Aerial view of a cruise ship sailing through turquoise coastal waters

Cruise Planning

Find Your Perfect Cruise

From Mediterranean luxury to Alaskan adventures, we'll match you with the ideal cruise experience—and secure perks you won't get booking direct.

Start Planning

Why Choose Us

The Shop Getaways cruise advantage

Booking with a cruise specialist isn't just convenient—it's smarter. You'll pay the same price (often less) with exclusive perks included.

Exclusive Perks

Onboard credits, upgrades, and amenities you can't get booking direct.

Expert Guidance

We know the ships—cabin selection, dining options, and what's actually worth it.

Your Advocate

Problems? We handle them—you're not just another booking number.

Cruise Types

Find your style of cruising

From mega-ships with endless activities to intimate river vessels, we'll match you with the right experience.

Contemporary Cruises

Contemporary Cruises

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Princess

Perfect for first-timers, families, and those seeking entertainment, activities, and value. These ships offer something for everyone with water parks, shows, specialty dining, and endless activities.

Best For

  • First-time cruisers
  • Families with kids
  • Entertainment lovers
  • Budget-conscious travelers
Premium & Luxury Cruises

Premium & Luxury Cruises

Celebrity, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Explora Journeys, Azamara, Viking Ocean

Elevated experiences with exceptional dining, refined ambiance, and often all-inclusive pricing. Smaller ships, more destinations, and a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Best For

  • Foodies and wine lovers
  • Couples and adults
  • Celebration travel
  • Those seeking inclusive luxury
River Cruises

River Cruises

Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Tauck

Intimate ships navigating the world's great rivers—the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Mekong, and more. All-inclusive pricing, included excursions, and immersive cultural experiences.

Best For

  • History and culture buffs
  • Those with mobility concerns
  • Wine and culinary enthusiasts
  • Travelers who prefer less sea time
Small Ship & Expedition

Small Ship & Expedition

Windstar, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Seabourn, UnCruise, Hurtigruten

Access ports and experiences larger ships can't reach. From luxury yachts in the Mediterranean to expedition vessels in Antarctica, these offer adventure and exclusivity.

Best For

  • Adventure seekers
  • Wildlife enthusiasts
  • Off-the-beaten-path travelers
  • Those seeking intimate experiences

Where To Cruise

Popular cruise destinations

From tropical Caribbean beaches to icy Alaskan glaciers, the world is accessible by sea.

Caribbean

Year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and easy departures from US ports.

Mediterranean

Ancient history, world-class cuisine, and stunning coastlines from Barcelona to Athens. Small ships access ports like Portofino and Saint-Tropez.

Alaska

Glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness—best experienced May through September. Small ships access inlets where wildlife gathers.

Northern Europe

Baltic capitals, Norwegian fjords, and British Isles adventures.

European Rivers

The Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and more—intimate ships docking in the heart of cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam.

Antarctica & Arctic

Expedition cruises to the white continent and polar regions—bucket-list adventures on small ships.

Galapagos

Small ships required—limited permits mean intimate wildlife encounters in one of the world's most unique ecosystems.

Asia & South Pacific

From Japan to Australia, explore ancient cultures, remote islands, and exotic rivers like the Mekong and Nile.

Our Process

How cruise planning works

Simple, personalized, and always focused on finding your perfect voyage.

01

Tell us your vision

Destinations, dates, budget, and what matters most to you.

02

Get curated options

We present 2-3 cruise options with cabin recommendations and perks.

03

Book with confidence

Secure your cruise with exclusive perks included.

04

Enjoy your voyage

Pre-cruise support, dining reservations, and ongoing assistance.

Common Questions

Cruise planning FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most often about cruises and cruise planning.

You'll typically pay the same price as booking direct—often less during promotions we have access to. But the real value is in the extras: onboard credits, cabin upgrades, specialty dining packages, and other perks we can add at no extra cost to you.

Depending on the cruise line and sailing, we can often secure onboard credits ($50-$500+), cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, beverage packages, specialty dining credits, and exclusive amenities. These perks aren't available when booking direct.

For the best selection of cabins (especially suites and specific locations), book 12-18 months ahead. For popular sailings like Alaska summer or holiday cruises, even earlier. Small ships and expedition cruises with limited capacity sell out fastest.

It depends on your priorities and budget. We'll help you understand the trade-offs between inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite categories—and when splurging makes sense versus when it doesn't.

When you factor in everything that's included—shore excursions, specialty dining, premium beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even airfare—luxury cruises often represent comparable or better value than premium alternatives where those extras add up quickly.

Disney Cruise Line is unbeatable for families with children under 10—the character experiences and kids' clubs are magical. Royal Caribbean is great for families with a range of ages thanks to massive ships with water parks and adventure activities. Many lines offer 'kids sail free' promotions.

River cruise ships are smaller (100-200 guests), dock in the heart of cities, and include excursions in the fare. There's no seasickness, and you unpack once while visiting a new destination each day. It's the most immersive way to explore a region.

That's where we shine. If you booked direct, you're on hold with the cruise line. With us, you have a direct line to someone who knows your booking and can advocate on your behalf—cabin issues, missed connections, medical situations, we've handled it all.

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your travel dreams and we'll create personalized options with exclusive perks.

Request Your Free Quote