AI and the Future of Design: Is There Still a Future in Graphic Design?

Table Of Content

• Accessibility enhancements
• Navigating the Video Marketing Maze: Short-Form vs. Long-Form
• Khroma – the best AI graphic design tool for color scheme generation
• AI and the Future of Design: Is There Still a Future in Graphic Design?
• iPhone Mockup Generator
• best approval software for marketing and creative teams

This would enable designers to refine their concepts and create more refined and polished designs. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze large datasets of existing designs, identifying common patterns and trends. By leveraging this knowledge, AI can generate design recommendations that align with a specific brand’s aesthetic or target audience preferences.

Accessibility enhancements

Art generators are good at taking instruction in the form of prompts, and bots like ChatGPT can hold up their own end of the conversation. But when it comes to graphic design, they aren’t able to understand clients’ needs as quickly and intuitively as a real human. Even image generators like Midjourney or NightCafe, which give living and breathing illustrators and designers a run for their money, are limited in usefulness by the sizes of the images they output.

Navigating the Video Marketing Maze: Short-Form vs. Long-Form

Understanding how AI affects graphic design now—which tasks AI can currently handle, and which ones it can’t—will give you an idea of what you’re up against in terms of competition. When you first start using Kroma, you’ll be asked to select 50 of your preferred colors from a large selection. Using your answers, Kroma then generates limitless color combinations that resonate with your style. You can then use these palettes for your design work, safe in the knowledge that the colors you’re working with are compatible and consistent.

Khroma – the best AI graphic design tool for color scheme generation

I was designing on MS paint because there was no way I was going to be able to afford an iMac. Everything I designed was from scratch and my idea of stock images was Google Images which at the time I had no clue was unethical. The truth many of us hate to admit is that time is the most valuable thing that we possess as human beings; it’s a finite and limited resource that we can’t create more of. However, AI seems to represent a much greater threat to people in the white collar sector dealing with information tech. People in data collection, software development, web development, research analysis, information security, etc. are far more likely to be replaced by AI. A popular marketing campaign for a well-established brand called Nike managed to motivate its target users by creating an environment enabled by gamification.

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As of today, you’re able to use Text to Image (beta), powered by Adobe Firefly, our family of creative generative AI models designed to be safe for commercial use. It kickstarts a new era of creativity in InDesign and designing page layouts both for digital and print publishing will never be the same. Khroma transcends the role of a basic color tool by understanding your color preferences and delivering customized palettes. It makes finding the right color combination easier and ensures consistency in your designs. Whether you're looking for color inspiration or aiming for uniformity across your projects, Khroma is an excellent choice. An AI file can help designers scale their graphics, drawings, and images infinitely with no impact on resolution.

How AI is changing graphic design - Creative Bloq

How AI is changing graphic design.

Posted: Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you work with a lot of ecommerce clients, it has the potential to be a massive time saver. For a while, freelance designers who were willing to churn out logos en masse on platforms like Fiverr could earn themselves a decent revenue stream. Once AI projects started implementing and fine-tuning GAN, the quality of AI image generation rapidly improved. After being trained, when researchers tried getting the AI to generate images of cats, a lot of the images it created included random bits of text. The neural network believed that, in addition to whiskers, pointy ears, and cute little paws, cats were made of letters.

That type of tool can be useful if your illustration skills are weak but you need sketches to communicate with clients or take notes. AI is pretty good at taking rough sketches made by humans and guessing what they’re trying to illustrate. A number of AI tools will take your hand drawn input and turn it into something more polished.

AI graphic design tools are trained to determine the visual asset that you need and provide it in a single click. This is a win for marketers, who don’t need a design background to create visuals that boost brand engagement. With the emergence of top-notch AI text to image AI tools, designers now have a plethora of options to unleash their creativity and bring their ideas to life effortlessly.

Just provide a brief description of the image you want to generate, and InDesign will swiftly create multiple variations for you to explore. Whether you're a digital artist or just dabbling in design, this tool can transform your simple sketches into masterpieces. Alpaca is an innovative tool that demonstrates the potential of AI in 3D modeling. It takes your 2D design and, with the power of machine learning, transforms it into a 3D model. Alpaca interprets the depth and perspective of your design, rendering a three-dimensional model that provides a more realistic view of your project. The AI Enlargement tick box revolutionizes image resizing, ensuring that your photos retain their original quality, even as their dimensions increase.

It simplifies content creation and ensures that your design's message is as powerful as the design itself. For creative professionals who recognize the impact of well-written words, Jasper.ai is an essential tool. Deep Art Effects is an AI-based image processing tool that turns your design into works of art with a single click. With over 120 art styles, this graphic design software has more than 2 million global users and 200 million created artworks under its belt.

Additionally, this integration could unlock new possibilities for data-driven design. AI could analyze design elements within the software and suggest suitable mockups based on target audience or branding guidelines, further streamlining the mockup creation process. Khroma is a design tool that uses AI to provide users with personalized color schemes based on individual preferences. This is ideal for graphic designers looking for color inspiration or aiming to keep things consistent across all their design work. AI graphic design tools are revolutionizing the design world, providing creatives with innovative ways to create, edit, and enhance their designs.

FOUND created a new visual identity and experiential graphics program for MISSION CITY CENTER in the heart of Silicon Valley. The portals in this concept provide physical and graphic representations of entry points into another space. “It’s almost like having a junior graphic artist on the team, sitting off to the side that you can ask for stuff. While AI mockups are highly customizable, they may not offer the same level of granular control as manually crafted mockups. Designers accustomed to meticulous adjustments might find the customization options in AI generators somewhat restrictive. At the moment, the ability of AI to overtake professional illustrators is held back by the huge computing cost of creating high resolution images.

It's worth noting Uizard is actually a spread of AI tools, including those for UI templates, UX design, AI design and more. However, if scrolling through tons of templates doesn’t sound appealing, designers can utilize Canva’s Magic Designer, an AI tool that will create a template based on text prompts and uploaded images. With Canva, designers can easily create social media posts, posters, brochures, presentations, and more.

By inputting specific parameters and design preferences, designers can receive a multitude of creative ideas from AI, providing them with a wealth of inspiration to explore. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the field of graphic design has revolutionized the way designers create and collaborate. In this article, we have explored the various ways in which AI has impacted graphic design, from automating repetitive tasks to generating complex designs. However, it is important to recognize that AI is not a substitute for human creativity, but rather a powerful tool that can enhance and streamline the design process.

Their initial investment into the creative process will become better and the designs will stand out from everyone else. I learned to essentially paint with images in photoshop which helped me dramatically when it came to learning how to design for the web. 17 years later and after 9 of those now using stock graphics I can tell you first hand that I would not have the financial success I have today without it. It’s made me hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped build a creative business that’s generated over 100 million dollars in revenue. It wasn’t until I learned about Photoshop, thanks to my brother, that I stopped using paint to design flyers and logos. I spent thousands of hours of my life downloading countless images from Google and photoshopping all types of designs and graphics, mostly for print, like business cards, flyers, and brochures.

Lifestyle boutique Kitson on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles posts shoplifting 'Wall of Shame' ABC7 Los Angeles

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• Mobile Menu Overlay
• Los Angeles Maps
• Goldberg: For Israel and Ukraine alike, U.S. support is proving unreliable and inadequate
• Fox 7 photographer among those arrested at University of Texas at Austin
• Policy & Public Interest

I want to tell you that I continually see the success of public education! I have students over my time that are now doctors, lawyers, moms, dads, plumbers, electricians, police officers, firefighters, military and many other professions. This group of experts will explore how laws and policies are being developed to prevent further harms from the opioid crisis, and the critical role of document disclosure as a means to improve public health. If you are compensated to interact with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, City law may require you to register as a lobbyist and report your activity. Any individual may qualify as a lobbyist, regardless of occupation, education, training, or professional title.

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OMB will continue to collaborate with our implementation and agency partners to drive collaboration and coordination across government to ensure we are best delivering for the American people. In 2018, a Los Angeles Times investigation highlighted the locations of 119 city-owned parking lots alone. The menu for Industry Public House may have changed since the last user update. Customers are free to download these images, but not use these digital files (watermarked by the Sirved logo) for any commercial purpose, without prior written permission of Sirved. Industry Public House combines American comfort cuisine, artisanal cocktails and craft beer in a vintage-industrial inspired space.

Los Angeles Maps

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, called the EPA rule “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable,” adding that it faced a certain court challenge. The rule disregards the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that limited the agency’s ability to regulate carbon pollution under the Clean Air Act, Matheson said. The move to demolish came shortly after Pratt purchased the mid-century home in an off-market sale for $12.5 million in January 2023.

Goldberg: For Israel and Ukraine alike, U.S. support is proving unreliable and inadequate

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the rules will reduce pollution and improve public health while supporting the reliable, long-term supply of electricity that America needs. Together, the climate law and the suite of EPA rules “are the biggest reductions in carbon pollution we’ve ever made and will put the country on the pathway to zero out carbon emissions,’' Doniger said. The proposal relies on technologies to limit carbon pollution that the industry itself has said are viable and available, Regan said.

"Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide," crowds chanted at one point. With hundreds of protesters rallying against the war in Gaza outside the event and concerns over the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perils for journalists covering the conflict, the war hung over this year's event. Barger said her motion calls for the agency to secure station gate entrances and exits, analyze data on violent crimes -- including those by reoffenders -- occurring on the system, and speed up pilot solutions at some of the most "challenging" stations. The motion was co-authored by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, as well as L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian, Inglewood Mayor James Butts and Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian.

It’s also possible, as news columnist Anita Chabria notes, that the case could turn out to be a big nothing. Not only are there legal reasons why the decision might have little bearing on California’s homelessness policies, she writes; the court could also decide the case is now moot because of an Oregon law overruling Grants Pass’ onerous ordinance. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested approximately 50 protestors at the University of Southern California after campus police gave a dispersal order to demonstrators, according to a CNN crew at the scene. The University of Texas at Austin Police Department said in a statement on X Wednesday evening that "the dispersal order at the South Mall has ended. All University rules are still in effect."

Fox 7 photographer among those arrested at University of Texas at Austin

It would be similar to what we have gone through in the last few years with criminal justice labeling the police as bad because of a few bad actors. Of course, members of the latter group don’t admit to the impossibility of their goals; that would ruin the con. They insist that with enough willpower, particularly among their leaders, they could impose their will on the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House. They make that case on television, on social media and in floor speeches. And when they inevitably fail, they whine that they were “betrayed” by Republican quislings who collaborated with the Democrats, all while raising money off the notion that they’re courageous warriors who are willing to lose on principle. Kerry Cavanaugh is an assistant editor and editorial writer covering Los Angeles and Southern California, with a focus on housing, transportation and environmental issues.

Review: Lawrenceville's Industry Public House - Pittsburgh Magazine

Review: Lawrenceville's Industry Public House.

Posted: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Policy & Public Interest

Instead, the agency would set caps on carbon dioxide pollution that plant operators would have to meet. Some natural gas plants could start blending gas with other fuel sources that do not emit carbon, although specific actions would be left to the industry. The EPA also tightened rules aimed at reducing wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants and preventing harm from toxic pits of coal ash, a waste byproduct of burning coal. The rules initially included steps to curb emissions from existing natural gas plants, but Regan delayed that aspect of the rules until at least next year after some moderate Democrats and the gas industry warned that the plan could affect grid reliability.

Biden has big plans for semiconductors. But there's a big hole: not enough workers

"I'm actually pretty pleased that they are closed. I would have been a little happier had they closed prior to it being on the news," said Juanita Lomax, who learned why the restaurant was closed when she came for lunch on Tuesday. Following the inspection and news reports, the bar & restaurant closed voluntarily. County health officials inspected Industry Public House on Monday night after complaints from restaurant employees. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Allegheny County Health Department confirms that sewage was found in the basement of a popular restaurant in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Second, Trump doesn’t want the Republican caucus to turn into an embarrassing circular firing squad while he is running for president. (It’s remarkable that Trump is worried that other Republicans will make him look bad.) Third, Democrats have signaled that they will help Johnson keep his job after he courageously did the right thing. And finally, no one appears to want Johnson’s job who could also get the job.

Still, the regulation is expected to lead to greater use of carbon capture equipment. Only a handful of projects are operating in the country despite years of research. Pratt’s new home is adjacent to Shriver’s two homes, each valued at over over $10 million, carving out a family compound of sorts in the neighborhood. Ungar has designed several multimillion-dollar mansions, including modern farmhouses, in Los Angeles.

"Metro riders deserve to be safe on the system, and we will continue to do all that," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who chairs the Board of Directors, said during Thursday's meeting. "We can keep not only our riders, but also our operators, safe, and I know that as a board, we will step up to this challenge because that's what frankly the people of Los Angeles deserve." Ellwood’s design for the single-family house was commissioned by couple Martin and Eva Zimmerman in 1949 and was featured in Progressive Architecture magazine shortly after, according to the Eichler Network, which covers mid-century California homes. In 2004, the house changed hands to its last owners, couple Sam and Hilda Newman-Rolfe. The hope is that the Community Health Profiles tool will be used to work toward a more equitable L.A. The information is available on the Department of Public Health's website.

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Directors Of All Time

Table Of Content

• Is the Carnival Cruise director schedule final?
• Guest BasicSailor
• Top Ten Ways to Protect Plants International Day of Plant Health
• Cruise Mummy does a list of Carnival's top 10 cruise directors
• Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors for August and September 2023

"It's always great to be part of the buildup, because lots of people start their vacation four or five months in advance, when they join Cruise Critic groups, to really amp up their excitement for their cruise," he adds. Previously Carnival Triumph before an extensive $200 million refurbishment in 2019, Carnival Sunrise now sails from Miami, offering cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean destinations. Yes, guests can interact with Carnival Cruise Directors during various onboard activities and events. Cruise directors often host Q&A sessions, participate in meet-and-greets, and are available to answer any questions or concerns guests may have.

Is the Carnival Cruise director schedule final?

Part of the Conquest class of ships, Carnival Valor can welcome 2,980 guests onboard at once, with nearly 1,200 international crew members to ensure everyone has a great time. Formerly Carnival Destiny, this ship was the first to be extensively refit to lead the new Sunshine class of vessels and now offers sailings from Charleston, South Carolina and Norfolk, Virginia. Cruise directors have to have a triumphant attitude, and that’s just what the all-star lineup for Carnival Sunrise offers.

Guest BasicSailor

"He wore a hat and dark glasses, and somehow we kept it a secret for the entire cruise." "You're up at the crack of dawn, saying goodbye to 5,000 guests that have made you part of their family, and then an hour later embarkation starts and nobody knows who you are; it's an emotional roller coaster," he says. Anyone looking for a magical getaway can’t do better than the Dream-class Carnival Magic, offering Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries from Miami. I find Cookie to be like nails on a chalkboard to me everytime he makes an announcement. I actually wouldn't have expected to see his name on that list at all, much less as high up as he was.

Top Ten Ways to Protect Plants International Day of Plant Health

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The dates for each cruise director indicate the beginning and end of a specific ship contract (??? indicates an unknown end date), with multiple entries listed for different individual contracts.

Cruise Mummy does a list of Carnival's top 10 cruise directors

Kyndall Fire, better known as “Cookie” Adams, was a beloved Carnival Cruise Director known for his infectious energy and humour. He wasn’t just the face of the ship; he actively engaged with guests, hosting shows and creating a welcoming, fun-filled atmosphere. While his time at Carnival has ended, his legacy as a passionate and engaging entertainer is remembered by many cruisers. Cruise Hive is committed to providing the most accurate, updated information to all readers, and will update this list regularly with new information.

Understanding the Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

As with many of the best cruise directors, he was mentored directly by John Heald and spent time working closely with him. Cookie started working for Carnival in 2014 and began in the entertainment team before a promotion to cruise director. Guests tend to love his warmth and friendly nature, although a lot of comments also focus on how funny he is too.

Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors for August and September 2023

Both Adam Gilbert and Gary Blair offer uniquely fun leadership as cruise directors and will bring great flair and excitement to Carnival Liberty on their contract assignments. The list below (alphabetical by ship) will be updated as such changes are confirmed, so check back often to see where your favorite Carnival cruise directors are sailing. Where individual names are linked, you can get to know the cruise director through their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram (not every cruise director has a public account). Do note that schedules can change as operational needs change and different cruise directors may move to different positions in their careers, while gaps in the listed dates may indicate dry dock plans or currently unassigned roles. Butch Begovich is a highly respected cruise director who has been with Carnival Cruise Line for over 20 years.

Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2024/2025

Write-ups on old school CDs with just a couple of the current ones mixed in. Christine Duffy, a highly respected leader in the industry, serves as the President of Carnival Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc. It’s a publicly traded company with its largest individual shareholder, Micky Arison (founder’s son), holding around 13% of shares.

Top 5 things I like better about Carnival Cruise Line than Royal Caribbean - Cruise Blog

Top 5 things I like better about Carnival Cruise Line than Royal Caribbean.

Posted: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Complete Carnival Cruise Director Schedule

"So many of our wonderful guests with whom I've had the pleasure of sailing have mentioned me on different platforms and also word-of-mouth, and I am totally humbled by this," he says. Since Potgieter isn't active on social media -- he describes himself as rather private and shy -- he is often surprised at how well-known he's become among cruisers. Gary Hunter, who is also a professional ventriloquist in Chiefland, Florida, has performed at sea since 1975 on dozens of ships for many cruise lines. He joined Crystal Cruises for the maiden voyage of its first ship, Harmony, in 1990. Contrary to what most cruisers believe, Walker says CDs don't necessarily have to be funny all the time, but likeability is paramount for success.

Carnival’s cruise directors are some of the best at sea and many of them attract huge fanbases of guests who want to keep in touch long after their vacation has ended. "I'm always surprised and deeply honored to have anyone 'follow' me through life," he admits. The popular cruise director has about 16,000 Facebook followers, with whom he shares family photos and updates. Walker says staying in touch with passengers between cruises is a great way to build and maintain connections. He or she is the “face” of fun for Carnival Cruise Line’s Fun Squad—the crew members who host trivia contests, lead deck parties, judge contests, and share other fun with every guest.

Major institutional investors like Vanguard Group also hold significant stakes. He has since moved onto other roles and currently works as the Vice President for Guest Experience at Washington Football Team.

Becoming a Carnival Cruise Director requires a combination of experience, skills, and passion for entertainment. Many cruise directors have a background in performing arts, public speaking, or hospitality. It is advisable to research the specific requirements and audition processes set by Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival’s Brand Ambassador and Senior Cruise Director, John Heald, recently posted and announced that the latest cruise director assignments had been updated across the Carnival fleet, covering some ships well into 2025. Carnival Cruise Line releases the latest cruise director schedule assignments across the fleet into 2024 and 2025.

Carnival Cruise Line employs approximately cruise directors, though schedules and assignments are fluid and not every cruise director may be under contract at the same time. It takes a radiant personality to lead the fun aboard Carnival Radiance, and that is just what Michael D’Auria is doing this year. Lia Stivers was scheduled as cruise director for the spring and early summer, but that assignment has been changed and Carnival Radiance does not yet have a confirmed cruise director later in the year. The last of the Fantasy class ships to be built, Carnival Paradise has been delighting guests since she first set sail in November 1998. She debuted as the world’s first completely non-smoking cruise ship, though that policy was discontinued in 2003.

Carnival Panorama has a trio of take-charge cruise directors lined up this year sure to bring the fun to all guests – Christian “Deon” Williams, Ranier Scholtz, and Andrew Mercer – each one with their own distinctive style. A truly beautiful Conquest-class ship, Carnival Liberty was the first in the fleet to offer the Carnival Seaside Theater on the Lido deck, a feature often used by cruise directors for parties, dance contests, and more. The 128,000-gross-ton Carnival Dream debuted in 2009 as the largest ship in the fleet at the time, offering dreamy vacations to 3,646 passengers on each sailing.

Karl with a K is a Carnival Cruise Director who has gained a loyal following. With his unique sense of humor and engaging personality, he has entertained guests on various Carnival ships. Karl’s ability to create a fun and inclusive environment has made him a standout cruise director. John Heald is the senior cruise director and brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Lines. He has held this position since 2004 and is known for his engaging personality and social media presence. Individual cruise directors often remain aboard the same ship for several weeks or months at a time, allowing them to develop a truly unique personality for that vessel and to work seamlessly with their Fun Squad team.

Carnival Cruise Director salaries likely fall within the national average range of cruise directors, which is $42,180 to $108,500 annually. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. But many people loved her – otherwise, she wouldn’t have made it to almost 16 years as a full cruise director following her initial 4 years as an assistant. You can keep up with Reverend Dr. E on his official Facebook page and on Instagram.

Cruise Deals: Best Discount Cruises & Packages

Table Of Content

• How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?
• Featured Cruise Ships for Sale & Charter/Rent
• Buy cruise ships
• Click on Image, or Description Bar for additional information
• Popular: 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies

Plus, enjoy 2X points per $1 spent on all Princess purchases including onboard purchases. These Princess Plus fares include great perks like Wi-Fi, drinks, crew appreciation and more. Overall savings of over 50% when you add on this package for only $60 per day. The cruise lines have strict limits on how much alcohol you can bring onboard -- and what you buy in the shop isn't included. You'll have to wait until you disembark to open that bottle of high-end bourbon.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

So if you get the drink package included, which normally costs $99 per person, per day, you’ll still have to pay the 20% gratuity on the normal price. As mentioned, in most cases you’ll see similar prices from cruise sales. A trip is unlikely to be hundreds cheaper from one day to the next simply because of a sale, although it doesn’t hurt to check. There are sales for wave season, Black Friday, summer deals, and seemingly just a sale because it is a random Tuesday.

Featured Cruise Ships for Sale & Charter/Rent

Step on board our meticulously designed cruise ships and immerse yourself in unparalleled comfort and elegance. From the moment you embark, you'll be surrounded by exquisite interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, and a wide range of activities and entertainment options. Indulge in world-class dining, pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, and relax in style as you sail to stunning destinations. There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

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Cyber Monday cruise deals 2023: Here are the best pre-holiday bargains at sea - The Points Guy

Cyber Monday cruise deals 2023: Here are the best pre-holiday bargains at sea.

Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Stay on top of all of our cruise deals and discounts by signing up for our newsletter, following us on social media, and checking in on our frequently updated cruise deals page. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Sign up to get special offers, news, and much more delivered straight to you inbox.

Duty-free means that you can buy items without paying the local VAT (value added tax), which can range from 7 to 33 percent of the product's price (similar to our sales tax). Occupancy rates were typically above 100%, meaning that some cabins even had more than two people in them. Instead of just extending the previous sale or offering a slight tweak, the difference is much bigger, and it means that the same cruise you just booked is much less.

Score the cruise deal of a lifetime and book your next vacation on one of our cutting-edge ships, where you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, exotic destinations, and world-class dining—all in one trip. Our cruise deals allow you to experience everything from Michelin-starred dining to Broadway-level performances without having to break the bank. Escape to tropical islands in the Caribbean , explore the rugged wilderness of Alaska, or experience rich culture in Europe and beyond. Sign up for thrilling shore excursions or simply unwind during your time at sea, by relaxing in one of our heavenly spas or taking a dip in the pool while enjoying unbeatable views of the ocean. Take advantage of our exclusive resident rates on select sailings. Our resident rates apply to a wide range of cruise options, from family-friendly to romantic getaways and everything in between.

Can I buy toiletries onboard?

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination, kids sail free promotions and flash sales. If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays, spring break, summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories, like Balconies and even Suites. Don’t forget to explore our year-round cruise deals, including special discounts for suite guests of The Retreat, military members, and more.

Allure of the Seas

Immerse yourself in a world of luxury and adventure with our exceptional cruise experiences. Discover breathtaking destinations, enjoy world-class amenities, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, our cruises offer the perfect balance for an unforgettable journey. As well, cruise lines don’t want to “train” passengers to wait to book until the last minute. If every trip was discounted just weeks before it sailed, then passengers would wait to book, leading to a mad rush as the sail date approached.

d and 4th Guests Sail Free

All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard.

At Cruise Sales, we offer a meticulously designed cruising experience that exceeds your expectations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or setting sail for the first time, our elegant ships, state-of-the-art amenities, and unparalleled comfort will redefine luxury travel for you. Discover a world of possibilities and embark on a journey like no other.

Visit any cruise line website right now and you’ll see that they are having a sale. It doesn’t matter if you want to sail Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or anyone else, there is a sale right now. The secondhand cruise ship market has traditionally been highlighted by two to three eight- to nine-figure transactions on an annual basis. Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 90 days. That’s enough for a $200 statement credit on your next Princess purchase.

In other words, if you’re thinking that you absolutely have to book before that timer hits zero, that’s likely not the case. Instead, your sail date will have the biggest impact on what you pay. Trips sailing during lower demand months like February or October are priced less than the same trips sailing during high-demand months like June or during Spring Break. That’s not to say there won’t be some differences here and there. Instead, if you’re thinking that you sail for hundreds of dollars cheaper if you only wait for the right sale, that’s probably not going to be the case. In other words, when you get that email or you visit a cruise line website and see the headlines about a huge sale, don’t automatically think that it is something special that you won’t get any other time of the year.

If you’re thinking about a chart showing the price of the cruise over time, you might picture a line with the price spiking up and down dramatically with different sales. When it comes to cruise lines and the sales they run, our experience is that they don’t make as big a difference as you might think. Now, that’s not to say you have to book years in advance, but don’t expect that you’ll find many sailings departing soon for just pennies on the dollar. So in normal times booking last minute usually doesn’t offer a huge deal and means having fewer cabin options. Perhaps nothing is more enticing than the thought of snagging a last-minute cruise deal. If a ship is going to sail with a cabin empty, then it would make sense that the fare on that room would be cut to get someone to sail.

If the Stock Number is highlighted in BLUE, you can obtain additional information and a brochure of each ship, click on the Stock No., ie S2044 for example.

4-Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Table Of Content

• Azamara's 9-night Atlantic Quest Voyage
• We Make Vacation Planning Easy
• Best Long Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Manhattan, New York City
• WESTERN CARIBBEAN
• Activities
• Cruise deals & promotions

Visit the top weekend destinations conveniently with home ports across three states — sunny Florida, Lone Star-studded Texas and golden California. A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands.

Azamara's 9-night Atlantic Quest Voyage

On our longer Caribbean itineraries, we visit the Southern Caribbean, Central America, and South America, crossing the Panama Canal. Choose from 3 to 12-night cruises with stops in Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. A Western Caribbean cruise means an array of experiences—from sun-bleached sandy strands, ancient ruins, or scuba dives on a coral-encrusted wall. Looking for a 4-day cruise from Miami with Royal Caribbean?

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

Embrace bliss with open arms during a Caribbean-inspired spa treatment. Indulge from globally inspired menus across up to 12 specialty restaurants, so you can dine somewhere unique every night. When it’s time to raise a toast to the setting sun, your certified sommelier can pour you the perfect vintage to match the moment—uncorked from a selection that’s won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 10 years in a row.

Best Long Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Before leaving home, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. Grand Cayman rewards beach lovers with beautiful and abundant sandy coasts. Mingle with stingrays, go kiteboarding, spot rows of starfish, or swim with wild turtles. You don't need to be able to tell a Monet from a Renoir to dine in our two artful dining rooms, you just need to be hungry. You don't even need to be a critic to enjoy Dive-In Movies, where cinematic favorites are up on the big screen, poolside.

See the kids’ vlog of their experiences in Camp Discovery and adventures ashore, and watch the parents tackle cruise myths in their vacation recap. Discover the most relaxing things to do on your luxury getaway to Perfect Day at CocoCay from the luxury CocoCay Overwater Cabanas to the most popular Chill Island Cabanas and much more. Visit a thrilling water park or a relaxing lagoon to make your Perfect Day at CocoCay® even better.

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time and here's what we liked and ... - Royal Caribbean Blog

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time and here's what we liked and ....

Posted: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

One of the best last-minute tips for weekend cruises is to select ports like luxurious Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica, which are far enough from the mainland that they might not be as crowded as closer options. Another excellent choice would be the Bahamas, which is the most convenient option if you plan to cruise from Florida. The wide variety of ports within the islands of the Bahamas themselves make this a perfect destination for Memorial Day weekend cruises. Calling at Nassau allows you to explore the vibrant capital of the Bahamas, while wilder adventures await in Bimini, Paradise Island and beyond.

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife. The laid-back Eastern Caribbean is home to many of the region’s most popular islands — gems like St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk. Known for world-famous beaches, stingrays and limitless water activities, this is the perfect option for a sunny Caribbean cruise vacation, reconnecting with loved ones. Indulge in traditional Mexican flavors and spices in Ensenada, home of the fish taco.

Activities

Swim with stingrays in the turquoise waters of The Bahamas. Or brave the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Whether you sail from L.A., Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa or Orlando, you have more ways than ever to pack big adventures into a short weekend getaway — onboard the best and boldest ships in the world.

From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills — do it all along the tropics’ most sought-after shores. Start your adventure with some good old-fashioned southern hospitality in Galveston, Texas. Don’t miss the city’s must-see landmark buildings and bustling Pleasure Pier. Then board your ship and sail on a short cruise getaway to the beautiful shores of Mexico and the western Caribbean. Weekend cruises are easy to grab and they sail from every coast.

Carnival Breeze's staterooms — and many of the public spaces around the ship — feature a scintillating tropical décor and contemporary furnishings that'll transport you straight to warm Caribbean bliss. Carnival Breeze has the whole family covered — with water, that is — with a 320-foot-long Twister Waterslide™ at Carnival WaterWorks™. Just for the kids there's supervised youth programs Camp Ocean®, Circle 'C'® and Club O2®. And for the bigger people, there's time to be spent doing blissfully nothing at Serenity Adults-Only Retreat™...

Or for something a little more refined, swing by Bonsai Sushi™. And for doing the ever-important — but also fun — work of saluting heroes, raise a glass at the Heroes Tribute Bar. Fancying things up a little are the Italian classics of Cucina del Capitano®, while another notch up you'll find Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse™. Carnival Sunrise has enough warm fun for everybody to bask in.

Virgin Islands to learn about its culinary culture, or stroll through the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park on Grand Cayman. Learn about spice cultivation in Grenada or join a nature walk in Barbados. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit the Caribbean—you will never run out of things to do. Over the course of one day in Key West, you can experience the joie de vie of the southernmost city in the continental United States.

Further sweetening the deal is Perfect Day at CocoCay, where the kids can brave the largest wave pool in the Caribbean while you belly up to the swim-up bar. One of the best parts of a Caribbean cruise is the freedom to spend your days however you like. Ashore that can mean relaxing on popular beaches, diving into the local culture or exploring the islands’ many natural wonders.

We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. If you are an American citizen traveling from the U.S. to the Bahamas or Mexico on a closed-loop cruise, starting and ending at the same U.S. port, a state-issued ID and an original U.S. birth certificate is sufficient. Join a gourmet walking tour of Charlotte Amalie in the U.S.

Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day At CocoCay top 4 insider travel tips uncovers free things to do, places to go and thrills you can share with friends. Experience the top 7 most thrilling things to do at the Perfect Day at CocoCay from sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America to zip lining across the island and much more. If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure. Looking for some top family-friendly attractions in the Caribbean? The fan-favorite cruise ship from New York, Liberty of the Seas, is home to some of the best cruise restaurants in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

Cruises from Florida

Table Of Content

• Departure Ports in Florida
• EXPLORE MORE
• Best Exotic Petting Zoos in Florida
• Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Couples
• Amazing experiences coming soon

Searching for long weekend vacation ideas for travel with small kids who aren't in school yet or can easily miss a day or two? The five-night western Caribbean cruise on offer from Miami on Oasis of the Seas® is a good bet for families seeking long stretches of sand and palm trees. Onboard, families can hit the waterslides together — then share stories of their day over St. Louis-style spare ribs at Portside BBQSM or carnitas tacos at El Loco Fresh®. You can fly to Fort Lauderdale and cruise to The Bahamas — and still pack in a ton of excitement onboard and off. At Royal Caribbean's private island resort experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the overwater cabanas offer peace and privacy for couples and are worth the splurge for those looking to carve out some space of their own. Settle yourself and your partner in your own paradise as you watch the sun set over the sea from your lounge chairs, and end the day by ordering dinner for two brought right to your table by the ocean.

Departure Ports in Florida

Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades - CBS Miami

Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades.

Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Get the best of a laid-back beach town and a buzzing city when you book a Carnival cruise from the beautiful port of Jacksonville, Florida. The Sunshine State’s largest city has a redeveloped and revitalized downtown, full of upbeat shopping and lively restaurants, bisected by the scenic St. Johns River and its Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville is a gateway to the islands of the Bahamas but you’ll also have 20 miles of sandy beach life and endless acres of wildlife parks to enjoy before you board your Carnival cruise from Jacksonville. Some of the nation’s leading beaches are found on the Gulf Coast, and passengers on Tampa cruises will have plenty of award-winning options to explore. At Fort de Soto, you can canoe or kayak, hunt for seashells, and explore the historic fort. At the upscale St. Pete Beach, try an exciting watersport like parasailing or kiteboarding, or simply lounge on its sugary sands.

EXPLORE MORE

And don’t miss Wynwood Walls, a collection of old warehouses adorned with abstract paintings, graffiti quotes and unique sculptures. With that in mind, why not go the more indulgent route and treat yourself to a five-night sailing? Serenade of the Seas® sails from Tampa to Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which are in Mexico. If you want to really indulge, Symphony of the Seas® is home to The Ultimate Family Suite, a decadent two-story stateroom that has a hot tub on the balcony and a slide between the two floors.

Best Exotic Petting Zoos in Florida

More than 100 people got sick on world cruise that just left Florida, CDC says - Press Herald

More than 100 people got sick on world cruise that just left Florida, CDC says.

Posted: Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Discover ancient treasures, meet beloved wildlife and learn about the region’s history from an expert guide. Explore Florida’s Space Coast and the Theme Park Capital of the World – Orlando, before you embark on a cruise from Port Canaveral with Princess®. Take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, steer a freighter simulation at Exploration Tower, venture through the Brevard Zoo, or ride on the roller coasters of Orlando’s theme parks. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or adventurous things to do, you’ll have amazing experiences to remember before even stepping aboard your cruise vacation.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Couples

Getting around is easy too — just look for the free trolleys that chug along from the port to the downtown area and back. Unwind on white sand beaches and take a dip in turquoise waters during a cruise around the islands of the Western Caribbean. Or spend a family day filled with fun at Costa Maya, a Mexican beach town where there’s a variety of water sports to try, including paddle boarding, fly fishing, and snorkeling. Escape the winter chill and head off to an Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale.

Set sail from Tampa, Orlando, Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a week long travel vacation that hits some of the best ports in the Caribbean. Multiple cruise lines have already reaped the benefits of homeporting their ships at Port Tampa Bay. Lauderdale, unpack once and visit even more destinations while enjoying additional days at sea traveling between destinations.

BASK IN THE FUN ON FLORIDA CRUISES

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Between the beaches, galleries and canals, there’s a lot to do and see in this waterside city. Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Port Canaveral.

Choose a sailing to the eastern Caribbean on this ship, and older kids can take advantage of hiking and horseback riding in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Alternatively, on a cruise from Tampa on Serenade of the Seas® to the western Caribbean, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula — with its impressive Maya ruins — might make history lovers out of even the most indifferent teens. Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Along the way, enjoy a variety of superb restaurants with no fixed dining times, Broadway shows and thrilling waterslides – all of which will make your journey just as exciting as the places you visit. Tampa’s the kind of place that rewards visitors who take a little time to explore the city before or after they cruise. Not far from the Gulf Coast you’ll find great shopping, the state aquarium and plenty of local art museums.

Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise Itinerary

\nCruises from Florida take you to some of the most beautiful jewels of the Caribbean. Whether you sail from Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, these tips will help you plan. Immerse in local history at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami during the day followed by the energetic nightlife when planning a short getaway before your vacation.

Take the kids out to the Museum of Science and Discovery for an afternoon of fun and learning. Or squeeze some exercise in at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can bike, swim, or paddle board around its mangrove forests. Embrace a laid-back lifestyle while on a cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, where you’ll stop in vibrant beach towns and idyllic islands. Enjoy the sights and flavors of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where you can lounge on a beach with a sweet rum punch or make your way through historic forts and castles. Stroll hand in hand with your sweetheart at Magens Bay in St. Thomas, long considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Meat-filled ayakas are always a hit, but for something a little more filling, try kabritu, a curried goat stew. Our Florida cruise itineraries are available year round and include everything from quick weekend trips to the Bahamas to dreamy 12-night journeys around the Caribbean. Choose one of the popular 7-day Caribbean cruises, which combine two days at sea with five port stops around this heavenly region. If you’re short on vacation time, plan a four-night escape and enjoy one or two sea days with a visit to ports in Key West, Cozumel, the Bahamas, or Grand Cayman. Or if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable trip, spoil yourself with a  ten to twelve-night island-hopping cruise, where you’ll discover one tropical paradise after another.

Florida is a melting pot of peoples as well as cultures — and the food scene here certainly reflects that. Venture north, to taste the flavors of the state’s local vegetable farms and fresh fishing markets. A comprehensive list of family-friendly things to do in Miami before a cruise that will excite the whole family. Cruises from Florida unlock endless adventures from the Panhandle to the Keys.

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Longer sailings from the West Coast
• For those seeking a unique experience: UnCruise Adventures
• Guide to Taking the Best Shore Excursions in Ketchikan in 2024
• Alaska Inside Passage Cruises: What You Need to Know
• Winner: Seabourn
• Exploring Sitka National Historical Park: All You Need to Know
• Prince of Wales Island

A rare sailing may take the true “Outside Passage,” or the open Pacific waters between Seattle or Vancouver and the first port in Alaska, but it’s extremely uncommon and not typically marketed with that term. Virtually all cruises that travel to or from Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, or British Columbia cruise this series of protected fjords and other waterways carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. The closest international airports for an Inside Passage cruise are Sitka Rocky Gutirrez Airport (SIT), Juneau International Airport (JNU), and Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). Most flights to Alaska from the US mainland arrive in Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks; connecting flights are readily available from both Anchorage and Fairbanks. Stephens Passage - In southeastern Alaska, Stephens Passage is known for its marvelous sights, sounds, and smells, with the resident whales, sea lions, gulls, and guillemots breathing life into the majestic surroundings.

Longer sailings from the West Coast

You're very likely to see some Alaskan wildlife on any Inside Passage itinerary, whether that be whales, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises or spotted harbor seals. Alaska’s Inside Passage is an untouched beauty that’s filled with wildlife. Before you set sail to The Last Frontier, it’s important to research the itinerary, the cruise line you’re sailing on, and your budget.

For those seeking a unique experience: UnCruise Adventures

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. Typically, a standard 7-night cruise itinerary will include 4 to 5 ports of call, each offering its own unique attractions and activities.

Guide to Taking the Best Shore Excursions in Ketchikan in 2024

In addition, specialty restaurants, minibars and even gratuities are part of the package. That’s what makes Seabourn perhaps the best Alaskan cruise line for all-inclusive luxury seekers. However, this UnCruise Adventures sailing is aimed at those who want an more heart-pumping immersion into some little-visited areas of the 49th state, like South Baranof Island Wilderness Area and Chichagof Island. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Visit a Native village, learn about the triumphs and tragedies of Alaska’s Gold Rush heyday or go dog sledding with a real musher.

Unlike most other sailings that stay within the southeast, from here, the ship hangs a hard left and chugs along to Kodiak, an island community known for humongous brown bears and prolific crab fishing. Though it’s the second-largest island in the entire United States, it’s rare that cruise ships visit, mainly because it lacks the infrastructure for big ships. Alaska cruises first made their debut in 1881, when the Pacific Coast Steamship Company began cruising the Inside Passage aboard its two ships, the Ancon and the Idaho. Today, with over 20 cruise lines and small ships sailing Alaska’s waterways, there are plenty of options for travelers to choose from during the Alaska cruise season, which runs every year from April through October. If you’re planning a bucket list trip, we’ve selected the best Alaska cruises for every type of travel style in 2024, from the adventure-focused to the super luxurious. Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all.

Winner: Seabourn

Note that the ship is departing the cruise line after its Alaska season, so this is your last chance to sail on the elegant cruise ship. Once we narrowed it down to these two cruise companies, choosing the best Alaska cruise for us really came down to the itinerary. But we did want to spend a few days in the national park, see lots of wildlife and glaciers, explore as much of the wilderness as possible, and learn more about the indigenous cultures of the area, especially the Tlingit. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all native Alaskan owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagoff Island, which is known for its large bear population.

Exploring Sitka National Historical Park: All You Need to Know

Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. Feel the pioneer spirit of Alaska, from First Nations tribes to early Russian settlers to Gold Rush prospectors. These waters are also home to a huge population of whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises and puffins.

My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess - Upgraded Points

My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

No matter which Alaska cruise vacation you choose, you’re guaranteed to see plenty of beautiful birds along the way. We saw massive Ravens, Black Oystercatchers, Semi-Palmated Plovers, and several American Bald Eagles in Juneau before we even set foot on the Admiralty Dream. The last of our cruise excursions before making our way to the port in Sitka was a hike to Lake Eva, which is part of the Tongass National Forest. What started that day as a light drizzle gradually became a relentless drenching.

Scenic cruising

These islands are visually stunning and serve as popular haul-out sites for harbor seals. Haines is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering rafting, hiking, and eagle-watching opportunities. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a must-visit, especially during the winter months when thousands of eagles can be spotted. And be sure to see the unique whale fountain in Juneau – a modern work of art.

This will give you a better chance to spot Dall Sheep, Grey Wolves, Moose and Sitka Deer than you’re likely to get during your cruise excursions. As much as I loved these other Alaska cruise shore excursions, my favorite activity from my two Alaksa trips was the one we did right off the back deck of the Admiralty Dream. To be honest, our visit to Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park was hampered by terrible weather. It was cold and rainy, the rocks at low tide were extremely slippery, and our local tour guide (who was new and not exployed by the cruise companies) didn’t seem to know much about the site’s history. The Alaska cruise season begins in May, when daily high temperatures generally range from 53°F to 62°F, and daily lows are in the 40s.

Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. (home to Butchart Gardens and the storied Fairmont-Empress Hotel) or Vancouver.

The Endicott Arm and the Tracy Arm are both over 30 miles long and bordered by sheer mountains dotted with sproce and hemlock forests. About 20% of this rugged wilderness is covered in ice, and the most distinctive characteristic of the Endicott Arm was the massive icebergs floating within. The Last Frontier Adventure sometimes departs from Sitka, but ours began in Juneau.

You can see the volcanic Eddystone Rock and listen to the calls of seabirds that musically fill the air. Frederick Sound - The scenic Frederick Surround separates Admiralty Island and Kupreanof Island. A great place for summer whale watching, the Five Fingers Island Light can present an attractive sight in front of the icy landscapes behind it. On Mediterranean cruises, we make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your Mediterranean cruise.

We loved the Steep Creek Trail, where we saw a family of Black Bears and a Porcupine. The glacier was named for Thomas Mendenhall, who led the National Geodetic Survey from 1889 to 1894, but never actually visited the area. Stretching 13.6 miles long, the gorgeous glacier is part of the Juneau Icefield, the fifth largest icefield in North America. Alaskan Dream Cruises was more of a wild card, as we’d never heard of them.

Inside Passage waters are as smooth as it gets, while on shore you’ll find endless thrills and chills. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, or ride the rails along the rugged White Pass Summit in Skagway. During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage. Passing by luminous glaciers artfully carved by Mother Nature’s beaming summers and numbing winters, Captain Vancouver and his team charted over 1,000 miles from 1792 to 1794.