Top Cruise Getaways to Take this Winter – USI Affinity
February 12, 2016
Top 10 Cruise Getaways to Beat the Winter Blues
By Chaitanya Bala
With the harsh winter season having most of you frozen down to your bones, we know you would much rather be sailing on a cruise ship, with the warm, tropical breeze caressing your face and the hot sun shining on you. But even if you could just get up and go book a trip on an amazing cruise line right now, where would you go? That’s where we come to your rescue! We did our research and we’ve come up with a list of the top 10 cruise getaways based on user-written reviews so you can beat those winter blues in high style.
Disney Dream
With a 4.5 rating on CruiseCritic, this cruise ship is highly reputable for its amazing entertainment, as well as the excellent service on board. There are daily character greetings, where you get the chance to meet Mickey Mouse and friends. When you get hungry, definitely head over to Animator’s Palate, where you get live entertainment while you eat gourmet food amid the playful cartoonish décor. In true Disney spirit, there is a lot to do for the entire family, so definitely bring your kids along!
Cruise Length: 3 or 4 day trips
Price: $1,356-$8,448
Departs From: Port Canaveral, FL
Destination: The Bahamas
Celebrity Reflection
If you want to spend a couple weeks living like royalty, the Celebrity Reflection cruise is definitely an ideal choice for you. With the dramatic chandeliers glistening under the palace-like fine dining restaurants, the ballroom dancing lessons you can take right on board, as well as the regal staterooms that make you feel like you’re on the set of Titanic, this cruise is nothing short of majestic.
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $599+
Departs From: Miami, FL
Destination: Caribbean Regions
Norwegian Getaway
If you’re young, wild and free (and living on a budget), have the time of your life and engage in endless adventures by taking a cruise on the Norwegian Getaway . You get to explore new flavors every day, from a juicy maminha at a Brazilian steakhouse, to fresh nigiri at the sushi bar. If you feel your sweet tooth kicking in, grab a dessert from the ever-famous Buddy Valastro’s bakery. And to get some activity in, splash on down the Aqua Park – the fastest waterslides on a cruise ship. This is the epitome of fun in the sun!
Cruise Length: 2 or 7 day trips
Price: $199+
Departs From: Miami, FL
Destination: Bahamas & Florida, Caribbean
Disney Fantasy
This highly-rated cruise ship is truly a dream come true in typical Disney fashion. Perfect for adults and children alike, there’s plenty of fun activities for everyone on this sister ship of Disney Dream. Bring your kids along to the built-in waterpark, AquaDuck or to an evening show of the Aladdin musical, a Disney classic. If you’re traveling with other adults, head over to some of the ritzy cocktail bars on board.
Cruise Length: 7 day trip
Price: $2,917+
Departs From: Port Canaveral, FL
Destination: Caribbean
Coral Princess
If you’re tired of traveling to the Caribbean, then count on the Coral Princess to offer you something new. Winner of the 2015 Cruisers’ Choice Award , this cruise ship is only one of two ships especially built to sail through the Panama Canal. The 700 balconies on board will give you the chance to admire the beauty of the Canal. With plenty of fun activities on board, such as movies, concerts and sporting events, as well as live jazz music and aromatic New Orleans-inspired cuisine, you’ll never forget this unique experience.
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $399+
Departs From: Los Angeles- CA, Victoria- BC, Vancouver- BC
Destination: Caribbean
Eurodam
The Eurodam is a truly unique experience with its smaller size, and destinations all over the world. But despite its size, Eurodam has it all. From the various types of cuisine to the elegant luxury jewelry boutique right on board, there’s a lot you can explore. If you’re looking to make great memories, the cruise even offers workshops led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" who teach you how to take better vacation photos, make movies, edit your pics, and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services.
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $499+
Departs From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Destination: Various (Abroad)
Celebrity Eclipse
Keeping up with the “living like royalty” theme, the Celebrity Eclipse is luxurious and ritzy on every level. Winner of the 2015 Best Premium Cruise Line Award, the onboard entertainment and activities are limitless and full of variety. Whether you’re wanting to head off to the Café al Bacio & Gelateria to enjoy a sweet treat, play some roulette right on board at the casino, or get a massage at the Canyon Rach SpaClub, there are activities for everyone!
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $299+
Departs From: Various (Abroad)
Destination: Various (Abroad)
Regal Princess
The Regal Princess is just that – regal. With a grand, golden, piazza-style atrium where you can enjoy fine dining at a variety of restaurants and walk through floors of shops as if you were in a palace, you’ll undoubtedly feel like royalty. Enjoy movies under the stars in a hot tub, and if you’re looking for live entertainment, check out the Princess® WaterColor Fantasy, an alluring sound and light show. With the Regal Princess being best known for its awesome shows which feature a high tech LED lighting system, you’ll never get bored!
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $599+
Departs From: Various (Abroad)
Destination: Various (Abroad)
Norwegian Jewel
Rated a “Jewel Class” cruise ship, the Norwegian Jewel is best-known for its amazing nightlife and onboard entertainment. Getting into further detail on the entertainment, it has got everything ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to fine French cuisine. The bars are all unique with different atmospheres; have fun and sing your hearts out at the groovy karaoke bars, or hit up the swanky martini and cocktail bars. Whether you’re looking for a change of taste or scenery, Norwegian Jewel will keep you partying all night long.
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $39+
Departs From: Various (U.S. & Canada)
Destination: Various (U.S. & Canada)
Carnival Freedom
Nothing could be more perfect for families with young children than a cruise on the Carnival Freedom. This might be one of the few cruise ships that feature activities exclusively for young children. The Camp Ocean is an interactive experience where children can break into groups and engage in fun activities together. Have you ever thought about playing Yahtzee on a live game show? If so, you get the chance to finally do it at the Hasbro Game Show. And finally, for all you adults, there are age-appropriate activities for you too at the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.
Cruise Length: Varies
Price: $39+
Departs From: Galveston, TX
Destination: Caribbean
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