Travel With Cruises International Blog
Viking Cruises - Taking You to All Destinations of the World!
Written by Bonnie Green
Welcome to the three worlds of Viking, (Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions), visiting 7 continents, 85 countries, over 500 ports, 5 oceans, 21 rivers and 5 great lakes!
So much to explore! We all know that river cruises will take you into the heart of the charming villages they visit. Did you know Viking has much more to offer?
Onboard Viking ships, you will not find winding water slides, children, or casinos on board. If you like to experience more culture and enrichment this is the one for you.
Viking voyages are designed to help you explore and have more of a personal experience with the destinations you visit, through food, culture, and customs.
Onboard you can attend a lecture on history and art, a cooking demonstration of destination city favorites and menus that offer local cuisine and more.
Their expedition ships are specifically designed to explore the most remote places on the planet, while still having the elegance and service as their ocean liners.
Of course, you still have spaces for dining, relaxation and conversation, but you also have wonderful additions due to their commitment to science.
Guests can witness the launch of weather balloons from the top deck on the Viking Polaris’s NOAA/US National Weather Service Balloon Station.
The onboard Science Lab has partnered with various esteemed academic institutions. Their guest speakers not only provide lectures on board but conduct experiments and research while on group shore excursions.
The Hanger, an in-ship marina launches special operations boats and submarines, kayaks, and Zodiacs.
Cruises International hosted a Viking Evening Explorer Event, in June. Attendees were able to listen to guest speakers and mingle with like-minded travelers. Follow Cruises International on social media @cruisesinternational1978, or call to ask to be kept informed on other upcoming events.
Having been in business for over 45 years, many of our Advisors have traveled with Viking and can offer you firsthand knowledge using their own personal experiences. Call us today and let’s plan your next dream vacation.
Iceland, the scenery dreams are made of. From the oldest erupting geyser in the world, to iconic waterfalls, it is truly a nature photographer’s paradise.
No wonder it is one of our most requested destinations in Northern Europe.
Cruises International hosted a wonderful opportunity for our guests to experience a glimpse into a dream vacation. Our Afternoon Explorer Event Fire & Ice took place on June 11, 2024.
Our guest experts discussed the best ways to experience Iceland on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
NCL offers Freestyle Cruising--enjoy not having to be on a schedule and dine at a wide range of restaurants whenever you like. In addition to the main dining room, a variety of restaurants are available, some complimentary and others require a slight fee.
Cruises International’s advertised prices usually are shown with balcony cabins, because for a few extra dollars, most of our clients prefer a balcony or a suite over an interior cabin.
To experience a little more pampering and privacy, The Haven is ideal, especially for larger families and groups. It is home to the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious rooms, up to 3 bedrooms. The Haven experience provides the use of a 24-hr. butler, and areas reserved exclusively for guests of the Haven, (The Haven Bar, Restaurant, Outdoor Bar and Sundeck with private pool).
There are many reasons to book directly with Cruises International. We always go that extra mile. We negotiate with our partners for the best value. We are your liaison and keep you up to date with the latest information as it pertains to you by asking the right questions, that you may not have even considered. Transfers, extended stays, excursion guidance? We have your back.
Advice, Guidance, Peace of Mind and Unique Experiences is what we offer and have been providing for over 45 years. Call us today.
Regent Seven Seas sets the benchmark in all-inclusive cruise vacations!
Written by Bonnie Green
Have you ever taken a cruise that you found at a low price and then found that your onboard tab at the end of the cruise topped the price you paid for the cruise itself? That’s a frustration none of us want to experience. Never having to reach into your pocket or worry about a mounting tab gives you true freedom to enjoy your vacation. This is what we love about Regent. A cruise on Regent gives you the freedom to truly get away from it all.
Guests aboard the six Regent Seven Seas vessels enjoy exquisite luxury accommodations. The Seven Seas Grandeur™ was introduced into service in November 2023. It is the sixth ship added to the World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™. She holds only 750 guests, providing among the highest space ratios and staff to guest ratios in the industry. Guests enjoy all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies. The crown jewel is their Regent Suite at 4,443 square feet!
Choose from 17 voyages in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, or select one of 2 transatlantic crossings. The itineraries range from 7 to 16 nights.
Enjoy four new theatrical experiences, with Grammy-winning musical talent. Dine in one of seven restaurants, with 130 new dishes created by top chefs.
Cruises International Advisors are experts in luxury cruises. If not on the Grandeur, perhaps another ship in Regent’s fleet offers the ideal itinerary for you. Using our connections and expert training, we are your advocate before, during and after your vacation.
Appointments are not necessary but welcomed. Fill us in on what you are thinking of, and we will be ready with some great choices for you when you stop in.
When we started in the business of specializing in cruises back in 1978 (something unheard of in the travel industry at the time), we made it our mission to educate our clients on the different “personality” of each ship and how important it was to choose your ship carefully. By asking the right questions, and listening carefully to your expectations, we could decide together on just the right cruise line or ship to fit your lifestyle.
In recent years we find ourselves paving the same ground with River Cruises, the fastest growing segment in travel. It’s no wonder. River Cruises slow down time and bring you to the heart of the country. As the number of River Cruises continues to grow, we once again caution you on the importance of choosing carefully. Not all river cruises are alike. Let’s take Avalon Waterways, for example.
Avalon is the most active of the River Cruises resulting in a broader range of ages on their ships. And if you are taking the family with teen-aged grandkids, this might be a great choice!
Onboard the Avalon ships you may choose from an array of “Discovery” excursions with hands on experiences like painting and cooking classes. Avalon offers “Active” excursions; biking, hiking, and kayaking, and even the “Avalon Go Ap”with an adventure host for individual active exploring. These are in addition to the classic sightseeing excursions you will find on other lines.
Avalon also has theme special interest cruises; Wine, Beer, Culinary, Garden, Nature Lovers, Jazz, Music, Photography, or World War II history. If you are looking for destinations besides Europe, try Egypt, Asia (Mekong & Vietnam), or the Galapagos.
Visit us at CruisesInternational.com and then stop in and see us soon. Planning carefully is the key to any great vacation! Our friendly and knowledgeable vacation advisors will make it easy and fun!
Safe Travels,
Avalon Waterways Explorer Event. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 23rd, at 2:00 o’clock pm. Space is limited. Please call to reserve your spot! 847-303-2020.
It used to be that Alaska was a destination when you retired. Not anymore! We now have all ages including grandparents taking the kids and grandkids to The Last Frontier. Princess Cruises, one of our favorite cruise lines to Alaska, has special Discovery Family Tours for children ages 3 – 12. Experience the Animal Planet excursions bringing you up close and personal to whales, sled dogs, bears, bald eagles. Gain a deeper understanding of our earth’s animal inhabitants. Back on board you will experience “Puppies on the Piazza” where you can cuddle with dog sled puppies in training.
You can sail roundtrip from Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, or the Voyage of the Glaciers which takes you one way northbound from Vancouver to Whittier or in reverse. These two itineraries visit two glaciers which is the magnificent Glacier Bay and then either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. Park Rangers board the ship to paint the picture on what you are seeing during the Glacier experience. Princess has so many cruise options. You may decide to venture north to Denali National Park.
Princess, number one in Alaska, own their own lodges built specifically for the most spectacular views of the wilderness.
There are indeed many options when planning your Alaska adventure. What makes it difficult right now is that the 2024 Alaska Season (May through September) is almost Sold Out! We are planning Alaska vacations for our clients into 2025, and the 2026 Season will be opening soon. You may want to join us for one of our Alaska Planning Sessions. Here you will get hands on tips and information from Alaska Experts as they walk you through your infinite choices. You will have an opportunity to talk with knowledgeable travel advisors one on one. Remember that our advisors always have your best interest in mind, starting with understanding your lifestyle and budget, and offering the best rates available anywhere.
Cruises International has exclusive amenities on select Princess Cruise tours into the interior of Alaska, offering added value to your vacation. We believe that planning is half the fun! It is never too early to plan!
Safe Travels!
We know you’ve seen the Viking Cruises’ ads, either mailers coming into your home or on Downton Abbey, and now other series on WTTW. You’ve been wondering if this is a good vacation investment for you. You’ve been seeing their Founder, Tor Hagen, tell you how “Time is our most precious commodity”, and offering you a way of “exploring the world in comfort on a Viking ship”. I will tell you from experience that it is exactly that.
When Cruises International opened their doors 46 Years ago, River cruises were essentially unknown. Viking cruises came into the river cruise picture in 1997 and took the travel world by storm. They were able to show us the world beyond the coastline, into the interior of European countries and “In comfort” as we meandered past small villages and marveled at castles while dining out on deck. Walking through Vineyards and visiting châteaux are among my fondest memories. Our founder, Ines Turus, blended her own Cognac in France on a Viking excursion!
Viking does not stop with River Cruises, their Ocean ships are smaller and able to get into ports the big ships can’t. Viking’s Exploration ships to Antarctica are amazing, truly exploring in comfort.
But is it for you?
There is so much to tell which is why we invite a Viking executive to one of our Explorer Evenings to tell you all about it in an informal setting. This is an evening of mingling with other travelers who would like to consider a Viking cruise on the rivers, the oceans, the Great Lakes, Antarctica, and captivating China.
At this event in late February, enjoy refreshments and great company! Receive a discount and extra shipboard credits once you reserve your cabin within 2 weeks of the event. For more details, please call me or your Cruises International Travel Advisor today or call 847 -303-2020.
Safe Travels!
We live by our mission statement:
“To provide Advice, Guidance, Peace of Mind. We create amazing unique experiences for all our travelers, by listening with empathy and recommending what fits best with their expectations and lifestyle.”
With that in mind, now is the time to reserve your stateroom on that European adventure you’ve been longing for. Europe this spring, summer, or fall as seen from the comfort of your Celebrity ship is awesome, exciting, and relaxing. Awesome because the carefully planned itineraries deliver a truly “once in a lifetime” experience. Exciting because every evening’s entertainment is amazing and varied to each person’s tastes. Dance the night away, mix and mingle, or gamble and win! Relaxing because to me anyway, there is nothing more relaxing than watching the moon over the water from my infinite veranda, glass of wine in hand. Nothing is a one size fits all. But I will tell you that many of our clients choose Celebrity because these ships have it all.
The itineraries below are hand selected by me, not only because they are great ones, but also because the value is unbeatable. We pre-pay your gratuities on each of these sailings, and include the beverage package, Wi-Fi, plus extra savings.
Safe Travels!
Relaxed luxury is what Journey Wonderfullsm is all about. Wake up in a new port every morning. Dine at a new restaurant every evening.
Celebrity Cruises® offers revolutionary resorts at sea, no matter the size. If you are looking for lots of high energy thrills and entertainment, we recommend the Edge Series™.
Designed by the best in the industry, using an innovative outward-facing design. What that means is more usable cabin spaces with more ocean views. For example, the infinite veranda rooms with floor to ceiling views, that open to the sea air with a push of a button. (See photo below) Restaurants offer outside dining options and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well. Named appropriately, the Edge Series™ was designed for guests to be as close to the sea as possible. Plunge pools and lounge chairs are placed right to the edge of the ship. Take stroll (or jog) on a two story track along the perimeter of the ship with ocean to one side. Inward facing you will see one of the largest pools on board any ship at sea. What a wonderful way to experience each destination with a full 360 degree unobstructed view!
The Theatre offers state-of-the-art technology, including kinetic lighting and lasers and IMAG to display live performances onto a huge screen.
You will find live performances throughout the ship, including in their outdoor spaces! The Eden is a three story transforming space,with gardens throughout. It is a great place to have breakfast and lunch. It transforms in the evening to the most spectacular area. The lighting and decor will amaze you.
Evening live performances offer Vegas-style acrobats that will delight you. The music and choreography are unforgettable!
The Magic Carpet®, the world's first cantilevered, floating platform also is a transformational space, as it moves from pool decks at the top of the ship to sea-level. It acts as an elevator during the day, and a restaurant and a music venue at night.
On the Edge Series ships you can partake in nightlife experiences as the 80s Flashback at The Club, Silent Disco, Live Band Karaoke, Ritmo Latin party, or an ABBA sing-along. Other favorite activities include: Pickle-ball at Sea, Pub Games Night, Camp at Sea (offering 500 activities for the kids), Spectacular Chandelier Light Shows in the Grand Plaza, and Movies and sports broadcasts under the stars!
Gather your friends and family, call us today to reserve early. We want to accommodate your guests whether you want adjoining rooms, a suite or just being in close proximity.
Safe Travels!
You’ve already paid for airfare. Why not escape from the winter blues and take advantage of a longer cruise?
Celebrity Cruises is an ideal choice if you love the thought of sailing to islands off the beaten path. With 10, 11 and 12 days in the warm, turquoise waters we can almost hear the kettledrums now—with the beat of calypso music. I can almost feel my hair blowing in the warm ocean breeze. Let’s stop daydreaming and start planning.
Pictured: Deluxe porthole with veranda cabin.What makes the Caribbean such a popular destination are all the amazing and memorable activities that are available in every port!
While on shore, you can dive and snorkel coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or go climbing up waterfalls and descending into caves. Play golf on a lush green course, ride horseback through turquoise waters, and swim with friendly dolphins. History buffs are sure to visit ancient Mayan temples and Spanish colonial churches. Shoppers can enjoy searching for unique island fashions and designer jewelry, silver coins, Cuban cigars and more.
Foodies love Celebrity Cruises, where chefs fuse traditional dishes with local fruits for enchanting flavors. Enjoy mahi-mahi, grouper, kingfish, red and yellowtail snapper, and conch from the iconic shell. Get chicken, pork, and duck served fried, grilled, roasted, or blackened. We often get asked what the days will be like when we are at sea. There is much to do onboard!
Escape to The Spa, including Destination Inspired Treatments. Take in a wine tasting and culinary workshop. Captivating main stage productions, including On Broadway. Spend the day swimming in the pool with the kids, then watch the sunset while relaxing in an elevated hot tub. Gather on board for movie night under the stars, silent disco parties, hot glass classes, and archery tournaments -- so many activities to share.
Please note,activities will vary by ship, and you can do as much or as little as your please!
Call or stop in to our new spacious lobby office in Hoffman Estates! One of our advisors will help you choose just the right ship for you and your family!
Safe Travels!
A Royal Caribbean cruise is a perfect choice for everyone
Written by Bonnie Green
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it a million times… A Royal Caribbean cruise is a perfect choice for everyone, especially for families and groups. There is so much to explore on their ships that our clients go back year after year. With such a wide selection of activities for any age or physical ability, this vacation is the one you, your children, and grandchildren will talk about for years to come.
Last year our President, Ines Turus, took her family on a Royal Caribbean cruise for those exact reasons. It was the perfect cruise for all ages.
You and your family will love the variety of pools and water slides, virtual reality games, rock walls, Flowrider simulated surfing, and so much more. With a daycare center offering fun children’s activities mom and dad can have a spa day, or perhaps a special intimate dinner.
If you are planning a reunion, a wedding, a work celebration, a special anniversary or any other occasion, our Cruises International travel advisors can plan private events or excursions to make everlasting memories exclusive for your party. Enjoy a 3-, 4-, or 7-day (or longer) journey. You will be amazed!
Celebrate Thanksgiving or winter break at sea and enjoy my favorite part…leave the cooking up to the chefs! There is still time to get away in 2023! Or book now for 2024 and give this gift for the Holidays! After gifts are opened and soon forgotten, the gift of travel makes memories that last a lifetime.
Booking your adventure early is a huge factor in having more choice of cabins that are close in proximity. Consider adjoining rooms or larger cabin suites. Choosing carefully is so important, and we will help you in picking just the right ones for you.
Safe Travels!
Shorter sailings on the newest MEGA ship is perfect for any celebration!
Written by Bonnie Green
Utopia of the Seas® offers 20 dining options, bars, pools (including sloping beach entry pools), water slides, 10-story-high zip line, the Flow Rider surf simulator, and mini golf at AquaDunes.
Royal Caribbean International® has introduced their newest ship, doing her inaugural voyage in the Summer of 2024. She will sail on 3 and 4 day jam packed fun journeys to the Bahamas. Call your family, call your friends, let’s plan a group trip today!
How about 3 or 4 days on the newest mega ship in the world”?
As an Oasis Class® ship, Utopia of the Seas® offers the design and amenities as do the other high-in-demand, same class ships, but will solely focus on shorter itineraries of three and four nights. This spectacular, new state of the art ship sails to Nassau and “Perfect Day at CocoCay”, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. If you have hesitated to take a longer cruise, here’s your opportunity to experience it all in just a few days!
Vacationers can choose from 20 types of room accommdations. We’ll assist you in the selection of just the right one for you and your group. Reserve a cabin overlooking the ocean or overlooking one of the amazing “neighborhoods” on board such as Central Park or the Boardwalk. Choose a cabin for three, four, five or book a suite such as the Royal Loft, Ultimate Family, or the new Solarium Suites.
These shorter trips are perfect for families that want to spend part of the week at an Orlando area theme park! Or perhaps you would like to take two shorter vacations this year, versus one long one? We’ll help you plan the perfect short getaway for any occasion.
We are now taking reservations for 2024. By planning early, you can take advantage of the exclusive savings on special departures.
Safe Travels!
