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20 Reasons Cruises Are Cool Again
photo:
True Lane
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been under the impression that cruises are a mish mosh of banquet buffets, tired performances, stuffy casino rooms and crusty old suites with drop-down beds. But guess what, friends? We are here to inform you that cruises have gotten a serious makeover in the past few years and those tired old tactics have been traded in for foodie extravaganzas and the poshest sleeping arrangements imaginable.
Hop aboard as we journey through the world’s top cruise lines that offer an experience millennials can actually get behind. From music festivals on the open seas to exclusive luxury 4-person yachts, we’ve got a little bit of everything your grandma’s cruise is missing.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Photo: True Lane
Hop aboard as we journey through the world’s top cruise lines that offer an experience millennials can actually get behind. From music festivals on the open seas to exclusive luxury 4-person yachts, we’ve got a little bit of everything your grandma’s cruise is missing.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Photo: True Lane
Photo:Alexa Private Cruises
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Alexa Private Cruiseslearn more
The ultimate in luxury, Alexa Private Cruises is a boutique boat that can accommodate up to four guests on board at a time. Well, four guests plus a personal chef, private diving instructor, spa therapist, and a cool captain to boot. This means really cool activities like picnics on sandy islands and watching movies on the ship deck are part of the trip.
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Crystal Cruises
Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Middle East & More.
Let’s toast to a good old-fashioned makeover. The renowned ships of Crystal Cruises have been undergoing a renovation. The multi-million dollar transformations—will debut in October 2017, and Crystal Serenity in November 2018. Seas this opportunity and be one of the first to experience the maiden voyage.
Photo:@theboldbrunette
Serenade of the Seas
Caribbean, Canada, Europe & New England
Best two things about this cruise? The spa offers body wraps, facials, massage therapy and relaxation rituals. And there’s a nightly performance of the Broadway musical Chicago. So you can get blissed out in relaxation, and enjoy a good show.
Photo:Aman Resorts
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Sail the high seas aboard a traditional Phinisi vessel that brings back the feels of ancient romance with 5 star service. You will float on the vibrant waters of Indonesia on this Aman voyage. This stunning ship was handcrafted by the Konjo tribe and lis perfect for groups of up to ten. Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime with candlelit dinners on the deck.
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profile Photo:Zambezi Queen
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Zambezi Queenlearn more
The Zambezi Queen takes voyage along the Chobe River, between Namibia and Botswana. This luxury 14-suite modern boutique cruise is an incredible way to experience an African safari without battling huge crowds or feeling like a total tourist.
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U by Uniworld | The Danube Flow
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest. You da. Best. This super fun cruise includes a welcome party, 14 meals onboard, a local celebrity DJ party and an onboard beer mixology class! The Danube Flow is a U by Uniworld cruise that’ll take you from Regensburg to Vienna to Budapest in eight days’ time. Explore open- air cafés along with spots that boast the highest density of pubs and bars in Germany. Let the good times float.
Photo:Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Port Canaveral, Florida
Hubba hubba. These rooms are no joke. Gorgeous digs, Broadway productions, and major luxury brand shops are just a few of the highlights on board the Oasis of the Seas.
Photo:Seabourn Encore
Seabourn Encore
Bahamas
These cruise ships tour all around the world and the views from the signature suites are epic, you guys. Seabourn Encore fits 600 guests on board and offers plenty of delicious restaurant experiences and good spa services. Grab a drink at the sky bar and sip that cocktail with a shot of scenery as you watch old Hollywood flicks under the stars.
Photo:Seven Seas Explorer
Seven Seas Explorer
Europe
Oh, buoy! Regent Seven Seas is now targeting the young folk and touting itself as a floating Las Vegas. A perfect fit for the Monaco set, this glamourous cruise hits has a stunning sundeck with white cushioned chairs and gauzy cabanas. Tres chic. With gorgeous suites that each have their own balcony and Hermes amenities, gourmet city tours and foodie focused restaurants. You can also partake in culinary classes and dive on into the infiinty plunge pool that blends seamlessly into the sea.
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Photo:U by Uniworld
U by Uniworld | Rolling on the Rhine
Rhine River
Rollin, rolling, rolling. Get rolling on the Rhine with this laid back cruise that includes onboard wine tasting and a DJ party. From Amsterdam to Frankfurt, this Rhine River cruise takes millennials on a trek that’s equal parts adventurous, social and relaxing. You will indulge in a U Time Dutch cheese tasting and spend several nights out on the town—Cologne’s Gothic Evening adventure (for example). U by Uniworld is a great way to see Europe while partying along the way. It’s boat trip or bust.
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Windstar Cruise
Asia, Greece, Tahiti & More
Do your friends a solid and invite them on a trip to discover the world of small ship cruising. With awards from both Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, these ships accommodate 300 lucky guests and make ya feel like you are on your own private yacht. Watch out Kim K, Jay and Bey. Sidenote: Last year Windstar and the James Beard Foundation launched a partnership to celebrate food- and wine-themed cruises. Yes, foodie lovers. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation.
Photo:Emerald Waterways
Emerald Waterways
Rivers Across Europe & Asia
Sometimes you gotta sea it to believe it. These boutique-hotel-like cruises sail throughout Europe and Asia, offering guests the best itineraries that are travel-focused and all about the destination. On board you’ll find pool decks with outdoor cinemas, awesome restaurants and modern accommodations.
Photo:New Darlings
Princess Cruises
Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii & more.
Alllll aboard! Princess Cruises has been bringing social media influencers in droves to their ships to set sail. Ay yay captain, we are taking note. With fares that start from as low as $99/day, this budget-friendly boat is one to consider booking this year.
Photo:EDM Maniac
Groove Cruise
North America
Meet the 'World's Largest Floating Dance Music Festival'. Think nightclub floating on open water. Pretty awesome if you’re about that party life, or if you’re celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party. Think of it as a 72-hour pool party.
Photo:Seabourn Ovation
Seabourn Ovation - Coming 2018
Europe
Foodies of the world, unite! This cruise’s claim to fame is that world-famous chef Thomas Keller creates their amazing restaurant menus. Also, the suites are huge and perfectly contemporary. Take the maiden voyage on this ship because Seabourn has opened for sale the first cruises set to head out in spring 2018. The ship will sail on a variety of voyages in and around Europe and the Mediterranean.
Photo:Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruises
Around The World
Deck parties, an ice bar, a deck promenade hangout spot and dance parties are just a few of the on-board entertainment options with Norwegian Cruises. Head to Hawaii, a Norwegian private island or Europe and take a walk along the 8-foot plank.
Photo:Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises
Around The World
Fancied as a boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Cruises are known for their charming accommodations. What’s more, their travel program is all about docking at smaller ports and allowing guests to feel totally immersed in the cultures of the towns they visit, whether that’s a trip to the Mediterranean or an excursion along the Panama Canal.
Photo:Holy Ship!
Holy Ship!
Port Canaveral, Florida
Think electronic music festival meets open seas. Holy Ship takes all your favorite things about festival life and boats a ship full of millennials around on a three or four day tour.
Photo:Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
China
We can totally picture your Jack and Rose moment at the front of this big cruiser. Quantum of the Seas is all about the outdoor decks and indoor party life. Afternoon pool sesh followed by a ride around on the bumper cars? Sounds fun! Daredevils can also check out the sky-diving simulator on board.
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Photo:Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton Yachts
Around The World
Forget everything you thought you knew about cruises because Ritz-Carlton is turning the whole experience on it's head. Launching in 2019, this collection of top-of-the-line, never-been-done-before, ultra-luxurious yachts is bringing 149 suites (each with a balcony!), intimate dining and drinking venues, and exclusive, lesser traveled destinations to you.
Photo:Fathom
Fathom
Around The World
Love to travel but searching for a little more connection and meaning? Fathom could be the solution for you. This cool cruising crew allows you to volunteer for worthy causes while traveling around the world.
Photo:U by Uniworld
U by Uniworld | The Seine Experience
France
The only way to do Paris is to spend as much time as possible enjoying the food, scenery and culture. This week-long tour through the City of Lights allows you to do just that while enjoying the comfort of a river cruise crashpad.
Photo:U by Uniworld
U by Uniworld | Germany’s Finest
Germany
How does a floating silent disco sound? Sign us up. U by Uniworld’s in Germany will take you on an 8-day tour from Frankfurt to Regensburg. Stop by an old castle, a cool Franconian brewery museum and eat all the schnitzel you can handle. Dance, dance, disco awaits.
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