Escape the cold weather this winter aboard a cruise
As the excitement surrounding the season’s first snowfall fades, many of us are beginning to daydream about trading snowy sidewalks and peppermint lattes for white sand beaches and tropical cocktails. But don’t let the winter dreariness get the best of you—turn your workday fantasy into reality by hopping aboard a cruise ship and sailing towards a sunny destination. No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking to take, whether it be one of luxury and leisure, family-friendly fun, cultural enlightenment or continental exploration, different cruise lines offer a variety of voyages tailored to your specific needs.
Here are a handful of options to consider in case you decide to flee this year’s harsh Long Island winter and spend a week sunbathing on the open sea.
River Cruise
Viking River Cruises
If you are interested in a change of pace from typical commercial cruise lines, you might want to opt for a river cruise. Viking River Cruises aims to satisfy your cultural appetite, with onboard activities, like cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, geared towards enriching your experience at each port. It’s a great option for those who may not want to venture too far into open water; you can still enjoy many aspects of a conventional cruise while savoring breathtaking waterfront scenery as you float to your next destination. The cruise line offers trips down Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers, Germany’s Elbe river, Portugal’s Douro river and many more.
You can explore your river cruise options at www.vikingrivercruises.com.
Other destinations include: Russia, Egypt, Asia
Luxury Cruise
Regent Seven Seas
Perhaps you and your significant other are looking to spend a romantic week at the peak of sophistication and relaxation- if so, look into Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line that provides voyages to more than 450 destinations around the globe, including Alaska, Cuba, Bermuda, the Amazon and the Mediterranean. Each trip promises unlimited beverages, an onboard casino, music and cabaret performances, wine tastings and culinary demonstrations, upscale spas,elegant lounges, bars and more.
You can explore Regent’s selection of other amenities and request a quote for your trip at www.rssc.com.
Other destinations include: Northern Europe, Panama Canal, South Pacific
Family Cruise
Disney Cruise Lines
Looking to whisk the entire family away to tropical paradise? Look no further than the award-winning fleet of Disney cruise ships, some of which depart right from New York City. Each voyage is focused on providing an imaginative, exciting and entertaining experience to all passengers both young and old, complete with daily appearances from classic Disney characters including the iconic Mickey Mouse himself. You’ll never run out of activities while aboard one of these ships, with all of the waterslides, themed parties, musical shows, firework displays and more that contribute to an unforgettable and whimsical experience. Possible destinations include Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, the Bahamas and even Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay.
You can bring some magic to your family’s holiday vacation this year by visiting www.disneycruise.disney.go.com.
Other destinations include: the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada
European Cruise
Royal Caribbean European Cruises
Although tropical spots like Bermuda and the Bahamas remain popular cruise destinations and all around tourist favorites, a European cruise may be exactly what you are looking for if you are in need of a new overseas adventure. Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of European cruises, including voyages around the Western Mediterranean, Spain, the Greek Isles and more. And though experiencing a new continent may be the highlight of your trip, the expansive ships are packed with unique activities and amenities for the whole family so that you can have just as much fun on and off the boat. Spend your days lounging by the pool, zip lining and taking dance classes while the kids go rock climbing, play in the water park and spend time in the arcade. These are only a handful of the opportunities awaiting you on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
To read about more of them, visit www.royalcaribbean.com/european-cruises.
Other destinations include: Scandinavia, Portugal, Italy