Question 1

What's the best time to take an ocean cruise?

Accepted Answer

The best time really depends on where you want to go. If you're heading to Antarctica, plan for November to March when the ice conditions are best. For Arctic cruises, go between June and September - you might even catch the Midnight Sun. The Galapagos is great year-round, but the waters are warmest and calmest from December to May. If you're interested in New England and Eastern Canada, many travelers say September and October are perfect for seeing the fall colors in full swing.

Question 2

How many ports do ocean cruises usually visit?

Accepted Answer

Most cruises stop at 4-7 main ports, though it varies by trip. Take the British Isles Singles Cruise - it hits 9 ports in 11 days, stopping at places like Edinburgh, Dublin, and Belfast. Or look at the Alaska Discovery cruise on Holland America, which visits Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, plus takes you through the gorgeous Glacier Bay. In places like Antarctica, you'll spend more time cruising past glaciers and making expedition landings than visiting traditional ports. At each stop, you usually get 6-10 hours to explore or join guided tours.

Question 3

What kind of experts are on the cruise staff?

Accepted Answer

You'll be in really good hands with the cruise staff. In the Galapagos, English-speaking naturalist guides certified by the Galapagos National Park lead your excursions. Arctic and Antarctic trips come with expedition leaders, marine biologists, and polar specialists. On ships like the M/V Sea Spirit, you'll learn tons from the staff through talks about wildlife, photography workshops, and informal chats about the places you're visiting.

Question 4

What are the cabins and ship facilities like?

Accepted Answer

You've got options ranging from comfy standard rooms to fancy suites. On the M/V Sea Spirit, for example, there are eight types of cabins - from Classic to Owner's Suites - all with private bathrooms and air conditioning. Every ship has sun decks, lounges with bars, dining rooms, and observation areas. Smaller ships like the Archipel I catamaran feel more intimate with just 16 passengers, and they often include extras like kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Question 5

How long do you stay at each place during an ocean cruise?

Accepted Answer

You get plenty of time to really see each place you visit. In the Galapagos, plan on 2-3 hours at each island - enough time to hike, snorkel, and watch wildlife. The Antarctica Classic in Depth cruise gives you 6 whole days around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. As one traveler put it: "With six days on the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll have ample opportunities for kayaking and landings, weather permitting." The schedule stays flexible though, since weather can affect plans.

Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips

250+ tours

Antarctica Classic in Depth

Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)

Contrasts of Canada & the St. Lawrence River

Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise (Split to Venice)

Grand Western Canada Vacation with Alaska Cruise

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego (4 Nights)

Darwin's Route from Punta Arenas (8 Nights)

Ultimate Galapagos - 10 days

Highlights of the Galapagos - 14 days

Antarctica Classic

Greenland Disko Bay Discovered - 8 Days

Magnificent Canadian Rockies & North America’s East Coast – Cruise & Land Journey

Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend

Venice, the epicenter of art, and its famous lagoon (port-to-port package)

Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips

Earn while you share

250+ tours