Luxury Cruising
Carnival – Carnival offers Caribbean cruises from numerous ports. You may choose from Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, Norfolk, Charleston as well as Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa, New Orleans, Galveston and more. They also offer a wide variety of European and Alaska cruises. Don’t be scared off by the old image of nonstop partying. Carnival has upgraded their ships and their image and will now satisfy the more discriminating tastes of we “older Americans”.
Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Century (full information coming)
Celebrity Europe (full information coming)
Celebrity Solstice (full information coming)
Cruise West Small Ship Cruising
Crystal Cruises Luxury Cruising
Disney Cruise Line – This cruise line is NOT just for kids! We took our kids and grandkids a few years ago, and there was truly a place for EVERYONE to have their own kind of fun. Yes, the kids will love all the characters but you will love the adult pool, the color-changing dining room, the exceptional service and you’ll both love the age-specific kids’ programs.
Holland America – Long a favorite in our office, Holland America Cruises provides a quality cruise at an affordable price with lots of little “extras” included. You will find Holland America cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, the South Pacific and even Around the World.
MSC Cruises – MSC is one of the new kids on the block with fabulous new ships, great food and service and 7 to 10 day itineraries at great prices. One HUGE perk for families with MSC is that Kids 17 and under sail free when traveling with two adults in the same stateroom (some restrictions may apply.
Oceania Cruises – Worldwide Deluxe Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Worldwide deluxe cruises
Royal Caribbean – One of the most popular mid-price cruise lines, Royal Caribbean truly offers something for everyone from rock climbing to ice skating to surfing on board the ship plus great food and service.
Silversea Cruises – Luxury cruising
Uniworld – River cruises
