Lindsey Scanlon

If you've been cruising for years like I have, you may reach a point where you're looking for something beyond the traditional cruise vacation. After sailing on everything from family-friendly mega ships to the smaller luxury cruise lines, I've learned that elevating a cruise vacation isn't necessarily about spending more money. It's about choosing experiences that align with your travel style and create memories that stay with you long after you've returned home. As both an avid cruiser and a professional cruise travel advisor, I’m sharing my favorite ways to upgrade a cruise vacation based on my own personal travels and the recommendations I make to my clients every day.

As a cruise advisor and parent, I’m always looking for ways to make family travel more comfortable without losing the fun of a cruise. My family and I recently sailed aboard Norwegian Luna, and staying in The Haven made all the difference! For families considering Norwegian Cruise Line, The Haven offers a unique blend of space, exclusivity, and convenience. Here’s why I recommend it, along with a few first-hand tips.

Every now and then, my husband and I make it a priority to sneak away (just the two of us) to relax, reconnect, and recharge. On our most recent escape, we found exactly what we were craving at Casa Colonial Beach & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. From the moment we arrived at this Puerto Plata luxury hotel, it felt like stepping into our own private haven. The resort’s boutique size and timeless colonial architecture give it such an intimate, romantic feel, creating an atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in today’s Caribbean travel landscape.

After years of planning family cruises (personally and professionally), I can tell you this: there’s no single “best” cruise line. What works for one family might be completely wrong for another. The real question is which one fits your crew. Below are six cruise lines and family-friendly highlights for each I want to share with you.

Are you considering visiting Rome during your cruise stop in Port Civitavecchia but worried you won’t be able to see or experience as much as you’d like? Trust me, I had the same concerns before my recent Mediterranean sailing. However, after spending my port day exploring the Eternal City from morning to evening, I’m here to tell you: yes, you absolutely can do Rome in a day!

When my husband and I boarded Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the Star Princess, for her inaugural North American sailing from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), we knew we were about to experience something special. As a travel advisor and longtime cruiser, I’ve seen my fair share of ships, but this one truly wowed me from the moment we stepped aboard!

After months of planning your dream wedding, handling details, juggling life changes, and surviving the whirlwind that leads up to your big day, you deserve a honeymoon that’s easy, indulgent, and unforgettable. So, ask yourself: Do you really want to pack and unpack multiple times, possibly have to catch multiple planes, trains, and taxis, and stress over logistics when you should be relaxing and reconnecting with your new spouse? I didn’t think so. Enter: honeymoon cruising! When my husband and I chose a 10-day Southern Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon, we experienced the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. We ate, drank, laughed, lounged, and explored multiple beautiful islands, all while enjoying the convenience of unpacking just once. A cruise honeymoon truly offers the best of both worlds: luxury, variety, and nearly all-inclusive simplicity. Below, I’ll share why a honeymoon cruise might be the perfect fit for your travel style, no matter what kind of experience you are looking for.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a Disney Cruise Line family vacation so special or whether it’s worth it for families with older kids, this article is for you! I just returned from an incredible five-night Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Dream with my family, and it exceeded all our expectations. My kids, ages 11 and 8, have been on multiple cruises before, and I’ll admit I wondered if they might be “too old” for Disney. Spoiler alert: They both said it was their favorite cruise ever! We sailed from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) with stops in Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and every moment was filled with fun, relaxation, and Disney magic. While some details here are specific to the Disney Dream, much of what we experienced applies across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet, so if you’re planning a Disney Cruise vacation, read on for a day-by-day look at what to expect!

I’ve had the pleasure of sailing in MSC’s Yacht Club on several of their ships before, but I couldn’t wait to experience it aboard the all-new MSC World America, a ship I’ve been excited about since the moment it was announced! Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my already high expectations in more ways than one. Please keep reading to discover what makes the Yacht Club experience on MSC World America so special!

I recently returned from an unforgettable cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and British Columbia. This journey was extra special, as I sailed with a large group of family and friends ranging in age from young children to seniors. It was a true multigenerational adventure! I’m thrilled to share highlights from our magical experience and offer inspiration for your future Alaskan cruise.

I recently sailed aboard the beautifully reimagined Crystal on a breathtaking Mediterranean itinerary from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona, and I can confidently say this was a cruise experience I’ll never forget! If you are a discerning traveler who appreciates elevated service, culinary excellence, and ample time for sightseeing and authentic cultural discovery, Crystal may be the perfect cruise line for you. Read on for more information about my experience and what stood out to me most as a first-time Crystal guest.

Explora Journeys sets new standards in ultra-luxury cruising. It has a fleet of elegantly designed ships: Explora I, Explora II and the newest addition, Explora III (inaugural sailing in August 2025). Plans are underway to expand the fleet with three additional state-of-the-art ships by 2028. Each vessel is crafted to provide an unparalleled experience at sea. They blend sophisticated design, exceptional service and all-inclusive luxury with a commitment to sustainability.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the opulence of a world-class hotel with the allure of the open sea, the Four Seasons Yacht Experience is about to make that dream a reality. Launching its first sailing in January 2026, this groundbreaking luxury yacht experience is open for bookings. Whether you envision cruising the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or exploring the cultural treasures of the Mediterranean, the Four Seasons Yacht promises to redefine luxury travel. Here’s everything you need to know about this unparalleled experience and why you should plan now.

This past year, I fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams: taking a cruise through the fjords of Norway. Describing the breathtaking beauty of this region is a challenge. Prepare to be captivated! Although I had seen numerous pictures and videos online, nothing could compare to the experience of being amidst the majestic cliffs and stunning landscapes. I would like to share my experience and insights regarding my cruise and visited cruise ports: Ålesund (Hellesylt, Geiranger), Flåm, Bergen, and Haugesund.

I have had the pleasure of sailing with MSC Cruises on several occasions. As a couple, with family and alongside friends. In October of 2024, we decided to explore the MSC Yacht Club experience, and I must say: "Wow!" The Yacht Club not only met but also surpassed my expectations. Please continue reading to discover the reasons my experience at the Yacht Club was exceptional. From the value it offers, and why I eagerly anticipate booking my next Yacht Club sailing adventure with MSC.

My husband and I wanted to plan a cruise for our anniversary, and a MSC Cruise was the only cruise that fit our specific dates and budget. We had read some unfavorable reviews of MSC Cruises and were a little skeptical, but I am so glad we decided to try MSC for ourselves! We had an amazing time and have continued to book and sail MSC cruises ever since!

There is something very special about visiting Amsterdam in the spring. The city is bustling with locals and tourists from all over the globe. People dine in outdoor cafes, walk the canals and take in the historical sights. My travels to Amsterdam were at the end of April and my number one reason for visiting then was to see the beautiful, blooming tulips of the city and its surroundings. There is nothing like it! Please enjoy my guide to visiting this wonderful city and contact me if it has inspired you to plan a visit.