The smart cruise blog
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Valentine’s Day cruise: Why Virgin Voyages is for lovers

A Valentine’s Day cruise offers the perfect escape to reconnect and celebrate your love, and no one sets the stage for romance quite like Virgin Voyages. This adults-only cruise line has completely reimagined sea travel, creating a sophisticated and playful atmosphere that is ideal for couples. From incredible dining experiences to uniquely vibrant entertainment, every detail is designed to make your voyage a memorable one. If you are looking to elevate your celebration, this is the ultimate romantic cruise experience, blending luxury, adventure, and pure, uninterrupted fun for two.
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Family cruise activities: Your guide to Royal Caribbean fun

Finding a vacation that thrills every member of the family can be a challenge, but Royal Caribbean has perfected the art of onboard excitement for all ages. Their ships are floating playgrounds packed with incredible family cruise activities, transforming your sea days into the highlight of the trip. From towering waterslides to dazzling shows, the options for Royal Caribbean family fun are practically endless. This guide will walk you through some of the best experiences that await, ensuring your next getaway is filled with laughter, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to explore a world where there’s truly something for everyone.
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Balcony cruise: Why your next trip demands a private view

Balcony views in Alaska A balcony cruise stateroom isn’t just a room upgrade; it’s a completely different way to experience your vacation. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the ocean, stepping outside to greet the day with a fresh sea breeze, and watching the world’s most stunning coastlines glide by from the comfort of your private sanctuary. While any cruise is an adventure, certain destinations are so visually spectacular that a balcony becomes an essential part of the journey. For these voyages, your stateroom transforms into a private viewing deck, offering unparalleled access to breathtaking scenery. These types of balcony cruises elevate your trip from great to absolutely unforgettable.
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Independence of the Seas: Cruises.com’s Ship of the Month

The Independence of the Seas stands as a beacon of adventure on the high seas, inviting you to explore incredible destinations while enjoying a world of excitement onboard. This incredible Royal Caribbean vessel is more than just a cruise ship; it’s a floating resort packed with activities, dining, and entertainment for every type of traveler. As a perfectly amplified ship, it has been updated with thrilling new features and guest favorites, ensuring your vacation is nothing short of spectacular. Prepare to set sail on a journey where the destination is just as amazing as the voyage itself.
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Azamara Forward: a new era of enhancements

Get ready to experience boutique cruising like never before. Azamara Forward is a visionary, $80 million investment set to completely transform the brand’s intimate fleet of ships. This ambitious project signals a new era for Azamara, promising to elevate the guest experience while staying true to its core philosophy of Destination Immersion.
The excitement surrounding Azamara Forward is palpable, with company President Dondra Ritzenthaler describing it as a “huge investment” that will propel the brand into the future. The project is designed to refresh and reimagine each vessel, blending classic, beautiful wood elements with a modern, ocean-inspired color palette. These widespread Azamara enhancements are not just a facelift; they represent a deep commitment to providing an unparalleled travel experience. Let’s explore the incredible transformations that await you on your next voyage.
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Cruise planning tips for our National Plan a Vacation Week Sale

It’s that time of year again! The National Plan a Vacation Week Sale is upon us, bringing with it a wave of incredible deals and the perfect excuse to book your next sea-bound adventure. Navigating these sales can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right strategy, you can lock in an unforgettable trip at an amazing value. These cruise planning tips are designed to help you make the most of this exciting opportunity. From leveraging rewards to snagging exclusive perks, we’ll guide you through securing the perfect getaway without the stress.
This guide provides essential cruise planning tips tailored specifically for the National Plan a Vacation Week Sale. We will explore how to maximize your savings with rewards points and uncover special offers from top cruise lines like Holland America, MSC, and Princess Crusies. Get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality by using these insider strategies. Let’s dive into how you can plan smartly and sail away on the vacation you’ve been waiting for.
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Norwegian Aura: Norwegian Cruise Line’s most innovative ship ever

The Norwegian Aura is poised to redefine ocean travel, and adventure awaits aboard this magnificent vessel. As the latest and most innovative new Norwegian ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Aura is set to make its grand debut in 2027, ushering in a new era of cruising. At an impressive 172,000 gross tons and stretching approximately 1,132 feet, this Prima Plus-class ship is not just the largest in NCL’s fleet by space; it’s a floating destination designed to thrill, relax, and inspire every guest who steps aboard. Prepare to explore a world of unparalleled amenities and breathtaking design on this new Norwegian ship.
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Royal Caribbean sea day: Hour-by-hour guide

Waking up in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight is one of the most liberating feelings in travel. A Royal Caribbean sea day is an opportunity to design your own schedule, balancing high-energy thrills with pure relaxation under the sun. With massive ships that function like floating cities, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. We have crafted a realistic, hour-by-hour itinerary to help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your time onboard. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a lounger by nature, this guide ensures your perfect sea day is packed with memorable moments from sunrise to late-night bites.
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Cruise rewards: Exciting new options for Cruises.com Rewards members

Vacation planning is thrilling, but getting more value out of your booking makes it even better. We are thrilled to introduce expanded options for redeeming your hard-earned points, giving you more flexibility than ever before. These new choices allow you to customize your travel experience, whether you want adventures ashore or convenient rides to the airport. By enhancing our program, we ensure that your loyalty translates into tangible benefits that improve every aspect of your journey. Let’s dive into the exciting details of these fresh opportunities to maximize your travel budget using your cruise rewards and cruise extras.
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Alaska excursions: Unforgettable shore adventures

Alaska is a land of untamed beauty, where towering mountains meet the sea and glaciers carve their way through ancient landscapes. To truly experience the majesty of the Last Frontier, you must venture off the ship and immerse yourself in the wild. Booking the right Alaska excursions transforms a great vacation into a life-changing journey filled with awe-inspiring moments. Whether you are seeking the adrenaline rush of a helicopter ride or the quiet serenity of a kayak trip, there is an adventure waiting for you. Let’s explore the incredible variety of shore excursions in Alaska that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
