It’s time to scrap your first impressions of cruises. Modern cruises are less about the all-you-can-eat, late-night buffet and more about the amazing amenities and experiences that await you on your vacation. Imagine yourself exploring the ocean floor in a submarine, truffle hunting in Italy, swimming with whale sharks, and more. Or if you want to focus on luxury or relaxation, consider on-board amenities like a snow grotto in a luxury spa or personal butlers. BlueOrange Travel knows the cool things about cruises and how you can take your adventure to the next level. Read on to feel inspired for your next vacation.

On-Board Luxury

Modern cruise ships have placed the focus on experiences and luxury to make at-sea days as memorable as the on-shore ones. This means that ships are home to unique amenities and pure luxury experiences.

Every suite on Silversea Cruises has its own personal butler to handle every detail of your cruise. Butlers are trained to anticipate needs and assist in anyway during your voyage. Let them unpack your suitcase, shine your shoes, plan an in-suite cocktail party, customize your in-suite bar and handle any special request.  

The intimate Viking Sea boasts a Nordic-inspired spa that offers a refreshing snow grotto. As part of the thermal suite, guests are invited to alternate between hot and cold therapies in order to improve circulation and feel invigorated. The snow grotto includes man made snow and freezing temperatures to replicate the Nordic bathing traditions.

Virgin Voyages joins the line of cruise companies combining world-class entertainment with incredible destinations. With a festival-like lineup that includes offerings like mysterious dinner parties, a circus retelling of Romeo and Juliet, dance performances that includes unmatched technology, Virgin isn’t interested in showcasing your grandmother’s variety show.

See the night sky in a whole new way aboard Viking Orion. The ship boasts an Explorer’s Dome that offers a planetarium-like theater that shows films like “Life Under the Arctic Sky ” and lectures with a resident astronomer. The highest-definition 7k planetarium in the world offers an intimate 26 seats and can be paired with a digital telescope to give a live view of the surrounding sky.

Incredible Excursions

Of course, cruising is about traveling to incredible destinations too. Consider adding these excursions to your next vacation for the ultimate experience. From adventure to culinary treats, volunteering to experiencing life as royalty, anyone can find an excursion to fit their interests.

If you’re traveling with Oceania Cruises through Italy, consider a Culinary Discovery Tour that includes an afternoon of truffle hunting, exploring wines around Venice and visiting a local fish farm. A truffle-based lunch is included, of course, and guests return to the ship for cooking lessons with local ingredients.

For the ultimate outdoor experience, consider a true polar expedition to Antarctica with Hurtigruten. By relying on sustainable travel methods and expert tour guides, you can explore the frozen continent, see the wildlife, kayak past glaciers and more. Guests can even camp on land to get a more in-depth view of the wild there.

Get the royal treatment with Viking River Cruises. The Privileged Access: Lobkowicz Palace excursion includes a palace tour and an intimate look into the life of the Lobkowicz family. Visitors can read personal love letters, survey grand portraits, see weaponry and more. Dine in the family’s personal dining room and enjoy a Baroque concert on the grounds.   

See the Galápagos Islands by luxury yacht with the Celebrity Flora. Built for the destination, the Flora offers a sustainable and luxurious way to explore the national parks. Excursions from this ship include ways to see the island’s unique wildlife and geography in person. Walk through volcanic rock formations or swim with sea lions.

No matter where you cruise in the world, there are luxury treatments, unique excursions and cool things about cruises to make your trip unforgettable. Contact BlueOrange Travel now to start planning your next trip and get ready to set sail.