Family-Friendly Excursions

This list includes a sample of the many family-friendly excursions available through Dream Vacations. Contact Travel, Tours & Cruises for more information.

Ages 7 and Under

Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale is a family-friendly seaside destination that is no longer considered spring break central. Head to the free beach just south of Las Olas Boulevard and north of the Sheraton, locally known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel. With plenty of shade, picnic tables, a playground and water sports rentals, you're set for the day. The best things in life are free!

Nassau, Bahamas: There's only one place in the world where you can embark on a journey to the mysterious lost city of Atlantis by way of stunning life exhibits. Watch the legend of Atlantis come to life as you embark on this guided tour through the paths and tunnels of the legendary lost city. If your cruise includes Nassau, Bahamas as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Discover Atlantis excursion. This excursion is exclusively for cruise guests and you must bring required id. Children under 4 years of age are admitted free of charge!

Freeport, Bahamas: Enjoy a full day of snorkeling, playing, and relaxing on a beautiful private beach in Freeport. Snorkel around a picturesque reef brimming with tropical fish, coral gardens, and other marine life, play a game of beach volleyball while getting a great tan or swim in the cool, sparkling, turquoise water, get on the big, yellow, banana boat, or relax with a long, leisurely walk along the white sandy beach. A full day of sun and fun! If your cruise includes Freeport, Bahamas as a port of call, contact us to schedule this All-Day Beach & Snorkel Tour.

Barbados: If you like snorkeling and swimming with fascinating sea turtles, The Black Pearl Party Cruise excursion is the perfect tour for families with children 4 and over. For the adventurous, there is a plank to "walk.” Lunch is provided. If your cruise includes Barbados as a port of call, contact us for information. Arrrrr Matey!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Tucked into the hilly terrain between St. Ann and St. Mary parishes, Irie Blue Hole, or Secret Falls, is a true swimmer's paradise and great for families with children 3 and over! Journey to this hidden gem and sink your toes into the beautiful, turquoise blue water or explore one of the many small underwater caves. If your cruise includes Ocho Rios, Jamaica as one of your ports of call, contact us to schedule the Blue Hole Adventure excursion.

Blue Hole Adventures

Colon Panama: "Saving one animal will not change the world, but the world will change for that one animal" is the motto of Safarick’s Zoologic. For the bird lover, the walk-through aviary is over 100 feet long with 26 bird species, including spectacled owls, yellow (green and red) fronted parrots, scarlet macaws, peacocks, and keel-billed toucans. Because you're enclosed with the birds in Panama's largest aviary, you have the unique opportunity to interact with the birds, unlike many typical zoos. The butterfly enclosure contains hundreds of spectacularly colored tropical butterflies living in their lush natural habitat. True to its name, the animal clinic features animals in varied stages of care, including some animals quarantined for observation, others rehabilitating injuries, and some who have returned to health but are deemed unable to adapt to the wild, thus remaining in care. This excursion also includes visiting a local beach resort. A delicious Caribbean meal and a non-alcoholic beverage are included. A vegetarian option is available. If your cruise includes Colon Panama as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Zoo and Beach Combo excursion.

St. Lucia: Take a winding road trip to Soufriere Volcano, also known as Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano. Kids will be awed by the bubbling mud and can stand directly underneath the Warm Mineral Falls. A snack and beverage is included. If your cruise includes St. Lucia as one of your ports of call, contact us to schedule a 6-hour Scenic Soufriere Tour that features the Soufriere Piton Waterfalls and “drive-in volcano”.

Soufriere Piton, St. Lucia

Grand Cayman: Escape the large cruise ship crowds on an exclusive snorkel adventure to Stingray City, a world-renowned snorkeling destination. You will be able to interact, feed, and swim with the beautiful and gentle stingrays! Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests must provide floatation vest for any children 4 and under. Beverages are provided. If your cruise includes Grand Cayman as a port of call, contact us to schedule Stingray City & One Snorkel Stop (Coral Gardens) excursion.

Cozumel, Mexico: See spectacular views of coral formations and an array of colorful fish in this snorkeling excursion. Coral reef decorated with dancing water plants and colorful fish bouncing around their playground is not to be missed in this fun excursion. Lunch and beverages are included. If your cruise includes Cozumel, Mexico as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Cozumel Shore Snorkel with Lunch excursion.

Puerto Chiapas, Mexican Riviera: This chocolate adventure is like no other excursion you will experience. The scent of chocolate hangs in the air as you learn all about the chocolate making process, visit a family of chocolate artisans, and even enjoy a delicious breakfast on your journey. You also visit the Izapa Archeological site before taking a guided city tour. A local breakfast featuring tamales, chocolate, and bread is included. If your cruise includes Puerto Chiapas in the Mexican Riviera as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Mayan Culture and Chocolate excursion. Ages 4 and under are free!

Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia: Experience the Australian rainforest in a fun, novel way. This family-friendly tour is a perfect way to stay cool in the hot tropics and is a great introduction to snorkeling before heading out to the reefs. Small children can journey down the river on a large river sled. If you love nature and the water then this is the perfect tour for you! A snack is provided. If your cruise includes Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Snorkeling in the Rainforest excursion.

Bay of Islands (Paihia): Located right in the heart of the Waiomio Valley, the Kawiti Caves are home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breathtaking rock formations, and lush green rainforest. Explore the world-famous Milky Way, a cavern filled with glow worms as far as the eye can see. Journey underground through networks of stalactites and stalagmites to hidden chambers like the Waiomio night sky, where the glow worms are so close you can almost touch them. Infants ages 3 and younger may attend the tour free of charge with advanced notice, provided that they sit on their parents' lap. A chocolate tasting is included. If your cruise includes the Bay of Islands as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Highlights and Glow Worm Caves excursion.

Ages 8-11

San Juan: Families with children six and older will enjoy a fun-filled day of snorkeling. Beginners are welcome. If your cruise includes San Juan as a port of call, contact us to schedule Snorkel Adventure.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Experience famous Dunn's River Falls in a small and exclusive group excursion, which is a welcome departure from the large cruise line groups. It is the Caribbean’s most popular attraction and an experience you won’t soon forget. If your cruise includes Ocho Rios, Jamaica as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Exclusive Dunn’s River Falls excursion.

Grand Cayman: An up-close-and-personal Dolphin Royal Swim takes you onto a platform in waist-deep water to meet these incredible creatures...and for them to meet you! Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum height is 4 feet tall. Guests must meet BOTH requirements. If your cruise includes Grand Cayman as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Dolphin Royal Swim & Turtle Farm excursion.

Swimming with the Dolphins in Grand Cayman

King’s Wharf, Bermuda: When it comes to snorkel tours in Bermuda, this small group, two-stop snorkel adventure leaves the others gasping for breath. If you snorkel over a coral reef, you'll view different types of coral that nature has sculptured over the years. You'll feel like you are visiting a tropical underwater paradise complemented by several species of colorful fish, sea fans, sea rods and brain coral. If your cruise includes King’s Wharf as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Best Bermuda Snorkel Adventure. This tour is very popular and space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Bermuda Snorkel Adventure

Akaroa, New Zealand: On this adventure, you will embark on a search for dolphins in their habitat of the harbor's sheltered waters. These very friendly and curious dolphins love interacting with people and can spend up to 45 minutes swimming around you. If you are lucky and they are feeling frisky they may even show you their acrobatics skills! Snack and beverages are included. If your cruise includes Akaroa, New Zealand, as a port of call contact us to schedule the Akaroa Harbor Swim with Dolphins excursion.

For Teens (12-17)

Puerto Rico: Older families with teens can enjoy a fun-filled day exploring the Puerto Rican countryside and rainforest on this ultra-exciting ATV excursion. Bottled water is included. If your cruise includes Puerto Rico as a port of call, contact us to schedule Countryside ATV Adventure excursion.

Freeport, Bahamas: Grand Bahama is one of the most perfect places on the planet to be introduced to the undersea world of scuba diving. With its clear waters and exceptional walls, this Grand Bahama Scuba Tour will truly take you to another world. If your cruise includes Freeport, Bahamas as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Intro to Scuba Diving excursion.

Belize: Experience a fun-filled day which includes zip lines, cave tubing and exploring the lush rainforest by water, which can include both calm and fast-moving water. Bottled water is included. If your cruise includes Belize as a port of call, contact us to schedule this Cave Tubing and Zip Line Combo excursion.

Cave Tubing in Belize

Cozumel, Mexico: The west coast of Cozumel is home to some incredible attractions. On this guided electric bike tour through the area, you'll get to experience some of Cozumel's top sights firsthand. Aside from electric biking, you'll also have the chance to snorkel and enjoy delicious local foods. If your cruise includes Cozumel, Mexico as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Cozumel Electric Bike Ride & Snorkel excursion.

Cozumel Electric Bike Ride

Dominica: This one-of-a-kind Dominica Champagne Reef Snorkel Tour will guarantee you've never snorkeled like this. Underwater geothermal springs vent gasses in the form of thousands of warm bubbles, giving you a feeling of swimming through a giant glass of champagne and the reef here is quite spectacular. Champagne is Dominica's premier diving and snorkeling site, and rates among the top five snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. A beverage is provided. If your cruise includes the beautiful island of Dominica as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Champagne Snorkel excursion.

Champagne Reef Snorkel Tour

St. Croix: St. Croix is a special place to seize the opportunity to explore tropical blue waters on this introductory scuba adventure. This St. Croix tour is the ideal way to experience underwater fantasies come to life. Safely take your experience to the next (underwater) level. The joy and freedom of the scuba experience here are unrivaled. Fresh fruit and water are provided. If your cruise includes the beautiful island of St. Croix as a port of call, contact us to schedule the Discover Scuba excursion.

Don’t Just Add Days … Add Memories and Cherish Them

For those seeking a vacation beyond just an ocean cruise, we’re proud to provide information about Celebrity Vacation Packages.  Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line and subsidiary of Royal Caribbean.  A step above the contemporary, premium cruise ships gives their passengers a glimpse of luxury at a more affordable rate.  Celebrity’s highly curated packages combine the very best of a breathtaking Celebrity cruise with an amazing land or river adventure, resulting in a more authentic, immersive vacation experience.  Spend a few days exploring the cobblestone streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s old town.  Live it up in one of the world’s most famous nightlife scenes of Miami’s South Beach, or enjoy a relaxing brunch at one of Fort Lauderdale’s many sidewalk cafés.  These new Celebrity City Stay Vacations don’t just give you more time in your embarkation city; they give more of everything.  Here are just a few of the many itineraries Celebrity offers.

Celebrity’s Caribbean

Beach at Curacao

Map of the Southern Caribbean

For every powder-soft, sandy beach and crystalline cove, there’s something surprising and exciting to be found in the Caribbean.  And with 33 destinations you’re sure to find it.  Cruises from 2 to 14 nights include overnight stays in Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Celebrity’s new port of call, New Orleans, Louisiana, which is also a Signature Event Sailing during Mardi Gras.  Maybe you’d like to spend three nights, pre-cruise in luxury accommodations while you check out the neon-lit scene that is South Beach?  Or, how about exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Town in San Juan, Puerto Rico?  No matter your interest, the Caribbean offers something for everyone.

The Best of Bermuda

While Bermuda possesses all of the signature attributes of a tropical paradise, its decidedly British flavor makes for an interesting contrast and a unique travel experience.  Famous for its talcum-soft, pink sand beaches, Bermuda offers a variety of activities to appeal to every interest.  Explore St. George, one of the first British towns in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  UNESCO World Heritage sites are historical places officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on the basis of having cultural, historical, scientific or some other form of significance, and they are legally protected by international treaties. 

The pink and turquoise beauty of one of Bermuda's Celebrated Beaches - Horseshoe Bay

Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard, once the base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic.  You will get to spend two full nights in the King’s Wharf, home of the Bermuda National Museum, arts & craft centers, terrific shopping and a host of cozy pubs and excellent restaurants.

The Northern Highlights

Autumn in New England

Rocky coastlines, hearty food, famous explorers, and equally famous battles define New England and eastern Canada.  But this region is also synonymous with charming small towns, a kaleidoscope of autumnal color, and some of the most iconic cities on the east coast of North America.  Francophiles will delight in spending the night in Quebec City on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.  Dive into Maine’s signature dish, fresh cold-water lobster.  In Boston, you can take one of many historical tours that introduce you to some of America’s most famous patriots and from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, you can visit the greatest symbol of American freedom, the Statute of Liberty, in New York harbor.

America’s Pearl

Oahu, with Diamond Head in the background

There are not many places in the world to rival the natural beauty of Hawai’i.  Surrounded by the vast Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands are simply in a class of their own.  Sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, or Honolulu, Oahu, Celebrity’s 10-night Hawaii cruises offer several days at sea, giving you plenty of time to experience all that your ship has to offer.  Their 11-night Hawai’i cruise departs from Honolulu, where you’ll overnight and have ample time to pay your respects at the moving USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.  In addition, each of these cruises offers an overnight in Lahaina, Maui, where you can stroll along one its most popular stretches of coastline – Kaanapali Beach.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Cruise Ships passing through the Panama Canal

Even after 100 years, people still marvel at the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal.  Here is your chance to do the same.  Celebrity offers five 15-night itineraries to ten destinations – both eastbound and westbound – via the Isthmus of Panama, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy all of the natural beauty along the way.  Before your cruise even begins, you can spend some time getting to know your embarkation ports of Miami or Fort Lauderdale by taking advantage of a City Stay Vacation package.  Spend 3 nights in luxury accommodations enjoying breakfast daily, escorted tours, restaurants, shopping districts, famous beaches and nightlife.

Salsa the Nights Away

Machu Picchu

With its soaring mountains, ancient sites, snaking rivers, and cosmopolitan cities, South America is a continent of diversity, both in its people and in its geography.  Offering 9 itineraries that visit 26 destinations, Celebrity will take you from crowds on Copacabana Beach in Brazil to the unrivaled beauty of the Chilean Lake District.  Take a catamaran ride from Ushuaia, Argentina, where you will see a penguin rookery.  Or, explore the ancient city of Machu Picchu – widely considered to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – high in the mountains of Peru.  Plus, Celebrity’s South America cruises offer 5 overnights, including the exciting city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a double overnight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during their Rio Carnival Signature Event Sailing.

Explore the Galapagos

Pink flamingos strolling along a Galapagos beach

For many, a trip to the Galapagos Islands qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Consequently, we want you to be completely focused on the Galapagos, and not on logistics or details.  Immerse yourself in these islands, absorbing everything there is to see, learn, and do while you are there.  With that in mind, Celebrity made your vacation all-inclusive, making your trip as convenient, relaxing, and memorable as possible.

You can extend your adventure by turning your trip to the Galapagos into an all-exclusive, 15-night South American experience. It begins with a 2-night pre-cruise tour of Ecuador’s mountaintop capital of Quito.  Then, it’s on to your 7-night cruise of the world-famous Galapagos Islands, where you will see plants and wildlife that exist only there.  When your cruise comes to an end, you will spend 6 nights in Peru, where you will visit its capital, Lima; the area known as The Sacred Valley, Cuzco; and one of the most mysterious, awe-inspiring places on Earth – the city in the clouds – Machu Picchu.

Go beyond the ordinary on a Celebrity cruise.  You will love it, no matter where it takes you.  Contact us at Travel, Tours &Cruises today to plan your dream vacation.

Chase Your Winter Blues Away in the Caribbean

While you are hibernating yet again in flannel pajamas, wondering why the calendar says it’s spring but the weather insists it is still winter…Now is the best time to think about pristine warm, glistening blue seas, sun-kissed beaches, emerald rain forests and resplendent tropical gardens bursting in showers of vibrant color, and palm trees swaying to the beat of reggae.   The Caribbean is waiting for you with warm, open arms.  All you have to do is pick your paradise.  

The Western Caribbean, nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, includes the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cozumel, Belize and the Greater Antilles. 

The Eastern Caribbean’s islands include Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands. 

The Southern Caribbean includes Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Gaudeloupe, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Anguilla.

I know I missed a lot of beautiful islands in this list, but they are there for you to discover on your own adventure.  Contact us when you are ready to leave the snow and ice behind.  

Prepare for Your Vacation

If you do not travel often, call your credit card company before leaving home. You don’t want them to become suspicious and put a protective hold on your card while you are trying to purchase souvenirs & gifts in foreign lands. Tell them where you will be and when so they know it is you doing the spending.

Make plenty of copies. Photocopy your IDs, passport & credit cards. Keep one set in your cabin safe and email scanned copies to yourself so that you can access at any time.

Purchase travel insurance.  You know even the best made plans don’t prevent unforeseen incidents from occurring.  Travel insurance covers what your medical insurance doesn’t when you cruise, or travel to a foreign country.

Call your medical insurance company before departing and find out exactly what is covered while you are away. More importantly, ask what documentation you would need to provide (from both the ship & port) for any reimbursements. Keep detailed notes for future reference if needed.

Don’t take an entire Caribbean guide book on a 7-day voyage. Photocopy only the pages that are relevant and then leave the bulk of the weight at home. Remember, most airlines are charging new fees for luggage, so reducing luggage weight is more important than ever.

Regardless of the class of cabin you book, it is always a possibility that there will be noise that might keep you awake at night. After all, you will be sleeping on board a massive, metal, floating mega-resort. You might hear wind, vibrations & rattling, loud neighbors, banging doors and possibly music from the disco. Ear plugs are a very useful item.  We usually only need one pair per person for the entire trip.

Purchase a pair of acupressure bands to help prevent sea sickness, and wear at least one at all times, even when the ship docks.  If you remove the band, you could forget to put it back on when the ship leaves, and you will not be able to eat for the rest of the evening.  I recall during our first cruise we went on an excursion on a glass-bottom boat and I did not take my band with me.  I barely missed embarrassment by adding pressure to my wrist, where the band would be.  Shower with one and then replace it with the dry band.  Wear it when you retire for the night, as sleeping doesn’t prevent seasickness.

Cruise ships operate on a cashless system, therefore, guests must use the form of identification, usually a card, given to them when they check in.  This device is for purchases, for entering your stateroom, and for identification when you disembark/embark at the ports of call.  You must take it with you everywhere you go, as you will be showing it for identification on and off the ship.  But you’ll certainly need some money for this trip, so be sure to get organized before you leave home and take as much money with you as you think you will spend. US Dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere in the Caribbean and Central America but beware of those hefty ATM fees both on board the ship and in foreign ports. 

Contact us today at Travel, Tours & Cruises to start planning your dream vacation.

Short Cruises for Newbies

Those of us who have been bitten by the cruise bug can’t say enough about how cruising is the most economical vacation you can take.  There are cruises available on every cruise line that will fall within anyone’s budget. 

That being said, there are still many more Americans who have not experienced the fun and excitement for one reason or another, for what they believe are justifiable reasons.  I’ve heard a few of those reasons …

• It’s too expensive to take a cruise. 
• I watched Titanic and am too afraid.
• I get seasick when I don’t see land.
• I can’t take that much time off from work.
• I would rather go to an all-inclusive resort.

It’s Too Expensive to Take a Cruise

There are cruise lines that cater to the more affluent, and their fares are priced accordingly.  However, the more affordable cruise lines have affordable rates and occasionally lower their prices in order to get their itineraries fully booked, but these rates change frequently.  You may see an itinerary you like one day and the price is right, but by the time you decide you want to book, the price may be higher, even if it is the next day.  That is the advantage of having a travel specialist research the best rates for you.

I Watched Titanic and am Too Afraid

I can understand that – I practically know the dialogue myself!  But, cruise lines are required to follow the Safety of Life at Sea Treaty, which was first adopted by the International Maritime Organization following the Titanic disaster in 1914.  They hold mandatory muster, or safety drills prior to the departure of every ship.  The timing of these drills changed since the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster.  Prior to that time, some cruise ships held their muster drills within 24 hours of departure.  It is mandatory for every passenger to attend these drills, as they are educated on the use of life vests and the escape routes from the ship.  Every passenger is assigned to a particular life boat.  These boats are fully enclosed and unsinkable.  Every cruise ship is equipped with enough of these lifeboats to hold every passenger and crew member.

I Get Seasick when I don’t See Land

I also have problems with motion sickness.  There are remedies available both on and off the ship.  You can get prepared for the journey by purchasing acupressure bands, like SeaBands, that are very effective.  I’ve seen other bands that are more decorative, like a bracelet, but are also more expensive.  I wear my wristbands 24/7, even on formal nights.  I’d rather be in trouble with the fashion police than be unbecomingly green.  The ship’s medical facility also has patches available for passengers.  These usually are worn behind the ear for the duration of the cruise.

I can’t take that much time off from work

Here’s where the subject of this Blog comes in.  There are cruises that won’t cramp your style.  Cruise Lines offer quick getaways where you can slip away a night or two on a weekend cruise.  We recommend this type of cruise to clients who have never cruised before and want to see what it is like without too much commitment.  These cruises are generally known as cruises to nowhere, since the ship does not sail to any port of call, especially if your departure port is further north.  If you depart from a more southern port such as Miami, you can book a three-day trip to the Bahamas and back.

I would rather go to an all-inclusive resort

An all-inclusive resort is a great place to vacation at, and we have many fantastic all-inclusive packages.  However, a cruise is also all-inclusive.  Everything is included in the price including Broadway-style entertainment, gourmet food (all you can eat) and room and board.  But there is something else that all-inclusive resorts can’t provide – exotic places to visit at every port.  At these places, especially in the Caribbean, you have the opportunity to shop at duty-free stores, where jewelry, watches, liquor, clothing and cigarettes are abundant.  You can sample the local cuisine, and it is authentic, not Americanized.  Tip:  Ask some of the crew members before you get off the ship where the best restaurants are.  They would know better than anyone.

I hope these explanations have settled your reasons for not wanting to cruise.  We can eliminate any further misgivings – just contact us at Travel, Tours & Cruises, and we will do the rest.

Travel Destinations

Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, a travel industry powerhouse.  We are proud to be a part of world’s leading cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company.

We match our customer’s needs and desires with the right destination.  It’s all about matching you with the right vacation. 

Which shore excursions should you to do at certain ports?  What place is better for shopping?  What is the best beach?

Climate weather considerations – when is the best time to travel to a particular destination?

Time Zones

When cruising internationally, the 24-hour clock is used.  International date line is in the Pacific.  Ships crossing the Date Line will actually gain or lose a day when they cross it.

Which countries follow daylight savings time, as it will affect the ship’s time and how long it will take to get to a destination.  This is most important when looking at trips to South America, Europe or Asia.

Ship time – some ships stay on the same time zone the entire cruise – even though they may go into different time zones, they may keep the same time throughout.  Others switch to the local time zone of the port they are visiting.

Weather considerations on Caribbean itineraries - 

Cruise itineraries are divided into seasons.  High season is typically around mid-December to mid-April.  Little rainfall, with temps in the low 70s to mid-80s.  crowds are typically larger during the high season.

Shoulder season – late spring and fall.  Some milder temps, especially in northern Caribbean, not much of a variance in the southern Caribbean.  Less busy time than during winter months and is a great value for cruising.

Low season – Typically right in middle of summer.  Rain is possible. Humidity and temps could be quite high.

Hurricane season – cheapest time to travel – June 1-November 30, although September and October are peak times for hurricanes.  Southern Caribbean has the least number of hurricanes (Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire) and are rarely affected because of their proximity to the equator.

Alaska – Summer season is the only available season to cruise in Alaska.

Shoulder season – May-Sept.  some snow and may be quite cold but you will see cheaper rates and may be a great time to see Alaska.

Mediterranean – summer is high season. Can get very hot.  It is when a lot of Europeans vacation and many close their shops during this time.  Shoulder season – spring and fall.  Can save a great deal on cruise and airfare. 

Baltic and British Isles.  Summer season when temps are very mild.  Late May early June through August and early September.

US – popular destination for adults is Los Vegas. 

Florida – Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and port Canaveral.  Of course, Orlando for family vacations.

Hawaii – land package or cruise.  Can take quite a while to get from west coast to Hawaii, unless you go with the option of a port departure from Honolulu and it is a 7-day cruise on Norwegian.

Alaska – cruise only, sometimes departing out of Vancouver or Seattle, or it might be a cruise tour package which includes not only the cruise but great spots where you can get off the ship and go into the mountains and see the wildlife.  An outdoor person’s dream vacation is a cruise tour in Alaska

Caribbean – most popular cruise itinerary.  A variety of itineraries starting at 3-4 days or 7-10+ days for longer cruises.  There is a cruise itinerary that will satisfy every person.

Mexico – may be part of cruise itinerary.  Land vacations all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas on west coast

Europe – major destination spot for all Americans.  Mediterranean cruise is sort of the gold standard, introductory cruise for so many people where you can see great ports such as Barcelona, Naples, Rome or Florence.  This is sort of a starter cruise for many people and a great way of getting an introduction to Europe.  These cruises go even further and you may even reach the Greek isles which include Athens or Mykonos or Santorini – possibly all the way over to Turkey. 

The fastest growing European cruise market is the Baltics, which is the northern part of Europe which almost always includes a stop in lovely St. Petersburg, Russia. 

When you talk about Europe, of course you will be talking about the fastest growing segment in the cruise industry - the river cruise market, which can take you down the rivers of the Rhine, Rhone or Danube, all great destinations and a chance to see a more intimate side of Europe.

The Caribbean

Three-day starter cruises usually are from Florida to the Bahamas.  You can’t really go any further than that in three days.   As you work your way south, you’ll see Cuba where the cruise industry is just starting to schedule itineraries.  Eastern Caribbean area includes ports of San Juan, St. Thomas, which is part of the US Virgin Islands.  Western Caribbean includes ports such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica.  Southern Caribbean, which is almost to the coast of Venezuela, South America, and can include stops such as Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire. 

When it is time to plan your next land or sea vacation, contact us at www.traveltourscruises.com.  We are a full-service travel agency.