A River or an Ocean Cruise? Sail from place to place -no repacking required. Yes please!!!

A River or an Ocean Cruise? Sail from place to place -no repacking required. Yes please!!!

Ready to visit some of the world’s top destinations without the hassle of planes, trains, shuttles and repacking your suitcase a half dozen times? A cruise gives you the freedom to explore multiple incredible places while only unpacking once.

But here’s the real secret: cruising isn’t just a trip. It’s an experience packed with nonstop fun, food, entertainment, and WOW moments from start to finish.

At Craving Amazing Travel, we’ll help you find your perfect cruise, tailored to your style, personality, and what matters most to you. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting onboard:

  • Designer staterooms that feel like a home away from home

  • Upscale specialty dining and global cuisine served fresh, daily

  • Buffets and quick bites for every craving

  • Bars, lounges, and nightlife that keep the good times going

  • Vegas-style shows, Broadway hits, live music, and comedy

  • Pools, hot tubs, spas, gyms, and sunny deck time

  • Casino gaming, shopping, onboard events, and themed parties

  • Kids' and teens' clubs, so the whole family has a blast

  • Jaw-dropping views, fresh ocean air, and picture-perfect sunsets

No transfers. No rebooking hotels. No stress. Just wake up somewhere amazing every day.

Turn It Up: Bring Your People, Get the Perks

Want to take this to the next level? Invite your friends. Call your family. Make it a Group Cruise!

Get a group together — eight cabins or more — and you could score some fantastic perks like:

  • Onboard credit (spend it how you want!)

  • Free upgrades

  • Group photos, events, or private experiences

  • Special dining or shore excursion perks

Whether it’s a family reunion, birthday bash, anniversary, girls' getaway, or “just because” adventure, group cruises are more fun, more affordable, and more unforgettable.

But don’t wait, group space fills up fast, and the best promotions go early.

Difference between a River Cruise and an Ocean Cruise:

Ocean Cruises: Big Ships, Bigger Adventures

Ocean cruises are floating cities with a little something for everyone—fine dining, Broadway-style shows, water slides, silent discos (yes, really), and exotic ports of call. But with hundreds of ships and itineraries, planning can be overwhelming.

River Cruises: Intimate, Cultural, Effortlessly Elegant

River cruises are the slow sips of the travel world—intimate, immersive, and full of charm. You’ll dock in the heart of historic towns, enjoy locally inspired meals, and explore destinations you’d miss on a traditional ocean cruise.

What We Handle (So You Can Just Sail):

Why Book Your Cruise with Us?

Because Google can’t tell you which deck has the best views, which ship has the least chaotic buffet, or how to score that perfect stateroom (not next to the engine room).

We’ve sailed the ships, toured the cabins, tasted the menus—and we know what you don’t know you need. When you book with us, you’re not just getting a cruise—you’re getting a curated, stress-free escape. We don’t just book your cruise, we maximize the fun.

We’ll match you with:

  • The perfect cruise line, ship, and itinerary for your travel style — whether it’s relaxed luxury, family fun, or nonstop nightlife.

  • The perfect time of year to sail

  • The right placement and type of stateroom, deck, and dining schedules

  • All the upgrades, promos, perks, onboard credits, and experiences you don’t want to miss

Plus, we’ll guide you through the add-ons and extras:

  • Prepaid gratuities (highly recommended - one less thing to think about)

  • Port fees and government charges

  • Beverage and Wi-Fi packages (so you don’t accidentally spend $400 on sending emails)

  • Dining Reservations

  • Travel insurance to protect your vacation dollars

  • Shore excursions

  • Pre- or post-cruise hotel and transfer bookings

  • Travel Insurance, airfare and documentation recommendations,

  • Make it a group cruise, and we’ll handle all the RSVP ‘s and guest payment coordination

  • After you book, we monitor your fare daily. If a better deal or promotion comes along? We jump on it for you. You relax—we handle the details.

Don’t Wait. Let’s Get This Cruise Booked—Before It Sails Away

Epic destinations. Endless onboard entertainment. Unbeatable group perks. All you have to do is say yes, and invite your crew.

This is your sign. Let’s make waves. Let’s cruise.

Explore the Cruise Ports and see where you want your next cruise to start from….

A promotional graphic for first-time cruisers featuring a large cruise ship docked at a port and a family holding hands on the beach, with text 'First Time Cruisers' and 'What You Need to Know!' and anchor icons.

First-Time Cruiser Guide:

Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

New to cruising? Whether you're heading out on a honeymoon, family vacation, or group getaway, this guide covers everything first-time cruisers need to prepare for smooth sailing, from required documents and packing tips to port arrival, onboard activities, and more.

Required Travel Documents for Cruises

Before your cruise, make sure you have the correct travel documents:

  • A valid passport, visa (if required), and government-issued ID

  • Printed or digital copies of your cruise registration documents

  • Check the latest official travel requirements at:

Cruise Check-In: Don’t Miss This Step

  • Complete your online cruise check-in 60 to 90 days before your sail date

  • You must complete it at least 3 days before departure, or you may be denied boarding

Traveling During Tropical Storm Season

Cruising during hurricane season? (June to November)
Please make sure that you are aware of how the weather could impact your itinerary and travel plans.

Arriving at the Cruise Port

We strongly recommend arriving at your cruise departure city at least one or more days early. This allows buffer time for any flight delays or unexpected travel issues.

  • Need a hotel near the cruise port? We can book a pre-cruise hotel and transfers for you!

  • Driving to the port?

    • Confirm parking availability and rates in advance

    • Consider nearby hotels with cruise parking packages and complimentary shuttle service

Departure After the Cruise

If you're flying home after your cruise, book an evening flight to allow enough time to disembark and get to the airport.
Prefer to stay overnight? We can arrange a post-cruise hotel stay near the port or airport.

Checked and Carry-On Luggage Tips

Checked Luggage:

  • After online check-in, print and attach your luggage tags

  • Your bags will be delivered to your stateroom

Carry-On Essentials:
Bring a small bag with everything you need for the first few hours on board:

  • Government ID, passport, and cruise documents

  • Medications and valuables

  • Sunscreen, phone charger, change of clothes, swimwear

  • Your printed luggage tags and credit card

Will I Get Seasick?

Most cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to reduce motion. If you're sensitive to motion:

  • Ask us about booking a mid-ship, lower-deck stateroom

  • Talk to your doctor about:

    • Motion sickness patches or oral meds

    • Sea-Bands, ginger chews, or other natural remedies

  • Ships have onboard medical centers if needed

Avoiding Cell Phone Roaming Charges

Protect your mobile bill while at sea:

  • Check with your provider for cruise-specific packages

  • Put your phone in Airplane Mode as soon as you board

  • Disable background app data and automatic syncing

  • Consider purchasing the ship’s Wi-Fi or social media plan

Dress Codes and Formal Night

Cruise dress codes are more relaxed than in the past, but some traditions remain:

  • Daytime: Casual/resort wear is fine

  • Evening: Smart casual is typical, but you’ll have the option to dress up for formal night

    • Men: Suit or dinner jacket

    • Women: Cocktail dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit

Exploring Ports of Call

You can explore ports on your own or book shore excursions through the cruise line.

  • Book in advance to secure popular tours

  • Craving Amazing Travel can recommend and pre-book excursions based on your preferences and needs

Paying for Things Onboard

You'll receive a cruise card (or wearable device) at check-in:

  • This acts as your room key, a form of ID, and an onboard payment method

  • Purchases are charged to your account and settled at the end of your cruise via credit card, cash, or traveler's checks

Stateroom Types Explained

Choose the right cabin based on your budget and preferences:

  • Interior: No windows, most budget-friendly

  • Oceanview: Includes a window or porthole

  • Balcony/Verandah: Private outdoor space

  • Suites: Larger, often with luxury perks like priority boarding or concierge service

  • Accessible: Designed for guests with mobility or medical needs

  • Specialty Staterooms: Include spa access, concierge perks, or exclusive locations

Dining Options on a Cruise

Cruise ships offer a range of dining styles:

  • Traditional Dining:

    • Early seating: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

    • Late seating: 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM

      • These times can vary slightly depending on the cruise line and ship. Passengers usually choose their preferred dining time at booking or check-in.

  • Flexible Dining:

    • Many cruise lines now offer “Your Time Dining” or similar flexible options, allowing you to enjoy your meals whenever you like within designated hours—no fixed seating required.

  • Specialty Restaurants: Themed, gourmet, or celebrity-chef dining for an extra fee

  • Room Service: Often available 24/7

  • Special Diets: Most cruise lines accommodate dietary needs with advance notice

Pregnancy and Cruising

***Most cruise lines do not accept passengers beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy***

  • You may need a "fit to travel" note from your doctor

  • Check with your cruise line for their specific pregnancy policies

Cruise Ship Terms You May Want to Know

Understanding cruise terminology will make your trip easier:

  • Aft / Forward: Back / front of the ship

  • Bow / Stern: Front / rear ends of the vessel

  • Lido Deck: Pool deck

  • Muster Drill: Mandatory safety procedure

  • OBC (Onboard Credit): Credit for use on the ship

  • Tender: Small boat used when ships can't dock at port

  • Cruise Director: Leads onboard entertainment and daily announcements

  • Galley: Ship's kitchen

  • Embarkation / Disembarkation Day: Boarding and leaving the cruise

  • Cruisetour: Land-based tour before or after your cruise

Final Boarding Day Tips

Once you board the ship:

  1. Find your stateroom and check if your luggage has arrived

  2. Explore the ship to find:

    • Dining rooms

    • Buffets

    • Pools, spas, fitness centers

    • Theaters, lounges, kids’ areas

  3. Attend (or complete virtually) the muster drill

  4. Review your daily activity schedule or app for next-day events

Daily Activities and Entertainment

Cruise ships offer a wide range of activities each day:

  • Games, trivia, dance classes

  • Live shows and music

  • Movies under the stars

  • Spa treatments, fitness classes, and more

Use your cruise line’s app or daily paper schedule to stay in the loop.

Cruise Gratuities

Tipping policies vary:

  • Some cruise lines include gratuities in your cruise ship fare

  • Others allow you to prepay tips or add them to your onboard account

  • We'll advise you based on your cruise line’s tipping policy