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The Ideal Spring Break Cruise for You

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Winter is finally thawing, and countless young people across the country have already let out for spring break – or are eagerly looking forward to it.

Most universities and colleges have their spring break week sometime in March, while school children typically take time off around Easter, which will occur in early April this year. Together, those dates mean that this is currently one of the high seasons for cruise travelers.

So what should you think about when cruising this time of year? Well, it really depends on why you’re taking that ocean voyage.

Cruising for the Kids

Taking a cruise has become a favorite vacation option for families during the last several years, both for the value and ease of planning. If your spring break revolves around your children’s school schedule, then be sure to make plans early because so many schools let out at the same time. Fortunately, cruise lines understand that families have limited schedules and offer plenty of short – three to five-day cruises – to fun destinations like the Bahamas or the Caribbean islands. Cruise lines such as Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney cater to families and provide tons of activities for children of all ages.

Cruising for College Students

For university students, a three- or five-day cruise is an appealing option for fun – and saving money. This time of year, cruise lines like Carnival are known for offering fast, furious, and fun sailing itineraries to exciting spring break hot spots on the Mexican coast, in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and many other fantastic destinations. While at sea, these ships also offer plenty of options like nightclubs, fitness centers, and casinos to let you unwind during your week off away from the books. Before you book, though, be sure to take a careful look at the cruise line’s stateroom policy: some companies require that a cabin be occupied by at least one 21-year-old (or even older) passenger.

Cruising to Avoid the Spring Break Crowds

However, not everyone is looking for a crazy party cruise. For passengers who’d like a quieter voyage away from the younger crowd, consider taking a longer cruise of seven, 10, or more days. Also, smaller ships and premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises or Holland America Line tend to offer more adult cruise experiences, in general. But don’t forget that even on the big ships with lots of families, there are special adults-only facilities where you can kick back and relax, free of the hubbub of spring break.

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MSC: Enchanting Cruises for the Italian in all of us

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling on a cruise ship is the vastness of the sea and the chance to visit multiple – and very different – locations all in one trip. But any cruise veteran will tell you, the atmosphere and the service from the crew on board will still make all the difference. What if you could have all of that, but charged with the traditional warmth and charm of Italy?

The Mediterranean Shipping Company is the only 100% Italian-Owned and Operated cruise line – and the moment you board you’ll see the difference.

MSC has a presence in 45 countries and sails 168 different itineraries and into no less than 180 different ports. Easily the busiest cruise line in Europe, MSC sails well beyond the Mediterranean basin.

MSC is also world-famous for maintaining a super-modern fleet with loads of classic features. Ships are fitted with marble, Swarovski crystal, and lavish walnut and even onyx. That’s all intended to highlight the sense of design for which Italians are already world-famous. Anything less might be considered, well, un-Italian.

For kids, MSC Cruises ships take off with just as much fun and adventure as for anyone else. As a family company MSC pays extra attention to kids of all ages. Organized activities and licensed supervision is available for anyone from ages three to 17 and that’s at no extra cost, any time of day, and all day if you want.

Only Mexico, France and China come close to competing with Italy when it comes to food. And being Italian means serving up culinary highlights that no other cruise line can match. Royal Holiday travelers revel in things as simple as bread, pasta and tomato sauce, but of course there are lots of wines to choose from and the gelato is unmatched on the sea. Japanese, Tex-Mex and Chinese foods are well represented and options can vary depending on where you’re sailing to. Hands down, MSC offers some of the most spectacular food onboard any ship sailing anywhere.

Onboard entertainment? MSC is no slouch. Every passengers thrill to a different show and these are usually presented in two shifts so everyone fits in. Original Broadway shows, at no extra cost, are just part of the fun. Reservations are necessary but tickets are free and that’s just the beginning.

There are also casinos, discos, internet access, a library, a Formula 1 racing simulator, (just for kids, right?) plus a 4D cinema, duty-free shopping, and a water park with an indoor swimming pool. Outside of course there are waterfalls, and it’s just a short walk to the beauty salon, wellness spa, fitness centers and yoga classes. There are also tennis courts, a basketball court, running track and everything to keep you active and fit.

As unforgettable as Italy, the MSC Cruise of a lifetime can be part of your Royal Holiday. Members book cruise departing from Venice, Genoa and a few places closer to home. The Royal Holiday Cruise Team works very hard to find the cruise that’s just perfect for you, no matter what criteria you’re counting on meeting. If your standards are very high, MSC may be the perfect choice.

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Timing Is Everything – High- and Low-Season by Destination

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Cruisers enjoy a very different sort of experience depending upon whether they sail during the high or low season, or choose something in between. For this reason, different vacationers plan different itineraries to take advantage of the perks offered by sailing at different times of the year. Do they want an exciting high-season cruise with all the advertised amenities—along with big crowds? Or, would they prefer a quieter (and possibly cheaper) off-season cruise, with its risk of poor weather or sleepy ports of call?

Regardless of what time of year they choose to travel, cruisers with Royal Holiday have a wide variety of destinations that can accommodate high- or low-season cruising almost any time of year. The following list divides up Royal Holiday’s main cruise offerings by general destination, and provides the typical high- and low-season dates for each locale.

Alaska

The high season for glacier watching along Alaska’s majestic, rugged coast falls in the June-to-August timeframe. Summer cruises in these coastal waters of the northern Pacific offer the best opportunities for inland excursions and spotting wildlife. Cruising in the low season—during May and September—guarantees much smaller crowds but a higher risk of canceled excursions due to bad weather.

The Baltic

Northern Europe’s peak season for cruising falls in the summer, from June to August. City and beach life is truly vibrant in the Baltic ports, and the weather is warm and comfortable. The biggest advantage of low season—from May to mid-June and September—is that the crowds disperse, leaving behind more relaxed beaches and city centers, while the weather remains agreeable.

The Caribbean

Vacationing in the Caribbean is popular almost year-round. The cruise high season runs from June to August, during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and throughout the Carnival season, which lasts from February to April. With so many options from which to choose, a cruiser will experience a memorable vacation during high season. Low season covers the rest of the year, when the kids are back in school, thus leaving cruisers to enjoy reduced crowds and nice weather, with only occasional storms.

The Mediterranean

As with the rest of Europe, high season in the Mediterranean runs during the summer, from May to August. During these times, the ports of call resemble scintillating tourist meccas, packed with exciting things to do. The best off-season times to visit are during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is still nice, but the family crowds have returned home.

South America

Being south of the equator means that the peak seasons for Brazil, Argentina, and the rest of South America are reversed. Beaches and tourist attractions are packed during the summery peak season from January to April. However, the crowds thin dramatically during the low season. In equatorial locations like Brazil, the off-season winter weather from June to August is still lovely, and the lack of tourists makes for a quieter, more relaxing vacation.

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Solo Cruising – The Art of the Independent Traveler

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Many think of ocean cruising as a vacation option mainly for retirees and honeymooners. Ships have traditionally catered to these groups. However, in the last couple decades, there have been more families with children, as well.

In addition, there has been an upward trend in solo cruisers. Passengers may travel by themselves for a variety of reasons. Many are unattached and are looking for love or just enjoying their freedom. Others enjoy cruising so much that they do it whether or not they have someone with whom to travel. For still others, simply getting away from it all is the goal.

Regardless of why vacationers choose to travel alone, cruise lines are increasingly aware of their solo passengers. While there are many drawbacks to traveling alone on a ship, there are a number of perks one can enjoy, as well.

Accommodations

Typically, a solo cruiser is expected to pay a “single supplement,” a premium price for a cabin that offsets the money that a cruise line loses by booking for only one person instead of two. More ships today are offering solo cabins at an affordable price. These special cabins, which tend to be tiny but chic, often provide access to special services available only to solo passengers.

Moreover, modern cruise lines generally provide flexible dining options. Most ships offer buffet or bistro-style dining establishments amenable to the independent cruiser. By talking to the head waiter, even restaurants with traditional seating can sometimes be rearranged to suit a solo cruiser.

Activities

While it may often feel like most activities on board a ship are geared toward families or couples, many ships offer special events where solo cruisers can mingle. Shipboard discotheques and bars provide places where the outgoing lone traveler can meet others. At the same time, the quieter lounges, adults-only decks, and shipboard libraries provide an environment where a solo cruiser can relax far from the hustle and bustle.

Many shore excursions involve activities designed for people who are partnered. A solo cruiser should look into the details of an excursion before signing up or at least be prepared to sit out some activities or partner with a complete stranger. And, of course, an adventurous passenger can always explore an exotic port entirely alone, as well.

Whether a cruiser is looking to make new friends or to simply enjoy a quiet vacation alone, cruise lines today offer more opportunities for solo sailing than ever before.

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Cruise Tips

Healthy Cruising

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

SaladHealth is probably the last thing most cruise passengers are thinking about as they board their ship destined for some sunny island paradise. For many, there’s nothing wrong with spending a week at sea in complete decadence, indulging in gourmet cheeseburgers and frosty chocolate shakes, and then popping that top button and kicking back to lounge by the pool. It is a vacation, after all.

However, more and more cruisers are increasingly health conscious. They work hard to eat right and keep fit. Fortunately, cruise lines recognize this, and in recent years have introduced a range of innovations to help their passengers keep healthy and happy.

Eating

With several restaurants on every ship, each offering more delectable cuisine than the last, the temptation to over-indulge is almost overwhelming. Like any other restaurant, of course, these eateries generally offer a range of delicious dishes especially for their patrons who are counting their calories. Increasingly, cruise ships also feature one or two places that cater to those craving lighter, healthier fare. For instance, sushi restaurants have become quite popular on modern vessels. Passengers with special dietary restrictions needn’t worry, either. With a simple call to the cruise line, cruisers can ascertain which restaurants can provide for specific needs, such as gluten-free or vegan diets.

Fitness and Well-being

Most cruise ships provide several facilities to help patrons keep fit, including gyms, pools, jogging tracks, and ball courts. Larger ships even offer more elaborate athletic options, such as cycling, rock-climbing walls, yoga classes, or ropes courses. Additionally, ship spas typically also provide a range of relaxation services and facilities to help passengers recover from unhealthy stress. Whether it’s acupuncture, massage, or sauna, there is a tranquil option suitable for everyone.

Medications and Insurance

The best medicine is to be prepared. Wise passengers bring a well-stocked toiletries bag that includes all the basic over-the-counter treatments they might need: painkillers, sleeping aids, sun block, seasickness pills, allergy medication, and so on. Fortunately, most of these types of medication are readily available on any cruise, so forgetting a basic item is not a problem. However, that is not the case with prescription medications. For this reason, it is important for passengers to double-check that they have enough prescription medications to last for their entire cruise. For added peace of mind, many cruisers also elect to purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen problems.

Ship Doctors

No amount of healthy eating, exercise, or preparation can prevent accidents from happening. For this reason, all cruise ships have a well-staffed medical center and qualified doctor available. Newer and larger ships even have facilities comparable to mini-hospitals. Many cruise lines also partner with land-based medical centers to establish effective tele-medicine channels. With such innovations, cruise lines are taking great strides towards ensuring the health of their passengers.

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