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Holland America Line

Transferring a direct booking to a travel agent

By SempreMare , May 15, 2019 in Holland America Line

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Thanks for the detailed instructions. We learned about this process recently too. Also of note, I just took a pic of each filled out and signed form on my cell phone and emailed that to the mentioned email address. Worked fine.

RocketMan275

I just call my TA and tell her I have a cruise to transfer to here. I give her the booking number and she handles the rest. Sometimes I do get an email or call from HAL for verification.

Ummmmmmmm, being very judgemental here, but that seems like a very lazy TA...............

I call up my big box TA, they take the HAL booking confirmation, put me on hold for maybe 10 minutes, verify everything with me from itinerary to OBC, give me their confirmation number, send me an email with a detailed invoice, and we're done.

Obviously, I then must use the TA for future questions or changes, but that's fine with me. They keep detailed notes that make resolving issues pretty easy---like some missing OBC on a recent cruise. For an upcoming cruise, I did make my FlightEAse air reservation using the HAL website--and the fees appeared on my TA invoice immediately. My TA also required full payment 10-14 days earlier than HAL in order to avoid any issues. I get nice $$ perks from them and I find them easy to reach.

Wow.. that sounds like a huge hassle. I always book on board and then transfer to my TA. I just email her the booking number. She calls HAL and takes care of the transfer - and as RocketMan said, someone from HAL calls me to confirm that I'm transferring the booking to the agent. And that's that. I've never heard of all of what you described!

I think the process has changed. We too used to just call up the big box but now they need the form filled in first!

Cruise Raider

1 hour ago, bennybear said: I think the process has changed. We too used to just call up the big box but now they need the form filled in first!

This is my experience as well.

Can I ask the experienced HAL cruisers a question here related to transferring of a direct booking to a TA.

I booked with HAL earlier this week and now am looking into transferring this to a travel agency for some OBC or perks ... or whatever they may give me.

Does the agent down at HAL that booked it for me lose any commission if I transfer a booking? I asked her and she said, "well, you won't be able to deal directly with me anymore"....but I wasn't sure if that meant she was losing out on commission for her or not. Depending on what an agency can give me, I am apt to choose to transfer it. I just hate leaving money (or perks) on the table.

10 hours ago, RocketMan275 said: I just call my TA and tell her I have a cruise to transfer to here. I give her the booking number and she handles the rest. Sometimes I do get an email or call from HAL for verification.

When did you last do this?

2 hours ago, Moriah said: I just email her the booking number. She calls HAL and takes care of the transfer

When did you last do that @Moriah ?

2 hours ago, Moriah said: Wow.. that sounds like a huge hassle.

This sounds like a huge hassle? :

(or just use the one I attached to original post)

2) Fill it out and send to same address.

What I was told to do and described in original post - yes, a hassle with a 1 hour (non-trivial!) time cost

The 2-step simple way - no (if it works!)

I don't know if HAL makes a note that you called as part of the verification process.

I wonder why did HAL change the process? That would be an interesting question to know the answer to.

Maybe HAL switched to the signed form route because they experienced the cruise reservation version of Telco account slamming.

I'm not making this up - this is the process described by both my TA * and * the HAL agent who finally answered the World Cruise reservation desk agent who is responsible for booking transfers.

7 hours ago, SempreMare said: When did you last do that @Moriah ?

I did it in September— apparently things have changed. Still think it sounds like more of a hassle now, but it is what it is. I should be thanking you for the info instead of sounding like I thought you jumped through hoops unnecessarily. Sorry about that.

We too had to do phone gymnastics which ate up time but once we had the correct form it was just fill it out, sign it, and send it in. We got the email confirming within an hour. I did get a call asking why we were transfering, I guess quality control maki g sure our PCC was doing her job. I had no issues with her. We normally book with our HAL PCC but are trying a TA who was recommended to us this time. We shall see. She has been a peach so far. Our PCC has always been great but I have wanted to find a good TA who works for us for some time. Hoping it all goes smoothly.

Is there a time limit on transferring from PCC to a TA?

Leaving this Saturday on a 7-day from Montreal to Boston.

Also, have a 14-day Carribean cruise scheduled for this December which was booked 2-1/2 months ago.

Nice to get on-board credits and speciality dining!

Sixty days from booking is the new rule. I'd work on getting the Caribbean one transferred now as there has been grandfathering going on for cruises booked before the April implementation of the new rule--but who knows how long that will be allowed.

Thanks oceanmom. Will try.

When you transfer a booking to your big box TA, do you then get the perks (OBC, paid gratuities) and lower fare that the TA offers when you initially book with them?

I was just comparing a cruise on HAL's site with the big box site, and the fare was several hundred dollars higher on HAL, in addition to the perks offered at the TA site.

7 minutes ago, IPB4IGO said: When you transfer a booking to your big box TA, do you then get the perks (OBC, paid gratuities) and lower fare that the TA offers when you initially book with them?b I was just comparing a cruise on HAL's site with the big box site, and the fare was several hundred dollars higher on HAL, in addition to the perks offered at the TA site.

I just tried a booking on HAL and big box for the first time. You have to be careful as the big box fare was non-refundable deposit, but it was less than HAL, plus you got some additional OBC.

If you TRANSFER it is exactly the same as you had with HAL in terms of perks and deposit refundable or not, With ADDITIONAL OBC.

If you are booking directly they have access to both refundable and non refundable fares. So up to you what you choose.

3 hours ago, bennybear said: If you TRANSFER it is exactly the same as you had with HAL in terms of perks and deposit refundable or not, With ADDITIONAL OBC. If you are booking directly they have access to both refundable and non refundable fares. So up to you what you choose.

Good point - thanks for the correction. I was trying to say that when comparing prices, you have to be sure that you are not comparing a refundable with a non-refundable fare (very easy to do when using websites.)

Poulsbo Cruisers

I’m planning on transferring my booking to a big box store to get the OBC. The cruise is still more than a year away and flights on flight ease are not yet available. Will I be able to use the HAL website to find flights and book them if I have transferred my booking?

I just had my big box TA transfer my reservation in November...they did not require a firm. Guess I will have to keep an eye on this.

zentraveler

Can anyone describe why one would want to book with HAL and then transfer to a TA? I must be missing something and am just trying to get the hang of booking with HAL vs PCC vs TA (independent one) or one through large on-line consolidator. Leave in a month for first HAL cruise and only 4th at all.

Thanks for any info about this!

45 minutes ago, zentraveler said: Can anyone describe why one would want to book with HAL and then transfer to a TA?

I book either through my TA, or with an FCC on board, usually. But there have been times that I booked through HAL then transferred the booking to my TA. Those times have usually been because I saw a cruise I wanted AND the cabin I wanted was available. Rather than take time to contact my TA, give her a chance to see my e-mail and act on it, and risk losing the preferred cabin I just booked it myself. That way I got the cruise, MY cabin, and any and everything my TA had to offer. When I book with an FCC on board it's because I found a cruise I wanted to take, and I get the double OBC that way. I have the FCC assign it to my TA. Works out well.

23 minutes ago, RuthC said: I book either through my TA, or with an FCC on board, usually. But there have been times that I booked through HAL then transferred the booking to my TA. Those times have usually been because I saw a cruise I wanted AND the cabin I wanted was available. Rather than take time to contact my TA, give her a chance to see my e-mail and act on it, and risk losing the preferred cabin I just booked it myself. That way I got the cruise, MY cabin, and any and everything my TA had to offer. When I book with an FCC on board it's because I found a cruise I wanted to take, and I get the double OBC that way. I have the FCC assign it to my TA. Works out well.

FCC? So you get an OBC from HAL and another one from your TA? Clearly not experienced at this level of sophistication!

On 5/21/2019 at 6:44 PM, Poulsbo Cruisers said: I’m planning on transferring my booking to a big box store to get the OBC. The cruise is still more than a year away and flights on flight ease are not yet available. Will I be able to use the HAL website to find flights and book them if I have transferred my booking?

I currently have a cruise booked for September which I booked through my favorite TA. After booking the cruise, I used Flight Ease to book the air travel. Funny thing, I was also looking at booking a hotel room through HAL. The hotel I wanted was available but I decided I would check about booking the hotel directly. I came back to HAL and booked the flights. When I went to book the hotel room, the website, all of a sudden, said I had to call HAL. HAL said I couldn't book the hotel room using their website since I was using a TA. I could book the flights but not the hotel? Then, I pointed out that until I booked the flights, I could book the hotel but not after booking the flights???

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Holland America Line

Travel Agent or HAL Personal Cruise Consultant

By srndpte , May 26, 2023 in Holland America Line

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The rates are pretty much the same however you book. Some of the big agencies offer perks out of their own pocket but rates don’t really vary.

Florida_gal_50

You won’t get any discounts with a pcc but you will have control of your booking. I don’t like having to get others do things for me. If there are upsells they come directly to me and I can deal with them immediately.

5 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said: You won’t get any discounts with a pcc but you will have control of your booking. I don’t like having to get others do things for me. If there are upsells they come directly to me and I can deal with them immediately.

Do you mean you book direct yourself on HAL to help ensure you get upsells direct or do you mean you get them through direct via a PCC but not necessarily a TA?

Recently returned from a HAL voyage and a few days later, HAL put over $1300 credit onto our credit card. Why? Because we used a decent cruise agency that gave us so much On Board Credit (refundable) that we could not use it all on a 42 day cruise. Not only did that OBC cover all of our on board account, but the $1300+ that was remaining came back to us. If we had booked directly with HAL, we would not have had that money. I have no idea what "keeping control" means, but I do know the meaning of cash.

5 minutes ago, rodndonna said: Do you mean you book direct yourself on HAL to help ensure you get upsells direct or do you mean you get them through direct via a PCC but not necessarily a TA?

Not the person you are quoting but if you use a PCC/HAL the upsell offers come directly to you. If you use a TA they go to them and they then contact you. My TA is pretty proactive and usually reaches out before the offers if she knows I am interested in one.

I've priced both (TA & PCC) over the years and the big internet TA ALWAYS has the lower price.

Many times the fare is the same but the OBC is more w/the TA.

As far as getting upsells, that was a struggle with the TA prior to the recent unpleasantness/Covid, we now get them quickly via email.

The price difference is usually not that much but with us, every travel $$$ counts.

Also, I do prefer to use an "agent" for such an expensive purchase/contract.

5 hours ago, Mary229 said: The rates are pretty much the same however you book. Some of the big agencies offer perks out of their own pocket but rates don’t really vary.

I have found a good TA can get a lower price often...and when they can't, OBC always makes up for the difference.

My TA will typically be 10% cheaper that the HAL rate.

mightycruisequeen

In my experience, a good TA gives much better prices than PCCs, and the OBC from the TA is just icing on the cake.

I book with the big box warehouse club whose name starts with a “c”. We get back in the form of a gift card usable at their stores an amount equal to almost 10% of the cruise cost. A great deal if you regularly shop with them. They don’t pass on upsell opportunities with any regularity however if that’s important to you. I was able to book Club Orange and stateroom upgrade directly with Hal and also book air through flight ease directly.

Question for those using a TA or online agency - do you get a discount or OBC with them IF you are booking a casino deal (free or deeply discounted cabin)?

I received neither OBC or a further discount from a TA on a recent casino cruise. And when I booked a deeply discounted cruise recently for another itinerary, through HAL, I believe that the fine print specifically provided for no OBC's or further discounts.

2 hours ago, alyssamma said: I have found a good TA can get a lower price often...and when they can't, OBC always makes up for the difference. My TA will typically be 10% cheaper that the HAL rate.

I use an agent. The fares are carved in stone. As I said above there are other perks they can offer like kicking back commission or other perks. But the question was fares

4 minutes ago, Mary229 said: I use an agent. The fares are carved in stone. As I said above there are other perks they can offer like kicking back commission or other perks. But the question was fares

There is only one other potential factor with regards to fares which is currency rate offered (non-US bookings). Someone else posted on here on another thread, that they were unable to get the current very favourable Canadian currency conversion rate HAL was using with their TA, so they booked direct with HAL. Not sure how common it is for those who book non-US currency, but worth considering for non-US folks. The difference in conversion rate last week in that discussion in the vicinity of 5%.

alwaysfrantic

I have an online only travel agency. If I have a question I send an email and get an answer quickly. When I want to book dining, excursions, see itinerary, order gifts, I do that directly via the HAL website. I’m not sure what control of my booking another person mentioned means.

10 minutes ago, alwaysfrantic said: I have an online only travel agency. If I have a question I send an email and get an answer quickly. When I want to book dining, excursions, see itinerary, order gifts, I do that directly via the HAL website. I’m not sure what control of my booking another person mentioned means.

She means upsells, fare changes, payments and a few other incidentals that have to be managed by the agent.

3 hours ago, Hlitner said: Recently returned from a HAL voyage and a few days later, HAL put over $1300 credit onto our credit card. Why? Because we used a decent cruise agency that gave us so much On Board Credit (refundable) that we could not use it all on a 42 day cruise. Not only did that OBC cover all of our on board account, but the $1300+ that was remaining came back to us. If we had booked directly with HAL, we would not have had that money. I have no idea what "keeping control" means, but I do know the meaning of cash. Hank

Yes, control. So, if a problem arises, they can call HAL (or for that matter any other cruise line), and say "I have control of my booking, immediately fix the problem." Without control, they would have to call their TA who may very well do lots and lots of business with the cruise line, not just their booking, and have him or her advocate for them. Surely this "control" is worth a lot of money! 🤣 🤣 🤣

49 minutes ago, rodndonna said: There is only one other potential factor with regards to fares which is currency rate offered (non-US bookings). Someone else posted on here on another thread, that they were unable to get the current very favourable Canadian currency conversion rate HAL was using with their TA, so they booked direct with HAL. Not sure how common it is for those who book non-US currency, but worth considering for non-US folks. The difference in conversion rate last week in that discussion in the vicinity of 5%.

I normally book in Canadian dollars and my TA accommodates that as well as the special rates. She books in U.S. or Cdn which is as real plus for me.

4 minutes ago, kazu said: I normally book in Canadian dollars and my TA accommodates that as well as the special rates. She books in U.S. or Cdn which is as real plus for me.

I haven't checked with any Canadian TA's lately but is your TA giving you the current HAL rate at 77cents to the US dollar? It's a great deal based on the current exchange rate. The previous poster said their TA was unable to match that rate, but maybe some TA's will.

I was surprised as had I assumed that whatever exchange rate HAL used to price cruises into Canadian was then extended as Canadian pricing through TA's. Maybe they were booking a US based agent that also books in Canadian dollars?

1 hour ago, Mary229 said: I use an agent. The fares are carved in stone. As I said above there are other perks they can offer like kicking back commission or other perks. But the question was fares

The fares aren't carved in stone 😀

Like.i said, my TA is normally 10% less than HAL.

The fare they have to pay HAL is different that what I have to pay. Part of that difference they give in a fare reduction. Part they give in OBC.

4 hours ago, Hlitner said: Recently returned from a HAL voyage and a few days later, HAL put over $1300 credit onto our credit card. Why? Because we used a decent cruise agency that gave us so much On Board Credit (refundable) that we could not use it all on a 42 day cruise. Not only did that OBC cover all of our on board account, but the $1300+ that was remaining came back to us. If we had booked directly with HAL, we would not have had that money. I have no idea what "keeping control" means, but I do know the meaning of cash. Hank

Are you getting that same $1300 a seven day cruise? What are you struggling with for the control aspect? I thought it was straight forward. I’ve gotten very little obc using a ta. Zero for a price reduction.

1 hour ago, ontheweb said: Yes, control. So, if a problem arises, they can call HAL (or for that matter any other cruise line), and say "I have control of my booking, immediately fix the problem." Without control, they would have to call their TA who may very well do lots and lots of business with the cruise line, not just their booking, and have him or her advocate for them. Surely this "control" is worth a lot of money! 🤣 🤣 🤣

It has been very nice to have a huge agency go to bat for us on a couple of occasions. If I had booked directly I would have had nowhere near the clout. Not to mention the rebates.

1 hour ago, rodndonna said: I haven't checked with any Canadian TA's lately but is your TA giving you the current HAL rate at 77cents to the US dollar? It's a great deal based on the current exchange rate. The previous poster said their TA was unable to match that rate, but maybe some TA's will. I was surprised as had I assumed that whatever exchange rate HAL used to price cruises into Canadian was then extended as Canadian pricing through TA's. Maybe they were booking a US based agent that also books in Canadian dollars?

My TA is in the United States - books in U.S. or Canadian. Her Canadian rates are the same as HAL’s and she throws in some nice OBC. OBC works out well for me since I book in Canadian dollars and I get OBC in USD $ 😉

I completely agree with @bennybear having an advocate work on our behalf. It doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s nice having someone else with the clout her agency has helping. 🙂

1 hour ago, alyssamma said: The fares aren't carved in stone 😀 Like.i said, my TA is normally 10% less than HAL. The fare they have to pay HAL is different that what I have to pay. Part of that difference they give in a fare reduction. Part they give in OBC.

I am happy for you if you are still getting 10% fare reduction post pandemic. Prior to Covid, we always got a 10%, or thereabouts, but now it is in the form of OBC and/or post-cruise "checks." I keep hearing from one TA after another that HAL has forbidden the TA's from reducing HAL's fares. Don't know if that is accurate, but I do know that I am not getting the pre-pandemic fare reductions from our TA's.

5 hours ago, Hlitner said: Recently returned from a HAL voyage and a few days later, HAL put over $1300 credit onto our credit card. Why? Because we used a decent cruise agency that gave us so much On Board Credit (refundable) that we could not use it all on a 42 day cruise. Not only did that OBC cover all of our on board account, but the $1300+ that was remaining came back to us. If we had booked directly with HAL, we would not have had that money. I have no idea what "keeping control" means, but I do know the meaning of cash. Hank

I've thought more about this. On your thread about your cruise mostly in Japan on the Westerdam, you spoke of numerous overcharges for drinks and charges for excursions that should have already been paid for in your package. You had to go to the front desk or the excursion desk to get these straightened out. Now if you had booked directly without a TA, you would have had CONTROL. With CONTROL, all you would have had to do was stamp your feet and shout out I HAVE CONTROL, you then could have using your CONTROL, made all these overcharges disappear without having to do anything else.

Now do you understand the power of CONTROL! 🤦‍♂️ 🤣

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Holland America Cruise Line

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Holland America Line Updates Trade Training Course and Agent Benefits

Agents completing courses with HAL Academy will be placed into three different levels of distinction. Photo: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock.com.

Holland America Line Academy, the cruise line’s travel agent training program, is getting updated with new rewards for participants and a new specialist course.

Now, agents completing courses with HAL Academy will be placed into three different levels of distinction: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Placement depends on which courses the agent completes through the Academy.

For Silver, agents have to complete all four of HAL’s Core Courses; for Gold, agents need those four core courses plus two of the line’s specialist courses; and for Platinum, agents need to complete three total specialist courses.

All agents, no matter the level, will receive some rewards for completing their programs. HAL’s Silver agents will be entered into a monthly drawing two win a HAL swag bag and into another drawing for a grand prize of a seven-day cruise on the Nieuw Statendam in 2019.

Gold agents get the Silver benefits plus additional continuing education credits and an onboard welcome letter and personal call from the ship’s dining room manager.

Platinum agents receive all those benefits plus priority boarding when sailing.

New specialist course As part of the program’s upgrade, HAL has added a new specialist course called "Northern Europe: Its Iconic Cities, Hidden Gems and Scenic Beauty." The course, which HAL says takes about 20 minutes to complete, gives agents an inside look at Northern European ports and provides a set of downloadable e-tools to help market those sailings to their clients.

“Our senior director, Denella Ri’chard, along with content curator Dr. Marc Mancini, continue to develop educational programs that not only reward agents for their achievements, but empower them with knowledge and confidence to help them grow their premium cruise business in an interactive learning environment,” said Eva Jenner, vice president, sales, for Holland America Line.

The Northern Europe course is in addition to the latest specialist course recently launched by HAL, "Alaska and the Yukon: The Great Land = Great Sales for You."

Other courses include: "The Panama Canal and More, Selling and Sailing in the Mediterranean" and "Grand Voyages: Oceans Traveled, Journeys Savored, Dreams Fulfilled."

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9 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers [2024]

Updated : May 29, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMS

Table of contents.

Holland America Cruise Line
Silversea Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Azamara Cruise Line
Cunard Cruise Line
Viking River Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line
Oceania Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises

How To Avoid Single Supplements

Book your solo cruise with aaa.

With plenty of ways to mingle with other passengers (or enjoy some quality alone time), going on a cruise alone is the perfect getaway for solo and single travelers .

However, you’ll need to do your research before booking since cruising solo can get expensive. Some cruise lines charge single supplements, which means you'll pay extra when traveling alone and staying in a room that's usually meant for two people.

Luckily, as solo cruising has become more popular, certain cruise lines have started to cater to the needs of guests traveling alone and even offer cabins specifically designed for solo cruisers.

Read on to discover the best cruise lines for solo travelers.

1. Holland America Cruise Line

Single cabins: Yes

Solo travel perks: Single Partners Program

AAA Member Benefit:

$50 onboard spending credit per person

AAA Vacations ® Benefit:

50 Denali Dollars per person on Alaska cruises for Verandah staterooms and above

Known for having some of the best customer service in the industry, it should come as no surprise that Holland America Line is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience to solo travelers onboard their fleet of ships.

The line’s newest ships—Rotterdam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam—have 12 single staterooms perfect for solo travelers. Each of these rooms is approximately 127-172 square feet and equipped with full-size and modern amenities. Plus, every single cabin boasts an ocean view, so you can enjoy the scenery during your voyage.

Holland America Line also does a great job at creating an atmosphere of camaraderie on their ships. The Single Partners Program, offered on most voyages, puts on activities, cocktail parties and mixers for singles and solo travelers to mingle during the cruise. Whether you enjoy exercise classes, wine tastings or trivia, you’re sure to meet other travelers with similar interests through this program.

2. Silversea Cruise Line

Single cabins: No

Solo travel perks : Low single supplements

AAA Member Benefit:

Up to $300 per person in onboard credit on select voyages

Smaller cruise lines are great for solo travelers since you’ll see familiar faces throughout your journey, which can make it easier to strike up conversations and form connections with fellow travelers.

One of the best small cruise lines for solo travelers is Silversea Cruise Line. While they don’t offer single cabins, they have extremely low single supplements of just 25 percent on certain voyages. For reference, most cruise lines have single supplements that are 50 percent to 100 percent of the fare, so Silversea’s rate is very affordable in comparison.

At the beginning of your voyage, there will be a champagne Welcome Reception which serves as the perfect opportunity to mingle with other solo travelers. During certain journeys, Gentlemen Hosts will be available aboard to welcome solo guests.

3. Royal Caribbean

Solo travel perks : Solo traveler meet-ups

Free 8x10 photo per stateroom on 7+ night balcony or suite bookings

AAA Vacations® Benefit :

Complimentary sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries
$25 onboard spending credit per stateroom for six nights or less voyages
$50 onboard spending credit per stateroom for 7-10 night voyages
$100 onboard spending credit per stateroom for 11+ night voyages

Royal Caribbean offers studio staterooms on certain ships that are perfect for solo travelers and adult cruisers . When you book one of these rooms, you can avoid paying the typical single supplement fee. These rooms range from 101 square feet to 199 square feet, and you can choose from an inside stateroom, a virtual balcony stateroom or an ocean-view stateroom with a balcony.

Studio staterooms are available on the following ships in their fleet:

Anthem of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas

Once onboard, Royal Caribbean offers a ton of on-board activities, shows and dining experiences that make it ideal for solo travelers. Plus, they often have meet-ups for solo travelers looking to make friends while onboard.

4. Azamara Cruise Line

Single cabins : No

Solo travel perks : Special rates as low as 25-50% off stateroom fares and gatherings for solo travelers

AAA Member Benefit :

$150 per stateroom onboard credit on select Club Ocean View or above sailings.
Onboard spending credit of $200 per stateroom

Azamara Cruise Line operates a fleet of mid-sized ships that journey to destinations all over the world. The cruise line is known for its Destination Immersion® experiences that feature intimate ships, access to smaller ports that other cruise ships can’t visit and longer stays at ports.

Azamara provides special rates for solo travelers as low as 25-50 percent off stateroom fares. Additionally, they offer thoughtfully created activities and gatherings for solo travelers to socialize with each other onboard.

5. Cunard Cruise Line

Solo travel perks : Group dining, coffee chats and cocktail parties for solo travelers

Onboard credit for all voyages that are 7 nights and longer

Cunard is among the best luxury cruise lines , and it’s a great option for solo travelers looking for upscale service, socialization opportunities and elegant staterooms. The cruise line offers single staterooms aboard their Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth ships. During your time aboard, you’ll enjoy 24-hour room service, luxury toiletries and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.

The cruise line is also known for its delicious culinary options and for going out of the way to ensure solo travelers have an enjoyable dining experience. While you can always choose to dine solo, they also provide the option to dine with fellow travelers at a shared table. Solo travelers can also attend coffee chats and cocktail parties to socialize with other guests.

6. Viking River Cruises

Solo travel perks : Special solo traveler fares

$100 per person shipboard credit for cruises 8-11 days
$200 per person shipboard credit for cruises 12+ days

If you’re looking to embark on a solo river cruise in Europe , look no further than Viking River Cruises. The cruise line is known for its immersive journeys sailing through the world’s greatest rivers while offering world-class accommodation, incredible customer service and unique cultural events along the way.

While Viking doesn’t have single cabins, they will occasionally offer special solo traveler fares. Plus, you can check for other discounts available for the cruises you’re interested in to save money on your travels.

7. Seabourn Cruise Line

Solo travel perks : Special offers for solo travelers on select voyages

Singles receive $150 per suite onboarding spending credit on select sailings

AAA Vacations® Benefit:

$200 per suite onboard spending credit on select sailings

Prefer to feel like you're on a private yacht instead of a cruise ship? The small-ship cruise line, Seabourn provides an intimate experience complete with personalized service, optional shore excursions and entertainment options.

The cruise line offers a discounted single supplement, beginning at just 10% more than current fares for certain voyages and suite categories. The discount is available for cruises to Alaska , Greece, Iceland, Greenland and more.

8. Oceania Cruise Line

Single cabins : Yes

Solo travel perks : Social events and group dining tables

$100 per person onboard spending credit on select sailings
Complimentary pre-paid gratuities
Free group wine tasting with a sommelier

From friendly crew members to social events, The Oceania Cruise Line goes above and beyond to make solo travelers feel at home on their ships. Solo cruises can attend cocktail parties or opt into group dining to meet other guests onboard. The small ships are also easy to navigate and provide a relaxing atmosphere.

With solo staterooms available aboard the Vista, Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena ships, you don’t have to worry about solo supplements driving the price up. The accommodations feature private verandas or ocean-view windows as well as many amenities to keep you comfortable during your voyage.

9. Celebrity Cruises

Solo travel perks : Hosted social events

Onboard credit based on the stateroom category booked

Celebrity Cruises is another popular cruise line for solo travelers, offering social events to help solo cruisers make new friends. Known for its inclusivity, Celebrity Cruises is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cruise lines in the industry. Their itineraries, such as their Bali, Malaysia and Thailand itineraries, are some of the best cruises for solo travelers looking for excitement and adventure.

Celebrity’s solo cruise cabins are available on the Celebrity Edge®, Celebrity Apex®, Celebrity Beyond℠ and Celebrity Ascent℠ ships. Solo travelers can choose between an ocean-view room with a veranda and an inside stateroom. All of the solo rooms come with the same products and services as the regular staterooms.

The easiest way to avoid single supplements is to opt for a cruise line that offers solo cabins. However, if your heart is set on a cruise line or ship that doesn’t have this perk, consider looking out for specials that waive or discount single supplements. You can also try using a roommate matching program that some cruise lines offer, which pairs you in a room with another solo traveler.

Whether you're looking to book a quick getaway or an around-the-world cruise , embarking on a solo cruise is a rewarding experience offering adventure, relaxation and the freedom to cater your journey around your preferences. Not to mention, you can partake in the many things to do on a cruise and make life-long friends along the way.

Book your solo cruises with AAA Travel and ensure you’ll have peace of mind during your once-in-a-lifetime trip. With your AAA Membership , you'll receive exclusive deals, onboard spending credits and other perks.

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel."

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them.

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person.

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours.

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Guests explore by zodiac from the ship National Geographic Sea Bird, Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska, USA

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1. Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2. Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3. Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4. Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5. Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8. Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9. Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10. Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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WEATHER ALERT

4 warnings and 4 advisories in effect for 16 regions in the area

Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Best Alaska cruises

1. Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

2. Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

3. Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

4. Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

5. Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

7. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

8. Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

9. Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

10. Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

4 warnings and 4 advisories in effect for 16 regions in the area

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT