National Plan a Cruise Month
National Plan a Cruise Month
It’s National Plan a Cruise Month! This is a good time of year to lock down a great offer on your next cruise. But before I dive into the cruises you should be booking, here’s what I’ve been up to…
What’s Top of Mind This Week
I had lunch this week with the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority. (Antigua & Barbuda are southeast of Puerto Rico but north of Montserrat and Guadeloupe.) The Tourism Authority highlighted a few amazing properties, all Virtuoso members. Check out my favorites: Jumby Bay, Hermitage Bay, and Carlisle Bay, all properties where I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a hotel credit, and priority for upgrade.
The other night, I had drinks with the team that represents Dromoland Castle in Ireland. If you want to feel all staycation-y in Ireland, this is such a wonderful option. It’s another Virtuoso property where I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a hotel credit, and priority for upgrade.
I also met with Virgin Voyages this week. This is a great cruise option if you are looking for something adults-only. They are adding so many cool itineraries. Book through me for an automagic $100 in Sailor Loot. Plus I’ll throw in another $50 in sailor loot per cabin after final payment.
If you are planning a stay at a Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, NoMad, Signia or LXR property coming up soon, if you book through me, I can gift you double Hilton points. And yes, you can double-dip between your own Hilton status and my Hilton for Luxury status. (Hilton for Luxury is a special amenity program for top-producing Hilton agencies like mine.)
Know any seniors in college looking for a Grand European tour next summer after graduation? Get in touch. I have so many great options for this. (I have options beyond Europe too!)
4th Quarter Antidote Travel Special Offer!
For every individual booking over $6500 between now and December 31, 2024 receive two free Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent) to track your luggage. This is in addition to my always-included baggage tracking service, Blue Ribbon Bags. (I call them my luggage pitbulls…they will track down your missing bags so you can enjoy your vacation.)
Yes, I Sell Cruises! There’a a Cruise for Everyone…Even for Non-Cruisers…
National Book a Cruise Month is the perfect time to explore the vast array of luxury ocean cruise options available to discerning travelers. Each cruise line offers an experience tailored to specific preferences and interests. Let's dive into some of the lines you are already familiar with, but then let me highlight some lines that may be new to you…
I am a preferred partner with all of the cruise lines below and can often add onboard credits or other bonuses.
Royal Caribbean International
Target Market: Families, multigenerational groups, and adventure seekers.
Newest Ship: Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, both launched in 2024
Why Choose Royal Caribbean: Known for its innovative ships and thrilling onboard experiences, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of activities, from water parks and Broadway shows to rock climbing walls and surfing simulators. This is a great choice for multi-generational travel. There’s really something for everyone onboard.
Celebrity Cruises
Target Market: Upscale travelers seeking modern luxury and personalized service.
Newest Ship: Celebrity Ascent (launched in December 2023)
Why Choose Celebrity: With its sleek design and luxurious amenities, Celebrity Cruises caters to those who appreciate fine dining, stylish accommodations, and a sophisticated atmosphere. This is a great choice for Gen X travelers.
Explora Journeys
Target Market: Luxury travelers seeking immersive experiences and sustainable travel.
Newest Ship: Explora II (launched in 2024)
Why Choose Explora Journeys: This new luxury line focuses on exploration and cultural immersion, with a commitment to responsible tourism and personalized itineraries.
Great for Non-Cruisers!
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Target Market: Luxury travelers seeking a blend of hotel-like amenities and cruise ship experiences.
Newest Ship: Ritz-Carlton Evrima (launched in 2022)
Why Choose The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: This relatively new cruise line combines the luxury and service of Ritz-Carlton hotels with the freedom and adventure of cruising. Their ships offer spacious suites, gourmet dining, and a variety of onboard activities.
The luxury hotel model makes this a great choice non-cruisers! This is a cruise I want to go on!
Swan Hellenic
Target Market: History and culture enthusiasts seeking immersive experiences with a dash of adventure. This is a luxury cruise line for people who love adventure and something different. Martha Stewart is a fan!
Newest Ship: Swan Hellenic Eclipse (launched in 2022)
Why Choose Swan Hellenic: Swan Hellenic specializes in expedition cruising, offering unique itineraries to remote and fascinating destinations. Their ships are equipped for exploration and feature a team of expert guides and lecturers.
Unique itineraries make this a great choice for non-cruisers. I am slightly obsessed with this line.
Virgin Voyages
Target Market: Adventurous travelers seeking a modern, hip vibe.
Newest Ship: Resilient Lady (launched in July 2023)
Why Choose Virgin Voyages: Virgin Voyages offers a unique adult-only experience with a focus on wellness, dining, and entertainment.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Target Market: Luxury travelers seeking all-inclusive luxury and personalized service.
Newest Ship: Seven Seas Grandeur (launched in November 2023)
Why Choose Regent: Known for its all-inclusive concept, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and complimentary shore excursions.
Seabourn
Target Market: Sophisticated travelers seeking intimate, personalized experiences.
Newest Ship: Seabourn Pursuit (launched in 2023)
Why Choose Seabourn: With its small ship size and personalized service, Seabourn offers a more intimate and exclusive cruising experience.
Silversea Cruises
Target Market: Ultra-luxury travelers seeking exceptional service and amenities.
Newest Ship: Silver Nova (launched in August 2023)
Why Choose Silversea: Silversea offers the pinnacle of luxury cruising, with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and a dedicated butler service.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Target Market: History and culture enthusiasts seeking immersive experiences.
Newest Ship: Viking Polaris (launched in 2022). (Although Viking Vela is launch in December!)
Why Choose Viking Ocean: Viking Ocean Cruises offer culturally enriching itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on active exploration.
Azamara
Target Market: Travelers seeking longer itineraries and immersive experiences.
Newest Ship: Azamara Onward (launched in 2022)
Why Choose Azamara: Azamara offers longer itineraries and more overnight stays in destinations, allowing for deeper exploration and cultural immersion.
The longer and overnight port stays make this a great choice for non-cruisers! This is a cruise line I have my eye on!
Oceania Cruises
Target Market: Culinary enthusiasts seeking gourmet dining and refined experiences.
Newest Ship: Oceania Vista (launched in 2023)
Why Choose Oceania: Known for its award-winning cuisine and elegant ambiance, Oceania Cruises caters to discerning travelers who appreciate fine dining and personalized service.
Windstar Cruises
Target Market: Travelers seeking intimate yacht-style cruising and adventure.
Newest Ship: Windstar has new new ships launching in 2025 and 2026, Star Seeker and Star Explorer.
Why Choose Windstar: Windstar offers a more intimate, yacht-style cruising experience with a focus on adventure and exploration.
Great for non-cruisers! In fact, this is the cruise line I want to go on the most!
This is just a sampling of the many luxury ocean cruise lines available. Each line offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences and interests. By carefully considering your travel goals and desires, you can select the perfect cruise line to create unforgettable memories. Ready to book your next cruise? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA based in Palm Beach, Florida. But I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others at a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
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