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

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.

How many ports do ocean cruises usually visit?

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.

What kind of experts are on the cruise staff?

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.

What are the cabins and ship facilities like?

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.

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

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

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Ocean Cruise
Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (From Miami)
Destinations
Miami, West Palm Beach, Grand Bahama Island
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$962
$97 now + easy payments of $290
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Dec 2025
Pay today$97
3 easy payments$290
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3 easy payments$290
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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$Canada\'s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage, Operated by Quark Tour$
$Canada\'s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage, Operated by Quark - 3 destinations$
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Ocean Cruise
Canada's Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage, Operated by Quark
Destinations
Toronto, Resolute, Calgary
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
4% Off
Duration
12 days
From $27,060
NZ$25,945
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Ocean Cruise
Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam
4.9 (17 traveler reviews)
"We especially were impressed with our cruise along the Bay. We will recommend this trip to everyone."
Anaya, traveled in October
Destinations
Hanoi, Halong Bay
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Red River DeltaNorthern VietnamHalong Bay+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Swallow Travel
4% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$360
$36 now + easy payments of $46
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$36
7 easy payments$46
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
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7 easy payments$46
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The boat lacks nothing. The rooms are enough, with the bottom bunks being able to fit 2 people."
brooks, traveled in February
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island,Española Island,San Cristóbal Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Daphne
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
4% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$6,135
+$368 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $302
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Aug 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$302
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21 easy payments$302
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Cruise - Central and West Islands in 5 Days aboard The Monserrat (A)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Loved the yacht, the crew, the guides, the food, the experiences..... everything!!!!!!!"."
TAMARA, traveled in April
Destinations
Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island,Isabela Island,Fernandina Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Via Natura Ecuador
4% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$6,016
$1,459 now + easy payments of $278
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Aug 2026
Pay today$1,459
21 easy payments$278
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Aug 2026
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21 easy payments$278
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Discovered - 6 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, Española Island,Floreana Island,Santa Cruz Island+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
M/C Anahi Galapagos Cruise
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
Duration
6 days
From $6,845
NZ$6,161
$600 now + easy payments of $314
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 03 Aug 2026
Pay today$600
20 easy payments$314
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20 easy payments$314
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Tourradar is very organized. I especially appreciated the quick response to my questions."
Sherlyn, traveled in March
Destinations
Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island,Seymour Norte,Santa Fé Island,San Cristóbal Island,Lobos Island,Española Island,Punta Suarez,Floreana Island+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Via Natura Ecuador
10% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$9,028
$1,812 now + easy payments of $2,415
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Dec 2025
Pay today$1,812
3 easy payments$2,415
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Dec 2025
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3 easy payments$2,415
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Ocean Cruise
Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Isabela Island, Floreana Island,Santa Cruz Island,Santa Fé Island,South Plaza Island,Española Island,San Cristóbal Island,Bartolomé Island,Santiago Island+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
Duration
13 days
From
NZ$16,890
+$368 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $785
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Aug 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$785
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Aug 2026
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Ocean Cruise
Ultimate Galapagos - 10 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island,South Plaza Island,Santa Fé Island,San Cristóbal Island,Española Island,Floreana Island+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
M/C Anahi Galapagos Cruise
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From $11,825
NZ$10,643
$600 now + easy payments of $563
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Jul 2026
Pay today$600
20 easy payments$563
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Jul 2026
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20 easy payments$563
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Ocean Cruise
Croatia Mini One Way Cruise Dubrovnik - Split
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Comfortable and spacious cabin, delicious food cooked everyday, and excellent service."
MichaelKev, traveled in September
Destinations
Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Sipan Island, Korcula Island,Hvar Island,Bol,Split+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Dalmatia AdriaticCroatian Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Nature Trips
10% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$2,509
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Ocean Cruise
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The pristine environment in Antarctica needs to be seen and felt to be appreciated. Quark provided a platform to conduct the trip in a sustainable manner."
CK, traveled in February
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
30% Off
Duration
8 days
From $37,829
NZ$26,480
$6,620 now + easy payments of $3,310
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Mar 2026
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6 easy payments$3,310
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6 easy payments$3,310
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$Nature\'s Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise Tour$
$Nature\'s Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise - 12 destinations$
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Ocean Cruise
Nature's Best: Alaska with Alaska Cruise
5.0 (391 traveler reviews)
"Overall the tour was very good. Very well paced."
Pat, traveled in September
Destinations
Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Big Lake,Anchorage,Kenai Fjords National Park,Seward,Glacier Bay National Park,Haines,Juneau,Ketchikan,Vancouver+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
State
Alaska
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
30% Off
Duration
13 days
From
NZ$9,095
+$986 upfront costs
$500 now + easy payments of $517
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Aug 2026
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21 easy payments$517
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Ocean Cruise
Passage through New England & Eastern Canada
5.0 (62 traveler reviews)
"The excursions were well planned, along with the knowledge provided."
Rebecca, traveled in August
Destinations
Boston, Franconia Notch State Park, North Conway, Stowe,Vergennes,Shelburne,Montreal,Quebec City,Charlottetown,Prince Edward Island,Sydney,Halifax,Bar Harbor+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
30% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$6,966
+$867 upfront costs
$500 now + easy payments of $462
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jun 2026
Pay today$500
17 easy payments$462
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Ocean Cruise
Dhow sailing in the Radama archipelago
Destinations
Nosy Be
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
30% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$4,336
$870 now + easy payments of $166
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Aug 2026
Pay today$870
21 easy payments$166
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21 easy payments$166
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Ocean Cruise
Cruise to the Radama archipelago by catamaran
Destinations
Nosy Be
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
30% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$7,625
$1,530 now + easy payments of $291
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Aug 2026
Pay today$1,530
21 easy payments$291
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 12 Aug 2026
Pay today$1,530
21 easy payments$291
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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