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
Duration
6 days
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
From
NZ$6,365per person
+$388 local payments
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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
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Punta Arenas, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
From
NZ$33,491per person
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Ocean Cruise
Panama Canal Holiday Singles Cruise
Duration
13 days
Destinations
USA Jamaica Colombia Panama Costa Rica Belize Mexico
Age Range
Ages 35+
Operated in
English
Operator
Best Single Travel
From
NZ$5,704per person
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, North & West Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The trip was a little more strenuous than we expected with 2 hikes and 2 snorkels most days. Saw all the birds and animals we wanted to see."
Sharon, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island,Isabela Island,Fernandina Island,Santiago Island,Seymour Norte+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Via Natura Ecuador
From
NZ$9,510per person
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Ocean Cruise
Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (From Miami)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Miami, West Palm Beach, Grand Bahama Island
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
NZ$1,014per person
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary A)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island, South Plaza Island,Santa Fé Island,Floreana Island,Santa Cruz Island,Las Tintoreras Islet,Isabela Island,Fernandina Island,Baltra Island,Guayaquil+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
From
NZ$13,026per person
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Fé Island, South Plaza Island,Española Island,Punta Suarez,San Cristóbal Island,Lobos Island+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $6,725
NZ$5,380per person
+$388 local payments
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Ocean Cruise
Cruise to the Radama archipelago by catamaran
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Nosy Be
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Italian,French+1 more
Operator
Green Island Discovery
20% Off
From
NZ$8,033per person
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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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
Duration
5 days
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
20% Off
From
NZ$6,337per person
+$970 upfront costs
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Ocean Cruise
Galapagos Discovered - 6 days
Duration
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
From $7,235
NZ$6,512per person
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Ocean Cruise
Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam
4.9 (17 traveler reviews)
"Her prices are very reasonable. I don't believe you could find a nicer and more helpful tour operator."
Annie, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Halong Bay
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Red River DeltaNorthern VietnamHalong Bay+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Swallow Travel
10% Off
From
NZ$379per person
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Ocean Cruise
Passage through New England & Eastern Canada
5.0 (62 traveler reviews)
"Well planned itinerary to beautiful places, comfortable and clean bus, nice accommodations, included meals were good."
Virginia, traveled in September
Duration
12 days
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
10% Off
From
NZ$6,966per person
+$867 upfront costs
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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$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)
"Fabulous adventure. Enjoyed every bit of it."
Theresa, traveled in August
Duration
13 days
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
10% Off
From
NZ$9,095per person
+$986 upfront costs
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Ocean Cruise
West Svalbard (11 Days)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Spitsbergen, Hornsund, Bellsund
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Regions
SvalbardArctic / North Pole+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
40% Off
From $16,596
NZ$9,958per person
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.6 (25 traveler reviews)
"They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience exploring Antarctica. This has truly been one of the most unforgettable trips of my life."
Claire, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $15,599
NZ$11,699per person
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