Cruises

A large cruise ship named Symphony of the Seas docked at a port during sunset with mountainous landscape in the background.

How We Choose the Right Cruise Line

When I’m helping you pick a cruise, we look at things like:

  • Who’s sailing – ages, mobility, and whether it’s kids, couples, multigenerational, or adults-only

  • Overall vibe – high-energy and playful vs. relaxed and refined

  • Budget and cabin style – inside staterooms to suites and “ship-within-a-ship” luxury areas

  • Destinations & length – Caribbean long weekends, Alaska, Europe, rivers, or grand voyages

  • Onboard features – kids’ clubs, waterparks, adults-only areas, shows, and specialty dining

  • Dining & dress code – very casual and flexible vs. more polished, “modern luxury”

From there, we match you to the line that actually fits your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aerial view of two large cruise ships docked side by side at a pier, surrounded by ocean water.

  • For most sailings, 6–12 months in advance is ideal. Holiday, summer, and school-break cruises can sell out even earlier—especially for family cabins and suites. Booking early usually means better pricing, better cabin choices, and more time to plan flights, excursions, and pre-/post-cruise stays. However, last-minute deals are always possible!

  • It depends on who’s sailing and how you like to travel. Some lines are high-energy and kid-focused; others are quieter, more refined, or adults-only. I look at ages, budget, desired vibe (fun, luxury, relaxed), and destinations, then match you with the line and ship that best fits your people.

  • Your fare typically includes your cabin, most dining venues, entertainment, and many onboard activities. Extras can include gratuities, specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions—this varies by brand. I’ll break down what’s included for your specific ship so there are no surprises onboard.

  • Absolutely—many ships are designed with families in mind. You’ll find kids’ clubs, splash pads or waterparks, character experiences, family-friendly shows, and flexible dining. The key is picking the right ship and itinerary for your children’s ages and energy levels, which is where my guidance comes in.

  • For many U.S. “closed-loop” cruises (roundtrip from the same U.S. port), you may be able to sail with a birth certificate and government ID. However, passports are strongly recommended—and required for many itineraries. I’ll review your specific sailing and help you understand what documents each traveler needs.

  • You get a real person in your corner. I help you compare cruise lines and cabins, watch for promos, coordinate flights and hotels, and plan shore excursions that match your family. If something changes or goes sideways, you’re not stuck on hold with a call center—you’ve got me to help troubleshoot. I’m also able to adjust your cruise fare if the price changes in your favor.

  • Absolutely! There are luxury cruise lines worldwide, including expedition-style cruises with National Geographic, among others (e.g., Antarctica). I’m happy to provide itineraries to meet your specific needs if you’re looking for that extra-special bucket-list type experience or an elevated luxury getaway.

Cruise Lines

  • Logo with blue background, white text 'NCL', and a wave design below the text.

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian is all about “Freestyle Cruising”—no fixed dining times, flexible dress codes, and a casual, do-what-you-want vibe. Ships often feature waterparks, ropes courses, and broad family entertainment, paired with strong kids’ and teen programs.

    Choose Norwegian if you want:

    Flexible dining (no set seating or strict formal nights)

    Good family value with lots of included entertainment

    Big-ship fun without feeling overly structured

    A mix of Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and specialty itineraries

  • Royal Caribbean logo with a navy blue crown above the words 'Royal Caribbean' in navy blue text.

    Royal Caribbean

    Royal Caribbean is the “big family fun” brand: massive ships, waterparks, surf simulators, climbing walls, family neighborhoods, and excellent kids’ clubs and teen spaces. It’s built for families and multigenerational trips, with tons to do from morning to night.

    Choose Royal Caribbean if you want:

    Nonstop activities (waterslides, zip lines, surf simulators, mini-golf, arcade, etc.)

    Strong kids’ and teen programs so adults can get real downtime

    Private island options like Perfect Day at CocoCay with beaches + big waterpark days

    A “wow” factor for first-time cruisers or big family celebrations

  • Large navy blue letter X with a registered trademark symbol in the upper right corner.

    Celebrity

    Celebrity is Royal Caribbean’s sleeker, more grown-up sibling: modern design, great food and wine, and a calmer vibe. Kids are welcome and there are youth programs, but the brand leans toward adults, couples, and older families who want style, service, and good cuisine more than waterslides.

    Choose Celebrity if you want:

    A more refined, modern-luxury feel without going ultra-formal

    Excellent dining and cocktails as a main event

    Older kids who don’t need constant high-octane thrills

    A quieter atmosphere than the biggest family mega-ships

  • Close-up of a cruise ship's funnel with Disney-themed Mickey Mouse logo and smokestacks, with people walking on the deck.

    Disney Cruise Line

    Disney Cruise Line blends classic Disney storytelling with cruising, creating an experience that’s as much about the ship as the destinations. Expect themed restaurants, Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, and some of the most thoughtfully designed kids’ clubs at sea—from little ones to teens.

    Choose Disney if you want:

    Immersive “Disney magic” with characters, music, and theming everywhere

    Top-tier kids’ clubs, nurseries, and family programming

    Private-island stops like Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay in the Bahamas

    A high-touch, family-first experience that’s especially great for first-time cruisers

  • Close-up view of the Viking cruise ship with two passengers carrying chairs on the upper deck, tall radar and communication equipment, and gray stormy sky.

    Viking (Ocean/River)

    Viking is firmly adults-only on ocean (18+), with a quiet, cultural, and destination-focused style. Think small ships, included excursions, and lots of time in port—not waterslides and kids’ clubs. Ideal for grown-up getaways, empty nesters, and travelers who love history, culture, and scenery.

    Choose Viking if you want:

    18+ ships with no children’s programming at all

    Immersive, destination-heavy itineraries (often with a tour included at each port)

    A calm, upscale atmosphere with a focus on culture, lectures, and scenery

    River or small-ship ocean cruises in Europe, North America, and beyond

  • A large cruise ship floating on the ocean with clear blue sky overhead, viewed from partially submerged perspective.

    Carnival

    Carnival is all about “Fun Ship” energy—think colorful decks, poolside movies, upbeat music, and plenty of places for kids to play while grown-ups relax. Many ships have onboard WaterWorks waterparks, ropes courses, mini golf, and big family-friendly shows that keep everyone entertained day and night.

    Choose Carnival if you want:

    High-energy, casual vibes with deck parties, live music, and comedy

    Big family perks like WaterWorks slides and splash zones on many ships

    Robust kids’ + teen programs (Camp Ocean, Circle C, Club O2) with ocean-themed activities and hangouts for every age group

    Good value and lots of easy-to-reach U.S. homeports for quick getaways or budget-conscious family trips

  • Colorful wooden table with a blue background, orange circle, and lime green and reddish-brown chairs surrounding it. The table has the word "Margaritaville" written on it.

    Margaritaville

    Margaritaville at Sea is all about easy-breezy, short escapes from Florida to The Bahamas, with a fun, laid-back “island time” vibe. Think quick 2–4 night getaways, live music, tropical cocktails, and a resort-at-sea experience that can pair with beach days or resort stays in Grand Bahama.

    Choose Margaritaville if you want:

    A short, budget-friendly cruise focused on fun-in-the-sun rather than mega-ship bells and whistles

    Easy getaways from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama, Nassau, Key West, or Cozumel

    Family-friendly touches like kids’ clubs and access to Fins Up Waterpark and Sail & Splash packages in port

    A relaxed, Jimmy Buffett-inspired atmosphere that feels more like a casual island weekend than a traditional big-ship cruise

  • Large white MSC cruise ship sailing on the blue ocean under a clear sky.

    MSC

    MSC is a European line that’s been growing quickly in the U.S., with stylish ships and strong pricing. It’s very family-friendly, with kids’ clubs designed in partnership with LEGO® and frequent “kids sail free” style promotions on select sailings.

    Choose MSC if you want:

    A good value and often attractive family pricing (especially as 3rd/4th guests)

    European-influenced feel with international passengers

    Kid-focused spaces, including multiple age-based clubs and LEGO® activities

    Caribbean, Mediterranean, or other popular routes with lots of sea-day fun

  • A large white cruise ship sailing by a town at the foot of green, rocky mountains.

    Silver Sea

    Silversea is ultra-luxury, small-ship cruising: think spacious oceanview suites (all with butler service), nearly 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and truly all-inclusive fares that typically cover drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and many excursions. The vibe is quiet, refined, and destination-focused rather than activity-heavy.

    Choose Silversea if you want:

    An intimate, ultra-luxury ship with butler service in every suite

    All-inclusive pricing with premium beverages, gratuities, and more bundled in

    Longer, port-intensive itineraries and culturally rich destinations (including expedition options)

    A mostly adult crowd; children are allowed, but there are no kids’ clubs or childcare, making it best for older, well-traveled kids or multigenerational groups who enjoy a calm, sophisticated atmosphere