Sep 22, 2023
8 min. read
Have you ever wondered if ocean cruising was for you? If you’re a travel lover, there’s bound to be a cruise that checks off your wish list. Today’s ocean cruise lines are catering to groups of all kinds. Names like Holland America and Disney have been quietly reinventing themselves with one-of-a-kind, immersive adventures, while other cruise lines like Hurtigruten and Azamara® have begun to emerge as ways to explore differently. From small ships to expedition vessels and five-star luxury to more laid-back sailings, ocean cruising has evolved, so there’s something to satisfy all kinds of wanderlust. Just look at what some of today’s ocean cruises offer:
Holland America Line brings immersive experiences on board.
For 150 years, Holland America Line® has been introducing guests to new places and new cultures, with more than 500 carefully crafted itineraries covering 100 countries. Today this ocean cruise line has evolved to include on-board destination programming and in-depth short excursions to help deepen your connection to the places you visit even further.
The spacious mid-sized ships offer superb accommodations, world-class dining, award-winning service and the best entertainment at sea. On-shore, wine taste in Burgundy, zip-line in Costa Rica or photograph penguins in Chile. Thanks to a BBC Earth Experiences partnership, ship programs and live entertainment enable you to continue exploring on board. Holland America cruise line has been showing guests the globe for 150 years. Now, it’s time to show you.
Experience Norway with the ones who know it best: Hurtigruten Cruise line.
Hurtigruten Cruise line has been sailing Norway’s coast for 130 years and is perfect for intrepid travellers looking to explore this part of the world. As a leader in sustainable travel, Hurtigruten offers a host of epic journeys. The beautifully refurbished MS Trollfjord offers two epic new 2023 itineraries: North Cape Express and Svalbard Express. Want to witness the stunning aurora borealis? Hurtigruten has a Northern Promise: Sail the Norwegian coast from Oct. 1 - Mar. 31 for 11 days or more. If you can’t see the Northern Lights from your ship, you’ll receive a FREE six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage*. Whichever itinerary you pick, you’ll experience Hurtigruten’s Coastal Kitchen, so you don’t just see the Norwegian coast – you’ll taste it too.
Oceania’s small ships venture where larger ocean ships can’t.
As destination specialists, Oceania Cruises® offers the vast treasures of the world in a way that many other ocean cruise lines cannot. Sail Oceania to the most vibrant and renowned destinations aboard their small and luxurious ships and reach smaller ports and remote harbours that larger vessels can’t access. With evening departures and more overnight stays, guests can explore each fascinating location more fully. Oceania’s destination-intensive itineraries range from seven to 180 days and blend a refreshing mix of popular destinations, boutique ports and seaside villages. Oceania offers the ultimate in destination exploration — including Culinary Discovery Tours, Food and Wine Trails Tours, Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar and Go Local Tours.
Viking Ocean Voyages are the small ship experts.
After leading the river cruise industry for over two decades, Viking® has taken their small ship destination-focused experience to the seas. Board one of their elegant vessels and sail to the world’s most fascinating shores. Since Viking owns and operates its ships, they deliver a seamless, consistent experience on 90 itineraries that range from the banks of the Amazon to the Adriatic Shores.
Let Viking whisk you into the heart of your destination, with more time in port to explore the destination in depth. The size of their vessels – with just 930 guests – means Viking ships can dock where mega ocean liners cannot. Onboard, you’ll experience Viking’s award-winning service, all-veranda staterooms, the most al fresco dining at sea, and so much more.
Cruise with Disney Cruise Line for a magical experience.
Every sailing on Disney Cruise Line is an adventure and a fairy tale rolled into one. You’ll experience the magic of fun experiences and meeting new friends while sailing to wonderful destinations. As the leader in family cruising for over 20 years, Disney ships bring families together to create long-lasting memories with original, musical live shows, spectacular fireworks at sea, incredible destinations like their private island and much more. Onboard there’s imaginative fun for kids, unique recreational offerings for adults and thrilling entertainment for the entire family. From character experiences to deck parties and spa treatments to late nights at nightclubs and lounges, there’s sure to be fun — whether you’re travelling with kids, tweens, teens or are just a big kid at heart.
A Windstar Cruise is 180 degrees from ordinary®.
Windstar® Cruises are the perfect alternative to a river cruise, small-group tour, luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort because they offer the best parts of each. For anyone yearning to experience the world’s best small-ship cruise line, your yacht has arrived. Choose from two private yacht-style experiences: classic sailing Wind yachts and all-suite Star Plus yachts. With just 148-342 guests, you’ll enjoy an intimate, port-intensive vacation and explore the world in a meaningful way. Go all-Inclusive and enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and included gratuities, or purchase amenities onboard with a Cruise Only Fare. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar provides unique culinary experiences with top-rated chefs. Ready to set sail and explore the world? Windstar is calling.
Azamara Cruise Line lets you wander without rush.
Azamara® Cruise Line invites you to uncover a world of destinations at a more relaxed pace, with time to appreciate the landscapes, culture and people, by day and night. Azamara’s fleet goes beyond the expectations of even the most well-travelled cruises, with top-tier crew, premiere service and world-class amenities. Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, Azamara Pursuit® and Azamara OnwardSM are perfectly sized to cross oceans, sail into intimate rivers, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations that bigger ships can’t. Go beyond surface level with immersive cruise itineraries and soul-stirring experiences as only Azamara ocean cruises can do.
Not sure which type of cruise is best suited to you? Talk to a CAA Travel Consultant. Ask about the exclusive benefits that CAA Members enjoy when booking with CAA Travel. For more information or to book your dream cruise, call 1-844-447-2330 or visit your local CAA Store.
Terms & Conditions
*Northern Lights Promise Terms & Conditions: A Northern Lights Occurrence is defined as a sighting of the Northern Lights from the ship that is recorded by the ship’s deck officers and announced to passengers on board. An Occurrence can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The deck officers’ decision as to whether a Northern Lights Occurrence has happened is final. You will be able to take the seven-day The Voyage North or the six-day The Voyage South, departing between October 1 and March 31 during the subsequent sailing season, in an unspecified inside cabin with twin beds with full board (you may upgrade to another cabin type subject to additional costs and availability). The cruise subject to this offer must be booked within 28 days of returning from your original cruise. A choice of departure dates will be given and this offer can only be used once. Exclusions: Offer excludes flights, transfers, all onboard expenses, excursions, and baggage handling. Offer does not apply to rescheduled or canceled cruises (including cruises where more than 50% of the sailing has been canceled). Bookings are nontransferable and unchangeable, and they have no cash value. No refund can be claimed. Hurtigruten reserves the right to withdraw or amend the offer at any time. Please check whether the offer still applies at the time of booking.Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.