Cruising - The Willing Traveler

🌍 Where Is Your Favorite Place to Cruise? Or, Where Do You Dream of Cruising?

Or, if you haven’t had the opportunity yet — where do you dream of cruising?

I’ve been cruising since the early 1980s — yes, I know that dates me a bit! At the time, I was a young travel agent, and cruising was one of the best ways to experience multiple destinations in a single week. The industry looked very different back then: fewer ships, limited itineraries, and — my personal favorite — smaller vessels that offered a more intimate, personalized experience.

A New Way to Track Your Cruises

Recently, I came across a fantastic tool called The Cruise Globe — a free app that lets you log your cruise history, including ships, itineraries, and ports, all on an interactive global map. It even generates fun stats and a digital Cruise Passport to showcase your journeys.

Here’s a snapshot of mine:

What’s Missing?

The Cruise Globe app is still growing its historical database, so cruises prior to 2015 must be entered manually (I’ve done that for about a dozen of mine). Details from cruises before 2009 are admittedly a little fuzzy — I’ve forgotten a few ship names and exact dates — but the good news is: cruises from 2015 onward are fully searchable and simple to log.

It’s a great way to reflect on your past adventures and keep track of future ones.

My Top Three Itineraries

So, back to the question: What’s your favorite cruise destination? Or, what dream itinerary is still on your list?

Here are my personal top three:

Panama Canal – Completed in 2010 aboard the MS Zuiderdam, a 21-day journey from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale (with a few partial crossings since). A lovely mid-size ship offering a smooth and scenic passage.
Trans-Pacific – In 2018, I cruised from Yokohama, Japan to Vancouver via the Ring of Fire aboard the MS Volendam. In 2023, I took 30 days off work for a San Pedro–to–Auckland, New Zealand journey on the Majestic Princess.
- The Volendam (capacity: 1,432) and Majestic Princess (capacity: 3,580) were both excellent choices — different experiences, both memorable.
- While the larger ship required more planning (due to layout and size), both offered excellent amenities and never felt overly crowded.
Antarctica – Still on the bucket list! I’m actively saving for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Choosing the Right Cruise for You

If you’re considering your first (or next) cruise, here are some helpful tips to guide your decision:

1. Explore What Appeals to You

Pay attention to cruise ads, online reviews, and recommendations from friends who cruise frequently.

2. Know Your Preferred Atmosphere

Family-friendly with kids’ activities?
Party vibe with vibrant nightlife?
Relaxed, mature crowd?
Expedition-focused, with immersive, educational stops (e.g., Galápagos, Arctic)?
Consider how much walking is involved. Smaller ships may offer easier navigation for those with mobility challenges.

3. Set a Budget

Are you seeking an all-inclusive cruise (meals, tips, Wi-Fi), or do you prefer à la carte options?
Cabin type matters: interior, oceanview, or balcony.
- Pro tip: Mid-ship tends to have less motion.
- I personally love an aft-facing cabin for the peaceful view of the ship’s wake.

4. Plan Shore Excursions

Organized tours offer structure and peace of mind — but can be costly.
Independent exploring allows flexibility but comes with a risk (missed ship, anyone?).

5. Consider Sea Days vs. Port Days

Lots of ports = maximum sightseeing.
Sea days = time to relax, enjoy the ship, and recharge.
- Personally, I cherish sea days for unwinding at sea.
Most 7-day cruises include at least 1–2 sea days.

6. Dress Code Awareness

Most 7-day cruises include one or two formal nights. Dress codes vary, and alternative dining options often allow for more casual attire.

7. Ship Size

Mega ships (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class) host 5,000–7,000 passengers and offer endless activities.
Mid-size ships (1,000–3,000 guests) strike a balance between amenities and intimacy.

8. Accessibility and Mobility

We have access to companies that will provide scooters, wheelchairs, and other medical aids (e.g., oxygen concentrators). Please be sure to ask about this for the ship, what to do for air travel and for the hotel stay pre/post your cruise.
Mobility shouldn’t limit your travel — there are great resources to help.

Final Thoughts

Cruising is a remarkable way to explore the world — even if only briefly in each port. It gives you the chance to sample destinations and decide where you’d like to return for a longer stay.

Some of my favorite cruise lines include:

Princess
Holland America
Celebrity

I’ve also enjoyed sailings with NCL and Royal Caribbean, and I’m excited to try MSC, Azamara, and Silversea among others in the future. Each cruise line offers something unique — the key is identifying what you value most in a vacation.

I’d Love to Hear From You

Have you cruised before? If so, where’s your favorite destination, cruise line etc.?
If not, where do you dream of going?
And if you give The Cruise Globe app a try, let me know what you think!

Happy sailing!