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
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
12 to 99 year olds
Ship
Daphne
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$6,135
+$363 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $302
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jun 2026
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Ocean Cruise
Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (From Miami)
Destinations
Miami, West Palm Beach, Grand Bahama Island
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$950
$95 now + easy payments of $142
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Dec 2025
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6 easy payments$142
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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
12 to 99 year olds
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Duration
13 days
From
NZ$15,355
+$363 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $785
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21 easy payments$785
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Ocean Cruise
Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam
4.9 (17 traveler reviews)
"it was a great holiday and our trip to Halong Bay was amazing so glad we did it."
Susan, traveled in June
Destinations
Hanoi, Halong Bay
Age Range
1 to 88 year olds
Country Region
Red River DeltaNorthern VietnamHalong Bay+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Swallow Travel
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$355
$35 now + easy payments of $29
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$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
18 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
4% Off
Duration
12 days
From $27,060
NZ$25,945
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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
up to 99 year olds
Ship
M/C Anahi Galapagos Cruise
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
4% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$6,835
$600 now + easy payments of $313
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$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)
"Tour was well organized, director was efficient, kind and informative."
Patricia, traveled in August
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
up to 80 year olds
State
Alaska
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
Duration
13 days
From
NZ$9,223
+$974 upfront costs
$500 now + easy payments of $533
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21 easy payments$533
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Encounters - 7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island,South Plaza Island,Santa Fé Island,San Cristóbal Island+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Ship
M/C Anahi Galapagos Cruise
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
4% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$8,035
$600 now + easy payments of $373
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Jun 2026
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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
16 to 86 year olds
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Nature Trips
17% Off
Duration
6 days
From $2,477
NZ$2,056
$617 now + easy payments of $480
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3 easy payments$480
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Ocean Cruise
Dhow sailing in the Radama archipelago
Destinations
Nosy Be
Age Range
8 to 85 year olds
Operated in
English,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
17% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$4,279
$855 now + easy payments of $163
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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
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From $33,429
NZ$25,075
$6,620 now + easy payments of $2,207
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Ocean Cruise
Passage through New England & Eastern Canada
5.0 (62 traveler reviews)
"The Notre Dame cathedral was breathtaking."
Barbara, traveled in July
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
up to 80 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
25% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$6,876
+$815 upfront costs
$500 now + easy payments of $368
Payment plans
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Ocean Cruise
Cruise to the Radama archipelago by catamaran
Destinations
Nosy Be
Age Range
8 to 70 year olds
Operated in
English,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$7,525
$1,504 now + easy payments of $286
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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
up to 100 year olds
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Via Natura Ecuador
25% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$5,937
$1,186 now + easy payments of $678
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Cruise - South East Islands in 4 Days aboard the Monserrat
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The cruise was excellent. I only wish I booked a longer cruise."
Daniel, traveled in March
Destinations
San Cristóbal Island, Española Island, Gardner Island,Punta Suarez,Floreana Island,Puerto Ayora,Baltra Island+4 more
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Via Natura Ecuador
25% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$3,955
$790 now + easy payments of $452
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7 easy payments$452
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