oceania cruises alaska excursions

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you'll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years. It's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Luxury Tours
• Luxury Hotels
• Luxury Cruises

• Testimonials

5 Alaska Shore Excursions That Will Make You Book an Oceania Cruise Now

Alaska · About River or Ocean Cruises

Explore a Glacier on Foot and by Helicopter

Go crabbing in the bering sea, take tea, russian-style, kayak icy strait point, jetboat glacial lakes and rivers, start your trip, featured stories.

8 New Ships for 3 Sister Cruise Lines: Norwegian, Regent and Oceania

Get ready for a decade of vacations with ‘new ship smell!’ And get set to soon book your place on... learn more

Oceania Cruises Christens 1st New Ship in a Decade and Introduces new Wine, Spirits and Culinary Experiences

Oceania Cruises has officially welcomed the 1200-guest Oceania Vista in a glittering event in Malta. She’s the cruise line’s first... learn more

Cruise Ships: New, Improved, and Coming Soon

The latest designs, innovations, and features, in a sparkling white cruise ship gliding over the waves. If that’s not enough... learn more

Don't miss any Travel News or Limited Time Offers! Get our Email Newsletter

Sign up for our Travel Newsletter

Alaska Shore Excursions

• Cruise Passenger
• Not on a Cruise Ship

Select One or More:

• Holland America
• National Geographic
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Royal Caribbean
• Viking Cruises
• Selection Required
• All Destinations
• All Activities
• Alaska Railroad
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Animal and Wildlife
• ATV and Jeep
• Chicagof Island
• Chilkoot Trail
• Day Cruises and Boat
• Denali Star Train
• Dog Sledding
• Flightseeing
• Float Plane and Seaplane
• Glacier Bay
• Kayaking and Canoe
• Kid Friendly
• Northern Lights
• Sightseeing and City Tours
• Sitka National Historical Park
• Taiya River
• Talkeetna Train
• Tongass National Forest
• Turnagain Arm
• Whale Watching

Top Destinations

Juneau is the Capital city of Alaska and is surrounded by ocean, glaciers, ice fields, and mountains. The area is abundant with whales and other wildlife.

Skagway is a formerly lawless town that was once the start of the legendary Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike Goldrush.

Ketchikan is home to the famous Misty Fjords National Monument, which is a labyrinth of glacier carved mountains towering 3,000 feet high over canals.

Beautiful Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is surrounded by a maze of bays, islands, and waterways.

Icy Strait on Chicagof Island offers true wilderness for great wildlife viewing and adventures. Highlights of Icy Strait include bear viewing, salmon fishing, and whale watching.

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is known as The Gateway to Denali. Nearby mountains and wilderness provide access to the interior of Alaska.

Seward is a coastal town located about 125 miles south of Anchorage. It is home to the Kenai Fjords National Park which provides a great variety of tours!

Whittier is only accessible by ocean or through a 2 mile one-lane tunnel under Maynard mountain. This coastal Alaskan town is home to only 200 year-round residents!

Why Alaska Shore Excursions?

• Free Cancellation
• Secure Payments
• Best Price Guarantee
• On Time Return Guarantee
• Alaska Tour Experts
• Chat & Phone Support

Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

$661.00 / Person

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour

$146.00 / Person

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

$239.00 / Person

Icy Strait Premier Whale Watching Adventure

$180.00 / Person

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

$359.00 / Person

Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

$399.00 / Person

Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour

$375.00 / Person

Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour

$150.00 / Person

Recent Reviews

Stanatasia Clark, July, 2020

Miguel R, July, 2016

Kelly Hasty, July, 2016

Local Guides

18 Best Things to Do in Juneau

10 Best Things to Do in Skagway

12 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan

7 Best Things to Do Near Icy Strait Point

15 Best Things to Do in Anchorage

10 Best Things to Do at Denali National Park

10 Best Things to Do in Seward

10 Best Things to Do in Sitka

• Copyright 2024 Alaska Shore Excursions

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Oceania Cruises: FREE Air, Drinks, WiFi, Excurs...

Oceania Alaska cruises from $2,099*

Cruise Deals by Destination

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Oceania Cruises Alaska Cruises

One-of-a-kind ports will leave you in awe as you snap photos of the bears, salmon, glaciers and mountains during an Alaska cruise. You’ll be encouraged to learn the ways of an Alaskan resident in Ketchikan, including how to take care of the environment in the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. This option will bring out the outdoorsman in you as you see wildlife, including bears, killer whales and goats in Kodiak. Dog sledding in Skagway, jetboats in Glacier Bay—it’s all refreshing and adventurous on an Oceania Alaska cruise.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise with Oceania Cruises

Adventure is around every corner when you’re in Alaska with Oceania Cruises. Take in the full picture when you soar above the clouds in a floatplane or dog sled across Mendenhall Glacier.

• Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane (Ketchikan, Alaska) Take a floatplane into the backwoods of Alaska. From your vantage point in the sky you’ll see forested mountains, historic homesteads and beautiful lakes. When your plane lands you’ll head out to the forest. With a naturalist as your guide, you’ll head to a viewing platform that overlooks a salmon stream where black bears usually gather to catch the pink, chum and Coho salmon. Have your camera ready as you watch these bears fish for their dinner. From this vantage point you might also encounter bald eagles, mink and black-tailed deer.  

• Eye of the Wind Turbine Adventure (Vancouver, British Columbia) This trip will take you to the top of Grouse Mountain, a popular spot in Vancouver. Originally the mountain was popular among grouse hunters, and now with its cabins, restaurants and recreational facilities it’s were many come for a fun day outdoors. To get to the top you’ll take a tram, then a chairlift and then finally an elevator to the top of the 20-story turbine. From here you’ll enter a glass-enclosed pod for amazing views of the city.  

• Russian America, Raptor Center and Russian Dancers (Sitka, Alaska) Did you know that Alaska was once a Russian province? At the Sheldon Jackson Museum you’ll learn about Alaska’s history, from Eskimos to Russian colonization to becoming the 49th State in America. You’ll visit St. Michael’s Cathedral which contains Icon Artwork from the 16th century. This trip will also include a visit to the Sitka National Historical Park where the Battle of Alaska was waged. The site also has many totem poles and demonstrations on this art form. You might also spend some time at the Alaska Raptor Center where volunteers rescue and rehabilitate birds.  

• Butchart Gardens Floral Adventure (Victoria, British Columbia) Butchart Gardens has been delighting travelers since Jennie Butchart started work on the massive project in 1904. When you visit you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour and explore the various sites within the garden, including the Waterwheel Square, Sunken Garden and Italian Garden. After your visit you can take a little bit of the garden home with you by purchasing some seeds at the seed shop.  

• Fishing the Inside Passage (Wrangell, Alaska) Head out on a fishing boat with a licensed captain to enjoy 4 hours of fishing in the Pacific Ocean. During your day you could catch famous Alaskan salmon and halibut. Any catch you make can be processed and shipped to your home, so you can have a big feast to celebrate your trip.  

• Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter (Juneau, Alaska Enjoy an adventure-filled day that begins as you helicopter over the glaciers of southeast Alaska. Then you’ll land on Mendenhall Glacier at the dogsled camp. Here you’ll meet professional mushers and huskies and learn about the famous 1,000 mile Iditarod race. You’ll get to ride in a sled as these dogs take you to beautiful spots on the glacier. Then head back up in the helicopter for the ride back to the mainland.  

Top 10 Oceania Cruises Alaska Cruises

• Regatta 7 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Regatta 10 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Seward, Alaska (May 2024)
• Regatta 11 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024)
• Regatta 11 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Regatta 7 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Regatta 10 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Regatta 12 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Seattle, Washington (Aug 2024)
• Riviera 8 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Icy Strait, Alaska (May 2025)
• Riviera 7 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Icy Strait, Alaska (Jun 2025)
• Riviera 9 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jun 2025)

Oceania Cruises Alaska Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for an Alaska cruise with Oceania Cruises. Your Oceania Cruises Alaska cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seward, Alaska

The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Photo Gallery for Oceania Cruises Alaska Cruises

Flip through our photo gallery of Alaska cruising photos from Oceania Cruises. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on an Oceania Cruises Alaska cruise vacation.

Hubbard Glacier

Black bear catching salmon, Wrangell, Alaska

Floatplanes near Ketchikan, Alaska

Gondola Ride to Grouse Mountain Top, Vancouver

Dog Sled Excursion

Stairway in Butchart Gardens, Vancouver

View of Sitka town from Gavan Hill, Alaska

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Oceania Cruises

Please explain Oceania's excursion prices.

By mozfoz , February 24, 2023 in Oceania Cruises

Recommended Posts

Looking into the future and exploring the excursions offered in Cairo and other ports, there appears to be 3 different costs offered for each excursion. Could someone please explain the differences in the following example:

Medieval Cairo   (POS-003)

Also, what type excursions would be  included  in the " FREE - 6 Shore Excursions" O Life offe

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

• 1 yr mozfoz changed the title to Please explain Oceania's excursion prices.

The three prices are based on how many excursions you choose. The Unlimited package includes most excursions in each port with a few exceptions for exceptionally expensive one. You pay a discounted rate for those. The YWC package is based on how many ports you’ll visit. On our upcoming cruise there are about a dozen ports. The YWC package requires that we purchase 8 excursions. Then we get a 25% discount. The third price is for people who just want a few excursions so they pay the full price.

one benefit to the YWC is that if the excursion or port is cancelled you get a full refund. On our last TA about half of our 11 excursions were canceled, so we basically got the 25% discount for taking just a few excursions. I don’t believe that the Unlimited people were refunded.

The O Life  excursion  rules are explained under the t & C

"OLife Choice free shore excursions vary by voyage and exclude Oceania Select, Oceania Exclusive, Executive Collection, Food & Wine Trails, Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar, Go Local, Go Green, Beyond Blueprints and Culinary Discovery Tours. Voyages up to 9 days receive 4 free shore excursions; 10-13 days receive 6 free shore excursions; 14+ days receive 8 free shore excursions, except for a single traveler booked in a Solo category, and are at the per guest rate. If shore excursion amenity is selected, all excursions must be chosen at least 14 days prior to sailing"

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/legal/promotion-terms/

The Package excursions   YWC & Unlimited

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/shore-excursions

Flatbush Flyer

2 hours ago, mozfoz said: Looking into the future and exploring the excursions offered in Cairo and other ports, there appears to be 3 different costs offered for each excursion. Could someone please explain the differences in the following example:   Medieval Cairo   (POS-003) Tour Length:   Full-Day (Approximately 12 hours)    Tour Price  $259.00,  Your World, $194.25 , Unlimited $109.00   Also, what type excursions would be  included  in the " FREE - 6 Shore Excursions" O Life offe

Use the search feature here on CC to look for one or more of my several detailed sets of instructions (and strategies) for getting the most value from the combination of O Life excursions option and YWYW.  (Note that seldom is the Unlimited Passport worth the upfront cost.)

AMHuntFerry

5 hours ago, mozfoz said: Also, what type excursions would be  included  in the " FREE - 6 Shore Excursions" O Life offe

Use the rules that LHT28 references. I've found a pretty good rule-of-thumb to be is "N/A" is listed for the Unlimited option, then it probably qualifies for the O-Life perk (no guaranty this is always true though, so check).

Free excursions are typically limited to those with a regular price of $199 or less. If you only get one O-life perk, look at your free excursions and their cost compared with the OBC that is offered. Many times the OBC is significantly higher that the excursion costs, so you would get more bang for your buck with it.

19 minutes ago, DoulaAnn said: Free excursions are typically limited to those with a regular price of $199 or less. If you only get one O-life perk, look at your free excursions and their cost compared with the OBC that is offered. Many times the OBC is significantly higher that the excursion costs, so you would get more bang for your buck with it.

Ok...........Not sure your experience, but this is off base from what I've see over the years. The only time this would be correct is when the excursion you choose is less than $100. And anyone doing that doesn't really understand the system.  Any excursion over $100 and you're ahead of the game. 

This does not take into account the actual value of Oceania excursions and what you could purchase that excursion for elsewhere. 

Bottom line is taking the OBC is a dollar-for-dollar trade and with only a few rare exceptions is the best choice. You're better off taking cruise only if that's the route you want to go. 

If by "it" you were referring to excursions then disregard the post, but I assumed you were referring to OBC having more bang for your buck. 

39 minutes ago, DoulaAnn said: Free excursions are typically limited to those with a regular price of $199 or less. If you only get one O-life perk, look at your free excursions and their cost compared with the OBC that is offered. Many times the OBC is significantly higher that the excursion costs, so you would get more bang for your buck with it.

Actually, you get zero ($0.00) “bang for your buck” with O Life SBC. Do the math. The fare cost per cabin for that O Life SBC option (w/o air) is exactly the same cost as the Cruise Only option to which you add the dollar amount of the offered SBC per cabin. It’s a wash: you’re buying the SBC outright!

That said, I do agree that, in looking at O Life available tours, you should pick from among those allowable ones close to the $199 list price (thus approaching double the value of the SBC option. The other value of picking the tours option is that your selections will count towards the per person minimum number required on your itinerary for the YWYW 25% discount on paid tours you add.

2 hours ago, DoulaAnn said: Free excursions are typically limited to those with a regular price of $199 or less. If you only get one O-life perk, look at your free excursions and their cost compared with the OBC that is offered. Many times the OBC is significantly higher that the excursion costs, so you would get more bang for your buck with it.

as been discussed several times in the past

The OBC perk  you are paying for  the privilege of Oceania holding your money   & it becomes non refundable should you not use it  by the end of the cruise

If you want to make a prepayment & know you will use the  amount of the OBC  then take that option

You can do cruise only & just have any expenses put on your CC at the end of the cruise

Do the math & see if it works for your situation

Bear with me.  Say the OLife SBC is benefit is $400 pp, or 4 free excursions pp, or the basic drink package.  For that benefit, you pay an additional $400 pp above the cruise only fare.

So for SBC, you pay $400 for $400 in non-refundable SBC.. A convenience for some, but not a deal.

Or, you pay $400 for 4 excursions, for which you can chose 4 excursions with a value of up to $199 each, for a total of up to $796.  That seems to be a deal.

As for the drink package, only you can judge whether or not you drink enough at meals to justify it.  Some can and some can't.  You need to price that out according to you own drinking habits.

Make sure you understand  the O Life  perk

 Shore excursions  & SBC  are PER CABIN

House Select beverage package is PP

11 hours ago, 1985rz1 said: Bear with me.  Say the OLife SBC is benefit is $400 pp, or 4 free excursions pp, or the basic drink package.  For that benefit, you pay an additional $400 pp above the cruise only fare. ... Or, you pay $400 for 4 excursions, for which you can chose 4 excursions with a value of up to $199 each, for a total of up to $796.  That seems to be a deal. ....

You're failing to compare (1) other excursions offered at that port and (2) the price of the excursions offered by others, either similar or different. Given that in the many cases I've read here and elsewhere that you're seeing 100% or higher mark up by O for what appear to (me) often inferior excursions, hard to make any case that the excursions are saving you anything.

Done 20 nights on two ships (10 in 2021 and 10 in 2022) and we did all of our own excursions. I looked at the O excursion booklets for both cruises and didn't find a single excursion by O on either cruise that was preferable to what I was doing and their prices were outrageous.

11 hours ago, 1985rz1 said: ...Or, you pay $400 for 4 excursions, for which you can chose 4 excursions with a value of up to $199 each, for a total of up to $796.  That seems to be a deal. ...

And for a specific example of how MEDIOCRE O's offerings can be, Sirena docks at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on 11/26/22 a Saturday from 0900-1700. Per O's "Destination Services Shore Excursion Overview" that I'm reading from right now, O listed 23 excursions.

Puerto Plata has the ONLY cable car in the Caribbean. It goes to the top of a mountain where there is BOTH a national park & forest/jungle with scenic views AND a 1/2 replica of the Rio "Jesus" (donated by the Brazilian government in 1974).

NOT a single one of O's 23 excursions went to this place. We did. Set up our own excursion.

Experiencing the Cable Car 🚡 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 - Bing video

10 minutes ago, MEFIowa said: You're failing to compare (1) other excursions offered at that port and (2) the price of the excursions offered by others, either similar or different. Given that in the many cases I've read here and elsewhere that you're seeing 100% or higher mark up by O for what appear to (me) often inferior excursions, hard to make any case that the excursions are saving you anything.

That wasn't the point.  I was only giving an example of how to compare the various OLife options.  

Don’t read any more into it.

10 minutes ago, MEFIowa said: Done 20 nights on two ships (10 in 2021 and 10 in 2022) and we did all of our own excursions. I looked at the O excursion booklets for both cruises and didn't find a single excursion by O on either cruise that was preferable to what I was doing and their prices were outrageous.

4 minutes ago, MEFIowa said: And for a specific example of how MEDIOCRE O's offerings can be, Sirena docks at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on 11/26/22 a Saturday from 0900-1700. Per O's "Destination Services Shore Excursion Overview" that I'm reading from right now, O listed 23 excursions.   Puerto Plata has the ONLY cable car in the Caribbean. It goes to the top of a mountain where there is BOTH a national park & forest/jungle with scenic views AND a 1/2 replica of the Rio "Jesus" (donated by the Brazilian government in 1974).   NOT a single one of O's 23 excursions went to this place. We did. Set up our own excursion.   Experiencing the Cable Car 🚡 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 - Bing video

I know how to compare ship excursions with port options and have done both.

Both have been ranged in quality.

I chose what works for us.

10 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said: I know how to compare ship excursions with port options and have done both. Both have been ranged in quality. I chose what works for us.

Too bad too many aren't aware of their options or the serious mark up by O. That $199 O excursion that might be $75 if booked direct thru a provider. Or O missing the magnificent sites to see in or near a port. People just need to know they may be paying O $400 for $300 in actual excursions. Or missing out on better ones to begin with. There is little one can conclusively say about O's excursions ever being "a deal".

Hello!   People can do what they want but I gave up on ship's excursions decades ago. 

1.  Very costly compared to doing it on your on.  There are so many options. In addition, you can see and experience more than those on the ship tours.

2.  You don't have to listen to the tour guide (Often with a thick accent) rattle on and on with TMI.

3.  You are herded around with very little independence.  Forget about stopping where you would like to stop!

4.  You are on a crowded tour bus many of which have poor leg room.

5.  Almost without fail someone goes missing.

6.  It takes forever for everyone to get off the tour bus at the various stops. 

7.  There is always someone coughing and sneezing in the bus.

8.  There are almost always passengers with mobility issues who never should have been on the tour in the first place.  Don't get upset!  I am a slow walker myself these days.

No doubt others can add to my list. 

I do recognize many passengers are terrified of being on their own especially when the cruise lines emphasize with subtle hysteria that you will not be left stranded if you are late back to the ship when you are on an organized excursion.  The cruise lines want to scare you into taking one of their tours.  (Like you could be kidnapped and held for ransom if you are on your own.)  In the EXTREMELY unlikely event a passenger touring independently misses the ship no doubt they will have the attitude that it just the adventure of travel!! 

Deck Chair.

1 minute ago, deck chair said: Hello!   People can do what they want  

What works for one person may not work for others

Live & let live 😉

4 minutes ago, MEFIowa said: Too bad too many aren't aware of their options or the serious mark up by O. That $199 O excursion that might be $75 if booked direct thru a provider. Or O missing the magnificent sites to see in or near a port. People just need to know they may be paying O $400 for $300 in actual excursions. Or missing out on better ones to begin with. There is little one can conclusively say about O's excursions ever being "a deal".

IMO, a cable car ride and replica statue would hardly be “magnificent.”

In any case, your posts are not considering the value of “convenience” - particularly when it comes to the continuing Covid et al. situation of numerous itinerary modifications resulting in necessary tour changes, cancellations, etc.

Some of us O regulars do multiple long cruises per year. When you’re planning/managing tours for 50-100 port stops annually, DIY can get to be quite cumbersome. And your wholesale comment about the price difference is a tad exaggerated when you consider that those $199 O Life tours are only costing you $100 (in the O Life fare) on top of which you can get 25% off the cost of the non O Life tours you add to achieve the YWYW minimum for your cruise.

Please note that I am not saying that private tours cannot sometimes save you money nor am I saying that some of them may be better in quality. In fact, that’s why we do a mixture of ship and private tours based on a variety of factors.

What I am saying is that the bottom line cost in money, time and energy for cruise tour planning cannot eliminate the “convenience” factor - particularly right now in the world of tourism in general and cruising specifically.

We’re on Regatta right now (and will be until late March) and have already experienced several itinerary modifications that have DIY tour folks onboard scrambling to deal with their tour logistics (of course, already full ship tours mean little replacement options for them). And many of the islands we are visiting had “slim pickings” for worthwhile private boating activity tours to begin with (e.g., try and find a top notch catamaran/snorkel provider on Vanuatu when the ship arrival time has been changed to a later midday arrival).

All that said, when it comes to O Life, the tours perk option employing the right mix of O Life/YWYW selections provides convenience laden value at a reasonable bottom line price.

6 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said: IMO, a cable car ride and replica statue would hardly be “magnificent.”   In any case, your posts are not considering the value of “convenience” - particularly when it comes to the continuing Covid et al. situation of numerous itinerary modifications resulting in necessary tour changes, cancellations, etc. Some of us O regulars do multiple long cruises per year. When you’re planning/managing tours for 50-100 port stops annually, DIY can get to be quite cumbersome. And your wholesale comment about the price difference is a tad exaggerated when you consider that those $199 O Life tours are only costing you $100 (in the O Life fare) on top of which you can get 25% off the cost of the non O Life tours you add to achieve the YWYW minimum for your cruise.   Please note that I am not saying that private tours cannot sometimes save you money nor am I saying that some of them may be better in quality. In fact, that’s why we do a mixture of ship and private tours based on a variety of factors.   What I am saying is that the bottom line cost in money, time and energy for cruise tour planning cannot eliminate the “convenience” factor - particularly right now in the world of tourism in general and cruising specifically.   We’re on Regatta right now (and will be until late March) and have already experienced several itinerary modifications that have DIY tour folks onboard scrambling to deal with their tour logistics (of course, already full ship tours mean little replacement options for them). And many of the islands we are visiting had “slim pickings” for worthwhile private boating activity tours to begin with (e.g., try and find a top notch catamaran/snorkel provider on Vanuatu when the ship arrival time has been changed to a later midday arrival). All that said, when it comes to O Life, the tours perk option employing the right mix of O Life/YWYW selections provides convenience laden value at a reasonable bottom line price.      

Good post. Some people don't get that it has to be one or the other, there's room for both. Over the past 20 years or so we've always done some private tours, some ships tours and sometimes just walking around a port. 

The one thing we have rarely done is go to a beach and sit in the sun. Oddly enough on many cruise lines that's the number one thing many people are most interested in. To me that is a big waste of time and money. 

37 minutes ago, ORV said: Good post. Some people don't get that it has to be one or the other, there's room for both. Over the past 20 years or so we've always done some private tours, some ships tours and sometimes just walking around a port.  The one thing we have rarely done is go to a beach and sit in the sun. Oddly enough on many cruise lines that's the number one thing many people are most interested in. To me that is a big waste of time and money. 

Yes, and being cheap is not the only criteria on which to base one's decisions.

Fully in agreement about beaches and sitting in the sun.  After having a lot of "things" dug out of my face, that is the last thing I want to do at my age.  Also, agree about tours.  We do some private, some ship, and sometimes nothing, depending on where we are at the moment.

Where does one find the excursion "Unlimited" cost for a particular cruise, even one that is booked ?

48 minutes ago, alainciao said: Where does one find the excursion "Unlimited" cost for a particular cruise, even one that is booked ?

Sign into " MY ACCOUNT"  on O website  then Excursion tab  it should give you the price  there

If not ask your TA for the PDF file for excursions  for your sailing

19 hours ago, ORV said: Ok...........Not sure your experience, but this is off base from what I've see over the years. The only time this would be correct is when the excursion you choose is less than $100. And anyone doing that doesn't really understand the system.  Any excursion over $100 and you're ahead of the game.    This does not take into account the actual value of Oceania excursions and what you could purchase that excursion for elsewhere.    Bottom line is taking the OBC is a dollar-for-dollar trade and with only a few rare exceptions is the best choice. You're better off taking cruise only if that's the route you want to go.    If by "it" you were referring to excursions then disregard the post, but I assumed you were referring to OBC having more bang for your buck. 

You have a point there.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 17 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 01:14 AM

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:17 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

More From Forbes

9 bucket list luxury cruising destinations for 2024.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Hilltop houses and Greek Orthodox church dwarfed by cruise ship anchored offshore, Gialos (aka ... [+] Yialos), Symi (aka Simi), Rhodes, Dodecanese Islands, South Aegean, Greece, Europe.

Cruise vacations are a wonderful way to visit multiple destinations in one trip and unpack only once. And while cruises may not give people multiple days in each destination, it acts as a sampler for people to discover new places that they may possibly want to return to later.

Top Luxury Cruise Destinations

Knowing when to visit and what to explore can help people make the right decision for which to cruise take. The Caribbean and Mexico are the most common cruise destinations that people may think of, there are plenty of other bucket list destinations worth exploring. Here are some of the most popular among them and some of the latest news in the cruise industry .

1. Mediterranean

Villefranche-sur-mer on the French Riviera in summer

From Spain to Turkey and everywhere in between, these are highly popular sailings that can book up quickly. The best time to travel is during the summer months when the most ships are sailing in the Mediterranean, but prepare for hot weather. Many cruise lines move their ships to the Caribbean during the winter months.

The Spanish coastline, French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greek islands and Turkish ports are some of the highlight destinations on these routes. Among the busiest departure ports for these cruises are Athens, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona, and some travelers like to extend their cruise with a pre- or post-cruise stay in these cities. Taking a cruise here is a great way to visit many countries in one trip.

At The Heart Of The AI PC Battle Lies The NPU

Perfect storm sparks sudden bitcoin price crash under 60 000 as ethereum xrp and crypto brace for shock fed flip, helldivers 2 termicide backfires creates terminid supercolony.

Ilma will sail its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Among the new ships in the region for this year is Silversea’s Silver Ray, the second in the Nova class for the line. The new Sun Princess from Princess Cruises started sailing the Med this year. The second yacht in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is Ilma, which will start sailing in the Mediterranean later this year. Also new for the season is the National Geographic Day Tours sailings from Holland America that give travelers the change to sail with a National Geographic trained guide and explore ports with an expert.

MSC World Europa is the first Liquified Natural Gas-fueled ship in the company's fleet. The company ... [+] has a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions for its entire fleet.

MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa are two of the most popular ships to sail in the region. The European-based company is especially appealing for travelers because its ships board new passengers every day unlike other cruises that start and end on a particular date. This schedule flexibility means travelers can choose which ports where they want to embark. Its ships have numerous specialty restaurants, engaging theater shows and family-friendly pool areas.

Another cruise line, SeaDream, operates differently than other companies by arriving in busy ports in the afternoon when most other cruise passengers are reboarding their ships. SeaDream then stays until midnight, or sometimes overnight, to give travelers the chance to explore without “people pollution.”

2. Australia and New Zealand

The famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

These cruises showcase some of the top destinations down under. The best time to take a cruise is between December and February, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The weather can be quite warm, but it is an ideal time to see major cities like Sydney and Auckland, explore the Great Barrier Reef or the Kimberley region on the Australian west coast. For those that want to extend their trip, they can visit major tourist sights like Ayers Rock in the center of the country and wine country regions in both countries.

The Kimberley region in Australia is a new destination for Seabourn.

New for the season is Seabourn Pursuit, which will sail the Kimberley region, the first time Seabourn visits the region. To honor the new itinerary, the cruise line named the Western Kimberley traditional land owners, the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit . Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, part of the Abercrombie & Kent brand, will sail around both countries this spring.

Oceania Cruises is known for its overnight stays in cities in the South Pacific including Melbourne and Bali in Indonesia .

Snow melts slowly from the mountains as spring approaches at the end of May in south-central Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park and the Hubbard Glacier are top sights on an Alaska cruise sailing, which is best during the spring and summer months when the temperatures are not frigid. Sailings typically take place between April and October. Holland America is a leader in this part of the world, but many cruise lines send their ships here for the dramatic scenery. This is one of those ideal trips for a multi-generational trip.

Edge is one of the newest ships in the cruise line's fleet.

New for the season is Celebrity Edge, a dramatic ship with a cantilevered bar and restaurant known as the Magic Carpet and attached to the side of the ships and can be lowered closer to sea level for an up-close look at stunning glaciers. Among the top news for Alaska’s cruise ports is a new cruise terminal in the state capital, Juneau, and a new 28-day sailing from Holland America. Don’t miss the new seasonal drink “Killer Whale Pale Ale,” which Holland America is launching this year on its Alaska sailings.

4. Antarctica

Cruises sail through the Lemaire Channel

Cruises are the most common way to visit Antarctica, and there are all kinds of ships of varying sizes and price points. These are typically not cheap trips, but it is one of the most bucket list trips you can take. The cruise season in Antarctica is between November and February, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t be fooled though, it will still be cold.

These sailings give passengers the chance to set foot on this remote continent amid massive glaciers and snow-covered mountains. Bird spotting and thousands of penguins are just some of the animal life people will see. Many travelers like to take the Arctic plunge when they jump into the frigid water for a brief second.

Scenic Eclipse II has its own helicopter.

Atlas Ocean just christened two Polar ships that will sail from Patagonia to Antarctica. Seabourn Venture is an expedition ship that was christened in Antarctica and is a great way to enjoy nature without giving up luxury. Don’t miss Scenic Eclipse II, which is an elegant yacht that comes equipped with a helicopter for birds eye views and a submarine for fisheye photo opps.

5. Panama Canal

The Panama Canal has cruise and cargo ships passing through.

Going through the locks of the Panama Canal gives travelers an up-close experience of this architectural marvel. Between November and April, taking a cruise around Central America and passing through the canal is ideal since temperatures are not as hot and humid as the summer. Some cruise lines move their ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans when they change destinations for the season. A popular itinerary is Viking’s Classic Panama Canal Passage, which sails from Fort Lauderdale through the canal and visits Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama.

A pair of Star Clippers ships

If you’ve done the Panama Canal cruise, consider a Suez Canal sailing, which explores the Greek Islands before crossing the canal to visit ports in Egypt. Guests can take an excursion to visit the Pyramids, which is a highlight of this itinerary. Star Clippers takes its majestic sailing ships with tall white masts on these trips. If you want a true sailing experience, Star Clippers is a great option.

An aerial view of the fishing boats in Zanzibar

Taking a cruise to ports along Africa’s coastline is a great way to visit multiple places without worrying about getting difficult visas for each country or finding a comfortable place to say. There are many different itineraries including around the southern tip to ports of South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique. Others visit remote islands like Madagascar, Mauritius, Zanzibar and the Seychelles.

Azamara Quest visits the west coast of Africa.

The best time to visit is in the spring and fall as this means temperatures are not as hot as summer and also when cruise lines make these itineraries as they move ships to different regions. One of the most exciting (and quick to sell out) sailings is along parts of the west coast of the continent visiting places like the Bissagos Island chain, Sao Tome and Principe, Benin, Senegal and Gambia. Many travelers like to tack on a safari before or after their sailing.

Azamara Quest and Norwegian Sky are two of the most popular cruise ships that make these sailings. Azamara is known for its itineraries that remain in ports until late in the evening or even overnight giving travelers more time in each destination. For the 2025-2026 cruise season, Oceania Cruises will add new overnight stays in Mauritius, too.

Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam

Spotting the Northern Lights or sailing through panoramic fjords is often best experienced by ship. Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam sails through the Nordic countries during the summer months, the best time to visit the region since temperatures are not as cold. The newly launched Queen Anne from Cunard, which takes its first sailing in May, will sail around the British Islands and make its way to Norway to explore the fjords.

Hurtigruten Expeditions, a Norwegian company, operates its own series of sailings all along the coastline. The cruise line got its start here operating ferry ships bringing mail, supplies and other goods to remote parts of the country. Many of them also carry passengers that want to experience a smaller ship that visits different towns while also sailing through the fjords.

A Viking cruise ship sailing through the Norwegian fjords.

Another Nordic brand famous for its river and cruise ships is Viking, which operates its luxury ships carrying just under 1,000 passengers on signature itineraries like “Viking Homeland.” Viking Vela is one of the ships to make this journey, and Viking sailings are all-inclusive with drinks, all meals at specialty restaurants and excursions making it a great way to visit this region.

8. The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) are sunbathing in the last sunlight at the beach of ... [+] Espanola island, Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. This species of sea lion is endemic at the Galapagos islands; In the background one of the typical tourist yachts is visible. Wildlife shot.

Sailing between these Ecuadorian islands is beautiful for the bird watching and animal spotting from the region’s famous tortoises, iguanas and penguins. Cruise ships in this region are limited in size by regulations to preserve the marine environment. Hurtigruten Santa Cruz II is one of the larger ships that operates several itineraries in the archipelago.

Celebrity Flora is based in the Galapagos Islands.

Among the most luxurious ships sailing the islands is Celebrity Flora, a purpose-built ship for the Galapagos with cabanas on its top deck, a marine biology exploration center and beautiful cabins with electronically controlled windows that allow cabins to feel larger.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Top 10 cruises for Canadians in 2024

Which one is right for you? Well, that depends on your lifestyle preferences, available time, budget, and where you wish to go

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Article content

Canada is a country of cruisers according to Virtuoso’s 2024 Luxe Report, which gathers information from its network of travel advisors who arrange travel for a typically affluent clientele. Cruise sales in 2023 rose 48% above 2022, with the trend proceeding in 2024, said Una O’Leary, Canada GM for Virtuoso Travel. Highlighting adventure cruising as a top trend for Canadian travellers, the report notes Canadians are willing to travel great distances for dream experiences.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

• Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
• Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
• Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
• Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

As one who has reviewed cruise ships and myriad itineraries since 1990, the question I’m most often asked is: What is the best cruise?

Well, that depends on your lifestyle preferences, available time, budget, and where you wish to go. My choice of 2024’s best – or most desirable – cruise ships afloat are: Atlas World Voyager, Crystal’s Symphony and Serenity, Cunard’s Queen Anne arriving in May, Explora Journeys Explora I with Explora II arriving soon, Oceania Vista and sister Allura launching soon, Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, Seabourn’s Venture and Pursuit, and Silversea’s Silver Nova and Silver Ray launching soon.

As global horizons brim with exciting destinations, the newest itineraries beckon intrepid cruisers to view rarely-seen vistas and wildlife, experience awesome adventures, or immerse themselves in local culture. Here are ten itineraries sure to spark bragging rights.

1. Viking’s Paris & Heart of Normandy

This 8-day Seine River cruise loops from Paris to Rouen in Normandy, giving guests a glorious sense of the historic river that influenced French art, culture, cuisine, and history. Viking’s longships dock and overnight in the heart of the City of Light, in view of the Eiffel Tower, where elation bubbles over Olympic ceremonies.

Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear.

• There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Viking’s included excursions give an excellent view of Paris’ essential sites, plus a visit to Napoleon’s Chateau Malmaison. Stops along the Seine include medieval villages and dreamy Giverny for the house and gardens where Impressionist artist Claude Monet painted his cycle of water lilies. From the Gothic city of Rouen, guests visit the Normandy Beaches – marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024 – as well as Allies’ cemeteries, museums and historic sites. Optional excursions include visits to ancient Honfleur and Versailles Palace.

2. Cunard’s British Isles Festival Voyage

Cunard celebrates the new Queen Anne – the world’s most anticipated cruise ship, arriving in May 2024 – with a 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage that circumnavigates the British Isles from Southampton, England with calls at Ireland and Scotland.

Every port offers chances to experience active adventure and historic culture. From Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Trail. From Cobh, Blarney Castle and Cork sites. Sites include Isle of Sky, Orkney Isles and Glasgow’s best. Edinburgh options include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia. Along the way: golf heaven at St. Andrews, and plenty of Whiskey distilleries for Single Malt aficionados.

3. Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge

Silversea’s expedition cruises offer two ways to reach the White Continent. Fly the “ Antarctica bridge ” from Punta Arenas, Chile over Drake Passage to King George Island, Antarctica, to embark on Silver Endeavour.

Or cruise from Puerto Williams , Chile – the world’s southernmost populated town – across Drake Passage on a course that includes Falkland Islands and South Georgia en route to Antarctica. As Antarctica itineraries are guided by weather and ice conditions, trust the captain to navigate through ice and icebergs to calm bays and isles where you can safely kayak or take Zodiac rides to accessible landings.

Cruising Antarctica, you’re destined to be awestruck by the pristine beauty, thriving wildlife including whales, seals, and various penguin species. And if you brave a polar dip in frigid waters, you earn a lifetime of bragging rights.

4. Seabourn’s Beyond The North Cape

Seabourn high Arctic expedition including Svalbard Seabourn Venture’s 12-Day Svalbard – Beyond The North Cape takes guests on the ultimate Arctic adventure, starting north of the Arctic Circle in Tromso, Norway and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland. Norway’s coast and islands are rich in birdlife, wildlife, and dotted with fishing villages and places sacred to Norwegian heritage.

Thrills abound on kayak and Zodiac jaunts among icebergs and through scenic fiords, and exhilarating hikes over tundra landscapes thriving with small plants and flowers. The remote Svalbard archipelago is a unique haven for polar bears, as well as seals, walrus and humpback whales. If conditions allow at Longyearbyen, guests may join an optional submarine dive.

5. Regent Seven Seas’ Epicurean Spotlight

Seven Seas Grandeur’s 10-day Epicurean Spotlight voyage from Athens to Barcelona focuses on tantalizing gastronomies of countries fringing the Mediterranean Sea, with opportunities to meet celebrated chefs, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, visited famed wineries, learn culinary secrets, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From Piraeus, Greece (port for Athens) Seven Seas Grandeur calls at Bozcaada and Istanbul, Turkey; Taormina, Sicily; Sorrento for Capri, Italy; Civitavecchia to access Rome, Italy; Cannes and Marseille, France, before disembarkation in Barcelona.

6. Oceania Cruises’ Kiwi & Aussie Majesty

Oceania Regatta’s 15-day itinerary from Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia mingles active escapades through stunning nature and wildlife with indulgent culinary and wine experiences, while introducing guests to vibrant local cultures, both Aboriginal and modern.

This excellent itinerary offers excursions to New Zealand’s best sites within a time frame impossible by a land tour. From Auckland, it runs to Rotorua, Napier, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Bluff and cruising Milford Sound fiords before crossing the Tasman Sea to Australia for calls at Melbourne and Tasmania en route to Sydney.

7. Crystal Symphony’s Land of the Rising Sun

Crystal Symphony’s 11-day itinerary  from Hong Kong to Yokohama, port city for Tokyo, takes guests on an immersive journey through the history and delights of Asian culture, both ancient and modern.

Starting in Hong Kong, the voyage continues to Keelung, Taiwan en route to a comprehensive tour of Japan. Notable ports of call include tropical Miyako-Jima, Naha Okinawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, and Kobe, prior to overnighting in Yokohama for excursions to Tokyo.

8. Explora Journey’s Cinematic Shores and the Panama Canal 

Explora 1’s leisurely, 19-day itinerary from Los Angeles to Miami, called Journey from Cinematic Shores and the Panama Canal An Extended Journey takes guests on a superbly luxurious voyage to San Diego; Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas, Mazatland and Puerto Vallarta en route to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.

From there, guests visit Puntarena, Costa Rica before crossing the iconic Panama Canal. After stopping in Panama City, the cruise continues to Cartagena and Santa Marta Columbia before arriving in Miami.

9. Holland America Line’s Yukon + Denali

As Alaska celebrates its 65th anniversary of statehood, many lines offer special cruises. Holland America Line’s 14-day Yukon + Denali cruise on ms Kongingsdam offers the most exciting combo of sea and land experiences, with chances to view the Northern Lights. From Anchorage, guests overnight in Alaska’s Denali National Park before visiting Fairbanks.

After flying to Dawson City, Yukon for another overnight, they continue to Whitehorse, northern Canada’s largest city, then on to Skagway to embark on the Alaska route to see Glacier Bay and Ketchikan. The cruise continues through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, British Columbia.

10. Icon of the Seas’ Caribbean Adventure

The world’s biggest ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is a destination unto itself. Loaded with spectacular options for thrill-seekers and families with kids, Icon is conducive to intergenerational bonding, as grandparents can easily retreat to secluded, adult-only pools and lounges.

The Miami-based Icon sails year-round, seven-day Caribbean itineraries Eastern routes include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis. Western routes include Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel Mexico. Each itinerary includes a day at the line’s private island called Special Day at Coco Cay, where kid-free types can hide away at an adult-only pool and beach.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

B.C. Conservatives’ ’biological sex’ sports bill is quickly quashed in legislature

'nightmare': simple vancouver home reno soars to $1m, takes 8 years thanks to city rules, vaughn palmer: b.c. conservatives trip a trap they laid for b.c. united, jared padalecki, michael buble make cameos at metro vancouver hot spots, listen: recorded phone conversation shows gulf between surrey mayor and province in bitter police dispute.

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

7 of the best solo cruise lines for single passengers

Avoid hidden fees and higher prices with this range of cruise operators that cater to solo travellers, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Cruises are a well-trodden holiday option, offering the opportunity to explore various parts of the world while enjoying the comfort of a hotel on the seas.

These trips are popular with both families and couples, but they can be just as rewarding and enjoyable for solo travellers, giving you as much flexibility as you want along with opportunities to meet like-minded holidaymakers and see some of the world’s finest tourist destinations .

Daily activities will keep you entertained while onboard, while organised excursions or solo trips let you see a magnificent range of towns and cities at your leisure. Solo-specific events mean that meeting other travellers is as easy as sitting down to dinner, while you’ll have a comfortable solo cabin to come back to at the end of each day. Choose the right cruise and you’ll get all of this while avoiding the common ‘singles surcharge’.

If you’ve got the itch to book, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best cruise liners for single passengers below.

Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel operates river cruises around the world, with destinations as far as Egypt and Vietnam . Nevertheless, the focus is on European river cruises , with plenty of packages to the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro and Danube on offer. Packages include return flights, airport transfers and all meals onboard, with an extensive range of excursions and activities including guided tours and on-board folk music shows.

Read more on cruise travel :

• The best Northern Lights cruises
• The best river cruises around the world
• The best winter cruise holidays to book

European river cruises are the only option that Riviera offers for solo travellers, with seven routes that cover the continent’s main rivers. Prices include all the same features as a standard booking – such as excursions, onboard meals and Wi-Fi – but with spacious single occupancy cabins and welcome dinners to help you meet people. Solo bookings also include the ‘superior’ drinks package, which gives guests an extensive selection of alcoholic drinks available both at lunch and between 6pm and midnight. The Rhine and Moselle package is their most affordable, starting in Cologne and taking you to beautiful towns like Koblenz and Rudesheim.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers adult-only cruises packed with a huge range of activities, from morning yoga classes to evening cabaret. There are plenty of solo cabins – their inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, has 46 – and itineraries include solo meet-ups, activities and excursions with plenty of opportunities to meet other single travellers.

Packages include food, drink and activities as standard. With only four ships in the fleet, your choice of destination is slightly more limited, though you can still visit picturesque locations in Europe, the Caribbean , parts of Southern Asia and Australia. The Southeastern Caribbean Isles package will take you on a roundtrip from Puerto Rico, stopping in Guadeloupe, Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian was the first cruise company to build ships with cabins and lounge areas that were specifically for solo travellers, and there are now around 1,000 solo cabins across its ships. Solo travellers can choose from Oceanview rooms, inside rooms, rooms with a balcony and even studios, and they will have access to the Solo Lounge – a private lounge only for guests travelling alone – where various events and happy hours are held.

Normal packages include food and onboard activities, though several bookings let you choose to add extras – from shore excursions to speciality meals or a free bar – for a small added fee. Norwegian sail across a wide range of destinations too, from the British Isles and the Mediterranean to Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Tauck claims to have specialised in solo travel for over 90 years, and today this translates to special solo savings and no single supplement on European river cruises. Travellers looking to see the continent ‘solo style’ can benefit from savings of up to £750, and will enjoy more stylish, contemporary ships with fewer guests for an overall more luxurious experience. Trips cover Europe’s main waterways, and prices include all food, drink, activities and shore tours. Choose the Yuletide package between Brussels and Amsterdam for a festive experience at some of the best Christmas markets – and prettiest waterways – on the continent.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador is a new cruise line where trips begin in cities around the UK , including Liverpool , Belfast, Dundee and Bristol. Both Ambience and Ambition have 89 dedicated cabins set aside for solo travellers, available “at a special single supplement against the equivalent twin fare based on selected single cabin categories”. The operator journeys to a vast range of destinations considering there are only two ships in its fleet, with voyages going as far as Singapore , Brazil and New Zealand.

Ambassador’s cruises contain an extensive programme of activities for solo passengers, including a ‘Welcome Get Together’ and guided tours together with other solo travellers. Other onboard entertainment ranges from West End-style shows to comedy nights, with plenty of opportunities to meet others. If cruising during winter, visit Norway to see wondrous fjords and (possibly) the aurora borealis, with the Land of the Northern Lights package.

Oceania has made considerable investment in providing options for solo travellers, with its newest ship, Vista, containing six 270-square-foot solo cabins that include balconies, premium lounge access and a welcome bottle of champagne. It has fitted its older ships with 14 ‘Solo Staterooms’, all of which offer magnificent sea views.

Oceania voyages make it easy to meet like-minded travellers with solo meet-and-greet events, large mixed dining tables, mixed shore excursions and single-traveller activities such as art classes. Destinations range from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia to South Africa and the tropics, meaning solo travellers have opportunities to see a large portion of the world alone. Book the 14-day  Miami to Tenerife cruise  to experience Mediterranean charm and Caribbean beauty in late March. 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean say that they do not “have specific pricing for single occupancy” cabins, but that they do offer single cabins on some of their ships, including Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. These cruises “can be reserved by someone cruising alone without the usual single supplement fee”, and they cover an extensive range of destinations, from Europe to the Caribbean and Singapore to Australia.

Passengers can reserve inside studio staterooms, virtual balcony staterooms and super studio ocean view stateroom with balconies, giving them between 101 and 199 square feet of space. Everything else will be the same as usual, meaning you can enjoy the same benefits as every other guests without paying a premium. If departing from the UK, the only tours available take you around Europe; the most extensive is the Mediterranean Cities package, covering Seville, Sardinia, Rome , Lisbon and more.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

12 cheap fourth of july getaways.

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

Please Accept Our Apologies

Oceania Cruises' website is currently unavailable.

Please try again later, or phone our office at:

United States & Canada: 855.OCEANIA (855.623.2642)

United Kingdom: 0345 55 1920

Europe (except United Kingdom): +44 345 505 1920

Australia: 1300 355 200

New Zealand: 0800 625 691

Brazil: 55 11 32537203

Asia: +612 9224 6098

All Other Nations: +1 305 514 2300

• Enable Accessibility
• Deutsch Francias 日本語 Portuguese Espanol
• Connect With Us +1-855-623-2642 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) Special Offers Request a Brochure Request a Quote
• My Account / Reservation
• Forgot Password
• Create Account

• Find a Cruise
• Special Offers
• Specialty Cruises
• Curated by Condé Nast Traveler
• Request a Brochure
• Solo Traveler Experience
• Inclusive Air
• Request a Quote
• Cruise Destinations
• Find a Shore Excursion
• Explore Land Programs
• Tours, Land and Hotel Programs
• Tropics & Exotics Collection
• 2026 Around The World
• 2025 Collection
• 2025 Around The World
• 2024 Collection
• Explore our Ships
• Introducing Allura
• Wellness: Mind, Body and Soul
• The Finest Cuisine at Sea®
• Blog, Videos and Reviews
• Life On Board
• Amenities & Onboard Packages
• Oceania Club Benefits
• Concierge Level Veranda
• Travel Protection

Sitka, Alaska

• Port Overview
• Shore Excursions
• Land Programs

Called "Shee Atika" by the Tlingit Indians, then "New Archangel" by the Russians who ousted them, Sitka boasts a multicultural heritage. Two dozen of its attractions are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Castle Hill and Building 29, a structure built by the Russians in 1835. The Sheldon Jackson Museum exhibits one of Alaska's oldest native culture collections.