3 Best International Cruises & Excursions

1. • International cruises provide great value for the money, according to respected travel website cruisecritic.com. (See References 1) Accommodations, food, transport and entertainment are all included in the price, which means cruising can often be cheaper than paying for comparable activities on land. Also, many cruises allow travelers to visit several foreign countries on one trip.

   Crystal Cruises

   • This luxury cruise line has two ocean liners: the Crystal Symphony and the award-winning Crystal Serenity, which has won several accolades from Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The two ships travel all year and there are numerous cruise packages to choose from. (See References 2) Destinations include cities and islands on the continents of Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa, in addition to North American and South American cities. Travelers may choose a cruise that lasts for 13 days and visits three or four destinations, or choose one that lasts for 110 days and sails around the world. The company's itineraries are fluid, so travelers should check the website for up-to-date information about which cruises are available during the time they wish to sail. Crystal Cruises offers enrichment activities on board, such as Berlitz language classes and piano lessons.

     Crystal Cruises

     2049 Century Park East

     Suite 1400

     Los Angeles, CA 90067

     310-785-9300

     crystalcruises.com

   Royal Caribbean International Cruises

   • This company boasts that there are "tons" of things to do on board en route to the international destinations. Each of its ships is equipped with a rock-climbing wall, a swimming pool, a casino, a full-service spa, a fitness center and an ice skating rink. There are several stores and restaurants, too. (See References 3) Although the company is named after the Caribbean, and does indeed frequent that part of the world, the ships also sail to destinations in Mexico, Europe and the Bahamas. Travelers should research cruise destinations on the company's website, because the itineraries change every year.

     Royal Caribbean International

     1050 Caribbean Way

     Miami, FL 33132

     305-539-6000

     royalcaribbean.com

   Cunard Cruises

   • This British company has been running luxury cruise ships for nearly 200 years. Its three ships, the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2, travel to a number of international destinations, including the Mediterranean, America and Canada, Europe and the Canary Islands. Travelers can choose between short trips or long voyages. All Cunard ships have enrichment programs to keep their guests entertained. For example, the company often invites former politicians or academics on board to host lectures on their area of expertise. Travelers should check Cunard's website for the most up-to-date information on current cruises.

     Carnival House

     100 Harbour Parade

     Southampton

     Hampshire

     SO15 1ST

     U.K.

     011-44-845-678-0013

     cunard.com

Posted in: Cruises and Ferries