Ocean cruises provide fabulous inclusive vacation experiences from the hidden beaches of Caribbean to the historic ports of the Mediterranean. Plan your Ocean Cruise Vacation with us. Let our Travel Experts plan your next cruise vacation for your family and more.
Ocean Cruises
Featured Experiences
FAQs
An ocean cruise is a vacation aboard a large ship that travels along coastal and international sea routes, stopping at ports around the world. Ships range from mega-liners carrying over 5,000 passengers — with waterparks, casinos, and Broadway shows onboard — to smaller premium ships focused on destination immersion. Ocean cruises visit destinations from the Caribbean and Alaska to the Mediterranean, British Isles, and beyond. Your cabin is your hotel room throughout, so you pack and unpack just once.
Most ocean cruise fares include your cabin accommodation, main dining room meals, onboard entertainment (shows, pools, fitness centres), and non-alcoholic beverages. Premium extras — specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi — are usually paid separately. However, many cruise lines now offer bundled packages that include drinks and tips. When we plan your cruise, we compare what each package actually costs per day so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Ocean cruises sail open seas and visit coastal ports worldwide, typically on larger ships carrying 500–5,000+ passengers. River cruises travel inland waterways — Europe's Rhine, Danube, and Douro, or Asia's Mekong — on intimate ships of 100–200 passengers that dock in the heart of cities. Ocean cruises offer more onboard amenities and entertainment; river cruises offer a slower pace, more included shore excursions, and a closer connection to local culture. Price-wise, river cruises tend to be more all-inclusive upfront.
Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are both excellent choices for first-timers. Celebrity offers a more refined, relaxed experience with high-quality dining and stylish ships — ideal if you want a step up from resort-style cruising without going full luxury. Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising lets you eat when you want, with no fixed dining times — great if you prefer flexibility. The best choice depends on your travel style, destination, and group size. We match you with the right fit.
For most ocean cruises, booking 9–12 months in advance gives you the best cabin selection and early-booking pricing. Popular sailings — Alaska in summer, Caribbean at Christmas, and Mediterranean in June–August — can sell out 12–18 months ahead, especially for group trips or specific cabin categories like balconies and suites. Booking early also locks in current pricing before annual fare increases, which typically happen in January and September. Last-minute deals exist but offer fewer choices.