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Cruises, in other words floating cities with all luxuries aboard, are for those who want to enjoy their travel in leisure and style. Be it an overnight cruise off the shore, or the seemingly endless travel across the high seas, these trips are intended for those travelers who soak in the experience of the journey. This mode of travel is not suited for whirlwind trips, where your travel plans are written down to the minute. Cruises are becoming more popular nowadays as people are looking forward to a relaxed environment away from daily chores, yet still filled with all comforts.

Cruise liners both large and small offer cruises to the most exotic destinations worldwide. Similar to travel classes available in airlines, cruise lines are categorized as ‘Mainstream’, ‘Premium’ and Luxury’.

Mainstream : Large ships catering to all class of passengers with focus on entertainment

Premium : Elegance and quiet comfort with focus on service, itinery and self-improvement

Luxury : Royal, exclusive service and exotic locations.

Carnival :

Carnival is the worlds largest cruise line in the Mainstream category, featuring destinations such as the caribbean, mexico, hawaii, panama canal, alaska and canada, with the main focus being fun and entertainment. Aboard its fleet of ships, both youngsters and the fun loving find themselves perfectly at ease. However, if you are looking to relax, find a quiet space in the midst of this entire frolic or a pair of earplugs at least! Spacious cabins, unlimited entertainment, flexible meals, not so formal dress code, babysitting and vacation guarantee options are worth their value.

Celebrity :

Celebrity is a Premium line offering a sophiscated, upscale travelling experience, best suited for middle-aged travelers. Focus is on elegance, quiet and comfortable journey with more refined entertainment, bar and shopping options. Luxurious cabins, plush furniture, personalized service, formal dressing for special events, babysitting facilities are offered by this line which is more alike a luxury liner in its design and function. In addition to regular worldwide destinations, the Xpedition series of travel addresses celebrity locations like the Galapagos Islands and Macchu Picchu.
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Costa :

Costa is a Mainsteam line with the biggest modern fleet in Europe. Carnival Corp now owns it. It offers a mediterranean ambience with flavors from Italy influencing the décor and the menu. The languages used aboard the ships are mainly Spanish, Italian and English, in tune with the International traveler profile. The Caribbean cruise on this line is surely a money saver.

Crystal :

A luxury Liner that focuses on comfort, personalized service and onshore excursions and self-improvement. It offers a unique wholesome package for the well-read and well-traveled passenger, past middle age and who is still looking for something more in life. Guest lectures aboard the ships are an opportunity to catch up with latest trends while still on vacation!

The liner features worldwide destinations with hardly a few missed out.

Cunard :

The most famed transatlantic luxury line, with QE2 and QM2 in its fleet, Cunard offers a traditional, luxurious travel experience, in line with its royal origins; its passengers being wealthy and sophisticated. Outfitted with a planetariom, museum, theatre and other entertainment options, the ships keep passengers occupied during the long transatlantic journey. Pets are allowed on board! There are cruises to all parts of the world including the Canary Islands.

Disney :

Mainstream cruises with focus on Fun and family entertainment. It primarily caters to children and accompanying parents. Themed restaurants, games, out door activities and interactive programs keep children of all ages occupied. This liner offers Mediterranean, Bahamas and Carribean cruises. Any one at ease with the Disney Theme is bound to enjoy the experience aboard this liner.

Holland America Line :

A Premium line, Holland America is known for its comfortable long cruises, a caring crew of Indonesian and Filipino members and traditional service. An all-day ice-cream parlour offers the best hand made ice creams at no extra cost. Also onboard culinary classes are conducted in typical television show style by celebrity chefs. The Line is well known for its travel packages to Alaska and it offers cruises to all continents.

MSC Cruises :

A subdued, classic interior décor and all other features comparable to the Costa line, the Mediterranean Shipping cruises caters primarily to European passengers. The ambience is influenced by Italian culture and languages spoken aboard are predominantly Spanish, French, Italian and German. MSC is suited for family travel.

Norwegian Cruise Line :

A Mainstream line, Norwegian cruise line offers an enjoyable experience to all passengers with both traditional and Free-style cruising. Good food, 24 hr room service, fitness programs, multitude of entertainment and onboard activties for children and adults, keeps everyone occupied.

Oceania Cruises :

A casual sophisticated experience offered by this Premium Deluxe line is more towards the Luxury class of travel. With very little of offer in terms on onboard activities, entertainment as compared to other lines, Oceania focuses on a-port-a-day itinery, which allows you to explore many exotic destinations (at your cost).

Princess :

Innovative and varied shore excursions, 24 hours buffet, Internet Café’s, personalized service and less crowd characterize the cruises offered by this Premium Line. The poolside open movies, scuba diving instructions are an added attraction.

Royal Caribbean :

Spacious, Stylish, Exciting and Entertaining experience is offered by this biggest Mainstream line. All its passengers enjoy the fun filled ambience, international cuisine, the innumerable shopping options and onboard activities; the highlight being the disco on the Viking Crown lounge high above the water.

Seabourn :

The finest luxury small yacht cruise line, it is the ultimate experience in luxury travel and personalized service, right from a custom menu to poolside service for the wealthy traveler. These small yatches can easily dock at the most exotic and remote tourist locations unaccesible to the large ocean liners, however they lack the stability of the larger vessels and could be tossed about in the shallow seas.

Windstar :

A casual, luxurious environment welcomes the upscale traveler aboard this Luxury Line. Grace, Elegance and Modernity characterize the ambience and the service. Open restaurants, plenty of water sports, Scuba diving instructions, entertainment, good food and the gracious Filipino and Indonesian crew make the cruise enjoyable. Almost all popular destinations are covered. However, no special facilities are available for children.

Most of these cruise lines offer trips to worldwide destinations with a lot of perks for the repeat travelers.

Last Minute CRUISE deals on Orbitz.com!

Top 8 Cruises in the World

1. Barbados
   Get everything you could possibly hope for: unspoiled charms and sophistication, hot sun, deep blue waters, friendly people and lots and lots of beautiful beaches. Spend time out on the white beach as this virgin territory of travel opens its arms and envelops you with its grace and hospitality.

2. French Riviera
   There are way too many tempting cruises that the Mediterranean offers, even to make a list out of them. But the French Riviera wins hands down. Be it Cannes or Monte Carlo, gaze at stunning scenic views as you sail out in the horizon.

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3. Alaska
   While a cruise for most only means tropical climates, a cruise to Alaska changes all of that. Breathtaking views of mountains will satiate your appetite for superb scenery. While you’re on the cruise, see if you can anchor and go up Mt. McKinley to see to the edges of earth!

4. Cayman Islands
   Imagine soft white sand, and beautiful underwater reefs teeming with life plus unknown shipwrecks. Does this sound tempting to your ears? The Cayman Islands hold all these and more pleasures in store. Trendy shops and the spectacular Caribbean charms will dazzle you as you lounge in luxury on a cruise here.

5. Panama Canal
   The reason for going on this cruise isn’t just the mere fact that this is perhaps the most colossal engineering project for mankind, but the fact that this destination is a testimony to the unbreakable human spirit to excel every single time. Linking two oceans and separating continents, this canal is a dream to cruise on.

6. Aruba
   The Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas, Aruba has some glorious beaches. But the best part is that the people of Aruba know how to party and their friendly hospitality will charm you in ways more than one.

7. Norway
   While most Scandinavian countries are famous for their gorgeous beauties, take this cruise to gaze at some sky-high rocky cliffs, sparkling inky blue waters, and of course the amazing climate.

8. Virgin Islands
   Pristine and almost immaculate, these islands offer exquisite beauty, great natural grace and beautiful relaxing beaches as a respite for escaping a hectic life. Take a cruise to the Virgin Islands and experience serenity like it was meant to be: at peace.