j&m cruise lines tours

Float The Day Away On This Canal Boat Tour In Ohio

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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We can all use a change of scenery from time to time — a fresh perspective and a new experience. Ohio is a beautiful state that’s easy to take for granted, which is why we recommend playing “tourist” in your hometown! In Toledo, J&M Cruise Lines offers a canal boat tour that does just that, inviting folks to climb aboard the Sandpiper for an unforgettable journey down the magnificent Maumee River.

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When was the last time you played tourist in your home state? This canal boat tour in Toledo, Ohio, is a delightful way to experience the Buckeye State with fresh eyes! For more information on available tours, visit J&M Cruise Lines .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Cruise Toledo's Coast

J&M Cruise Lines adds a new vessel and Lake Erie Islands route to its summer schedule.

Casting off a new adventure from Toledo, Ohio, J&M Cruise Lines is launching a 64-foot vessel, Glass City Pearl, that will carry guests on a two-hour tour to Put-in-Bay. “We started looking for a secondary vessel that could absorb the overflow of people wanting cruises during our busy season — there weren’t enough hours in the day for the Sandpiper,” says Paul Lis, owner of J&M Cruise Lines, speaking of the company’s flagship boat that holds 100 passengers. Glass City Pearl will hold 125, and includes a lower deck and second level seating area.

“Once we made the decision to add to our fleet, we wanted to make sure the new vessel we procured could make the trip out to Put-in-Bay,” Lis says. 

As a longtime Toledo resident, Lis says locals and visitors have been asking about a cruise to the Lake Erie Islands. J&M is planning an initial schedule of every other Saturday. Tentatively, the vessel will depart Toledo at 9:45 a.m., allow about five hours of time for guests to enjoy Put-in-Bay, then leave for home port at 7:15 p.m., arriving back in Toledo at about 9:45 p.m.  

The vessel will spend the remainder of its working hours on the Maumee River and Toledo Port for public and private cruises. “We will host musical dinner cruises, some Taco Tuesday cruises and lighthouse cruises to Turtle Island and out to the Toledo Harbor,” Lis says. The boat is also available for rental for celebrations and corporate events. 

Tickets are available through jmcruiselines.com .

Story: Kristen Hampshire 2022 July/August

• J&M Cruise Lines

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Popular tags.

• Kelleys Island
• Geneva-on-the-Lake
• Cedar Point
• Middle Bass Island
• Chautauqua Lake
• Bemus Point
• National Comedy Center
• Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
• Port Clinton
• African Safari Wildlife Park
• Port Stanley
• Peek'n Peak Resort
• Presque Isle
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Niagara Falls
• Lakeside Chautauqua

official tourism bureau

Ferry Service

J&M Cruise Lines

Come join us for “A DAY ON THE BAY” as J&M Cruise Lines begins their inaugural cruise that will depart from beautiful Downtown Toledo for South Bass Island, home of the famed village of Put-in-Bay (PIB). Come along for a full day of adventure as we travel across Lake Erie on the Glass City Pearl and arrive at one of the Lake's most famous islands for fun, food, spirits, and entertainment.

Round trip cost is $95 per person with the vessel departing Toledo at 9:45am arriving at approximately 12:15. The vessel will depart PIB at 7:15pm, returning to Toledo approximately at 9:45pm (check their website for up to date prices and times).

Jet Express Passenger Ferry

The Jet Express offers the fastest ferry service between Put-in-Bay, Port Clinton, Sandusky, Kelleys Island and Cedar Point. They will drop you off right in the heart of all of their locations, offer late-night trips exclusively, and offer hands-free luggage service. Safe and secure parking is available at their main Port Clinton location. Please visit jet-express.com for the ferry schedule, rates, packages, discounts, special excursions, and more!

Miller Ferry Boat Line

Miller Ferry operates the only passenger/vehicle ferries to the Lake Erie Island of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island). The ferry cruise is a picturesque, relaxing ride lasting less than 20 minutes. Miller Ferry offers the lowest fares (One way adult: $9, child 6-11 yrs: $1.50, 5 yrs. and under: free) and the most frequent trips, with ferries every half hour in the summer. They have five free parking areas, free passage for pets, convenient motorcycle and bicycle transportation, and ADA accessibility.

Visit MillerFerry.com for schedules, events, easy purchase packages, golf cart reservations, group discounts and to pre-purchase passenger ferry tickets.

Note: Miller Ferry also travels to Middle Bass Island

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Double the cruise credits, double the love

For a limited time only! Purchase Princess Plus® or Princess Premier® at least two days before you sail, between August 1 through December 1, 2024, and we’ll double your cruise credits and you’ll also move up through Princess Captain’s Circle® faster.

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Know your trip cost – By bundling Princess Plus/Premier with your fare, you will know what your full trip cost is and not have to worry about things you’ll cover later like drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.  

More Value  - These packages are different than the stand-alone Plus and Premier Beverage Packages because they include MORE like Wi-Fi, gratuities, casual dining, fitness classes, premium desserts and photo packages.

Get the Princess Plus or Premier Package Today and Double Your Cruise Credits!

Frequently asked questions.

For a limited time, guests who add the Princess Plus package or Princess Premier package to their cruise booking will have that cruise count twice towards loyalty level tier achievement in the Captain’s Circle loyalty program.

Guests sailing on any Princess cruise that departs between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 who add the Princess Plus package OR the Princess Premier package to their booking.  The Princess Plus or Princess Premier package must be added to the booking at least 2 days prior to embarkation day.  All guests, (this includes all U.S. and all non-U.S. resident guests) who meet these criteria are eligible.

ANY guest who purchases Princess Plus or Princess Premier package at least two days prior to sailing and who sails during the sailing time period (August 1 – December 1, 2024) qualifies and will have their cruise and # of days cruised count double towards their Captain’s Circle level achievement.

There is no promo code to enter.  Any booking that sets sail between August 1 and December 1, 2024 which has also added either a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to the booking at least 2 days prior to applicable embarkation date will automatically have their cruise credits doubled.  Cruise credits are how each Guest’s Captain’s Circle tier level is achieved.  Both cruises taken and cruise days count towards calculating a guest’s loyalty tier and both will be doubled for eligible guests.  A guest’s cruise credits will appear on their “My Princess” page, on the Captain’s Circle tab within a few days of completion of their cruise.

For reference, current Captain’s Circle Tiers are:

Example:  Guest is booked on a 7-night cruise that sails on August 1, 2024 and the guest adds Princess Plus to their booking.  That one cruise will count as 2 cruises and 14 cruise days towards their Captain’s Circle tier qualification.

Within 2-3 days after the completion of the cruise.

Cruise credits refer to the number of cruises that a guest has sailed with Princess and/or the number of days cruised with Princess and are used to determine the guest’s Captain’s Circle loyalty level. 

We value your loyalty and thank you for being a loyal Princess Guest.  While you are already at the highest level of Captain’s Circle, your cruise credits continue to be tallied (and celebrated such as being recognized as the most traveled guest at the Captain’s Circle party onboard).  All guests, including Elite-level guests, who meet the promotional criteria will have their cruise credits doubled. 

Yes!  (And smart choice!  Enjoy getting the most out of your cruise!)  Note that an email will be sent in mid-July to guests who already purchased Princess Plus or Princess Premier and who are sailing between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 to advise that they are automatically included in this offer.

Captain’s Circle is Princess’ loyalty program which provides loyal guests with increasingly more benefits and perks the more they sail with Princess.  For more details about the program, please visit: Princess.com/CaptainCircle

Princess Plus and Princess Premier are packages which include beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and many other benefits.  Both packages provide significant savings.  Click here for details on each .

Terms & Conditions

Loyalty Accelerator Terms:  The Loyalty Accelerator “Offer”  is only available to legal residents of US/DC, Australia, & Canada and allows a guest booking an eligible cruise with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to receive double cruise credits for such booking. To be eligible , guest must book on, or upgrade to, Princess Plus or Princess Premier package no later than 2 days prior to embarkation on a Princess Cruise departing between 8/1/2024 and 12/1/2024. Upon completing the eligible cruise, the eligible guest will receive the credits. Doubled credits shall be automatically deposited into guest’s Captain Circle account after completion of eligible cruise sailing. All Captain’s Circle™ and Princess Plus and Princess Premier terms and conditions apply (including that Captain’s Circle tier calculation and doubling only applies to cruise portion of the trip). Offers and their parts (if any) are not substitutable. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any errors, including technological or other errors. PCL may change or revoke Offer at any time.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s Daughter Suri Drops Last Name for High School Graduation

Suri cruise, katie holmes and her ex tom cruise’s 18-year-old daughter, was listed as “suri noelle” in her high school graduation pamphlet..

Katie Holmes  and Tom Cruise 's daughter has a new moniker. 

During her high school graduation, the former couples' daughter was listed among her fellow graduates without her father's surname, instead being referred to as " Suri Noelle " in photos of the pamphlet, published by Page Six . 

For the 18-year-old's special day on June 21, she wore a bright red cap and gown—complete with a stole emblazoned with "Vocals" and "Music." Under her regalia, Suri also sported a white spaghetti strap dress and a pair of kitten heels with a flower on the toe. As for Katie, she wore an all-beige getup complete with blue satin sandal heels, brown shades, and a pearl necklace. 

The mother-daughter duo hugged and posed for family photos outside of the United Palace Theatre in New York City, while also greeting other graduates and their families. 

Though Katie—who separated from Tom in 2012—has not confirmed where her daughter will be attending college in the fall, Suri did don a Carnegie Mellon sweatshirt in a TikTok shared by her classmate earlier this month.

And while Katie, 45, has yet to speak publicly of her daughter's future, she has noted how proud she is of her daughter before. 

"I'm very grateful to be a parent, to be her parent," the Dawson's Creek  alum told Glamour in April 2023. "She's an incredible person."

Meanwhile, Tom—who also shares kids Isabella , 31, and Connor , 29, with ex Nicole Kidman —was not seen celebrating with his daughter or ex June 21, but he did make his way through the crowd at Taylor Swift 's London Eras Tour show the following day. The 61-year-old, who is currently filming Mission Impossible 8 in England, exchanged friendship bracelets with fans and spent some time with Travis Kelce , Hugh Grant , Greta Gerwig and more stars in the "Karma" singer's VIP tent. 

Keep reading to see more celeb families celebrating graduations this year.

Ryder Fieri

There's a new graduate in Flavortown! Guy Fieri 's son big farewell to high school with a whopping 3.7 GPA, according to the Food Network star.

"Wow what a great high school career!!" he wrote in a June 9 Instagram post . "Love you son!"

Sophia Meloni

Christopher Meloni and wife Sherman Williams  celebrated their daughter's college graduation in June 2024, with Mariska Hargitay —who is Sophia's godmother—making an appearance at the party.

Liv Moore Freundlich

Julianne Moore and her husband Bart Freundlich watched their daughter graduate from Northwestern University in June 2024. Along for the commecement ceremony? Their older son Caleb Moore Freundlich , who graduated from Davidson College in 2020.

Christian Nassif & Colin Nassif

Adrienne Maloof and Dr. Paul Nassif 's twins proved that they didn't botch high school, graduating in June 2024.

"Overwhelmed with pride for my boys," the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum wrote on Instagram , "and excited for their future adventures."

Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel

Heidi Klum and ex Seal 's eldest son graduated from a Los Angeles prep school in June 2024.

"CONGRATULATIONS HENRY," the proud mom wrote on Instagram . "We are all sooo proud of you. You did it my beautiful boy. College here we come. SHINE BRIGHT."

Finn McDermott

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott 's son Finn graduated from elementary school in June 2024. 

"And, just like that I have a 5th grade graduate…," Tori shared on Instagram . "Finn Davey I’m so proud of you! Bye elementary school and hello middle school. I love you chat! Disclaimer to the haters : Dress code was shorts FYI bc they had student/teacher kickball aka sports day right b4."

Beau McDermott

But Finn isn't the only one in the family moving on up! Tori and Dean's youngest child Beau graduated from kindergarten that same month.

"Beau Beau is officially a 1st grader," Tori raved on Instagram . "So proud of this kid! My Baby."

Mabel Willis

Emma Heming Willis and Bruce Willis ' daugther Mabel graduated from elementary school in June 2024. 

Emma shared a photo of Tallulah Willis , Scout Willis and Demi Moore sporting Mabel masks on Instagram , writing, "Middle school! Here she comes!"

Justin Pippen

Scottie Pippen 's youngest son with ex Larsa Pippen received his high school diploma in May 2024.

"Proud dad moment!" NBA star captioned a family photo, which included his and Larsa's other kids Scotty Jr. , Preston and Sophia . "Congrats, son!"

Ella Stiller

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor ’s daughter graduated with a BFA in acting from The Juilliard School in New York City.

“I couldn’t be happier to be done or prouder to have survived or more grateful to my family for the unwavering support that got me there and through," the college grad wrote on Instagram May 25. "I have a degree in playing pretend!!! Yay!!!”

Isaac Rivera

Teen Mom alum Kailyn Lowry and ex Jo Rivera 's teen son Isaac graduated from middle school.

"so many things to celebrate this week!" Kailyn wrote on Instagram June 7 . "& still processing Isaac going to high school later this year."

Massai Zhivago Dorsey II

Nia Long and Massai Z. Dorsey 's oldest son received his degree from New York University.

"Oh my baby," the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress wrote on Instagram May 20. "I’m so proud of you! Let’s get it!"

Jennifer Gates

Jennifer Gates , the eldest daughter of Bill Gates and ex-wife Melinda French Gates , graduated from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Following her special day, the Microsoft founder shared a touching message to celebrate her achievement. 

"From pre-K to MD," Bill wrote in a May 15 Instagram post . "I'm so proud to officially call you Dr. Gates."

Emma Chamberlain

On May 31, the YouTuber—who left high school in 2017 to focus on her mental health and career as a full-time content creator— received her diploma from Notre Dame High School in Belmont, Calif.

Ivey Watson

Jamie Lynn Spears ' youngest daughter Ivey Watson , who she shares with husband Jamie Watson , graduated from kindergarten. The little one proudly held her diploma in front of her older sister Maddie Watson , who Jamie Lynn shares with ex Casey Aldridge .

Laird Stone

Sharon Stone celebrated her second son's high school graduation in May 2024.

Riley Burruss

Kandi Burruss ' daughter graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Music degree.

"My baby did it!" the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum wrote on Instagram May 15. "I'm a proud mama!"

Karma Bridges

Ludacris ' daughter graduated from Spelman College with a degree in Documentary Filmmaking in May 2024, according to Essence . The rapper said he was a " #prouddaddy " over her achievement. 

“I want to make movie and film content that helps shape and change the social and political landscape,” Karma said in a statement to the Ludacris Foundation. “Tell stories that are meaningful and thought provoking. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling due to its ability to heal, inspire, educate, create empathy, and ultimately catalyze positive change in the world.”

Avery Sehorn

Angie Harmon 's second daughter with ex Jason Sehorn received her high school diploma in June 2024, with the Rizzoli & Isles actress writing on Instagram, "We are all immensely proud of you Avery!"

"You have overcome & conquered & excelled to shine brightly with the stars," she caption a family photo, which included her other daughters Finley and Emery . "Remember to leave every place better than you found it & we are all so excited to see what God has planned for you!"

Jace Caussin

Jana Kramer 's son Jace—who she shares with ex Mike Caussin —said goodbye to Pre-K and celebrated the milestone at a mini prom.

Protect Your Trip »

9 cruise lines with the best food.

Set sail with one of these cruise lines for an epicurean adventure at sea.

Cruise Lines With the Best Food

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America Line's Tamarind restaurant offers delicious Pan-Asian cuisine.

Taking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

Luxury cruise lines

Mainstream cruise lines.

Find your perfect cruise

Oceania Cruises

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Courtesy of Viking

Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Mark Ashman | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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My family's been on over 30 cruises. I hate upcharges, but these 6 things are actually worth paying extra for.

• As a frequent cruiser , I'm selective about how much I spend on onboard extras.
• But some things, like comfort, cute coffees, and crafted cocktails, warrant a splurge.
• As a parent, I'm also willing to pay up for some "me time" while at sea.

Cruises are so back , and they're only predicted to get more popular.

The global cruise market , valued at $7.25 billion in 2021, is expected to grow about 11% from 2022 to 2028, according to Forbes.

One huge perk of this travel style is that it's pretty all-inclusive. Things like Broadway-style shows, multicourse meals, buffets, pool access, and onboard activities are built into the price of a typical sailing.

But ships also upsell and charge extra add-ons, upgrades, and perks. As a frequent cruiser who's sailed alone over 50 times and with family more than 30, I've increasingly become less likely to pay for these upcharges.

Instead, I save my hard-earned money for the upgrades that are actually worth it. Here are upcharges my family thinks are worth the splurge.

I tend to book a cheaper cabin category, but I'm willing to pay a premium to choose a quiet stateroom location

I rarely pay extra for a balcony room as I find that I don't use this feature enough to warrant the added cost. Instead, I opt for porthole-view rooms, which are generally less expensive.

But when selecting a room category during the booking process, I will pay more for a cabin located in an ideal spot on the ship.

Modern cruise vessels are huge, and I like a room that's centrally located on the ship , giving me easy access to everything I want to see and do. I'm also willing to pay a little more to select a cabin far away from elevators and loud entertainment venues.

After all, I need a good night's sleep to make the most of my days at sea.

Room service offers a level of convenience that makes the delivery fee palatable

One of the best things about cruising is the food, and thankfully, most ships have tons of eateries onboard that don't cost extra. However, room service often comes with an additional fee.

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Although I wish all cruise lines offered complimentary room service, it's so convenient I'm willing to pay extra for it — especially for an early breakfast or a snack after a long day of adventures.

I love bringing my son along, and paying for childcare allows me to make the most of my vacation

Cruise-ship kids' clubs are a great selling point for families, and access to them is almost always included in the cost of the trip.

However, the complimentary clubs are typically only open to potty-trained children. For younger kids, many cruise lines offer onboard nurseries for an added cost.

For my family, the nursery fees have proved well worth the investment. My son sailed on dozens of cruises as an infant and toddler, and these vacations produced some of my fondest travel memories.

By paying to use the onboard nursery, my husband and I were able to enjoy date nights and connect during our getaways.

I'm frugal when it comes to food, but I can't resist splurging on unique beverages

I'm not a fan of overpriced "all-inclusive" cruise drink packages , and I try to take advantage of included beverages like tea, juices, and enhanced water as much as possible.

Nonetheless, I'm happy to spend extra on premium cocktails, wine-tasting sessions with the onboard sommelier, and other unique drink experiences.

I'm a sucker for a concoction mixed up by a robot at Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar or a latte with my favorite cartoon pal etched on top as served in Disney Cruise Line 's Cove Café, and these liquid indulgencies often show up on my onboard cruise tab.

Onboard spa treatments get pricey, but the lush thermal suites are worth the added cost

Spa treatments can be far pricier at sea, so I'm particular about what I book.

I save basic treatments like massages and facials for when I'm back on land, where prices are more favorable, but I do try to book at least one day pass to the onboard thermal suite per cruise.

On many ships, these blissful retreats — which can have everything from heated loungers to aromatherapy showers — are a worthy investment for those seeking a quiet atmosphere.

They're the ideal spot to soak up some "me time."

As thrifty as I am, I never feel guilty blowing my budget on experiences in the cruise ports of call

By saving money at sea and not paying for unneeded extras, I can better allocate my vacation budget where it truly counts — in the cruise ports of call.

There's no shortage of memorable adventures to be found back on land: hiking in the Norwegian fjords, helicoptering to a glacier in Alaska, exploring Mayan ruins , and strolling through cobblestone streets in Italy

For my family, savoring authentic land-based experiences is our main priority, and I'm not afraid to spend a lot on these excursions.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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You won't be 'overcrowded by thousands of tourists': What to know about Montreal cruises

• Montreal is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province.
• The city offers a relatively quaint cruise experience.
• The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023.

I strolled beside patches of purple flowers on a wooden walkway at the Port of Montreal on a recent afternoon. The Promenade d'Iberville green roof, with western red cedar decking and more than 24,000 aromatic and flowering plants, was built on top of the city’s main cruise terminal.

The effect was less industrial infrastructure – like many ports – and more charming urban park.

Montreal may be the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, but it offers a relatively quaint cruise experience. Bridges between Montreal and Quebec City block vessels with air draft – the distance from the waterline to the highest point on a ship – over 49 meters (or about 161 feet) from berthing at its facilities in Old Montreal.

The ships that visit are generally smaller (though the city can accommodate those with a maximum 50-meter air draft east of the Jacques Cartier Bridge).

“We are positioning Montreal as a niche port for luxury ships,” Yves Gilson, Associate Director, Cruises at the Port of Montreal, told USA TODAY during a visit in May. Here’s what to know about sailings into and out of the city.

The cruise inventory tends to be upscale

Montreal typically welcomes ships carrying 2,000 passengers or less from a number of upscale cruise lines, which tend to operate ships with lower capacity. Those include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Viking, Ponant and more. Though not a luxury brand, one of the city’s “main client(s)” is Holland America Line, which will send its 1,432-guest Volendam ship there this season.

The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023. By contrast, its neighbor to the northeast, Quebec City, saw 154,000 passengers . Despite its smaller population, large ships from operators like Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line will visit Quebec City this season (along with smaller vessels).

Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, added that it’s not just ocean cruise ships that stop in Montreal. “There are river cruises that can get in and out of there as well,” he said.

Gilson noted that the city “could absorb” traffic from bigger ships if not for the bridges. “But on the other hand, the experience for the guest is marvelous because you know they will not be overcrowded by thousands of tourists,” he said.

You can hit the ground walking

The main cruise terminal is close to many of the city’s popular attractions. Old Montreal’s Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the Place d’Armes are less than a 10-minute walk away, and numerous restaurants, shops, and museums are also nearby. 

I grabbed a prosciutto sandwich at Italian grocery store Dispensa; ate on a bench outside; picked up a coffee at Cafecito and was able to be at the main terminal within 15 minutes or so on foot, while taking in views of the water and architectural landmarks like Habitat 67.

There are also multiple close bicycle rental and Metro stations, and waiting taxis (the port works with software platform, Véco Taxi, which gives priority to electric vehicles).

Gilson said more lines are offering overnight stays in Montreal, giving guests more time to explore.

When is the best time for a Montreal cruise?

Montreal’s cruise season begins in May and ends in October, hitting its peak during the last two months of that period. Feldman said fall foliage is a particular draw for passengers. 

Montreal often features on Canada and New England itineraries alongside ports such as Boston, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The port’s cruise calendar can be found by clicking here .

The sailings tend to last around 10 to 14 days. “The distances between the ports in this region can be significant and navigation through areas like the St. Lawrence River and around the Gulf of Maine take time,” he said. Passengers on those sailings are looking for a “more immersive experience.”

Would you spend $14,000 on a cruise?: Here's why these travelers splurged

“Longer itineraries allow for more time in each port and often include scenic cruising days,” he added.

Cruise ships have historically avoided the area when cold sets in, but that could soon change: Ponant’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot will offer sailings in St. Lawrence in the winter of 2025. While the ship will not visit Montreal due to its size – though it will stop in Quebec City – Gilson hopes it will mark a shift.

“And eventually we believe that all the cruise lines will get into the St. Lawrence during the winter,” he said. “So, it's gonna be an all-year-round cruise destination.”

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Tourisme Montréal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

New! Disney Cruise Line Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Itineraries

Pearl Castaway Club Members: Book Your Cruise Starting June 24, 2024

Prepare to be swept away on a family adventure at sea brimming with new discoveries. With so many destinations to explore—from the vibrant shores of The Bahamas and the Caribbean to the historic Yucatan Peninsula and the breathtaking Pacific Coast—Disney Cruise Line has the perfect cruise for you and yours. Choose to cross the Atlantic on an epic voyage or immerse yourself in the urban charm of Vancouver and the tropical beauty of Hawaii. Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, explore our new ports in New Zealand or cruise the South Pacific, either to or from Australia. And through fall 2025, don’t miss out on the holiday magic on board with a spooktacular Halloween on the High Seas or a holly jolly Very Merrytime cruise. Receiving numerous awards recognizing us as the top cruise line for families, Disney Cruise Line will take you on whichever itinerary you choose in style—with all the refined dining, legendary entertainment and award-winning attention to detail you’ve come to expect from us. And with our flexible, pay-over-time option, there’s no better time to start planning your best vacation ever. Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

Surrender to the swaying palm trees, blue-water bliss and endless sunshine of such dreamy locales as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Tortola and our very own private island Disney Castaway Cay on a 5- or 7-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, Florida. Or set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico on a 7-night island-hopping adventure to destinations that might include St. Kitts, Antigua, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Dominica and St. Lucia. Along the way, delight in live shows, action-packed kids clubs and themed restaurants and bars.

Cruises from Galveston, Texas

The Bahamas

Soak up the laid-back pleasures of island life on a 3-, 4-, 5-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or on a 7-night sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Your magical journey drops anchor in sun-kissed ports of call that may include a stop at Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. From stingray encounters, fly-fishing and parasailing to celebrating the arts and culture of The Bahamas, there’s something for everyone.

Westbound Transatlantic

Experience the maritime history of Southampton, England before taking off on an epic cross-continental voyage over the Atlantic Ocean to sunny Port Canaveral on a 13-night transatlantic voyage. Along the way, drop anchor in Vigo and La Coruña in Spain, as well as Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal. And with 9 luxurious days at sea, you’ll have ample time to fully enjoy all the magical offerings on board—from sparkling pools, engaging youth clubs and fireworks at sea to Broadway-style shows, world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments and more.

Panama Canal

Embark the ultimate adventure during a 14-night cruise through the Panama Canal, starting in Galveston and ending in San Diego. Along the way, drop anchor in Cartagena, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas to explore rich culture, delicious food and enchanting cobblestone streets. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and stories waiting to be told.

Baja California and Mexican Riviera

Cast off from sunny San Diego, California on a 3- or 4-night cruise with stops to Catalina Island and Ensenada, home to beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and a vibrant culture. Or delight in a 7-night cruise to such balmy locales as Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada in Mexico. While sailing the Pacific, enjoy a dazzling array of onboard entertainment, cuisine and amenities—including Character greetings, deck parties, live shows and kids clubs.

Pacific Coast

Delight in the sights and sounds of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia before setting sail on a fun-filled 4-night cruise to sunny San Diego, California. Voyage along the rugged Pacific Coast while enjoying magical days at sea, complete with spectacular deck parties, Broadway-style shows, themed dining, Character greetings, imaginative kids clubs and more.

Embark on a sun-splashed Hawaiian adventure aboard the Disney Wonder. Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver or Vancouver to Honolulu on a 10-night sailing with stops in Nawiliwili (Kaua’i), Kahului (Maui) and Hilo (Hawai’i’s Big Island). Marvel at waterfalls at Akaka Falls, explore the lush flora at Liliuokalani Gardens and soak up the sun and surf at Kanaha Beach Park. On board, enjoy fabulous days at sea with dazzling Broadway-style shows, immersive themed dining and fun activities for the whole family.

South Pacific

Bask in the enchantment of breathtaking sunsets at sea when you set out on a 15-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney or a 14-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. Sail across the international dateline and drop anchor in dazzling destinations, including Nouméa, New Caledonia; Suva, Fiji; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and the Hawaiian Islands. While at sea, you’ll have ample time to delight in all the magical offerings on board from award-winning entertainment and exciting deck parties to imaginative dining, Character encounters and more.

New Zealand and Australia

Disney Cruise Line is bringing enchantment and cherished Disney friends Down Under for a new season of 3-, 4-, 5- and 10-night cruises sailing from Auckland, New Zealand; and 3- and 5-night sailings from Sydney, Australia; and 3-night sailings from Melbourne, Australia. Depending on your itinerary, stops on New Zealand cruises may include Wellington, Christchurch, Fiordland National Park, Tauranga and Napier, and Australia sailings, Hobart and Eden. While on board, immerse yourself in the magic of Disney storytelling with favorite Characters, imaginative dining, spectacular entertainment and themed events throughout your sailing.

Adventures by Disney Escapes

Discover the perfect getaway when you add on a pre- or post-trip to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Create a lifetime of family memories when you travel with Disney-trained Adventure guides to beautiful Sydney, Australia or dazzling European cities like London, Rome or Barcelona on 3- or 4-day Escapes. Tour the Sydney Opera House, see London’s Crown Jewels, partake in Barcelona's flamenco artistry or explore Rome's iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and more.

Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

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The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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