The Biggest Isn't Necessarily the Best...FOR YOU!!

Categories

Having recently experienced Norwegian Joy, a truly mind-blowing ship in terms of the spectrum of experiences available, I am certainly well aware of the advantages of mega-ship cruising. 

It's exciting to race go-carts at sea and then go to a sophisticated dining room for dinner followed by a Broadway play and then sip a pint at the Cavern Club while  watching the young Beatles perform (cover band, of course) for an enthusiastic crowd. 

Carved out of Norwegian's mega-ships is an exclusive area, the Haven, part of a growing ship-within-a-ship trend for upscale cruisers who enjoy having access to the "big city entertainment" of the mega-ship but want more intimate time to appreciate the finer things in life. 

For those traveling without children --- indeed, especially for those who do NOT want to travel with children --- there may be a better experience: small-ship cruising. 

Small ships can take the form of river cruises, and river cruises have become the fastest growing segment of travel, with off-the-charts customer satisfaction ratings of nearly 100%.  I have to wonder what nimrod doesn't enjoy a river cruise?  Probably someone who books a Christmas Markets vacation on the Danube and complains that he didn't have a chance to boogie board. 

Sometimes, we want to go places river cruises can't take us.  

Perhaps we go with our favorite large ship, even if last time we were annoyed by lines for tenders or because little kids were getting in our way in adult venues.  The overall experience is still worth it, for sure, but.... 

What if you could get the onboard experience of your dreams? 

At first, the price difference of a small ship can take you aback, unless you happen to already enjoy the Suite Life on mainstream ships. 

Even then, a Suite on a small ship can still take your breath away.  On a smaller ship, however, you probably won't need a Suite to escape serene public spaces. 

Right now, there are some incredible Last Minute Voyages on one of the best lines I've ever experienced, Azamara Club Cruises, in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and even Alaska. 

No, you shouldn't expect those low- to mid-three-digit lead rates you see advertised on mainstream cruises.  These are prime season cruises on amazing smaller ships geared to people who want more exclusivity and fewer kids. 

Always included with Azamara are truly free open bar and complimentary pre-paid gratuities. 

These last-minute rates are guarantees (no stateroom assignments), as they often tend to be for lead rates, and not all will be available when I check, but if you have always dreamt of experiencing upscale cruising with fewer crowds and almost no children, you should definitely contact me to learn a few possibilities. 

By the way, just because you have children or grandchildren doesn't mean you must feel guilty for seeking a more sophisticated experience sometimes. 

Extended "date nights" can be a key to long-lasting, happy marriages, because neither partner feels compelled to seek out that experience outside of the marital bonds. 

So, are you ready for something geared to adults? 

"Better service leads to better trips!"