Cruising

Find your Perfect Cruise Style

Cruising comes in many forms, and each offers its own way of exploring the world. At Royal Travel Center, we help you discover the cruise style that matches your pace, whether you’re drawn to ocean horizons, storybook rivers, remote expeditions, or refined luxury at sea. We tailor every detail so your journey feels seamless, personal, and beautifully planned.

  • Ocean Cruises deliver classic, convenient travel with diverse dining, entertainment, and itineraries across the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond. 
  • River Cruises offer intimate, scenic journeys along the Danube, Rhine, Mekong, and other iconic waterways, with immersive cultural experiences at every stop.
  • Expedition Cruises venture into Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic, pairing adventure with expert‑led exploration.
  • Luxury Cruises provide small‑ship elegance, spacious suites, elevated dining, and personalized service for a truly effortless escape.

Ensuring your cruise feels uniquely yours from start to finish

Choosing the right cruise is about more than selecting a ship, it’s about shaping the kind of journey you want to have. At Royal Travel Center, we take the time to understand what inspires you: the destinations you’ve dreamed about, the pace you prefer, the level of comfort you crave, and the experiences that make travel feel meaningful. We compare cruise lines, ship styles, and itineraries through a personalized lens, ensuring every recommendation aligns with your travel personality.

 

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing ocean escape, a culturally rich river voyage, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime expedition, or a luxurious small‑ship retreat, we curate options that feel intentional and effortless. From pre‑cruise planning to onboard enhancements and post‑cruise extensions, we design each voyage with care so your time on the water becomes a journey you’ll remember long after you return home.

FAQs about Cruising

Are cruises all inclusive?

Cruises can vary in terms of what is included in the overall price. Some cruises are considered all-inclusive, meaning that the cost of the cruise covers accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, and some onboard activities. Other cruises may require additional fees for things like specialty dining options, alcohol, excursions, gratuities, and internet access. It’s important to carefully read the details of a cruise package to understand what is included and what may require extra payment. Some cruise lines offer beverage packages too. We can help you demystify what all is and isn’t included.

What are the main differences of an ocean cruise versus a river cruise?

Ocean cruises and river cruises offer distinctly different experiences, catering to varied tastes and preferences. Ocean cruises typically take place on larger ships, accommodating thousands of passengers, and venture through vast bodies of water, often with days spent at sea traveling between ports. This scale allows for a wide array of onboard amenities and entertainment options, such as multiple dining venues, theaters, and pools. In contrast, river cruises operate on smaller vessels, which navigate through scenic rivers, offering passengers intimate views of picturesque landscapes and charming towns. These cruises emphasize cultural immersion, with frequent stops at historical sites and local attractions. Due to the compact size of river cruise ships, the atmosphere is more relaxed and intimate, fostering a closer connection between passengers and the destinations visited.

How do I know which cruise experience I would like?
Choosing the right cruise experience can be a delightful yet daunting task, as it largely depends on your personal preferences, interests, and expectations. Start by considering the destinations you’d like to explore; some cruises focus on tropical paradises, while others venture into culturally rich regions or the rugged beauty of polar landscapes. Think about the type of activities you enjoy—whether it’s lounging by the pool, exploring ports for historic landmarks, engaging in adventure sports, or indulging in gourmet cuisines. Additionally, consider the ambiance and size of the cruise ship; larger ships often offer a plethora of amenities and entertainment options, whereas smaller vessels might provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Researching different cruise lines, reading reviews, and perhaps even consulting with a travel agent can help narrow down your choices to find a cruise experience that aligns perfectly with your ideal vacation.
Are tips included on cruise lines?
When booking a cruise, it’s essential to understand the policy regarding gratuities, as they are often a vital part of the compensation for the hardworking staff on board. Many cruise lines automatically add tips to your onboard account, ensuring that crew members such as dining staff and cabin stewards are appropriately rewarded for their service. This gratuity charge is typically calculated per person, per day, and can vary depending on the cruise line and cabin type. Some luxury cruise lines include tips in the fare, offering an all-inclusive experience, while others allow passengers the flexibility to adjust the amount based on their discretion and level of satisfaction. It’s advisable to review the specific policies of your chosen cruise line before embarking to ensure you understand what is included and can budget accordingly.
Can I bring my own alcohol on board a cruise?

Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board. However, some cruise lines may allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne on board for special occasions, but they usually charge a corkage fee. It is always best to check with the specific cruise line you will be traveling with to see their policies on bringing alcohol on board. Again, this is something we can help you with.