Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Slow Cruises Grow in Popularity

Locations in this article:  Miami, FL

Viking river cruiseWe’ve talked about megacruises and ultra-short cruises, but have you ever heard of a slow cruises?

That’s what Costa Cruises is calling itineraries for the neoRiviera and the neoRomantica. The idea is that the whole experience is more immersive and slow-paced.  These smaller ships can get to less-visited ports, like the island of Elba off Italy.

Instead of docking in the morning and leaving by afternoon, you actually spend the night at some ports.

This is a trend we’re seeing more and more. Next year, Viking River Cruises will launch its ocean cruises. Small ships—like under 1,000 passengers—will stay in port until late evening or overnight.

Now in my book, I don’t even mind skipping ports altogether.

I’m talking about transatlantic cruises that sail from the U.S. to Europe, or vice versa. You spend a lot more time at sea, and that means a lot more time—enjoying the journey.

Look for some cool ocean crossings coming up this spring, like Royal Caribbean’s 13-night cruise from Miami to Southampton, for less than $700 a person.

For more cruise options, visit the cruise archives.

Keep reading for more travel tips.