Around the World Cruises: Features, Recommendations, Tips

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For those who want to swim and lie on the beach, visit several countries for a short vacation, they have long come up with such a type of vacation as sea cruises. Initially, only rich people could afford to travel on snow-white liners and ferries, but those days are already in the past. Nowadays, there are more than 150 sea cruise companies in the world, and their number is growing every year.

Types, Duration, and “Stars” of Sea Cruises

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(Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Everyone knows what a sea cruise is. But where and how long you can go on the round trip for senior dating is still the question. By duration, cruises are divided into:

  • short-term (from several hours to several days);
  • medium-term (from 5 to 13 days);
  • long-term (up to 2 months).

Most of the cruise lines are in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Baltic Seas, as well as through the countries of Asia.

quantum of the seas in singapore
Quantum of the Seas at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
  • Mediterranean cruises cover several European countries: Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, etc., and North African countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco.
  • Baltic Sea cruises pass through Scandinavia and the Baltics and may include the following countries: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
  • During a Caribbean cruise, you will visit countries such as the United States, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and, of course, many islands: the Bahamas, Haiti, Antigua, Roatan, and other exotic corners of the planet.
  • Asian cruises cover Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as China and Japan.

The cost of the voyage depends on the class of the cruise company and the liner itself, the cabin you choose, onboard service, the region of sailing, and the season. Also, you can purchase only a bare cruise, without excursions, or buy the “cruise + excursions” package.

The prestige of the hotel is estimated by the number of stars, and the quality of rest on a cruise ship — by the class of service:

  • Standard (Mass Market) — a wide range of services and entertainment onboard, comfort, and standard service quality at affordable prices. Standard class companies: Costa Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • Premium — the golden mean between luxury and standard, exquisite interiors, comfort and luxury onboard, high-level service, excellent cuisine. Premium companies: Holland America Line, Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises.
  • Luxury — absolute magnificence, small liners, well-trained staff, ready to satisfy every client’s whim, impeccable service. Luxury Companies: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, Sea Dream Yacht Club.

Cabins on ships are also divided into several types.

The most general classification is:

  • economical (interior) — without a window, with artificial lighting;
  • standard (ocean view) — with windows;
  • premium (verandah) — with balconies.

The higher the class of the cabin, the higher its cost.

What to take with you on the cruise:

  • Documents — a passport with the necessary visas, a travel voucher, medical insurance;
  • watch to get back on the ship in time after walking around the city;
  • gadgets and chargers for them (by the way, the number of sockets in the cabin is limited);
  • first aid kit — medicines in the medical center on the ship are usually paid for and very expensive;
  • tanning products and cosmetics — the heat is not so strong at the seaside, and you may not notice how you are burnt;
  • thread with a needle and scissors;
  • foldable shopping bag if you plan on shopping;
  • a small backpack — it is convenient to put everything you need for walking around the city in it;
  • umbrella — the weather is unpredictable.

If you have travel sickness, take the necessary medicines with you! And choose a cabin in the middle of the ship and on the lower decks, as it shakes a lot more upstairs.

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