Think about taking a trip to some of the most gorgeous places on earth. You can see breathtaking sights, immerse yourself in a unique culture, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Now imagine traveling to one of these locales in the lap of luxury. You'll dine on exquisite cuisine, sample fine wines and spirits, see thrilling shows and be pampered and entertained as much as you want to be.
That's a perfect description of the quintessential cruise vacation.You can sail to faraway places while enjoying every minute of your journey. And best of all, you only have to unpack your suitcase one time! Here are some of the cruise lines that can immerse you in total luxury.
Avalon Waterways
This carrier focuses on trips through smaller aquatic passages such as rivers and straits, allowing visitors to view beautiful landscapes and vistas throughout most of the tour. Avalon has plenty of on-board activities and entertainment for all ages, but is especially popular with mature travelers. And the company's ships feature its one-of-a-kind Silent Drive System for a ride that's quieter and smoother than any other vessel.
Azamara Club Cruises
This line prides itself on flawless customer service as well as lavish amenities. In fact, it boasts a two-to-one guest-to-staff member ratio on all of its voyages. Also, Azamara offers some spa services that you won't find on most cruise lines, such as in-room spa treatments and acupuncture-at-sea sessions.
Celebrity Cruises
This company is known for its spacious ships which house not only a wide variety of activity choices but also several different types of staterooms to satisfy any type of traveler. Celebrity also offers European butler service for its suites, which treats its guests to valuable extras like evening hors d'oeuvres or shoe-shining service. This line attracts many people looking to tie the knot with either a small, private ceremony or a major wedding party.
Holland America Line
These midsized ships hearken back to the cruising days of old, with décor steeped in tradition as well as staterooms that are elegantly accented. Holland America entices the fashionable traveler with features such as on-board enrichment programs, art auctions and cooking classes and seminars offered by the Culinary Arts Center. You can even secure a private car or an English translator and guide for your shore excursions.
MSC Cruises
Boasting the youngest fleet in the cruising world, these modern vessels treat guests to open vistas and flowing designs. MSC is proud of its distinctive on-board restaurants, stylish theater productions and unusual destination choices. But, arguably, the company's biggest draw is the fact that children 17 and under sail free.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This brand is known for what it calls "Freestyle Cruising," which emphasizes flexibility in its amenities. It all starts with the choice of staterooms, which include connecting suites and villas that feature their own private club with swimming pool, private deck, and dedicated butler service. Norwegian accentuates its large variety of leisure activities with unique details like memory foam mattress tops and Evian spritzes.
Princess Cruises
This line is arguably the most versatile in the cruise industry. Princess can cater to all types of travelers (and budgets) from singles, honeymooners and couples to families, seniors, and specialty groups. And if it's possible to do on the high seas, from rock climbing and scuba training to casino gambling and nighttime dancing, these vessels have a place for you to do it.
Royal Caribbean International
This company showcases its can-do attitude with onboard amusements to suit any vacationer. Active types can avail themselves of a running track, basketball court, surf simulator, and even a small golf course. There are several stage shows for the adults, kids clubs for children and adolescents, and theme nights for the entire family.
Uniworld Cruises
This brand markets itself as a unique boutique river cruise line which features itineraries and destinations that few of its competitors offer. Only about 130 guests travel on each ship on average, giving Uniworld vacations a more intimate and personal feel. And foodies will love the cuisine that is prepared by chefs from five-star hotels, as well as al fresco dining on an open-air sundeck and complimentary wine and beer during dinner meals.
As far as cruise destinations, you can book your trip to tropical locations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Perhaps you prefer the stunning wilderness of Alaska or the old world charm of the Mediterranean. If you fancy the exotic, you may choose a cruise which takes you to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, or different parts of Asia. Or you may opt for a river cruise down the Rhine or the Danube in Europe. But be warned - you'll be traveling in such lush decadence on your journey that you'll be tempted not to leave the ship when you reach your ports of call!
