Get Personalized Cruise Recommendations
Why ocean cruising deserves a second look
The best ocean cruise lines today bear little resemblance to the floating resorts of the 1990s. Expedition ships reach Antarctica and the Arctic. Small luxury vessels carry 200 passengers to ports the big ships can't enter. Repositioning cruises cross entire oceans at a fraction of the cost of a standard itinerary. If your last cruise was on a mega-ship, you may not have seen what ocean cruising can actually be.
Types of ocean cruise
Luxury small-ship
Lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent carry 200–700 passengers in all-inclusive luxury. Smaller ships mean better ports, better service, and a more personal experience.
Expedition & polar
Zodiac landings in Antarctica, polar bear watching in Svalbard, Galápagos island-hopping. Expedition cruising is the fastest-growing segment in the industry for good reason.
Premium mid-size
Celebrity, Holland America, and Oceania sit between mass-market and luxury — better food, better itineraries, and a more refined experience without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Repositioning voyages
When ships move between seasons — Atlantic crossings, Pacific transits, Mediterranean to Caribbean — they sell cabins at deep discounts. Long sea days, few crowds, extraordinary value.
World cruises
Three to four months, every continent, one ship. The ultimate slow-travel experience. Bob has helped clients plan world cruises and knows which lines do them best.
River-to-ocean combinations
Start with a Danube or Rhine bike-and-boat tour, then join an ocean cruise from Venice, Lisbon, or Amsterdam. Bob can build the whole trip as a single itinerary.
Where ocean cruises go
Mediterranean
Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Turkey — the classic ocean cruise region. Best in shoulder season (April–May, September–October) when the ports are quieter.
Northern Europe & fjords
Norway's fjords, the Scottish islands, Iceland, and the Baltic capitals. Summer only, but the light and scenery are extraordinary.
Caribbean & Bahamas
Easy, warm-weather cruising from Florida and Puerto Rico. Choose smaller ships and less-visited islands for a more distinctive experience.
Alaska
Glaciers, whales, bears, and dramatic coastal wilderness. Small ships and expedition itineraries get you closer to the landscape.
Antarctica & South America
The voyage of a lifetime. Expedition ships sail from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula, with landings, wildlife, and no crowds.
Asia & the Pacific
Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Longer flights, but some of the most rewarding itineraries afloat.
Why book your ocean cruise with Bob?
Talk with Bob- ✓
Independent advice across the lines — not tied to one cruise company.
- ✓
Real experience with ships, cabins, and itineraries — not just brochures.
- ✓
Access to preferred pricing, amenities, and group space when available.
- ✓
One point of contact for flights, hotels, transfers, and your cruise.
Featured cruise lines
Explore the cruise lines Bob recommends
Browse these cruise lines for inspiration, then talk with Bob for help matching the right ship, itinerary, and value to your travel plans.
Ocean cruise questions, answered
What is the best time to book an ocean cruise?+
Are small ships worth the extra cost?+
Can Bob help with flights and hotels too?+
Ready to find your next ocean voyage?
Tell Bob where you want to go, what kind of experience you're after, and what you've tried before. He'll put together a short list of options worth considering. You can search cruises below, but return to me for best prices and options
Talk with BobAlso considering a European river cruise?
River cruising is Bob's speciality — the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Seine. Smaller ships, more ports, and a completely different pace from ocean voyages.
Search & compare cruises
Browse hundreds of sailings across all major cruise lines — rivers, oceans, and expedition voyages.
Can't see the search tool? Open it in a new tab