cheap virgin cruises

Virgin Voyages Cruise Deals

.css-5378hu{display:inline;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-bold);} $1,397 .css-18q6iyp{color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-base);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-sm);padding-top:0.875rem;} pp — 7-Nt Mediterranean Balcony Cabin w/ Buy One Get One up to 80% Off Cruise Fares PLUS $100 Exclusive Onboard Credit

Mediterranean , from .css-nd89np{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);cursor:pointer;}.css-nd89np:hover,.css-nd89np[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nd89np:focus-visible,.css-nd89np[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} barcelona, aug 11, 2024, scarlet lady, deal details.

$1,049 pp — 5-Nt Caribbean Balcony Cabin w/ Buy One Get One up to 80% Off Cruise Fares PLUS $100 Exclusive Onboard Credit!

Caribbean , from miami, aug 2, 2024, valiant lady.

$1,003 pp — 7-Nt. Greece & Spain – 80% Off 2nd Guest + up to $100 to Spend

Greece , from athens (piraeus), oct 20, 2024, resilient lady.

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Cheap Virgin Voyages Cruises

Virgin voyages cruises.

• Virgin Voyages

4 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want to dine at any time and wherever you want, at no extra cost
• You want gratuities included in the cost of the cruise
• You'd like to get a tattoo onboard your cruise ship
• You don't like vibrant and late-night nightlife
• You are traveling with anyone under the age of 18
• You want a cruise longer than five nights

5 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

7 night cruise to europe, 3 night cruise to europe, 7 night cruise to the caribbean, 15 night cruise to transatlantic, 10 night cruise to the caribbean, 8 night cruise to the caribbean, 6 night cruise to the caribbean, travelers are discussing:.

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Ahoy and welcome to an overview of our current offers and promotions designed to #RaiseYourSales as your clients Set Sail the Virgin Way.

Rates from $99 per night.

No need to wait till Memorial Day to start planning an epic summertime getaway for your Sailor. Select sailings — Caribbean, Mediterranean, UK, and Repositioning — start as low as $99 per Sailor per night, with Sea Terrace upgrades from $150.  Sailors will enjoy over $1000 of value from their voyage fare, including all dining, Wifi, group fitness, tips, and more. Hurry! This offer ends May 24 — after which, you can still plan your Sailor’s voyage activities (and earn 10% commission per add-on).

$100 off Caribbean Weekenders.

Now is the time to book your Sailors on Caribbean Weekender itineraries (five nights or less) and save them $100 on their Voyage fare. With epic Voyages leaving out of Miami, Sailors can explore all the Caribbean has to offer – from the dreamy Dominican Republic to charming Costa Maya — before their boss even notices they’re gone. Plus every itinerary also features a stop at our exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, so they can soak in the Bahamian sun in perfect undisturbed luxury. Book your Sailors now on a short trip that will make a big impact, with all the luxury accommodations, 5-star dining, and award-winning entertainment Virgin Voyages is known for. This deal isn’t just for $100 – it’s for a lifetime of memories made in one long weekend.

Up to 80% off 2nd Sailor.

This May, we're issuing tickets to an unforgettable summer with up to 80% off 2nd Sailors on our most sought-after sailings. Whether longing for the Mediterranean or craving the Caribbean, your Sailors can sail from our Barcelona, Athens, Miami, or San Juan homeports without overstretching their budget — especially when our Fair & Flexible Fares include over $1,000 of value (and flexibility) on every luxurious, adults-only voyage.

Floridians save an extra 5%.

With a vibrant home port nearby, Florida residents don’t need to travel far for an incredible getaway. Tell your Sailors in the Sunshine State about our exclusive Florida Resident Rate — they’ll score an extra 5% off when they sail to the Caribbean in the next 45 days (or less).

Add in A Splash of Romance.

When it comes to romance, we want your Sailors to feel the spark (or reignite it) on board. So we’re offering our new A Splash of Romance experience package for an incredible introductory rate. And when your Sailors feel the love, you’ll feel it too — because when you sell this $250 add-on to them, you’ll earn an extra 10% in commission. ELEVATED EXTRAS - Priority Check-in & Boarding - Daily curated cold-pressed juices at the Gym & Tonic Bar each morning - 3-Hour Thermal Spa Pass per Sailor - A Shake for Champagne (charge removed from folio at the end of the sailing) - Exclusive Sail Away Hour - Aphrodisiac bites to keep the romance flowings Need to Know:  Love is in the (sea) air— and with packages available for $250 (though valued at $350!).  To place a request on their behalf, fill out our online form asap, and we’ll send you a booking confirmation within 72hrs.   Please note: form submissions do not guarantee purchase. Sailors have up to 24hrs upon receiving confirmation to access their VirginVoyages.com account and complete payment. When every new booking earns you a 16% commission, adding this experience even to an existing booking means you’ll add incredible value to their voyage. So help your Sailors elevate their experience with A Splash of Romance, and we’ll elevate your commission with an extra 10%.

Limited-time way to get half-off Virgin Voyages sailings, plus more perks for Bilt cardmembers

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Virgin Voyages and Bilt — the first credit card that allows you to earn points on rent — are teaming up to offer half-priced sailings on Virgin Voyages the rest of the year. Trip destinations include the Caribbean, Europe and South Pacific, and take place on Virgin's adult-only ships .

To take advantage of this deal, simply enter the code 'BILT50OFF' when booking on Virgin's website. With Virgin, your food is included and if you sail in November, you can even get $300 in drinks included per cabin, making this a virtually all-inclusive vacation at sea.

You don't need the Bilt credit card to use this discount, though the rules state you do need to be a Bilt member. Bilt members who link their accounts with their Virgin Red accounts will also earn 500 bonus points, on top of the 100 free points for each travel partner you link to your Bilt account.

Deal basics

Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages. Routes: Any sailing before Dec. 31. How to book: Directly through Virgin Voyages' website using the code 'BILT50OFF.' Travel dates: Dec. 31, excluding those on certain blackout dates, specifically Valiant Lady on Dec. 30 and Scarlet Lady on Dec. 4, 14 and 27. Book by: 11:59 p.m. PST on Oct. 31.

Sample cruises

To book this deal, head to Virgin Voyages and select your travel dates and destination. Or, you can filter the available cruises for the rest of the year and go from there.

Note that this deal is good for three cabin types — Insider, Sea View and the Sea Terrace with the fun red hammocks.

As an example, you could book an Insider cabin for a five-night Dominican Daze cruise for two, Sept. 30-Oct.5 for $1,841. That total reflects a current discounted rate by booking through Virgin, which is discounted from its original price of $2,323, as indicated below.

However, if you enter ''BILT50OFF' under 'Access Key,' this price changes to $1,360, which is half the originally advertised fare. Keep in mind, as shown here, this is not half off any discounted fares. That said, it does often save several hundred dollars off the discounted fares in our tests.

This particular example is the price for an Insider Room, the cheapest cabin available which is approximately 177 square feet. This sailing starts in Miami, and it stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic as well as at the line's Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, before heading back to Miami on day six.

Related: Virgin Voyages Sailing Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Another option is to use the Bilt code to book an Insider room on a seven-night Meditteran cruise in early October.

This sailing stops in Barcelona; Toulon, France; Marina di Carrara, Italy; and other cities, for $1,946 — originally priced at $3,596. Y

ou can also book a five-night Riviera Maya cruise in November to visit Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, for $1,414 — half off its original price tag of $2,404.

Note that the Bilt discount only applies to the voyage fare, and it does not include any taxes or port fees, which are charged at the regular rate at check-out.

Maximize your purchase

Use your Bilt World Elite Mastercard® to book this deal and you'll earn 2 points per dollar, or 4 points per dollar if you book this deal on Oct. 1. As a reminder, the Bilt Mastercard is the first credit card that allows you to earn points on rent, with zero fees to do so.

But you don't have to use a Bilt card so here are some of our other favorite credit cards for booking a cruise .

Bottom line

Virgin Voyages does things a bit differently than some traditional cruise line s, but for some, that's a good thing.

While the vast majority of the food items onboard are already included in your cruise fare, as mentioned, if you sail in November, you'll get to tack on $300 in free drinks, too. And yes, that does seem to stack with the Bilt offer, making this potentially one of the best deals around if you're looking for some fun in the sun.

Just be sure to use code 'BILT50OFF' to book this deal, for all Virgin Voyages sailings through the end of 2022, as long as you book by Oct. 31, 2022.

Virgin Voyages Cruises

2024 Virgin Voyages Cruise Deals

See All Virgin Voyages Cruise Deals

Inspired by the modern luxury of yachting and the romance of the open ocean, Virgin Voyages have created their very own boutique hotel at sea - with no kids, no ordinary experiences and no reason to stay home.

This adult-only experience is taking cues from the best international cities, Virgin has created a getaway at sea with the perfect balance of uptown meets downtown. Combining the warmth of a luxury yacht with the endless options of a much larger ship, designed to offer an elevated and intimate environment. Say goodbye to buffet restaurants, dress codes and fixed dining times and say hello to a holiday on your terms featuring no less than 20+ eateries (all included), epic unexpected entertainment and champagne delivered to you anywhere on-board with the shake of your wrist.

In addition to over 20 restaurants and eateries, Virgin Voyages include over $600 of value included as standard - this includes unlimited Wi-Fi, fitness classes, tips, soft drinks and more! When it comes to itineraries, Virgin pride themselves in late stays and overnight ports of call meaning you really get to experience your destinations.

Virgin Voyages offer two categories of suites called “RockStar Quarters” and “Mega RockStar Quarters”. Both offer some amazing additional features and amenities that include exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop (a members-only sundeck), VIP entrance and priority boarding at the cruise terminal, exclusive 24/7 access to the team of RockStar Agents and much more.

To find out more about the additional benefits of booking a suite on Virgin Voyages, call us today and speak to one of our expert concierge.

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What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)

Never sailed on Virgin Voyages and not quite sure what to expect? Maybe you’ve seen the advertisements and weren’t sure exactly how it compared to other major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

Or maybe you saw that it was adults only and wanted to know more before you spend your hard-earned money on sailing a relatively new cruise line?

So what’s Virgin Voyages like? How is it different from other lines? And what else should you know before you sail? Below, we dive into these questions and give you the real scoop of everything about the cruise line.

How Is Virgin Voyages Different Than Other Cruise Lines?

Trying to explain all the differences between Virgin and more traditional cruise lines is a challenge. Put bluntly, there are a lot of changes both big and small.

Let’s start with being adults only. That actually means much more than simply there are no kids running around the ship.

Instead, everything about the cruise can be tailored to adult tastes. Entertainment on the ship is more mature, such as drag shows in the nightclub. Many events go on until later at night than on a normal cruise. The food offered is more adventurous and upscale (though traditional options are available). The amenities offered around the ship are also different. Instead of waterslides and putt-putt, it’s yoga classes, tattoo parlors, and fitness equipment.

Along with these changes, Virgin also seems to have taken a hard look at traditional things in cruising and made changes that will appeal to many. For instance, the cruise director, art auctions, and roving photographers are out. Instead of a buffet where everyone serves themselves, the cruise line offers a food hall with a number of spots to eat where food is either prepared as you order or plated for you if already made.

There’s no main dining room or formal night. Instead, Virgin Voyages has several different sit down restaurants that are all included with your fare. Gratuities are included in your fare as well, as is wi-fi service.

Bottom line: It’s much more of an all-inclusive feel on the ship, with more that aims to cater to adults that you simply wouldn’t find on other lines.

What’s Included on Virgin Voyages?

One of the big differences we mentioned above is that a number of items that are typically an extra charge on a cruise are included in your fare. Of course, your room, food, and entertainment on the ship are all included. But so are the following items:

• All restaurants on the ship
• Crewmember gratuities
• Basic non-alcoholic drinks, including soda
• Basic wi-fi
• Fitness classes

What you will still have to pay out of pocket for are things like casino gambling, spa treatments, shore excursions, and alcoholic drinks. Still, between food, gratuities, and wi-fi alone, the included items add up to hundreds of dollars per passenger.

What’s the Crowd Like Onboard?

Step onto the ship and you’ll likely notice that your other passengers overall are a little different than on some other lines. Compared to most lines, we think that Virgin Voyages sees passengers that skew younger and a bit more fashionable.

One thing you don’t have to worry about is fitting in. While marketing for Virgin seems to focus on the “cool” factor with lots of beautiful and trendy people, there are all sorts of people on the ship — young, old, black, white, beautiful and not-so-beautiful, gay, straight.

Overall, the crowd seems very inclusive and everyone was friendly as you’d expect on a normal cruise.

Is There a Difference Between Ships?

Anyone who has sailed before knows that so much of your cruise is actually spent onboard the ship. In many ways, the ship is the actual main destination of your cruise, not the ports of call.

Typically there is a major difference between newer and older ships. However, since Virgin Voyages is still a new line, it only has three ships (with a fourth on the way). These vessels all have the same layout. So whether you are on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, or Resilient Lady, you’ll have a similar experience.

It also means you don’t have to worry about picking the right ship for your cruise. You really only have one option.

What’s the Atmosphere Like on the Ship?

Every cruise line has its own personality, and Virgin Voyages is no different. In our view, the atmosphere definitely tends to be more modern and a bit more “cool” than what’s seen on other lines. If Instagram built a cruise ship, it might look a bit like Virgin.

There’s a lot of use of color (especially lights) to set the mood for different spaces — even down to the wake coming off the back of the ship.

Around the ship are lots of seating and daybeds built for two, which combined with the red you see everywhere, adds to the “sexiness” of the cruise ship.

In fact, we found that most often the atmosphere can change depending on time of day. During most of the day, the atmosphere seems to focus more on relaxation and wellness. There are yoga classes, the vibe is relaxed, and generally slow-paced.

In the late afternoon and evening, things change up a bit with the evening programming that’s more focused on entertainment and partying, including Scarlet Night when everything is doused in red light and the nightclub can go until 3 a.m.

One other note: Overall, we found the staff to be a step above what’s on other cruise lines. Generally any cruise staff is going to be upbeat and friendly. On Virgin Voyages, it simply seemed more genuine and as if the staff had a strong camaraderie between each other. It’s hard to explain, but it was a feeling of the staff being happy you were there.

What Are the Cabins Like?

As you’d expect given the atmosphere on the ship, that “cool” factor extends to the cabin. You can expect the layout of the cruise cabin to be similar to other lines. You’ll have your bed, the bathroom, closet/storage, and balcony (with a hammock swing) if you choose that room type.

But cabins also have some upgraded touches. In a small (but loved) perk, Virgin offers a carafe of water and glasses. That means you don’t have to bring or buy bottles of water or drink out of the bathroom faucet just to get a swig of water in your cabin.

There are also some higher-end touches. In the cabin shower, there’s a rainfall showerhead included, instead of just the sprayer on the end of a wand. Your room is controlled by a tablet that acts as the remote control and can be used to dim lights, and even activate different colors to set the mood. Of course, if you don’t want to use the tablet, manual controls and a TV remote are also offered.

Bottom line: Much of the cabin will be familiar, but with some upgraded features that make it feel nicer than the average cruise room.

What Is The Band?

If you’ve cruised before, it was likely on a line that has a credit card style room key that served to open your room, check you on and off the ship, and charge items to your onboard account.

On Virgin Voyages, you have “The Band” instead. This is a stylish little bracelet (complete with an anchor clasp) that holds a gray tag. This serves the same function as the room keycard. You swipe it on your door sign to unlock the room. It’s scanned when you come and go on the ship, and it’s scanned whenever you make a purchase onboard.

It’s a bit easier than having to dig out your card each time to need it, but it does have a tendency to want to come off occasionally.

What Sort of Entertainment Is There on the Ship?

You’d expect that a ship focused on adults might have different entertainment, and in this case, you’re right.

First, the biggest difference we noticed is that Virgin doesn’t offer a traditional large theater that seats hundreds and hundreds at one time. Instead, they have smaller venues. As a result, there aren’t the big production shows like you see elsewhere.

Instead, the shows are more intimate in crowd size, but still feature amazing talent. One show we say was an acrobatic program between a red team and blue team that features climbing a 25-foot pole in the middle of the stage with no harness, flips after being launched in the air on a see-saw, juggling, and more.

Other shows included a mentalist and comedian with a quick-witted sense of humor that was able to make off-color jokes since everyone was adults. Virgin also had a resident drag queen with several performances during the cruise.

Are Drinks Included? How Much Do They Cost?

So much is included on your cruise, but one area that isn’t — alcoholic beverages. Virgin Voyages does charge for these, but there are a couple of things to know.

First, when it comes to cost the menu prices range from about $10-14 depending on the drink. We ordered some simple drinks (Moscow mule and a mojito) that were only $9. One nice thing is that because gratuity is included, the menu price is what you pay. There is no additional tip tacked on.

As well, Virgin doesn’t have drink packages. Instead they have a “Bar Tab” that’s credit toward drinks. Depending on your booking, you can get this included in your trip. During our cruise we booked and had $300 already included, so drinks were on the house.

How Does Food Work on the Cruise? Is it Good?

One thing you’ll like about Virgin Voyages is that all food on the ship is included. There are no extra charges for some restaurants.

The dining onboard can be thought of in two groups. First, there is The Galley. While the ships don’t have buffets, The Galley is a large dining hall with a number of different stalls serving different foods. There’s a burger spot, a taco spot, ramen/noodle bar, a sushi area, salad area, dessert spot and more. All of these spots are either grab and go or you simply wait a few minutes while they prepare your meal.

Then there are a number of sit-down restaurants serving anything from upscale Mexican to Italian, steak, and more. These spots typically require reservations (though walk-ins are welcome) and fill up quickly. It’s your choice where to eat, and you can dine at whatever time you are able. There is no assigned seating or dining rooms like on many other cruise lines.

To us, the food was solid to very good. The Galley offers a lot of options, whether you want simple (burger and fries) to more adventurous (sushi, ramen). However, the sit-down restaurants are a step above. We especially enjoyed Pink Agave, the upscale Mexican restaurant where everything was phenomenal.

What’s Good About Cruising Virgin Voyages?

There’s a lot that’s different about Virgin Voyages, and we think that’s what makes it a great cruise line to sail if you’re an adult looking for a getaway.

For one, we think the cruise line earns high marks in reinventing what a cruise can be. If you’re someone that’s been turned off by some of the “kitsch” in cruising, then cruising Virgin will be refreshing. There’s no line dancing on the pool deck or roving photographers or overly-excited cruise director.

As well, by including many things with the cruise, the headache of being nickeled and dimed around the ship is gone. Essentially the only things you’ll pay for onboard are alcohol, spa treatments, and gambling.

Finally, by catering to adults Virgin has shifted the design of everything from the ship to food to entertainment to more mature tastes that are more appealing to many.

What Are the Downsides of Cruising Virgin Voyages?

There’s a lot to like about Virgin, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. So what should you know that’s not so good?

Our biggest complaint is that the pool area seems small given the size of the ship. There are two pools, but the main pool only had seating for a couple of hundred people around it that seemed to fill up quickly when at sea.

As well, the reservation system for restaurants needs work. During our cruise we found that reservations were completely booked days in advance, yet when we went down to see if there was any space for walk-in, the restaurants had plenty of open tables. (We were seated immediately.)

We will also say that compared to other mass market lines with mega ships, there aren’t near as many things to do as you see elsewhere. For instance, there’s no roller coaster, go-kart track, zipline, rock-climbing wall or the like. That’s by design as these are largely included to appeal to kids and teens on the ship. However, if you’re someone that likes to be more active, you might be wanting more things to do.

Is Virgin Voyages Right for Me?

Having sailed the line recently, we think there is a lot for passengers to like about the cruise line no matter who you are. As mentioned, we saw all types on the ship from older couples to bachelorette parties. And the appeal is broad.

Overall, the crowd seems to skew younger — and more upscale — than most cruises. The atmosphere — ranging from the vibe on the ship to food to entertainment — definitely caters more to adult tastes. We think who would love the cruise line the most would be a couple from 30-60 years old celebrating an anniversary, special occasion, or simply wanting a romantic trip away. That, however, also casts too narrow a net as we saw all sorts having a great time.

In fact, outside of families, we have a hard time pinpointing who the cruise line wouldn’t appeal to. Personally we were worried that the cruise would be too trendy and cool for us to feel comfortable (there is a tattoo parlor onboard, after all), but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, it was a great time with a lot of changes made to the traditional cruise to make it more appealing.

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5 Affordable Cruise Vacations to Book — Plus How to Find the Best Deals

Here's what you need to know to save money on your next cruise.

Best Affordable Cruise Lines

How to find the best cruise deals, tips for saving money while on board.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This form of travel is incredibly convenient (read: no need to pack and unpack), and everything you need can be found right on board — ultimately taking the stress out of trip planning. Plus, with hundreds of ships at sea across dozens of lines, there’s a cruise out here for every type of traveler. Fortunately, cruising doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, and many budget-conscious travelers may opt to set sail for their next trip. Below, we’ve rounded up the best cruise lines offering affordable fares coupled with value-packed inclusions to stretch your dollar further. We’ve also tapped some expert cruise specialists to share their top tips and tricks to help you save money both on and off the ship.

Here's everything you need to know to book an affordable cruise vacation.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line from Richard Branson — which also happens to be a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner — offers excellent value. In fact, according to T+L A-list cruise advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder and president Rob Clabbers, Virgin Voyages fares “include more than on most mainstream large-ship cruise lines.” For example, he says, “Virgin fares include internet access, gratuities, all meals — there are no cover charges for its restaurants that on most other lines would be considered specialty restaurants.” Beverages like soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included, as are snacks, mezze at the aft terrace, and group workout classes. Best of all, there are no pricey beverage packages. “Instead,” says Clabbers, cruisers — or, as Virgin calls them, sailors — can buy their own reasonably priced drinks (think: beers from $6, $10 cocktails, and wines by the glass under $11) a la carte. Additionally, with some promotions , the cruise line throws in a “ bar tab ” credit that can be used towards drinks.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Another World’s Best Award winner — and WBA Hall of Fame Honoree, no less — this fan-favorite ocean line is renowned for refined ships, serene ambiance, and exceptional service. Moreover, per Clabbers, passengers can choose from “optional packages to help customize a passenger’s trip that provide savings over buying things separately.” For an extra $60 per day, consider Princess Plus, which offers perks like Wi-Fi for one device per guest, gratuities, fitness classes (two per sailing), and beverages like bottled water, specialty coffee, soft drinks, and juice. Alternatively, for $80 per day, passengers can spring on the Princess Premier package, which features the same beverages plus specialty dining (two per sailing), unlimited fitness classes, premium desserts, reserved theater seating, and Wi-Fi (four devices per guest).

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line is a favorite among families of all ages for its over-the-top entertainment and activities (think: go-karting, Broadway-caliber productions, and so on). “While Norwegian Cruise Line may price slightly higher than some of its competitors, you need to consider the Free at Sea package,” says travel advisor Jennifer Travis of Marvelous Mouse Travels . She goes on to describe the promotion as a “game-changer when it comes to cruising” since it includes perks like a “free open bar (up to $1,400 in savings), free specialty dining (up to $180 in savings), free Wi-Fi (up to $200 in savings), and a $50 discount on excursions.” Other Free at Sea perks include 70 percent off second guests, free third and fourth guests (on select dates), and free airfare (per the cruise line’s website: “ Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock in roundtrip flights for two ”). Also, you can’t go wrong with the Free at Sea Plus package, which includes a wider selection of beverages, more specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and additional shore excursion credits. Before booking, be sure to check the line’s full selection of deals , which run the gamut from half-off deposits to $150 cruise credits and more.

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Zip lines, water slides, surfing simulators, ice skating, rock climbing walls: Find all this and more aboard (most) Royal Caribbean ships — and, best of all, they’re complimentary! Ideal for fun- and adventure-loving travelers of all ages — read: kids and kids-at-heart alike — it’s pretty much impossible to be bored while cruising on this World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line . Additionally, according to Travis, Royal Caribbean “offers some of the best short itineraries,” some of which clock in at under $200 per person for two-night sailings. Longer itineraries, including a seven-night Bahamas sailing aboard one of the line’s newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas , clock in at under $600 per person. The line also offers an abundance of deals , including up to $600 off sailings, 60 percent off second guests, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line 

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

“ Carnival Cruise Line is known for its competitive pricing without cutting back on the onboard activities or various dining options, thus making them an attractive option to budget-conscious cruisers,” explains Travis. For example, many itineraries, including a four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami , clock in at just over $150 per person. Additionally, says the travel advisor, “Carnival sails to a wide variety of destinations from so many local ports that you almost do not need to fly to your cruise ship anymore, which is another huge savings given the cost (and stress) flights can add to any vacation.” Keep an eye out for frequent flash sales for even more savings.

Booking early is an easy way to save on your next cruise vacation . “Typically,” says Travis, “the best pricing on a cruise is when the schedule is first released.” And, while you could wait for a last-minute deal, “you may not get the room category that you want.” Similarly, Clabbers says that flexibility is key when it comes to finding — and scoring — the best cruise deals . For example, he previously told T+L that if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.”

Conversely, giving up some of that flexibility sometimes pays off. According to Clabbers, select cruise lines will offer lower fares to those who opt for a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one. Finally, you may also consider cruising in shoulder season or even low season. Sure, the weather won’t be perfect, but the fewer crowds and cheaper fares more than make up for that, especially if you’re on a budget.

While your tab can quickly rack up once on board, there are several savvy ways to save money. For one, consider bringing your own booze. According to Travis, “Many cruise lines allow their guests to bring a specific amount of alcohol or nonalcoholic beverages onboard the ships, which can help save you money while you are on the ship.” Additionally, ​​Michele Benard , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, advises packing your own necessities from home — like Advil, Tums,  motion sickness medicine, and after-sun lotion — as opposed to buying them on board at a much higher price. You’ll also want to skip the souvenirs at the onboard gift shop, which tend to be more expensive than those you’d find in port.

Benard also recommends taking advantage of “all the free activities on the cruise ships,” which can include everything from water slides to trivia game shows. Pro tip: “Stay onboard during a port day, and the lines won’t be as long.” On a similar note, spa treatments tend to be less expensive on port days, so those craving some R&R — that is, sans breaking the bank — may consider booking a service during this time.

Finally, says Clabbers, save money on your next cruise by enlisting the help of an onboard cruise consultant to select your next sailing. “You will typically receive an onboard credit or savings on your next cruise, and your own travel advisor will be alerted so they can help you plan your vacation.”

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Cruise Holidays

New horizons - and waking up to them - fresh vistas every time you pull back those curtains, and relaxing on some of the most exciting ships ever to sail the seven seas. We know what makes a cruise, and know every ship from top to bottom, stem to stern. We know the best ports to call at, and the best ways to combine a cruise trip with the perfect destination whether it's one, two or three! With two-thirds of this big, beautiful world covered in ocean, luxury, adventure, and even water slides aren’t limited to just dry land anymore.

Cruise Types

Whether this is your first cruise trip or your 21st, there’s a lot of open water out there to explore, and a lot of choice when it comes to destinations, resorts and the cruises themselves. We wouldn’t want you to feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning your time sailing the ocean blue, so we’re here to break down our cruise types for you.

Cruise and stay

Cruise & Stay holidays merge everything that rocks about cruise holidays with a fun-filled stay in an extraordinary place. Whether you want a blissful beach break or to stick around to explore a city, you can easily pair it with an epic cruise experience to keep your journey constantly fresh and vibrant. Party, relax and treat yourself onboard before getting up close and personal with a fantastic destination, all in one holiday.

Fly and cruise

Booking a fly and cruise option gets you to your holiday destination quicker than setting sail from a UK port, so you can reach those gorgeous Caribbean islands in a shorter space of time. Or maybe combine a cheeky stay on land (Florida, perhaps?) before hopping on board one of our favourite cruise lines. There's so many options we can help with to make your cruise holiday perfectly tailored to you.

Since we're part of the Virgin family, it's a no brainer we'll fly you with Virgin Atlantic to start your cruise.

Cruise from the UK

Don’t feel like flying? Want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the airport? We’ve got you covered with plenty of departures from ports in the UK, and you’ll still have the world at your fingertips. Sail around Europe for a taster (perfect for those who are new to cruising), or take the scenic route over the ocean as far as the Caribbean for cruise holidays that start as soon as you’re onboard.

Get your Vitamin Sea

Virgin Voyages

Cruise into the Caribbean or head to the Med on a unique Virgin Voyage, where the glamour of a boutique hotel on the ocean is blended with unmistakable Virgin style and service. Sophisticated, adults-only, and offering an unbelievable choice of dining, you'll enjoy a voyage that's unlike any other.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is the only place where you can book the full cruise package – Virgin Atlantic flights, hotels and your Virgin Voyage – all in one place. Find out more about what Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady have in store...

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The old cliche that cruises are an expensive treat is incredibly outdated! Cruises are no longer a rarity for the smaller budget. Don’t miss the pleasure of a cheap cruise and find the perfect deal among our cruise deals , cancellation cabins and last minute cruises .

Cruises have long since ceased to be reserved for the better-off: even the smaller budget allows you to enjoy the benefits of a cruise. Experience this very special kind of holiday and visit several countries without having to leave your hotel room or even pack your bags. Our cruise offers are perfect for families who require a range of cabin options to cater for their needs. Even if cruises are a completely new terrain for you, you've come to the right place: Our bargains are also ideal as a taster cruise due to their low price, to see if the sea air is for you.

River or Ocean

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Why a cheap cruise is the right choice for you

Even if you are an experienced traveller, wouldn’t you like to discover a new country every month? Our cheap cruises could be just the thing for you: give in to your desire to travel and choose a cheap cruise.

Book only what you really want and keep your budget under control at all times. Depending on the cruise line, you have the option to choose different pricing models - from all-round service to the best price guarantee.

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Many cruise lines already specialize in cheap cruises and offer you a wide range of destinations: for example, you will find especially at AIDA Cruises , Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises . Find savings without sacrificing quality.

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Sail solo on Virgin Voyages, one of the best cruises for single adults.

Single or just need some alone time welcome aboard….

Single? Can’t find that special someone, or can’t seem to wrangle a friend to travel with you? Good! To us, cruising solo isn’t something you do because you’ve run out of other options — it’s actually Plan A. Our voyages cater to singles, with a host of onboard entertainment options designed to help you meet other Sailors. And since we’re an adults-only cruise line, it’s perfect for single solo travelers who want to disconnect from their daily routine and connect with other like-minded Sailors over DJ tunes at our nightclub, drinking games in our Korean BBQ restaurant, group fitness classes, and events like our shipwide bar crawl. Here’s why Virgin Voyages is one of the best singles cruises for solo Sailors looking for the ultimate adult getaway.

Finding the best cruises for singles & solo travelers

It might sound easier to plan a solo cruise than one with a bunch of friends , because you don’t need input from six other people. It’s just you. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t plan ahead. From browsing the ideal solo traveler destinations to joining a singles cruise community online, and making sure you take advantage of our solo cabins, these are a few singles cruise tips to keep in mind before you book .

Browse Our Beach Getaways

Deciding what ports to visit is the first step of booking a solo cruise, and it probably comes as no surprise that it’s tough to beat a beach destination. Our Caribbean cruises are perfect for single and solo travelers, with plenty of opportunities to catch some rays, show off that tan, and connect with fellow Sailors at a margarita bar. You’ll especially want to make sure to visit Bimini, our exclusive beach club in the Bahamas, where you can vibe to DJ beats, indulge in snacks, and chill on our private beach.

Sign up for our Sail & Save email alert

To get the best deals on our singles cruises, join our Sailor community and sign up for our Sail & Save email alert. You’ll be able to score last-minute vacations deals starting as low as $99 per Sailor per night.

Join Singles Travel Communities Online

Beyond the Virgin Voyages Sailor network, there are plenty of singles cruise communities online that you can join to build friendships with other solo Sailors. These communities, usually found on Facebook, are great resources for getting curated lists of the best singles cruises, and tips on how to make the most of them.

Activities & Events to Meet People on a Cruise

Singles cruises aren’t just about romance and hook up culture. They’re about making meaningful connections and memories with other Sailors, whether it’s dancing at The Manor, winning big at the Casino , sharing world-class cuisine at one of our onboard eateries , or enjoying one of our signature shows with a new friend. Our dedicated singles events also create an organic, stress-free way to meet other solo Sailors.

Virgin Voyage Mobile App

It all starts here. Our mobile app is designed to allow Sailors to easily book onboard events , as well as connect remotely with other Sailors .

Singles Meetup & Events

In addition to our regular calendar of shipwide social events, we also offer meetups designed specifically for single Sailors, like cocktail hours and pub crawls . 

Communal Dining

On Virgin Voyages, sailing solo doesn’t mean dining solo. Our innovative Korean BBQ restaurant, Gunbae, is famous for its communal dining concept. Indulge not only in delicious Korean cuisine, but also fun drinking games with new friends.

Entertainment & Casino

Some of our onboard special events are perfect for single and solo travelers looking to cut loose and have a blast with their fellow Sailors. Our PJ Party, pub crawl, and Scarlet Night are great opportunities to relax your inhibitions and meet new people . Our Casino is also an ideal option for bonding with the Sailor next to you over shared success or failure.  

Group Fitness Classes

Mixing and mingling with other Sailors doesn’t only happen at bars and restaurants. It can also happen during our group fitness classes, perfect for connecting Sailors who share a love of health and wellness .

Take a Tour

The social environment doesn’t evaporate once you leave the ship, either. Arguably, our Shore Things are the best way to connect with other Sailors. Taking a group tour gives you the opportunity to explore a new destination with other travelers – whether or not they’re solo – and have a shared experience you can bring back to the ship.

Singles & solo travelers love Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages might not be an exclusively singles cruise, but as an adult-only cruise line, we pride ourselves on catering to the needs of our solo Sailors looking to forge connections in a mature environment. That’s evident in several aspects of the ship, from our bar and restaurant atmosphere to our entertainment options to our cabin mood lighting. We’re pleased to say – Sailors seem to agree. Many have left rave solo cruising reviews online lauding the singles cruise experience, speaking fondly of memorable moments created onboard and the people they still keep in touch with. Indeed, many singles love traveling with us so much, they even return for second, third, and fourth voyages.

Plan & book your singles cruise for solo travelers

On Virgin Voyages, “solo” doesn’t mean “alone,” and “single,” doesn’t mean “lonely”. We pride ourselves on being one of the top cruises for solo and single Sailors . Rather than fly to a destination by yourself and truly go at it alone, why not book a cruise filled with other like minded travelers, give yourself the chance to meet new people, and make the journey as fun as the destination itself? Even if you’re sailing solo, you’re not sailing alone. We’re here to make voyaging as seamless as possible, so don’t hesitate to contact our Sailor Services team if you need any assistance booking your cruise cabin, flights, or hotel .

Cruises for Singles Q&A’s

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10 Cheap Cruises Ranked By Their 2024 Prices

• Cruising offers an affordable and all-inclusive vacation option, with prices as low as $27.25 per person per night.
• Travelers can explore beautiful destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas on budget-friendly cruises.
• These cheap cruises provide luxury amenities, including open bars, water parks, multiple restaurants, and entertainment options.

The cruising world is one that travelers find hard to leave. With 24/7 food and restaurant opportunities, water parks, gyms, infinity pools, casinos, bars, and more, cruising is like going to a floating, all-inclusive hotel. While some cruise lines can be expensive, there are a few out there with some unbelievable deals that take their passengers on cruise ship voyages through Iceland's untamed beauty , cruises in the U.S. Virgin Islands , unique cruises in Greece , and the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, just to name a few.

The average cost per hotel room (excluding food) is predicted to be around $155 per person, per night, in 2024 . Still, in the land of cruising, travelers can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation for just $27.25 per person per night (the cheapest cruise on this list) or $95 per night (the most expensive 'cheap' cruise on this list).

For travelers looking to set sail and explore the world on a budget, these are the cheapest cruises to go on in 2024 (ranked by their 2024 prices), listed from cheap to 'super cheap'.

Related: 20 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $669.

This 7-night cruise departs from Seattle, Washington, and takes its passengers to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia. This is the cheapest cruise on offer for exploring the Alaskan waters.

The Norwegian Encore cruise line is one of the only ships that offer an open bar as part of the total price. It boasts an impressive 16 passenger decks, making it a cheap yet luxurious Alaskan vacation alternative.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore
• Book it here: 7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Encore

10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total cost per person for 10 nights: $509.

This 10-night cruise is the ultimate Caribbean getaway; offering the cheapest way to experience the length of the Eastern Caribbean, including stops in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (the Cruiseline Private Island), Grand Turk Island in Turks & Caicos, and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic.

This cruise comes in at just $51 per night, making it one of the cheapest Caribbean cruises (and vacations) to go on. The Carnival Venezia also offers more restaurants (8), outside rooms (1249), and passenger decks (15) than other cruise ships for the same price, making it one of the most cost-effective options.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Venezia
• Book it here: 10 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Related: Three Super Cheap Cruises Worth Booking In 2024

7-Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $479.

This 7-night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise around the Caribbean is the cheapest cruise line with an all-inclusive mini-water park in 2024.

The ship houses 2 pools and 5 whirlpools, a Kids Aqua Park, which includes a kid-size pool and slide, splash area, fountains and sprays, and 3 multi-story water slides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Epic Cruise Line
• Book it here: 7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $469.

This 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise that takes passengers to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is the cheapest cruise departing from California.

The average price to visit and tour Mexico is $997 per person for 7 days , making this cruise an excellent all-inclusive alternative, costing half of the average price, with luxury amenities.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Panorama
• Book it here: 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

The cheapest cabin for this cruise is the interior cabin - bear this in mind when booking.

6-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Total cost per person for 6 nights: $451.

This 6-night Pacific Coastal Cruise is another one of the cheapest 2024 cruises; it takes its passengers on a cost-effective journey one-way to discover the West Coast of Canada and the United States from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California. The cruise explores sights in Vancouver before moving on to Victoria, British Columbia, San Francisco, California, Catalina Island, California, and ending in Los Angeles, California.

On the route, this affordable cruise ensures that entertainment, food, exercise, and more are all covered with its state-of-the-art facilities that aim to cost less than what passengers usually spend at home.

• Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
• Book it here: 6 Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Related: 10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

11-Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

Total price per person for 11 nights: $369.

Easily rivaling even the best Caribbean island hopping cruises , this cheap, extensive cruise takes its passengers to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Cozumel, Mexico, Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas (a Cruise Line Private Island) and Miami, Florida for just $34 per person per night.

Dining, entertainment, bars, and sports zones are all included in the price, making it one of the amazing yet cheap family cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Meraviglia
• Book it here: 11 Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

5-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total for 5 days per person: $349.

This cheap almost-week-long Eastern Caribbean voyage takes passengers from Port Canaveral in Orlando to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands before heading to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and ending back in Port Canaveral.

The cruise includes amazing stage shows, live musical performances, stand-up comedy, clubs, bars, and lounges featuring DJs spinning, karaoke, piano sing-alongs, and more. On board, guests can also enjoy parties, game shows, and trivia contests.

There are also great options for all six meals — breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night snacks at the full-service Main Dining Room or the casual Lido Restaurant. These amenities make it one of the cheapest entertainment-filled cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Freedom
• Book it here: 5 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

Total cost for four days per person: $229.

The Carnival Radiance takes its passengers on the cheapest trip to Mexico from Los Angeles they'll ever find. Stops along the way include Catalina Island, Ensenada, and Long Beach in Los Angeles.

From endless taco trains to never-ending burrito buffets and all-one-can-drink tequila, this all-inclusive Mexican fiesta is the cheapest way to spend a vacation in Mexico.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Radiance
• Book it here: 4- Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

2-Night Margaritaville At Sea Paradise Cruise

Total cost for 2 nights per person: $148.50.

This 2-night cruise through the Florida seas departs from Palm Beach, Florida, and takes its passengers on an all-inclusive, relaxing getaway. This cruise doesn't have any island extras that passengers need to budget for, making it one of the cheapest cruises to book in 2024.

Passengers won't need to worry about paying for anything more once they're on board.

• Cruise Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
• Book it here: 2-Night Florida Cruise 2024

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise

Total cost for 4 nights per person: $109.

Not only is this one of the most affordable Bahamas cruises , but it also comes in as the cheapest cruise for 2024. This ultimate budget-friendly cruise is the 4-night MSC Seashore Bahamas Cruise, which takes its passengers on a journey to the luscious Bahamas. The ship departs from Miami and stops over at Nassau and Freeport before heading back to Miami.

The only thing not included in this all-inclusive vacation is a Wi-Fi and on-board credit package. The MSC Seashore is one of the biggest MSC cruise ships, with multiple amenities while also being the cheapest to offer such amenities.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Seashore
• Book it here: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise 2024

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Cruise to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. croix shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in st. croix.

GET YOUR RUM ON

Cruzam Rum Distillery, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Taste your way through the history of rum on St. Croix as you tour the Captain Morgan and Cruzan Rum distilleries, where you’ll learn about the process of making the Caribbean’s favorite spirit.

FORTIFIED FINDS

Canon Fort Frederik, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Check out the hard-to-miss yellow brick Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted for a vivid history lesson— it’s the best preserved Danish-built fort in the Virgin Islands. You can also visit an art gallery and several historical exhibits in Frederiksted’s Fort Frederik.

A BETTER POINT OF VIEW

Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States. It’s about a half-hour drive from Christiansted, but well worth the journey— once you arrive at the rocky bluff, you can wander up a paved road to the overlook for the best views on the island.

LOCAL CUISINE

St. Croix’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape. Stop in at any small local eatery and you’ll find fresh seafood dishes, like Cruzan Style Gundy (balls of ground herring and spices), that nod to French, Thai and Dutch cuisine— with plenty of West Indian spice and favorites like conch fritters. You’ll also find boardwalk bars serving traditional American fare, like hamburgers with rum punch.

There’s no shortage of interesting dive shops in either Christiansted or Frederiksted. But the best places to shop in St. Croix are the duty-free shops offering jewelry, liquor, clothing and souvenirs.

Best Deals to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

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CRUISES TO RUSSIA

World-class museums and glittering palaces await

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Experience Luxury at Every Turn on a Russia Cruise

Russia is a vast, breathtaking country known for resplendent cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where world-class art, unique architecture, and rich history await. Beyond its biggest cities, however, there are remote villages and fishing towns that thrive despite a menacing climate, making Russia home to a wilderness more beautiful than you could possibly imagine.

Once the capital of imperial Russia, today St. Petersburg is a creative hub full of art, culture, and cherished institutions just waiting to be explored on a Russia cruise. From breathtaking ballet and opera centers to ornate palaces and cathedrals, the City of Tsars still feels every bit the royal city it once was. Get to know another side of Russia in Petropavlovsk, a port town where 29 active volcanoes and the rugged Kamchatka Peninsula contrasts with its snow-capped mountains and inviting thermal hot springs.

With the safety of our guests and crew always our top priority, we are removing St. Petersburg, Russia from upcoming itineraries in 2022, due to the current situation in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with all who are impacted by this conflict.

Russia Cruise Highlights

Fascinating history.

Centuries of history mark every street and attraction of St. Petersburg. Marvel at the Church on Spilled Blood, a memorial to Alexander II known for its breathtaking mosaics, or explore centuries of imperial history with a visit to the Winter Palace. Board a high-speed train to Moscow and see the world-famous Kremlin and the Red Square. In Petropavlovsk, discover the history of Russia’s far east at the Military Glory Museum.

Local Cuisine

Explore the flavors of historic St. Petersburg on a journey to a local market under the expert guidance of our Celebrity Chef. Stroll through popular markets in the city, admire fresh local produce, artisanal cheese, caviar, natural honey, fresh fish, and choice meats. Sample some of the market’s delicious offerings before you source ingredients with your chef on board. In Petropavlovsk, sample traditional Russian delicacies like borsch, smoked fish, and baked Kamchatka salmon.

Arts & Culture

St. Petersburg is home to an astounding array of cultural attractions to explore. Visit one of the largest art museums in the world at the State Hermitage Museum, where you’ll see priceless works of art by Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, and more. Stroll the grounds of Peterhof Palace and witness one of the most impressive private collections of porcelain in the world. A night of Russian ballet at one of the city’s lavish theaters is a can’t-miss experience.

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St. petersburg.

Colorful, metropolitan St. Petersburg is one of Russia’s greatest cities, decorated with incredible palaces and grounds like the Winter Palace and the Peterhof. Called “The Venice of Russia,” St. Petersburg’s winding canals and cobblestone streets rival Europe’s greatest cities. Watch a once-in-a-lifetime Russian ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre, or take a high-speed train on a day trip to Moscow. 

Petropavlovsk

Venture off the beaten path to the far east of Russia and enjoy a more rustic side of the country in Petropavlovsk. Thanks to its large population of hefty Kamchatka black bears, Petropavlovsk is a perfect getaway for animal enthusiasts hoping for bear sightings. Explore a traditional Kamchatka village, or get close to Siberian huskies at a local kennel. Fields of bubbling geysers, an active caldera called Lake Kurilskoye, and an entire museum dedicated to the area’s volcanic activity are reminders of East Russia’s powerful landscape. 

Russia Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Russia and Scandinavia depart from Amsterdam aboard Celebrity Reflection and Southampton aboard Celebrity Silhouette. Itineraries last from 12 to 14 nights and include an overnight in St. Petersburg, where you’ll have two days to explore the city. On a transpacific cruise from Tokyo to Vancouver, you’ll visit the fascinating port town of Petropavlovsk.

Itineraries

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On a luxury cruise to Russia with Celebrity Cruises, you’ll discover the captivating metropolis of St. Petersburg and the vibrant cities of Scandinavia, or the vastness of the Bering Sea and the picturesque town of Petropavlovsk. Spend luxurious days at sea enjoying the onboard spa, world-class restaurants, and thrilling live performances. During days in port, you’ll experience the striking architecture, culture, and signature cuisine of the region. Enjoy fine wine recommended from a dedicated sommelier, or stay out dancing at one of our innovative lounges. 

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Everyone you know is going on a cruise

­­­ Lots of people will be getting their sea legs this summer.

Ports have been packed with cruise ships over the last few years, as vacationers flock to ever larger vessels and operators race to accommodate a surge in post-pandemic bookings — many of them from first-time passengers. The industry expects even more this year.

Benjamin Xiang, a San Francisco-based flight attendant, went on his first cruise last August, setting aside his reservations about “cruise people” and a type of trip he’d imagined would be “not my travel style.”

Taking advantage of a Virgin Voyages promotion that let him use credit card points to cover the $2,500 bill, Xiang booked a weeklong, all-inclusive, adults-only cruise from Barcelona, with stops at Mallorca, Ibiza and along the French Riviera.“I invited my best friend, we prepaid a $600 bar tab, and we were like, ‘We’ll just hang by the pool, read a book or something,’” said Xiang, 35. “Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.”

He’s among the many cruise newbies who’ve helped power the industry’s recent growth. Some 27% of cruise passengers over the past two years have been first-timers, up 12% from the prior two-year period, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a trade group.

Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.

Benjamin Xiang, 35, San Francisco

“Will I go back? I think yes,” Xiang said. “Will I pay this time? Yes.”That’s exactly what cruise operators are hoping for, and so far they’re getting it: 82% of all cruisers say they’ll book again, CLIA’s latest report found.

After welcoming 31.7 million passengers last year, 7% more than in 2019, the industry expects volumes to swell to 34.7 million by the end of 2024. Experts say a combination of newcomers, repeat bookers and younger travelers are powering the uptick.

Like Xiang, many first-time cruisers are groups of friends traveling together, said Jennifer Klaussen, who owns Sundari Travel in Malibu, California.

“Once they get on a cruise and realize it’s not what they thought it would be, they’re usually interested in future cruises and diverse destinations,” she said, adding that newer operators have managed to “reduce the stigma associated with cruising — that it’s only for the elderly.”

Passengers under age 40, including kids, made up around 42% of cruisegoers last year, up from 35% in 2019, according to CLIA. While the average age of a cruise customer is 46 industrywide, millennials now make up nearly the same share — 22% — as baby boomers and Gen Xers, who each comprise 24%.“The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, “whether that’s a big, new ship with eye-catching attractions for families, or more bucket-list-worthy experiences like sailings in the Galapagos or Antarctica.”

The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic

Amenities don’t hurt either, said Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer at Virgin Voyages, which began sailing only in 2021, as the cruise industry rebounded from the pandemic. “Millennials and Gen Z love the fact that everything is included. Think meals foodies would love, tips covered, Wi-Fi to stay connected and a ton of fitness classes,” he said.Vessels are getting bigger to handle the growing demand.

In January, Royal Caribbean Group launched Icon of the Seas — currently the world’s largest cruise ship, with 20 decks, 40 restaurants and room for more than 7,000 passengers and 3,000 crew members.

The company, meanwhile, reported a 16% increase in new cruisegoers between this year and last across its various cruise lines. Nearly half of all Royal Caribbean guests are millennials or younger, CEO Jason Liberty said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO Harry Sommer told CNBC earlier this month, “We appeal obviously to older customers, but millennial and Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment of our cruising right now.”

Cruises generally aren’t cheap, though, and Sommer noted that the company’s target customer is middle- or upper-income. As consumer spending cools down across much of the economy, Americans are adjusting their summer vacation plans to fit their budgets.The share of travelers put off by steep prices hit 32% in Deloitte’s annual summer travel survey , up sharply from 24% last year. But more affluent vacationers still seem eager to shell out on everything from first-class airfare to luxury train trips , as the industry continues to push premium offerings .

“More higher-income travelers are headed to cruises,” whereas “lower-income travelers are going camping,” the Deloitte report, released Tuesday, said. (“RV trips are up across the board,” it added.)

That doesn’t mean cruise passengers aren’t paying attention to price.

Jaclyn Groh will be going on her first cruise in March 2025, sailing around the Caribbean. The 34-year-old therapist and social work professor at Ohio State University in Columbus typically takes her family on boat trips on a lake, beach visits, “and of course the occasional Disney adventure for the kiddos,” said Groh.

While some of her friends have done family cruises, she’s never been interested in the largest cruise ships because they seem “overwhelming.” But in shopping around for a vacation next year for just her and her husband, Groh said her travel agent’s description of the packages available won her over.The smaller Explora II vessel she opted for has a “boutique feel that we love,” she said. And it’s priced about the same as the resort in Curaçao where the couple will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this fall. That week on land will run about $6,500, while the cruise comes to about $6,700.

“The price seems very reasonable for all of the inclusions, and yet with the cruise we will get to experience so many new locations and excursions,” said Groh, who’s looking forward to “a perfect combination of resting in luxury and adventuring.”

Harriet Baskas is an NBC News contributor who writes about travel and the arts.

Russia is gaining ground in Kharkiv with daily 'glide bomb' attacks and there's not much Ukraine can do about it

Launched from the sanctuary of its own airspace, Russia has been using 1.5-tonne "glide bombs" to help gain ground and wreak havoc on Ukraine's second-largest city.

And there's little Ukraine can do right now to stop them.

Russia's big, cheap, retrofitted Soviet-era bombs have become one of its most effective weapons in the full-scale invasion.

They contributed to the fall of the strategic city of Avdiivka in February, and are now being used daily in devastating assaults in Kharkiv .

Local police in the region have referred to them as a "super weapon", saying they've wiped out entire streets in one fell swoop.

Two were used in an attack on a   crowded DIY hardware store in Kharkiv City over the weekend, which killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, according to Ukrainian authorities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says they are now the main tool of Russian warfare.

Moscow's renewed attacks in Ukraine's north-east come as Kyiv still reels from stalled Western aid.

And Mr Zelenskyy has warned the situation is about to get worse.

On Sunday he said Moscow's forces were massing for a new ground offensive in the region , urging the West to speed up support.

But even with the right weapons, Ukraine faces US restrictions to defend against the cross-border attacks.

Analysts say the war has reached an inflection point, and whether Ukraine wins or loses could be decided in the next few months.

What are glide bombs?

Glide bombs generally start out as old-fashioned "dumb bombs", which are fitted with wing kits and satellite navigation guidance systems to give them "smart" precision.

Russia has been digging into its old Soviet stockpiles to give its heavy, iron FAB-500 and FAB-1500 bombs a new life.

Rather than being dropped from overhead, their pop-out wings allow them to glide 50 to 70 kilometres through the air at high speeds to reach a target.

And they come with explosives of up to 500 kilograms, which leave craters about 20m wide and 6m deep.

Malcolm Davis, a senior defence analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, says Russia is using these weapons for two main purposes.

"To terrorise the civilian population by hitting civilian targets — hospitals, schools, that sort of thing," he told the ABC.

"And secondly, they're using these to support manoeuvres by ground forces."

While their range is nothing compared to cruise missiles, glide bombs are significantly cheaper.

They can reportedly be fitted out for as little as $US20,000 ($30,000).

Mr Zelenskyy said more than 3,200 guided bombs were used against Ukrainian targets in April alone, calling them Russia's "main instrument" in its attacks.

Authorities in Kharkiv told Al Jazeera over the weekend that the bombs were being flown towards the city every 10 to 20 minutes.

Why can't Ukraine stop them?

Glide bombs aren't particularly sophisticated, nor are they new.

Marcus Hellyer from Strategic Analysis Australia says they are a standard weapon that even Australia has in its supplies.

Ukraine has more accurate versions from its Western allies, including the US Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and new long-range GLSDB bombs.

But the ground-launched GLSDB glide bombs are reportedly being taken out by Russian electronic jamming.

What has been making Russia's glide bombs particularly effective are positioning and policy.

The city of Kharkiv lies 40km from the border, so glide bombs can be used without Russian aircraft leaving their airspace.

"The Russians have lots of planes so they can sit outside the Ukrainian air defence network and simply glide bombs in," Dr Hellyer said.

Not only are they being launched outside the range of most Ukrainian air defence systems, there's another major problem: The US has imposed constraints on Ukraine using its weapons inside Russia.

"Ukraine is sort of fighting with one hand tied behind their back," Dr Hellyer said.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that the US policy restricting weapons use in Russia was "severely compromising Ukraine's ability to defend itself".

Since May 10, Russian forces have captured several villages near the border and entered the town of Vovchansk.

And Moscow continues to intensify strikes across the region, including on Kharkiv City, which is home to about 1.4 million people.

"It is not possible to defend Ukrainian territory without defeating the glide bomb threat," George Barros, the ISW's Russia and Ukraine portfolio lead, reported last week.

"Russian aircraft can strike Kharkiv City indefinitely without ever leaving the sanctuary of Russian airspace."

Is Ukraine losing?

When US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Ukraine earlier this month, he admitted the country was facing a particularly "challenging time".

Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at University College Dublin's Clinton Institute, said: "It's the most serious position Ukraine has faced since the early months of the Russian invasion in 2022."

"But I think it needs to be put into perspective," he told ABC's The World.

Russia has been attacking the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, after taking the city of Avdiivka earlier in the year.

And it has taken about 1,000 square kilometres of territory in Kharkiv over the past two weeks, Professor Lucas said.

But he added it was not a "huge amount".

"This is a far more limited Russian advance than we saw in that opening phase of the invasion and it could change very, very soon," he said.

Pivotal months ahead

Dr Hellyer says it's hard to imagine a positive outcome for Ukraine unless things fundamentally change.

"At the moment, the Ukrainians are not winning on the battlefield," he said.

"They are sort of holding their ground on the battlefield with Western support."

Major shifts in Ukraine's favour rely on whether the US lifts weapons constraints and how soon new aid will arrive.

The Biden administration's $US61 billion military aid package finally passed in April after several months of delays.

And an additional $US275 million package was announced by the US Department of Defense on Friday.

But it did not include more air defence systems, which Mr Zelenskyy was pleading for.

Dr Davis says although these packages are helpful, the flow of support to the battlefield remains slow.

And they aren't expected to have a real impact until next year.

He says it's crucial to get the promised US F-16 fighter jets in the air as soon as possible and to start hitting inside Russia.

"In the meantime, the Russians are doing everything they can to make hay while the sun shines and make progress on the ground," he said.

"If Ukraine wins or loses really is going to be decided [in the] next few months."

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