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Cruise scams: Why you should toss that 'free cruise' card in the trash

When TPG's Gabrielle Bernardini opened up her mailbox recently, she was surprised to find a congratulatory postcard announcing she'd won a free cruise with her spouse. It was surprising in many ways, but mainly because she hadn't entered any contests. She assumed the anonymous free cruise brochure was a scam but was unsure of the extent.

Here's what I learned about Gabrielle's free cruise award and what you need to know if you receive a similar "prize."

Congratulations! You won a free cruise

As a consumer advocate who has covered all types of scams over the years, I'm familiar with the free cruise postcard routine. Those mailings are tricky because they might be sent by a quasi-legitimate timeshare or travel club — albeit one with questionable marketing tactics.

However, more often than not, a full-fledged scammer is on the other side of that notification.

After having a good look at the postcard Gabrielle received, I determined this one leaned further into cruise scam territory due to the following red flags:

• This mailing was anonymous and had no return address.
• It was unsolicited: Gabrielle hadn't entered any contests, and she doesn't particularly identify as a cruise enthusiast.
• Gabrielle is unmarried, so the mention of a spouse further suggests the sender bought some kind of list of names without personal details attached.
• The invitation named an event with zero online presence: Travel Exhibit 2024.
• It attempted to create a sense of urgency by warning of a short time frame for claiming the prize before the free cruise would be awarded to someone else.

The top of the free cruise brochure had an additional red flag with the names of various cruise lines displayed prominently, giving the impression that these companies were somehow involved in Travel Exhibit 2024.

Finally, the name at the bottom of the form was the same as a very popular cruise vlogger with hundreds of thousands of followers. Although there was no direct insinuation that the author of the mailing and the cruise vlogger are one and the same, I don't think it's a coincidence. That particular name was likely chosen to give the mailing additional (false) credibility.

So, who was actually behind this scheme? I decided to call and find out, and that's when things got really weird.

What do I have to do to claim my free cruise?

I dialed the number on the postcard (1-866-922-4205) and asked to speak to Justin Alexander, whose signature appeared at the bottom. The man who answered told me that Alexander wasn't available, but that he could help me.

At this point in the conversation, this person's voice was normal. As the call went on and he was unable (or unwilling) to answer many of my questions, he started to speak in an increasingly more bizarre vocal fry.

Here's a little excerpt of our first conversation about the identity of the company behind the free cruise and how it could be redeemed.

Me: I don't see any information about your company on this postcard. What is it called?

Mr. Vocal Fry: It says Travel Exhibit 2024.

M: Yes, but is that a company? I can't find anything at all online about Travel Exhibit 2024.

VF: That's because each year, its name is different. That's why you can't find anything about us. Last year, it was called Travel Exhibit 2023.

M: Is it a travel show or a company? I'm confused. What exactly is Travel Exhibit 2024?

VF: Do you want the free cruise? If so, you and your spouse have to come to a 60-minute presentation in Boca Raton this weekend. You can learn all about it there. You will qualify for the free cruise, which will be provided by one of the major cruise lines.

M: But I would like to know more about it before I drive all the way there. Can I come by myself?

VF: No. This offer is only for couples. If you don't have a spouse, you can bring a partner ... or a friend.

When I continued my attempt to get clarity about what Travel Exhibit 2024 actually is and how I could learn more, he told me he wasn't sure. He then said he was a third-party marketer hired to answer the phone and make appointments. He assured me that I would learn all about the company behind the postcard during the presentation.

"It's called Perfect Vacations and their website is hidden, so you can't see it. It's members-only," he explained to me. "But you'll be able to look at it when you go to the meeting. Also, you're going to get a $100 gift card. When would you like to go?"

I told him that I needed to know what the presentation was about before I committed. He assured me it wasn't going to be a timeshare presentation but that he would need to call me back after he learned more from the company.

Since he never asked me for my name or number, I was sure he had no intention of calling me back.

By the time our conversation was over, I knew he needed a big glass of water to clear up whatever had caused his voice to change so dramatically during our conversation. The vocal fry was so strong that it made my throat hurt. I assumed he was trying to disguise his voice, and that, along with everything else that transpired, convinced me that this operation was not on the up and up.

No legitimate company would be so secretive about its name, location and purpose. I had a little more sleuthing to do.

Mystery solved: Prime Vacations International

After online searches for Perfect Vacations and Travel Exhibit 2024 turned up nothing, I called the number on the postcard again the next day. I asked for Justin, but the same man answered and told me Justin wasn't available. His voice had returned to normal until I reminded him that we had spoken the day before, and soon, the same pressured vocal fry emerged.

I asked what he had found out about the company, and he asked me what I wanted to know.

"Well, mainly the name of the company that will issue my free cruise," I told him. "I don't think you've given me the actual name yet. Have you?"

He paused and then said, "It's Prime Vacations International."

Mystery solved.

He asked me again if I wanted to schedule a presentation with my spouse for the next day in Boca Raton.

"Where in Boca Raton will this be held?" I asked. "Is it in a hotel?"

He hesitated for a moment, and then the vocal fry became more bizarre.

"Inside the Bank of America Building in Boca Raton," he told me.

I asked him for a few more details about the free cruise, and he told me that I could go on any major cruise line leaving from Florida. The room would be an inside cabin, but I could upgrade at an additional cost. There would also be taxes and some other "fees."

I thanked the vocally challenged man and explained I would need to do more research before making a decision. We ended our call.

What is Prime Vacations International?

Now that I had the name of the actual company behind the free cruise postcard, I was able to find a plethora of information. It was immediately clear to me why the third-party marketer would want to conceal the name as he tried to lure someone to the initial sales pitch.

Prime Vacations International scores 1.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp , where there are various verified reviews from people who actually attended the presentation. As the score would imply, most are dissatisfied with the company and identify it as a scam operation. Some say they felt forced to endure a high-pressure sales presentation where a variety of tactics were employed to wear them down.

The consumers who were unsuccessful in resisting the pitch and signed a contract at the end describe the club's reality as simply a reservation call center — one you have to pay big bucks to use. Many participants reported spending $3,000 to $10,000 on a membership that gave them access to that hidden website mentioned in my first call with Mr. Vocal Fry.

Even the lone five-star review for Prime Vacations International on Yelp isn't great. It says the available inventory is limited, and you can find better deals independently.

As I read through all the reviews on Yelp and other sites, I couldn't help but think that this might be another type of reservation call center scheme . Sure, this travel club might make you a legitimate reservation, but you can do that on your own and — as the five-star reviewer points out — at a cheaper rate.

What about that free cruise and gift card?

So, if you can withstand the hard sell and make it through the 60-minute presentation, will you get the free cruise and gift card at the end?

According to participants on all the review sites, the answer is "nope." Instead, when the sales pitch is over, the "winner" receives a voucher with all the terms, conditions and fine print about that "free cruise." Those are details that the company should include on the original postcard so that the would-be cruiser can make an informed decision about whether they even want — or can afford — the prize.

First, a $50 per person deposit is required just to get the redemption ball rolling.

Next, as you might expect, you'll encounter all sorts of restrictions and blackout dates. One of the Yelp reviewers who sat through the presentation was kind enough to share the redemption instructions and fine print.

What is immediately clear is that the free cruise has the potential to turn quite pricey.

Taxes and fees will cost approximately $200 to $350 per person.

Additional fees "might include and not limited to: government imposed taxes, port charges, transfers, agency booking fees, NCFs, fuel surcharges, cruise line imposed surcharges or any incidental expenses like gratuities, phone calls or entertainment."

Prize winners with dreams of relaxing on their cabin balconies as they sail to tropical locations are in for another disappointment. The free cruise award winners are assigned windowless interior cabins on the lowest deck, which might have "bunk beds." I found that part particularly curious, given that Mr. Vocal Fry told me this prize is for couples only.

I'm sure it's a rare couple who would find sharing bunk beds on vacation enjoyable. Only a few cabins on a few cruise ships are indeed bunk bed-only, but mentioning the possibility is likely part of the ploy. It encourages the prize winner to upgrade to a more suitable cabin for, you guessed it, another fee.

But even if all of these terms and conditions sound agreeable to you, there might still be an insurmountable roadblock to redeeming the voucher: blackout dates and limited availability.

"Generally, there is no availability during peak holiday weeks and limited to no availability during peak summer travel dates in June, July and August," the terms and conditions state.

Because the inventory for these free cruises is so limited, the company requires recipients to provide a total of three possible dates that they would be willing to travel. It offers no guarantee that any dates will be confirmed. A repeated complaint across the review sites is that it's seemingly impossible to redeem the voucher if you're unwilling to pay more to upgrade.

And I discovered one more oddity in this scheme: The phone number associated with redeeming the free cruise is yet another third party — Casablanca Express . That company holds a one-star average review on the Better Business Bureau and doesn't fare better on other sites.

Casablanca Express describes itself as "the preferred travel agency for companies that require fulfillment services for a variety of travel packages. While we may be in the travel business, it may be more accurate to say that we are really in the customer service business."

However, the reviews across multiple sites tell stories of disappointment and frustration for the customers who attempt to use this company to fulfill their "free" prizes.

Look out for these warning signs

The free cruise marketing scheme has been around for years. It's not showing any sign of going away because people are still responding to it. Message boards around the internet are filled with tales from victims who got drawn into the appeal of a complimentary trip that turned out to be anything but free. As an additional insult, some ended up with timeshares and travel clubs they never wanted.

Don't let that be you.

Remember these warning signs of a less-than-above-board operation before you agree to drag your partner to one of these presentations with the hopes of cruising to the Caribbean for free.

Unsolicited awards

These surprise prizes might come via the USPS, email or phone. Remember, you can't win a contest you didn't enter. You can be 100% positive that the person or company awarding you a free cruise or other travel-related prize wants to sell you something — and that something will be expensive. Your free trip definitely will not be free. You should ignore all unsolicited award notifications.

Invitations by strangers to non-transparent events

If someone came to your front door wearing a mask and told you that you won a free trip, you would be suspicious — especially if they were unwilling to tell you who sent them to your house. You might even call the police.

Postcards containing no identifying information are similar in that you don't know who you're talking to or their true intent. Any invitation that doesn't identify who, what, where, why and how much should be tossed in the garbage. Don't risk exposing yourself to a possible scam.

Booze-fueled events

If cocktails are served (which often happens if you attend a travel club presentation in the Caribbean), your hosts aren't simply being hospitable. If you choose to attend, please decline the proffered drink. I've received many pleas for help from bewildered travelers who attended festive, booze-filled presentations and signed legally binding contracts at the end — much to their horror once they sobered up.

Free cruise scams and schemes: Bottom line

If a legitimate travel club contacts you (yes, there are legitimate, transparent travel clubs) and you wish to proceed, make sure to do your research. Look for review sites, preferably ones like Yelp and others with spam detectors able to identify and flag fake posts. Compare reviews across multiple sites for a better overall picture of whether or not you should spend your valuable time attending a presentation for the travel club — free cruise or not.

Before you attend a travel club or timeshare presentation in the hopes of receiving a free gift, get all the prize redemption details. Then, mentally prepare yourself for a type of sales pitch you have likely never experienced before.

If you decide to try your luck and think you have the stamina to resist that hard sell, skip the alcohol and proceed with caution. But don't say TPG didn't warn you.

Related reading:

• How to avoid vacation rental scams this summer
• Help! A fake Air Canada customer service number scammed me out of $493
• How to avoid overpaying for a travel visa on an airline website
• Is a cruise itinerary change worth $4,000? This Regent passenger says it is
• Help! I've been waiting 2 years for a $7,443 refund from my cruise operator
• Do you get compensation when an aircraft swap leaves you with a worse seat type?

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Calling Celebrity (How to get through to a real person w/ less frustration)

By LandLockedInAZ2 , November 18, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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LandLockedInAZ2

Need to speak to a real person? Here's a distillation from other threads and my own experience for anybody else who needs it:

TLDR: I got through to a real person with the least hassle/frustration by dialing 888-859-7692 then pressing 2 then 1 at which point I was given the opportunity to request a return call within a specified time-frame (which was actually quite accurate!). If you love details, keep reading: There are at least 3 toll-free numbers you can call:  888-751-7804 (displayed on CelebrityCruises.com) 888-303-6067 (buried within another thread) 888-859-7692 (also buried within another thread)

As far as I can tell from trying each, the functionality of each number is identical to the others.  When you call in, you will be given 2 prompts:  First Prompt: 

- If you are or are working with a Travel Agent Press 1 - If you booked directly with Celebrity, Press 2 - To book directly with a Celebrity sales associate, Press 3

- To ask a question about a past cruise, Press 4

Second Prompt:

- If you reserved with a certified vacation planner, Press 1

- Through a travel agent, Press 2

- If you booked directly through the website, Press 3 Because I had booked online, I tried the first phone number above, then chose 2, 1 which had me on hold for 2.25 hours before I finally gave up (I had it playing in the background while watching a TV show and reading CruiseCritic; otherwise, it would've been complete unbearable!). The annoying thing was that it kept repeating the same message about every 60 seconds: "Please continue to hold. Your call will be answered by our next available representative." There was never any indication of my place in line or approximately how long to expect before I could get through to a real person.  Thanks to some other kind folks here on Cruise Critic, I found the other phone numbers above and one comment that said that they were offered the opportunity to leave a callback number, which does NOT happen on the Press 2 Press 3 option at any of the above-listed lines. I don't know why they want to punish people who book via the website, but considering the glitches that have been reported lately and my confidence in Celebrity as a whole going down by the minute, I decided to proceed with Press 2, Press 1 and was offered the opportunity to leave my name and number, then the automated system said it would be 60-90 minutes. Once I left my information, the estimated time was adjusted to 85 minutes and it was within 2 minutes of that! I did have about 5 minutes waiting on the line before the real person did pick up, but it was far preferable to the indefinite wait on hold.  I approached with kindness and got my needs met very quickly.  I hope this helps other travelers as it seems there are a lot of people calling (the Celebrity rep told me this) and certainly the lengthy hold times confirm that!   

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I feel your pain.  I am so fed up with Celebrity! 

12 minutes ago, Dr. Pam said: I feel your pain.  I am so fed up with Celebrity!   

Another number is:

800-437-3111

Maybe the new president of operations, Laura,  should try calling the advertised number and get the true Celebrity experience.   

mahasamatman

844.418.6824 got me through immediately.

800-437-3111  20- 30 mins this morn

844.418.6824 20-25 min this morn.

On hold  😞  I guess they really do not want my $!  And yes, I am aware that I can pay online, however, there is a change in address and CC on file that I need to speak to Celebrity about prior to payment.  And yes, I usually transfer the rez to a TA for ease and extra OBC or savings.  I missed the 30 day deadline to transfer the rez.  My bad.  

800-437-3111  Phoned again and pressed prompt that said "new booking."  I guess Celebrity has our biz this time.  However, I will checking luxury lines going forward.

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Booking Your Cruise

Charting your cruising course doesn't have to be difficult, but it isn't as simple as booking airplane seats or reserving a hotel room.

Even after you’ve settled on the cruise line, ship, and destination that are right for you, there will still be many questions to answer and details to get right (like, most pressingly, just when to book your cruise). First-time cruisers, who may want and need some additional insight and advice, may wish to stick to a traditional travel agent who is close at hand. However, more independent-minded travelers willing to go to bat for themselves might find that booking online is the best way to go, especially when it comes to pricing.

Best Times to Book

While miscellaneous cruise sales can spring up at any time of year, there are three prime times to lock in the best savings, and usually the best inventory, too:

Book Well in Advance:

In addition to having a better choice of desirable staterooms, significantly discounted prices are available to those who place a deposit on a cruise from six months to a year in advance of sailing.

Book at the Last Minute:

Cruise lines don’t want to sail with empty cabins, and will sometimes offer unsold space, usually within 60 days of sailing, at deeply reduced fares.

Book During Wave Season:

The cruise industry calls January through March “Wave Season,” when it books a large number of passengers for the year ahead. Availability is often the best during this period, and some of the year’s choice bargains can be booked during this annual sales push.

Choosing a Travel Agent

Whether it is your first or fiftieth sailing, one of the best advocates you can have for researching and booking a cruise is a knowledgeable, cruise-specialist travel agent. But how do you find a great cruise travel agent that you can trust? First off, look for signs indicating you’re dealing with an agency affiliated with CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association ( www.cruising.org ). These agents have completed demanding training programs, including touring or sailing on a specific number of ships. They make it their business to know all they can to serve their clients’ needs.

In addition, make sure the travel agency you’ve chosen belongs to a professional trade organization. In North America, membership in ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents ( www.asta.org ), indicates an agency has pledged to follow the code of ethics set forth by the world’s largest association for travel professionals. In the best-case scenario, your travel agent is affiliated with both ASTA and CLIA.

What to Ask Your Travel Agent

When you’ve found a jewel of an agent, then what? Ask many questions. Whether you do that in person, over the phone, or by email is up to you. However, it’s important that you get to know your agent and that your agent gets to know you. Above all else, be honest about your expectations and budget. Seldom can a travel agent who doesn’t know you well guess what your interests are and how much you can afford to spend. Don’t be shy. If you have champagne taste and a beer budget, say so. Do not hesitate to interview prospective agents, and be wary if they do not interview you right back. Agents can sometimes get you deals you won’t find anywhere else, but the real reason to use a travel agent is for their expertise.

• Tell your travel agent what you like.
• Ask questions if anything isn’t clear.
• Some agents deal only with certain lines.
• Be honest about your expectations and budget.
• Don’t let the agent push you into something you don’t want.
• Ask about group rates.

Recommended Cruise Travel Agents

• This company isn’t just for car travel; AAA can also refer members to local affiliated travel agencies.
• www.aaa.com
• Offers a searchable database of cruise-specialist travel agents.
• 800/335–3342
• www.americanexpressvacations.com
• In business since the 1960s, Avoya (formerly known as America’s Vacation Center) offers a vast network of professional independent agents worldwide.
• 888/447–8459
• www.avoyatravel.com
• In business since the mid-1970s, this is one of the largest family-owned, cruises-only agencies in the United States.
• 800/827–7779 or 401/941–3999
• www.cruisebrothers.com
• This is Canada’s leading cruise retailer and one of the largest cruise retailers in North America.
• 800/661–9283
• www.cruise-connections.com
• Owned by World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise retailer, CruiseOne offers a best-price satisfaction guarantee. The company has more than 1,000 member agencies nationwide.
• 800/278–4731
• www.cruiseone.com
• The company is the largest home-based travel agent network in the industry.
• 888/582–2150 or 954/344–8060
• www.cruiseplanners.com
• Another agency owned by World Travel Holdings, it offers a satisfaction guarantee. The company has more than 600 member agencies nationwide.
• 888/282–1249 or 800/854–0500
• www.cruisesinc.com
• This international network of 850 expert travel agencies has members in both the United States and Canada.
• 212/545–7460
• http://www.ensembletravel.com/
• The largest travel agent consortium in North America is a network of 25,000 travel agents across the United States and Canada.
• 800/843–0733
• www.vacation.com
• The world’s most exclusive association of upscale travel agencies books cruises.
• 817/870–0300
• www.virtuoso.com

Booking Your Cruise Online

In addition to local travel agencies, both big-name travel sellers and mom-and-pop agencies alike compete for the attention of clients on the Web, and it never hurts to compare prices from a variety of these sources. If you know precisely what you want and how much you should pay to get a real bargain, by all means make your online reservations when the price is right. Just don’t expect the personal service you could anticipate from an agent that you know. Additionally, most cruise lines allow you to book inventory directly through their websites, if you’ve made your choice and are ready to go straight to the source.

• Online cruise sites are especially good for comparison shopping.
• Don’t hesitate to book directly through the cruise line if you know what you want.
• You may not be able to speak to anyone personally.

Cruise Booking Sites

• One of the largest websites specializing in discounted cruises offers a lowest-price guarantee.
• 888/333–3116
• www.cruise.com
• This company allows you to get competing bids from top travel agencies, who respond to your request for bids with their best rates for your trip.
• www.cruisecompete.com
• This leading online cruise-travel company offers a price guarantee.
• 888/407–2784
• www.cruisedirect.com
• This online-only agency offers a huge inventory and low-price guarantee.
• 800/553–7090
• www.cruise411.com
• This is billed as America’s largest cruise agency (it’s a World Travel Holdings retailer); it offers a lowest-price guarantee, as well as a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Agents are available to assist clients around the clock.
• 800/278–4737
• www.cruisesonly.com
• This full-service online travel seller books cruises, too.
• 800/397–3342
• www.expedia.com
• A major online travel agent that also books cruises.
• 888/656–4546
• www.orbitz.com
• This full-service online travel seller has a 24-hour help desk for service issues.
• 855/201–7800
• www.travelocity.com
• The company bills itself as the world’s largest cruise agency, and specializes in great-value last-minute deals.
• 800/338–4962
• www.vacationstogo.com

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Cruises are offered throughout the world and for each destination there are a number of cruise lines to choose from. From contemporary cruise lines to luxury cruise lines each cruise line offers different itineraries, features and options.

Select your cruise line and find everything you need to plan your cruise including deck plans, ship details, features and highlights as well as cabin images and descriptions. When you are ready, search the internet's largest cruise database to find the perfect cruise line for your next cruise vacation.

Contemporary Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line was established in 1972 and is the world's largest cruise line. A Carnival cruise is all about creating a fun, memorable vacation and their "Fun Ships" were designed to keep the fun going.

Celestyal Cruises offers cruises throughout Greece departing from Athens. They offer longer stays in many ports to provide true insights into the local regions.

Costa Cruises offers cruises to worldwide destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Dubai, South America, the Indian Ocean and the Far East. Cruising on Costa Cruises is Cruising Italian Style!

Disney Cruise Line knows how to make a cruise vacation a magical experience. A Disney cruise offers exceptional service, great itineraries and world class entertainment that only Disney can provide.

MSC welcomes you on board with their magnificent ships, European charm, and true Italian hospitality. MSC Cruises sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, as well as South and Central America, and beyond.

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the youngest fleet on the planet and the freedom of choice known as Freestyle Cruising®. Norwegian Cruise Line ships sail worldwide offering guests the ability to have the cruise vacation of their dreams.

Princess Cruise Line offers a vast array of cruises to worldwide destinations providing incredible adventures close to home and beyond. Their 16 ships, ranging in size from fewer than 700 guests to over 3,000 guests, offer an intimate and personal experience combined with a broad range of entertainment and dining options.

Sailing from the Caribbean to Alaska and from Europe to Australia Royal Caribbean's ships are some of the most innovative in the world. Their friendly and personal service offers an exceptional cruise experience for travelers of all ages.

Virgin Voyages offers exceptional value to beautiful destinations. Sail in unique style on Virgin's ships designed with your well-being in mind. You'll discover a great selection of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a tattoo parlor, exciting entertainment, a casino, stunning staterooms and suites.

Premium Cruise Lines

Azamara Cruises sail to over 187 ports in 58 countries on smaller, more intimate ships. Their destination rich itineraries offer travelers longer stays and more overnights creating a deep cultural understanding and a unique cruise experience.

Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated cruise experience with world-class dining, exceptional on-board service and unique worldwide itineraries. The Celebrity ships are chic and modern and consistently rank among the best in the world.

Holland America Line delivers a premium cruise experience on mid-sized ships that will exceed your expectations. Their award winning restaurants, elegant staterooms and outstanding service provide a timeless cruising experience.

Oceania Cruises are known for their highly acclaimed country club casual on-board cruise experience. Their five star dining, exceptional wines and handsomely appointed accommodations provide an oasis as you sail to unique ports worldwide.

Viking Ocean Cruises provides a luxury portal to visit the cities, meet the people, explore the cultures and savor the cuisine of the world. The beauty of small ship cruises is the opportunity to dock directly in the exotic smaller ports allowing for more time ashore. Tours and excursions include many private experiences, early entry and behind-the-curtain glimpses into events, museums and performances. With a selection of onboard cultural enrichment programs, Scandinavian-inspired spas, regional dining experiences, award-winning service and sumptuous decor guests will relish the voyage as well as the destinations. In addition a menu of inclusions ranges from one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, included Wi-Fi, in-room infotainment, soft drinks, beer and wine with onboard meals, no charge for specialty coffees, teas, or bottled water, alternate restaurant dining and more.

Luxury Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruises represents the ultimate in luxury cruising with exceptional service, spacious and contemporary staterooms, and the finest amenities. Dining on a Crystal Cruise offers inventive menus inspired by internationally acclaimed chefs.

Cunard ships feature the grandeur of the golden age of ocean liner travel. Cunard offers their guests a regal cruise experience combined with an airy, contemporary ambience, exceptional dining and luxurious amenities on itineraries worldwide.

Explora Journeys cruises provide unique and luxurious experiences on sophisticated and refined all-suite ships. These innovative ships boast a commitment to sustainability featuring environmentally supportive technologies. FREE amenities include prepaid gratuities, thermal spa access, unlimited fine beverages, complimentary WiFi, in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats, to name a few. Sail with the expedition experts of Explora Journeys to some of the world’s most memorable destinations around the globe.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the only luxury cruise line featuring an all suite, all inclusive cruise experience. The Regent ships offer over 119 itineraries worldwide sailing to over 300 ports. Sailing on a Regent Seven Seas cruise is luxury at its best.

Experience an all-inclusive and true luxury cruise experience as you sail on Scenic Luxury Cruises. You will be spoiled with a variety of amenities including complimentary gratuities, personal butler service, complimentary unlimited drinks, and complimentary excursions and more.

Consistently named as one of the best small ship cruise lines, Seabourn's yacht-like vessels are unmatched in elegance and grace. Their all-suite ultra-luxury ships offer cruises to over 300 itineraries worldwide.

Cruising on SeaDream is a unique experience offering 5-star service and gourmet cuisine on yachts with a maximum of 112 guests. A SeaDream Yacht Club cruise is known for its casual, intimate experience where no detail is overlooked.

Silversea is renowned for its all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. Silversea's intimate, elegant ships offer luxurious accommodations and attentive service that will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning world traveler.

Swan Hellenic offers luxury expedition cruising to unique location including the Arctic, the Antarctis, South America and beyond. Their two ships, sailing with a maximum of 152 guests, offer exceptional service. Their expedition team provides unique insights and shares their extensive knowledge of the regions.

Set sail on a private yacht and charter your course from island to island in a variety of destinations. Complete with a captain and a personal chef, these state-of-the-art private yachts accommodate from 6 to 10 guests, offer elevate cruising to a whole new level.

Windstar Cruises' intimate yachts offer a unique cruise experience with a casual and elegant atmosphere. Windstar Cruises will take you far from the crowds for the ultimate romantic adventure at sea.

River Cruises & Unique Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways feature deluxe river cruises and cruisetours throughout Europe, Russia and Asia. Their state-of-the-art ships feature modern amenities, gourmet dining and complimentary shore excursions.

American Cruise Lines feature fascinating itineraries on small ships sailing on America's rivers and inland waterways. Guests experience ports up close and personal with expert naturalists and historians that bring the history, nature and culture alive.

Avalon Waterways offers cruises on the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt and the Galapagos. Their ships are designed to entice the senses and allow the traveler to immerse themselves in history and culture as they sail from village to village.

Atlas Ocean Voyages cruises are luxury expedition yacht adventures on intimate, modern and refined ships. A bevy of FREE included amenities ensures you are able to make the most of your exploration. Enjoy meaningful immersion into stunning ports around the globe though all of your senses. Sail with the expedition experts of Atlas Ocean Voyages to some of the world’s most memorable destinations.

Emerald cruises brings Europe, the Caribbean and South America to your doorstep. On an Emerald cruise you will visit enchanting villages, cities and towns while experience the local culture and stunning scenery combined with exceptional service aboard intimate, contemporary river ships and yachts.

Explore some of the world's most fascinating regions on the expedition ships of Hurtigruten. Discover the many wonders of Norway, Svalbard, Antarctica, Iceland and Greenland, North America, Mexico, Central and South America, among others.

Embark on thrilling journeys of discovery into the most awe-inspiring regions in the world on the innovative and beautiful ships of Lindblad Expeditions. Immerse yourself in the magic and mysteries of Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia as you explore the seven continents with experts.

Riviera River Cruises offers exceptional cruises on more than 12 European rivers. Their comfortable world-class ships boast friendly, personal service, spectacular views and wonderful dining experiences and provide a cultural immersive experience.

Star Clippers' luxury sailing ships offer the amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht. Enjoy informal elegance and the finest culinary delights while sailing worldwide to ports untouched by most of the larger luxury cruise ships.

Uniworld River Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience on the rivers in Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Uniworld River Cruises boast luxurious accommodations and Zagat rated dining experience that set them apart from the rest.

Viking River Cruises offers an all inclusive cruise experience featuring gourmet dining and exceptional itineraries on elegant, comfortable ships. The experienced guides provide guests with in-depth cultural experiences on rivers worldwide.

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