Ocean Cruises

Small Ship Luxury

Think of small ship luxury cruises as the VIP section of ocean travel—intimate, refined, and blissfully uncrowded.

These floating boutique hotels redefine "all-inclusive" with personalized service that makes you feel like the only guest on board. Your suite is spacious, the dining exceptional, and the excursions actually exclusive because these ships dock where mega-vessels can't—in hidden harbors and charming ports.

While everyone else is fighting for selfie space at the main attractions, you'll be sipping local wine with a vineyard owner who's telling stories not found in any guidebook.

As your travel curator, I handle all the details. You just decide between the sunset dolphin-watching or the private cooking class (though honestly, why not both?).

Luxury Fleet Options

• Regent
• Explora
• Crystal
• Silversea
• Seabourn

Upper Premium

When clients ask me about Upper Premium cruises, I tell them they've found the sweet spot in cruising. These ships are for travelers who appreciate the difference between a good Cabernet and a "meh" Merlot, but also value thoughtful spending.

What I really like about these lines is how they focus on enrichment. You might learn pasta-making from an Italian chef or attend a lecture about the history of a port you're visiting tomorrow. These aren't just activities to fill time—they're genuinely interesting experiences that connect you to the destinations.

The ships themselves strike a nice balance. With around 670-1250 guests, they're large enough to offer variety but small enough that you won't feel lost in a crowd. You'll notice the staff remembering your preferences after just a day or two onboard. The staterooms are well-designed with thoughtful touches, and the restaurants? Some of the best food at sea. Oceania, for instance, is known for having cuisine that rivals fine restaurants on land.

Where Upper Premium differs from luxury lines is in the pricing structure. Instead of wrapping everything into one high price, these cruises let you choose which extras matter to you. Maybe you're not a big drinker, so why pay for an all-inclusive beverage package? Or perhaps you prefer exploring on your own rather than booking excursions.

Upper Premium Options

• Oceania
• Viking

Big Ships / Mainstream

Big ships are exactly what they sound like—floating resorts that pack in everything you could want on a vacation. They're ideal if you're someone who enjoys having tons of options.

What I love about these ships is the variety. One moment you're watching a Broadway-quality show, the next you're trying your hand at rock climbing or relaxing by the pool. There's always something happening, which makes them perfect for families or groups where everyone has different interests.

Now, I should mention these ships carry thousands of passengers. That means more energy and excitement, but also more people to share facilities with. Most of my clients find the trade-off worthwhile for the value they receive.

Speaking of value—your fare covers accommodations, main dining, and most onboard activities. But specialty restaurants, premium drinks, and certain activities do cost extra. I always recommend setting aside a budget for these things, if they interest you.

The itineraries typically include popular ports with efficient shore excursions. If you're looking to check multiple destinations off your list rather than spending extended time in one place, you'll appreciate this approach.

Big Ship/Mainstream Fleet Options

• Carnival
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian
• Holland America
• Princess
• Celebrity

Expedition Cruises

Expedition cruises are for travelers who want stories, not just souvenirs. These aren't your typical vacations where you sit by a pool with a cocktail—though there's nothing wrong with that either.

What I love about these journeys is they take you to places that still feel untouched—Antarctica, the Galapagos, remote parts of Alaska. Places where wildlife outnumbers people and the landscapes make you realize how small we actually are in the grand scheme of things.

Don't let the word "expedition" fool you though. These ships are comfortable—some surprisingly luxurious. You're not sleeping in tents or eating freeze-dried food. After a day exploring by Zodiac or hiking to viewpoints that few people ever see, you'll return to a hot shower, a steam room, an excellent meal, and often a glass of good wine.

The ships are intentionally small, usually carrying between 50-250 guests. This creates a community feeling where you'll make friends quickly. By the end of the voyage, you'll know the names of most passengers and probably the entire crew.

What really sets these cruises apart are the guides and naturalists onboard. These folks have PhDs in marine biology or decades of experience in remote regions. Their enthusiasm is contagious—they'll have you spotting the difference between various penguin species or identifying rare birds before you know it.

Expedition Fleet Options

• Tauck
• Quark
• Silversea
• Abercrombie and Kent