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(800) 544-2469
(800) 544-2469
Toggle navigation
Menu
World Cruises
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World Cruises
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Popular Destinations
Alaska Cruises
Caribbean Cruises
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Mediterranean Cruises
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Northern Europe/Scandinavia
Panama Canal Cruises
Transatlantic
More Destinations
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Amazon Cruises
Arctic Cruises
Antarctica Cruises
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Galapagos Cruises
Hawaii Cruises
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Premium
American Cruise Lines
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Holland America
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
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Royal Caribbean
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Paul Gauguin
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Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht
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Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration
EXPLORA JOURNEYS CRUISE REVIEWS
Why Book Your Cruise with Cruise Specialists Instead of Directly with the Cruise Line?
If you’ve ever dreamed of setting sail on the perfect cruise—whether it’s a 7-day Caribbean escape or a 107-day world voyage—how you book your cruise can significantly impact your overall experience. Many travelers, especially first-timers, assume that booking directly with a cruise line is simpler, more cost-effective, or yields better perks. But in truth, working with a dedicated cruise-focused travel agency like Cruise Specialists often provides greater value, deeper expertise, and more personalized service. Here’s why thousands of seasoned cruisers and newcomers alike choose Cruise Specialists over booking direct with the cruise lines:
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BY JOHN BELL
WORLDWIDE
CRUISES
AMAWATERWAYS
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
AVALON WATERWAYS
AZAMARA
CELEBRITY CRUISES
CELESTYAL CRUISES
CRUISE STRATEGIES
CRYSTAL
CUNARD®
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
ENCORE CRUISES
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
HURTIGRUTEN
HX
MSC CRUISES
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
OCEANIA CRUISES
PAUL GAUGUIN
PONANT
PRINCESS CRUISES®
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SCENIC RIVER
SCENIC YACHT
SEABOURN
SILVERSEA
SINGLESCRUISE.COM
STAR CLIPPERS
UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
UNIWORLD
VIKING
VIRGIN VOYAGES
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Cruise Tips From the Cruise Specialists
Planning your dream vacation is exciting. Studies show that planning and anticipating of a trip alone can elevate your mood, long before you depart! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, everyone can appreciate travel advice. We asked our cruise consultants for their top tips they share with their clients.
READ MORE →
BY KIM JACKSON
CRUISES
AMAWATERWAYS
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
AVALON WATERWAYS
AZAMARA
BOATSETTER
CELEBRITY CRUISES
CELESTYAL CRUISES
CRUISE STRATEGIES
CRYSTAL
CUNARD®
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
ENCORE CRUISES
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
HURTIGRUTEN
HX
MSC CRUISES
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
OCEANIA CRUISES
PAUL GAUGUIN
PONANT
PRINCESS CRUISES®
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SCENIC RIVER
SCENIC YACHT
SEABOURN
SILVERSEA
SINGLESCRUISE.COM
STAR CLIPPERS
UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
UNIWORLD
VIKING
VIRGIN VOYAGES
WINDSTAR CRUISES
How to Plan the Perfect Solo Cruise
In a world where independence and adventure are increasingly valued, solo cruising is emerging as a growing trend among travelers. Traditionally seen as a couple, group or family activity, cruising also attracts solo travelers seeking the blend of luxury, convenience and freedom that only a cruise can offer.
READ MORE →
BY KIM JACKSON
CRUISES
SOLO CRUISING
SOLO TRAVEL
AMAWATERWAYS
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
AVALON WATERWAYS
AZAMARA
BOATSETTER
CELEBRITY CRUISES
CELESTYAL CRUISES
CRUISE STRATEGIES
CRYSTAL
CUNARD®
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
ENCORE CRUISES
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
HURTIGRUTEN
HX
MSC CRUISES
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
OCEANIA CRUISES
PAUL GAUGUIN
PONANT
PRINCESS CRUISES®
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SCENIC RIVER
SCENIC YACHT
SEABOURN
SILVERSEA
SINGLESCRUISE.COM
STAR CLIPPERS
UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
UNIWORLD
VIKING
VIRGIN VOYAGES
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Savvy Travelers Plan Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
Cruising offers unparalleled access to a wide array of destinations, often within a single voyage. Imagine your voyage itinerary is a geographic tasting menu where you can experience local culture, cuisine and scenery without the commitment of a longer stay or the hassle of scheduling multiple flights or accommodations. However, what if you wish to delve deeper into a city or region or simply keep the fun going? There are several good reasons to extend your travels with a pre- and/or post-cruise stay.
READ MORE →
BY KIM JACKSON
CRUISES
AMAWATERWAYS
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
AVALON WATERWAYS
AZAMARA
BOATSETTER
CELEBRITY CRUISES
CELESTYAL CRUISES
CRUISE STRATEGIES
CRYSTAL
CUNARD®
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
ENCORE CRUISES
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
HURTIGRUTEN
HX
MSC CRUISES
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
OCEANIA CRUISES
PAUL GAUGUIN
PONANT
PRINCESS CRUISES®
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SCENIC RIVER
SCENIC YACHT
SEABOURN
SILVERSEA
SINGLESCRUISE.COM
STAR CLIPPERS
UNCRUISE ADVENTURES
UNIWORLD
VIKING
VIRGIN VOYAGES
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Navigating the New Era of Cruising: A Glimpse Into Tomorrow’s Cruise Ships
The word is out, there are a lot of new cruise ships being built and several are starting their maiden seasons. The world of cruising is on the brink of a remarkable transformation with the upcoming launch of new cruise ships between now and the next eight years. They are set to redefine luxury travel by sea, merging innovative design with unparalleled service.
READ MORE →
BY KIM JACKSON
WORLDWIDE
CRUISES
LUXURY CRUISES
WORLD CRUISES
AMAWATERWAYS
CELEBRITY CRUISES
CUNARD®
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
OCEANIA CRUISES
PRINCESS CRUISES®
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
SILVERSEA
VIKING
WINDSTAR CRUISES
SEE ALL CLASSIC BLOGS →
                              
SEARCH ARTICLES
                              
                           
ARTICLE TOPICS
                           
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World Cruise
Worldwide
Cruise Lines â–Ľ
AmaWaterways
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Avalon Waterways
Azamara
Boatsetter
Celebrity Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Cruise Strategies
Crystal
Cunard®
Disney Cruise Line
Encore Cruises
Explora Journeys
Holland America Line
Hurtigruten
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MSC Cruises
National Geographic Expeditions
Norwegian Cruise Line
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Paul Gauguin
Ponant
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All Inclusive
Cruises
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Luxury
Luxury Cruises
River Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
Solo Cruising
Solo Travel
World Cruises
Tours, Train, and Resorts â–Ľ
                                    
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
                                    
Guest Contributor
Guest contributors to Travel Leaders have diverse backgrounds in publishing, travel, and vacations. They live across the globe and bring unique, first-hand experience to their writing.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
READ MY ARTICLES →
John Bell
John believes that travel creates some of the most significant memories of people’s lives and this fuels his passion and guides his work each day as the Senior Director of Marketing for Cruise Specialists.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Lisa Vongphachanh
Her ideal travel day: visit a new place, do something unexpected and connect with locals.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Keith and Susie Boyland
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Georgina Cruz
A Cruise Specialists guest and freelance travel writer, she has been on 200+ voyages!
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kim Jackson
Kim Jackson enjoys traveling to lesser known and iconic destinations around the world. So far, her favorite country to visit is Spain for the hospitality, the landscapes and the amazing cuisine.
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
READ MY ARTICLES →
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