Occasionally, people just don’t seem to have the perfect plans for their summer vacation. Often, the problem is finding the right place. In such cases, whether it’s a family trip, solo trip, couples get-away, or in groups as friends — a cruise might be the solution.
On the other hand, many worry about managing their budget or dealing with unpredicted expenses. Preferably, you should cut your coat according to your cloth. However, with a cruise, you can make the best of your budget without having to skimp on the perks of the best summer cruise ideas.
Most cruises ensure you have a good idea of the costs upfront, including extras like excursions, entertainment, and beverages. This way you can compare the cost of the cruise with that of hotels, meals, tours, and entertainment on a land-based vacation.
Furthermore, the onboard entertainment options ensure everyone does what they want to do. On many cruises, age-appropriate groups are considered for games and entertainment keeping everyone busy and happy. Especially for parents who get to enjoy the time out knowing the kids are supervised and entertained.
The use of menu endowed with various choices or even buffet solves every dining problem. No one goes hungry on a cruise — most cruises offer afternoon and midnight snacks plus all-day long room service.
Be it a first-timer or an experienced cruiser, we hope these ideas will get you started thinking about a cruise this summer.
1. Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
AmaWaterways offers their “Enchanting Rhine” river cruise with specific dates throughout the summer. No other perfect time than summer to explore historic cities, villages, glide past graceful castles, and enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities.
Usually, over seven nights, you can visit Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace; Breisach, Heidelberg and Cologne Germany. All of which you will come across before you get to Amsterdam. You don’t want to miss an experience garnished with guided walking and bicycle tours, aerial gondola trip above the Rhine, and wine and beer tastings.
The distinctively designed ships, accommodates about 160 passengers, offering large staterooms, balconies, and heated pools. A panoramic view, comfortable lounge areas, and several dining venues including a Chef’s Table speciality restaurant aren’t left out.
2. Alaska
Spring and summer months are the best times to cruise to Alaska—the season starting in May and ending in September. As a dan of awe-inspiring glaciers, wildlife, fascinating history and adventurous activities such as hiking, just head north this summer. Ketchikan; the “Rain Capital of Alaska,” can have a chilly and wet forecast but many cruise travellers encounter warm weather and sunny days on Alaska cruises.
Small to large ships are usually the carriers of travellers as offered by many lines passing glaciers & the rugged coastline. Between 6 and 15 days, you will have seven different itineraries. All of which include knowledgeable guides, a photo instructor, trained naturalist, and wellness specialist. Enrichment activities aren’t left out as you can go on adventures such as kayaking and hiking.
3. Bermuda
Often, travellers want to experience a mix of sightseeing and active pursuits with sunbathing. A Bermuda cruise is the right choice for such a traveller. Bermuda cruises are best when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches, shopping or naval history.
Bermuda cruise ships spend one or two nights docked in port, giving you enough time to have a feel of the island & nightlife. As a forewarning, hurricanes do occasionally cross the island’s path.
4. Galapagos
Cruising to this destination was an entirely different experience before the introduction of the celebrity flora. Now, cruisers can visit the Galapagos aboard the Celebrity Flora, a ship designed specifically for the destination. Embedded with deluxe suites, a stargazing platform for assisted or individual night sky enjoyment. Furthermore, it has new tenders with ramps that make landings convenient than ever before. It would be disappointing to leave behind the library feature equipped with several books to read while on the cruise.
Sailings all through the summer on the Celebrity Flora features a 10-night “Galapagos Outer Loop Itinerary”. Beginning in Quito, Ecuador with stops at volcanic islands to see blue-footed boobies, aquatic beauties, flamingoes, tropical birds, and more. Other ways to explore the island include snorkelling, swimming, Zodiac rides, and hiking activities.
5. Oregon to Washington
Only three ships ply the Columbia River: American Pride, Queen of the West, and the up-to-the-minute, American Song. All of which offers complimentary Wi-Fi, secluded balconies, expansive staterooms, and more. Departures usually run through July and August, for the 8-day cruising experience.
Cruisers visit the historic town of Astoria, see and learn about Mount St. Helens at the Clark Trail. Other places to be visited include the powerful volcano that erupted in 1980, along the Columbia River Gorge, cliffs, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
6. Hawaiian Islands
Get ready for an adventurous cruise on the newly renovated Pride of America in Honolulu for a week of visits. Destinations of these visits are waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and all four Hawaiian Islands. During the week-long trip, you would have overnight stops in Maui and Kauai. This gives you added time to explore the islands, and visits to Kona and Hilo for a variety of optional excursions.
The scheduled weekly departures throughout summer make it possible to experience each of the islands. Helicopter tours, Zodiac rides, volcanoes sites, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, farms, and cooking classes are all perks of this cruise.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden
One of the most captivating and fun-filled cruises is the 10-night luxury trip from Copenhagen to Stockholm. The trip begins at Copenhagen includes journeying through Berlin, Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden. You will have the chance to choose at each port variety of tours. At St. Petersburg cruisers are presented with about 40 optional excursions for 3 days. Opportunities to visit the Hermitage Museum, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral with its gold-plated dome & the opulent Winter Palace, cannot be missed. Musicians, magicians, lounge pianists, and dancers are part of the onboard entertainment.
