The ship you choose can change the entire experience.
A ship is a destination unto itself. From lively family-friendly ships to intimate sailing vessels, sophisticated luxury ships to expedition vessels designed to take you farther off the beaten path, each offers a very different way to experience the journey. The ship you choose can shape everything from the pace of your days to the atmosphere around you—and ultimately, how you experience the destinations along the way.
The ship gets you there. What you do once you arrive is where the story begins.
From a day of pure play at a private island to exploring historic cities, discovering local culture, or venturing into the wild, your time ashore can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be.
Some places are meant to be explored slowly.
Watch for whales and eagles as you sail past rugged coastlines, listen for the crack of a glacier calving into the sea, or step ashore beneath towering mountains and breathe in the crisp wilderness air. Add a ride on the Alaska Railroad or time in Denali, and the journey becomes as memorable as the destination.
Sunshine, islands, culture—and plenty of ways to make the experience your own.
Imagine stepping ashore to the sounds of island music, wandering a colorful market, tasting the local flavors, and returning to your ship as the sun begins to slip toward the horizon. Or perhaps your perfect day is a quiet balcony, a good book, and nothing on the schedule at all. The beauty of the Caribbean is that you get to choose.
Arctic, Antarctic & Galapogos
Adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Imagine stepping onto the deck as the ship moves through a world of ice, watching enormous glaciers rise from the water and listening to the quiet crack of ancient ice. In the Galápagos, sea lions play along the shore and curious wildlife goes about its day seemingly unconcerned with your presence. Farther north, the Arctic offers vast stretches of silence, rugged landscapes, and the possibility of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat. This is exploration at the edge of the map—with a comfortable place to return to at the end of the day.
Drift past vineyards climbing the hillsides, medieval villages tucked along the riverbanks, and castles rising above the water. Step ashore in a charming village, wander cobblestone streets, linger over a local pastry or glass of wine, and return to the river as the scenery slowly changes around you. River cruising brings you close to the heart of Europe—with the comfort of knowing your room is waiting for you at the end of the day.
For travelers who want something different.
Feel the wind fill the sails as the ship slips quietly away from the harbor. Climb the deck for a panoramic view of the sea, watch the crew work the lines, and discover smaller ports that larger ships can't reach. There's something wonderfully timeless about sailing this way—part adventure, part escape, and entirely different from the usual cruise experience.
A great cruise can introduce you to incredible places. The right shore experience can turn a port call into a memory you'll talk about for years.
Stand among ancient ruins and imagine the civilization that came before you. Zipline through a tropical canopy, snorkel in crystal-clear water, swim with whale sharks, or follow a local guide through a neighborhood where the best discoveries aren't on a tour map. Your time ashore can be adventurous, cultural, active, or wonderfully relaxed—the right experience depends on what makes you come alive.