Cruising – Where and When??

So you’ve decided to book a cruise! Maybe you know exactly where and when you want to go, but just in case you don’t, here are some tips.

Cruising in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Where to cruise

You can cruise just about anywhere.  Do you enjoy sightseeing, exploring ancient cities and experiencing other cultures?
Or do you prefer relaxing on a beautiful beach, catching a wave or snorkeling?
Maybe you'd prefer to see majestic mountains and beautiful waterways such as Milford Sound in New Zealand.


I have cruised, and can give personal advice, on all the following itineraries:

• Baltic (Northern Europe, including St. Petersburg, Russia)
• Greek Isles/Istanbul and Ephesus, Turkey/Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt
• British Isles
• Panama Canal
• Mexican Riviera
• Canada (eastern coast)
• Alaska
• Australia and New Zealand
• Bahamas
• Caribbean (virtually every port)
• Mediterranean (Rome-Barcelona round trip) up next!

All of the above are fun! It just depends on your taste and budget as to where you go. For those friends in Texas, there are great cruises available out of Galveston, Houston, or New Orleans. You can drive and park much cheaper than flying to Florida or elsewhere.

If you are inclined to fly overseas, the Baltic, Greek Isles, and British Isles cruises are just fabulous, and much more economical than you would think. However, you do have to factor in more expensive airfare.

Other options include European river cruises, American river cruises, Asia, Black Sea, Arctic, Hawaii, and Tahiti/Polynesia.

When to cruise

My husband and I usually travel during spring and fall. Prices are more expensive during the summer months and spring break, as families travel with their children.  If you want a more adult experience, travel when school is generally in session.  The weather in the Caribbean is not significantly different during the year, but the hurricane season needs to be considered.

If you choose to travel overseas during the summer months, it will be considerably hotter, more crowded, and more expensive. 

Holiday cruises are great. I have done a Christmas Australia/New Zealand cruise and a Christmas Caribbean cruise out of Houston. Holiday cruising is more expensive, but quite festive and fun!

Alaska is less expensive in May and September, again due to the school calendar. I just sailed from Vancouver on May 14, and we had great weather and fewer tourists.  

I would love to help you plan a cruise. My husband and I are home cruise agents for Cruise Brothers, a 40 year-old Rhode Island travel agency.

Barbara Walters

Walters World Travel

San Antonio TX

bwalters7@att.net