Let’s be honest – vacations are never cheap!

You could grab a backpack and go into the woods, sleep on the beach, or go to the desert and lie on the ground staring up at the sky, but that’s a very specific type of person. Most of us want creature comforts that takes us out of our everyday routine. Enter the mid -range cruise!

For the price you pay you will have your hotel room, meals and a variety entertainment and see an assortment of destinations without the price of transfers, multiple planes, or car rides. And, the added benefit of not packing and unpacking.

Plus, you can select the perfect type of cruise of adults, families, or multi-generation travel.

With pricing to fit almost any budget, this sort of cruise is perfect for reunions, birthday or anniversary celebrations, business conferences or as incentives for employees.

The following, are a few of the best of this class.

Royal Caribbean

As the second largest cruise line, Royal is unique in what it can offer. As a result, this diversity makes it one of ATB’s top choices for almost any scenario of vacation.

With sailings as short as 2 days or up to 18-day transatlantic crossings, Royal is the best for multi-generational activities. For the couple – the nightlife, shows and spa experience make it a perfect getaway to relax or for a little romance. For the family- there is something for everyone! The Kids and Teens programs breakdown is smaller age brackets than on other line allowing safety and fun no matter what the age. These groupings are: 6mo-36 mos. /3-5 years /6-8 /9-11 years / 12 -14 and 15 -17 years. No age group will feel they are being lumped with “babies” or made to feel intimidated by older kids. They even offer a “kids dine with parents” quickly program and then are whisked away for activities, so adults can enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or other adults.

Entertainment on Royal varies by ship but includes, Broadway musicals, Aqua Theatre shows, Ice shows and ice skating, live bands, Surf Rider and other water attractions. Add the casino, spa and gym into the mix and any age will find something to keep themselves smiling.

All ships offer a variety of dining options, but the Oasis Class and other lager ships boast 27 venues!

Imagine being on the world’s larges ship- the Symphony of the Seas – and spending time in Central Park with it’s over 2500 plants and trees. Or on the Boardwalk – an Atlantic City experience right near the Aqua Theatre.

As for the accommodations, the inside cabins may be perfect for kids or single travelers on a budget. But the big spender may want to experience the Ultimate Family Suite – two floors with its own full-size spa, dining table, a full living room and private bedrooms. For something unique and cost-friendly- try the Virtual Balcony cabin; one entire wall with a live feed from outside giving the same experience as having a real balcony for the price of an ocean view room.

Can you see why this is one of our favorite lines?

Disney Cruises

DISNEY = MAGICAL…And that doesn’t stop with their theme parks and movies.
Admit it- you have a vision in your head already of what to expect. Ramp that up about 10 times, and you have a Disney Cruise

I like to describe the line with the three F’s…

FAMILY  – FANTASY –  FIREWORKS

The ship’s décor is like walking through a Disney Museum – nothing over the top- tastefully done, but you never forget where you are. And why would you want to? Even the name puts a smile on your face.
These ships are certainly family-friendly with lots for the kids to do and a photo op around every corner. But they are so much more -with something to cater to every age group, because let’s face it, mom and dad need to have fun too, and and they didn’t forget the grandparents!

Spas, pools just for adults, adult only dining and night clubs that cater to that adult need for fun- without Mini Mouse hitting on your husband! Just kidding, it’s Micky that’s all hands!

Be aware however- Disney cruises do not have casinos. Not sure why, but they just don’t.
They do, however, have every conceivable attraction to keep your kids amused at all times.
How about breakfast with a Disney Character? Or a Dolphin encounter on Castaway Cay- Disney’s private island – where they may also get a chance to play with Goofy! Their “Kids Only” clubs are the perfect way for them to enjoy ship time while giving mom and dad a chance to have some time to themselves.

With cruises sailing around the world and a large assortment of ports, maybe Disney is what you should consider for those big event celebrations- monumental birthdays, graduations from any level of school, learning how to tie a shoelace! Come on- do you really need an excuse to take a Disney cruise?

While I’ve pointed out how family-friendly these ships are, adults travel as couples on them  all the time. The service and food is excellent and the activities for adults make it a perfect getaway for  them as well. Maybe it can bring the kid back out in you!

And fun doesn’t start when you board- it begins when you tell the kids you’re taking a Disney ship vacation! Can you image the excitement?

Virgin Voyages

The “New Kid On The Block’s”  long-anticipated launch has finally been able to set sail August 2021!
The brainchild of entrepreneur and travel guru, Richard Branson, this is far from a just a start up.
He and his team looked at other lines- said this is good, this is wrong and let’s take it all up a notch.
It’s first cruises are departing from Miami aboard a state-of-the-art ship – The Scarlet Lady.

The yacht -inspired design is host to a myriad of features catering to the cruiser that wants to enjoy life and have fun on an Adults Only voyage.

Twenty restaurants are included- no specialty dining charges and not a buffet in site. All, choreographed by a Michelin Star chef! The entertainment is  geared to a vibe beyond the usual Broadway inspired fare.
And, because it caters to adults, the alcoholic beverages are reasonably priced, with drink packages making it almost a bargain to lift a glass!

Wi-Fi and gratuities are included at every level accommodation which range from interior cabins to Mega Rock Star suites.

One very special addition to the Miami departures is an overnight at the private Beach Club on Bimini- a standard on all sailing. When European voyages launch spring 2022, a similar feature is included on those cruises, with many offer multiple overnight opportunities.

But don’t be fooled by the sophisticated décor and party like descriptions- Virgin Voyages is there is satisfy any type of guest, and at prices at will surprise you!

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