Ocean Cruises: Find Your Perfect Vacation at Sea
Discover incredible destinations, unforgettable experiences, and the right cruise for your travel style with expert ocean cruise planning from Bursch Travel.
Imagine waking up to a new ocean view, spending the day discovering a beautiful destination, and returning to a ship filled with dining, entertainment, and activities. Ocean cruising makes it possible to visit multiple destinations while enjoying the convenience of unpacking just once.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway, an Alaska adventure, or a Mediterranean vacation, Bursch Travel’s experienced travel advisors can help you compare cruise lines, itineraries, and stateroom options to find a vacation that fits your interests, travel style, and budget.
Why Choose an Ocean Cruise?
Ocean cruises offer a convenient way to experience multiple destinations while enjoying the amenities and entertainment available onboard.
Depending on the cruise line and ship, travelers can enjoy:
- Multiple destinations: Visit several ports of call without changing hotels.
- Dining options: Enjoy everything from casual restaurants to specialty dining experiences.
- Onboard entertainment: Discover live shows, music, activities, and relaxing spaces.
- Something for everyone: Find cruises designed for families, couples, friends, and adults seeking a quieter experience.
- Convenient vacation planning: Enjoy accommodations, transportation between ports, and many onboard amenities in one vacation.
Every cruise line offers a different experience, so choosing the right ship is just as important as choosing the destination.
Popular Ocean Cruise Destinations
Caribbean Cruises
Caribbean cruises are popular for their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and tropical destinations. Depending on your itinerary, you might visit the Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean, with opportunities to enjoy snorkeling, local culture, shopping, and relaxing days by the water.
Caribbean cruising is a great option for families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers looking for a warm-weather getaway.
Alaska Cruises
An Alaska cruise offers spectacular scenery, including glaciers, mountains, forests, and opportunities to see wildlife. Many itineraries visit destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, with shore excursions ranging from scenic sightseeing to outdoor adventures.
Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you compare itineraries, ships, and options for extending your Alaska vacation with a land tour.
Mediterranean Cruises
Mediterranean cruises combine beautiful coastlines with fascinating history, art, food, and culture. Depending on your itinerary, you may visit destinations in Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, and other parts of the Mediterranean.
These cruises are especially appealing to travelers who want to experience several European destinations in one vacation.
Northern Europe and Other Ocean Cruise Destinations
Ocean cruising also offers opportunities to discover the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles, Northern Europe, Asia, Australia, and many other destinations.
For travelers seeking something different, certain cruise lines offer longer voyages, smaller-ship experiences, and itineraries that visit less-traveled ports.
Find Your Perfect Ocean Cruise
Ready to see where your next vacation could take you? Browse our Cruise Collection to discover ocean cruise destinations, ships, itineraries, and vacation ideas.
Whether you’re looking for a short getaway, a family vacation, or an extended journey, your Bursch Travel advisor can help you compare the options and find a cruise that fits your plans.
Browse Ocean Cruises & Destinations
Which Ocean Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Not all ocean cruises are alike. Some ships are designed for families and travelers who enjoy plenty of onboard activities, while others focus on relaxation, upscale dining, destination experiences, or a more intimate atmosphere.
Your ideal cruise depends on what matters most to you.
Family-Friendly Cruises
Many cruise ships offer children’s programs, pools, entertainment, and activities for different age groups.
For families traveling with children or multiple generations, choosing the right ship, stateroom configuration, and itinerary can make a big difference.
Learn more about planning a family vacation with Bursch Travel.
Adults-Only and Relaxing Cruise Experiences
Some cruise lines cater specifically to adults, while others offer quieter onboard spaces and experiences designed for couples and travelers seeking relaxation.
Your advisor can help you understand the differences and find a cruise that matches the atmosphere you prefer.
Luxury and Small-Ship Ocean Cruises
For travelers who appreciate personalized service, distinctive destinations, and a more intimate onboard experience, luxury and small-ship ocean cruises may be an excellent fit.
Depending on the cruise line, these experiences may include more spacious accommodations, specialty dining, additional inclusions, and access to smaller ports.
Expedition and Adventure Cruises
Expedition cruises are designed for travelers interested in nature, wildlife, and destination-focused experiences.
These voyages may visit remote regions and offer educational programs or guided excursions, depending on the itinerary.
Why Book Your Ocean Cruise with Bursch Travel?
With so many cruise lines, ships, destinations, and stateroom categories available, choosing the right cruise can feel overwhelming.
Bursch Travel’s experienced travel advisors can help you:
- Compare cruise lines, ships, and itineraries.
- Choose the right stateroom location and category.
- Understand what’s included in your cruise fare.
- Review dining packages, beverage packages, and other optional extras.
- Compare shore excursions and activities.
- Coordinate flights, hotels, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise stays.
- Plan cruises for families, couples, and groups traveling together.
We’ll help you understand your choices so you can book with confidence and look forward to your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocean Cruising
What is included in an ocean cruise?
Most ocean cruises include your stateroom, transportation between ports, meals at select onboard restaurants, and certain entertainment and activities.
Specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, shore excursions, and other services may cost extra, depending on the cruise line and fare.
Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you understand what’s included before you book.
What is the best ocean cruise for first-time cruisers?
The best first cruise depends on your interests, budget, and preferred destinations.
Caribbean cruises are a popular starting point because they offer a wide variety of ships, itineraries, and vacation experiences. Shorter sailings can also give first-time cruisers a chance to experience life onboard.
A Bursch Travel advisor can help you choose a ship and itinerary that match your expectations.
What is the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?
Ocean cruises generally travel on larger bodies of water and may feature bigger ships with more restaurants, entertainment, and onboard amenities.
River cruises typically sail on smaller vessels along inland waterways, often stopping close to historic cities and towns.
Both offer memorable ways to travel, but the right choice depends on your interests.
Learn more about River Cruising with Bursch Travel
Are ocean cruises good for families with children?
Yes! Many ocean cruise lines offer family-friendly ships with children’s programs, pools, entertainment, and activities for a variety of ages.
However, the onboard experience varies by cruise line and ship. Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you find a family-friendly cruise with accommodations and activities that suit everyone traveling together.
When is the best time to book an ocean cruise?
Booking early often provides more choices in sailing dates, itineraries, and stateroom categories.
Popular holiday sailings, Alaska cruises, and certain accommodations can fill well in advance. However, the best booking timeline depends on the destination, cruise line, and your travel flexibility.
Your advisor can help you decide when to book.
Are ocean cruises expensive?
Ocean cruise prices vary widely depending on the destination, cruise line, ship, itinerary, season, and stateroom category.
Some cruises offer affordable vacation options, while others provide premium or luxury experiences with additional amenities and inclusions.
It’s important to compare the total vacation cost, including airfare, gratuities, beverages, excursions, and other expenses that may not be part of the advertised fare.
Do I need a passport for an ocean cruise?
Passport requirements depend on your citizenship, cruise itinerary, and the countries you’re visiting.
Some closed-loop cruises departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may allow eligible U.S. citizens to travel with alternative documentation. However, a valid passport book is strongly recommended for international cruising, particularly in case you need to fly home unexpectedly.
Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you review the documentation requirements for your specific itinerary.
How do I choose the best stateroom on a cruise ship?
The best stateroom depends on your budget, preferences, and the type of cruise you’re taking.
Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite accommodations offer different experiences. Location also matters, especially if you prefer easy access to elevators, quieter areas, or reduced motion.
Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you compare your options.
Interested in a Hosted Ocean Cruise?
For travelers who enjoy sharing experiences with others, Bursch Exclusive Groups offer specially organized group vacations, including select ocean cruise departures.
Nearly all Bursch Exclusive Groups are personally hosted by a Bursch Travel advisor, while select departures are hosted by trusted travel partners.
Browse our upcoming group departures to see whether a hosted ocean cruise is available.
Start Planning Your Ocean Cruise
From tropical Caribbean islands and Alaska’s breathtaking scenery to the historic ports of Europe, ocean cruising offers countless ways to experience the world.
Whether you already know where you want to sail or need help choosing the right cruise, Bursch Travel is ready to help you plan a memorable vacation at sea.
Contact a Bursch Travel Advisor to get started.
