Your Cruise Questions Answered #3: Cruise Lines, Alaska, River Cruises, Insurance & More

Which cruise line has the best food? Is cruise line travel insurance a good idea? Which cruise lines are best for Northern Lights cruises? Is MSC Yacht Club worth considering even in an inside cabin? And what should you know before booking an Antarctica expedition cruise?

Those were some of Your Cruise Questions Answered on my latest live Tips For Travellers cruise Q&A.

This is the third in my “Your Cruise Questions Answered” series, where I take a selection of the popular and useful questions cruisers ask me during my regular live Q&As and share my answers and experiences.

I’ve grouped this selection of Your Cruise Questions Answered by topic to make it easier to find the advice you’re looking for.

Choosing The Right Cruise Line And Ship

How Does Viking Ocean Cruise Food Compare With Other Luxury Cruise Lines?

I think the food on Viking Ocean Cruises is pretty good, but I wouldn’t say it’s the strongest reason to book Viking.

In the small-ship luxury space, you’re looking at lines including Viking, Oceania, Azamara and Windstar, with Explora Journeys sitting somewhere between luxury and ultra-luxury.

Of those, I think Oceania has the edge over Viking when it comes to food. Oceania makes food a major part of its proposition and has more included specialty dining options.

Viking’s specialty restaurants are good, although I’ve sometimes found them difficult to book because advance reservation access is linked to cabin grade. I’ve been on Viking cruises where I’ve booked later and struggled to get the reservations I wanted.

Move up into the ultra-luxury category to lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Crystal and, in my experience, the food moves up another level again.

So, I’d describe Viking’s food as good rather than outstanding. Although one thing they do particularly well is their phenomenal afternoon tea.

Is Ambassador Cruise Line A Good Choice For Norway?

I’ve not sailed with Ambassador yet, although I keep looking at doing so.

It’s very much a value-focused cruise line and generally gets good reviews, although it can be a little divisive. People who love Ambassador seem to become very loyal to it.

The ships are older and you shouldn’t board expecting ultra-luxury food and facilities. It is designed to provide a good-value cruise experience.

For a cruise to the far north of Norway, though, the destination is fantastic and Ambassador knows these itineraries well.

I’d go into it understanding the type of line you’ve booked rather than comparing it with more expensive premium or luxury lines.

Which Cruise Lines Have The Best Port And Destination Talks?

Two lines particularly stand out for me: Viking and Holland America.

Viking normally has a resident historian plus several other speakers who cover the culture, history and destinations you’re visiting.

Holland America also does this extremely well.

As well as a cruise director, Holland America has a destination-focused role on board. I’ve found their talks particularly useful because they don’t just cover the history and attractions.

They also explain how to explore independently: where the taxis are, whether there’s a hop-on-hop-off bus, where you can walk, where the shops and pharmacies are and how to reach the main sights.

I’ve had some excellent port speakers on Cunard too, particularly on longer and more unusual voyages, although I’ve found it slightly more variable on shorter cruises.

If destination enrichment is a major reason you cruise, Viking and Holland America would be high on my list.

Which Cruise Line Would I Consider For A Calmer Japan Cruise?

One viewer asked about cruising Japan with an adult son with autism after finding Royal Caribbean hadn’t worked particularly well for them.

I’m not an expert on autism, so I can only answer this from the perspective of the general onboard environment I’ve experienced.

I would look at Holland America.

It tends to have a calmer and less high-energy atmosphere than lines like Royal Caribbean. Princess and Celebrity can also feel somewhat busier and more energetic.

If budget allows, I would also investigate Oceania or Viking Ocean.

Viking in particular has a quiet onboard atmosphere, with no casino and generally less noise and stimulation than you’ll find on a large resort-style ship.

I’d also speak to the cruise line’s special-services or accessibility department before booking to discuss specific requirements and what support they can offer.

Cruise Ship Suites, Cabins And Ship-Within-A-Ship Questions

What’s The Difference Between Cunard Princess Grill And Queens Grill?

A viewer was considering moving from Queens Grill to Princess Grill on Queen Mary 2 and wondered what they would lose.

The most obvious difference is the cabin. Princess Grill accommodation is smaller.

You also lose the Queens Grill butler and some of the additional in-suite benefits.

Dining is where people often expect a much bigger difference than there actually is.

The main breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are broadly the same in Princess Grill and Queens Grill.

Princess Grill also has additional off-menu choices, although the list isn’t as extensive. In Queens Grill you can go much further with ordering completely off-menu.

Caviar is another difference. In Queens Grill it is included, whereas in Princess Grill you would have to pay for it.

But you still have your assigned table and the same waiters at breakfast, lunch and dinner, access to the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace, and priority embarkation and disembarkation.

Cunard is also refurbishing Queen Mary 2, including work on the Grills restaurants and cabins, so that is something to factor into future bookings.

And remember that Cunard also offers cabin upgrade bidding, so depending on availability you may get an opportunity to bid from Princess Grill into Queens Grill closer to sailing.

Do MSC Yacht Club Inside Cabins Get The Same Yacht Club Benefits?

Basically, yes.

One of the interesting things about MSC Yacht Club is the range of accommodation, from large suites down to inside cabins.

But once you’re in Yacht Club, you get the Yacht Club benefits.

That includes the dedicated restaurant, lounge and outdoor deck, drinks within the Yacht Club, butler service and other Yacht Club perks.

You also get a much smoother embarkation experience. There’s separate handling and assistance getting through the embarkation process, which can be particularly valuable on MSC’s very large ships.

I’ve met passengers who repeatedly book an inside Yacht Club cabin for precisely this reason.

They don’t particularly care about having a large cabin because they’re getting the Yacht Club spaces and services at a significantly lower price than booking one of the larger suites.

It can be an interesting way of getting the ship-within-a-ship experience for less.

Norwegian Cruise Line And Virgin Voyages Questions

How Good Is The Entertainment On Norwegian Aqua?

Norwegian Aqua isn’t really my ideal style of cruise ship. It’s bigger and more boisterous than I usually prefer.

But I had a great time because I took it for what it is, and Norwegian does that style of cruising pretty well.

Entertainment on my sailing was good rather than outstanding.

There was one important complication: they were changing the cast of the Prince show, so it wasn’t performed on our cruise.

I saw Elements, which I thought was very good, plus an acrobatic show featuring performers from Elements. There was also some good live music, including rock music in Syd Norman’s Pour House, and entertainment such as The Price Is Right, which they did extremely well.

But I do think Norwegian’s entertainment is an area to watch.

The line was once particularly known for its big Broadway productions. Those have gradually been reduced across the fleet.

When I sailed on Norwegian Viva, for example, it had Beetlejuice. I didn’t particularly enjoy the show, but it was a full-scale Broadway production.

I think Royal Caribbean currently has the edge over Norwegian when it comes to large-scale entertainment.

Is There A Lot Of Upselling On Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes. There’s a lot of upselling on Norwegian.

But what surprised me on Norwegian Aqua was that I didn’t find it particularly aggressive.

On embarkation day I received around eight promotional leaflets covering everything from art auctions and drinks to shopping offers. There were more offers advertised every day and, of course, many things around the ship cost extra.

But I didn’t have people constantly approaching me trying to sell those things.

Interestingly, I’ve found the actual selling more intrusive on some Princess and Celebrity cruises, where I’ve had people approach me while entering restaurants or other venues to sell dining packages and other extras.

On Aqua, the upselling was everywhere, but generally you had to engage with it rather than it engaging with you.

So, yes, be prepared for a lot of things being promoted and sold. But I personally didn’t find the sales approach as pushy as I’d expected.

What Should First-Time Virgin Voyages Cruisers Know?

There are two things I’d particularly think about.

The first is to embrace some of the things that make Virgin different.

Scarlet Night is a major event, so take something red to wear. There’s also a pajama party, if that’s your sort of thing.

You don’t have to participate in either, of course, but they are part of the Virgin experience.

More importantly, sort out your dining.

Dining reservations can be one of the biggest challenges on Virgin Voyages.

If you haven’t managed to secure the restaurant bookings you want before sailing, make sorting them out one of your priorities as soon as you board.

Otherwise, you may struggle to get into the restaurants you particularly want to experience.

River Cruise Questions

Are Celebrity River Cruises Worth Their High Prices?

I’m fascinated to see what Celebrity does with its new river cruise ships, and part of me really wants to try one.

The problem I have is the price.

When I’ve looked at Celebrity River Cruises, I’ve found them unbelievably expensive.

I was considering booking one for 2028 because 2027 was already becoming incredibly busy, but I keep looking at the fares and struggling to persuade myself.

Celebrity is clearly trying to create a premium river cruise product, and demand for the first sailings appears to have been extremely strong.

But based on the prices I’ve seen, I think they’re expensive for a river cruise.

I’m still intrigued enough that I may try one because I want to see exactly what Celebrity brings from its ocean ships to river cruising.

But at those fares, my expectations would be extremely high.

Which River Is Best For A Christmas Markets Cruise?

I’d focus on the Rhine or the Danube.

Both have excellent Christmas market itineraries, but personally I lean slightly towards the Rhine because Germany is so closely associated with Christmas markets.

However, one of the most spectacular Christmas markets I’ve visited is Vienna, which points you towards the Danube.

So, there isn’t really a wrong answer between the two.

For cruise lines, much depends on budget.

I’d look at lines including Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Emerald and Scenic. Tauck is another option as you move further up the price scale.

I’d focus first on the cities and markets you most want to visit, then compare the cruise lines serving that itinerary.

And remember that river conditions can affect any river cruise, even during Christmas market season.

Alaska, Antarctica And Expedition Cruise Questions

What Should Families Book Early For An Alaska Cruise?

As much as possible – particularly excursions.

Alaska is one destination where popular excursions can fill up, so planning early is important.

If you’re travelling as a family, think about mixing expensive bucket-list excursions with cheaper or independent activities in other ports. I’ve produced separate videos covering both my favourite Alaska excursions regardless of cost and things you can do on a much tighter budget.

Dining also needs some thought if you’re travelling with a larger family group.

On Princess, for example, you may have the choice between fixed dining, making reservations each day or turning up without a reservation.

For a larger family group, I’d seriously consider fixed dining.

It gives you certainty about when you’re eating, guarantees the appropriate table size and means you’ll normally have the same waiters throughout the cruise.

Trying to find a table for six, eight or ten people at popular times can be much more complicated than finding one for a couple.

Why Do Popular Alaska Cruises Sometimes Look Sold Out As Soon As They Go On Sale?

Alaska is enormously popular, so some itineraries and cabin grades genuinely do sell quickly.

But if a cruise appears almost completely sold out immediately after launch, there may be more going on.

Cruise lines sometimes run very low-deposit promotions around new itinerary launches, which encourages people to reserve cabins early.

There may also be inventory you can’t see.

Cruise lines block groups of cabins for travel agents, tour groups and organised group cruises.

I’ve seen this myself when arranging Tips For Travellers group cruises, where dozens of cabins were reserved for the group.

Other travel companies may have large blocks for packages including pre- or post-cruise stays. And lines like Holland America and Princess block off many cabins to use for the land-cruise packages they sell, releasing those later based on sales.

So, if the cabin you want appears unavailable immediately after launch, speak to a good cruise travel agent rather than assuming the entire category has genuinely sold out.

Northern Lights And Norway Cruise Questions

When Is The Best Time To Take A Northern Lights Cruise?

For a Northern Lights cruise in Norway, I would look particularly at around October.

If you want to sail from the UK, lines worth investigating include Fred. Olsen, Saga and Ambassador.

Some Northern Lights itineraries offer a form of Northern Lights guarantee, so check exactly what each line is promising and what happens if you don’t see them.

If you’re prepared to fly to Norway, I’d also look at Hurtigruten and Havila, which operate along the Norwegian coast from Bergen.

Hurtigruten also offers Northern Lights-focused voyages and guarantees on selected sailings.

If you want a more expedition-style experience, HX Expeditions is another option.

The key thing is to maximise darkness and time in the right part of Norway rather than simply booking any Norwegian cruise and assuming you’ll see the lights.

South America Cruise Questions

Do UK Passport Holders Need Visas For A South America Cruise?

This is one area where I would never rely on what happened on my previous cruise.

I’ve circumnavigated South America with a UK passport and didn’t need visas for the South American countries on those particular trips.

But visa requirements change.

There have been cruise passengers denied boarding because visa rules changed and they didn’t have the required documentation.

Requirements can also depend on your nationality rather than simply where the cruise starts.

If your itinerary ends in or visits the United States, you also need to make sure you meet US entry requirements. Other previous travel can affect your eligibility for an ESTA.

So my advice is always the same: check every country on your itinerary using the official government travel advice for your nationality, and do it again close to departure.

I also use a good travel agent who flags documentation requirements, but I still check them myself.

Don’t assume the cruise line will catch a missing visa before you arrive at the terminal.

What’s The Best Way To Get From Santiago Airport To San Antonio Cruise Port?

San Antonio is a significant distance from Santiago.

For that reason, I would strongly consider using the cruise line’s transfer.

There’s another complication: San Antonio is a working port, so the place where you check in isn’t necessarily right beside your ship.

After checking in, passengers can be transported through the port to the ship.

I’ve had problems elsewhere in Chile with a private driver trying to take me to where the ship was rather than where passengers actually needed to check in.

That’s one reason I’d favour the cruise line transfer in this particular situation.

I would also arrive in Santiago at least a day before the cruise.

Don’t plan to fly into Santiago on embarkation morning and then rely on everything going perfectly before making the journey to San Antonio.

What Should I See In Buenos Aires Before Or After A Cruise?

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to get an overview of Buenos Aires is the hop-on-hop-off bus.

There are different operators, and the routes take you through many of the city’s most interesting areas while giving you the opportunity to get off and explore.

One place that particularly stood out for me was Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried.

Even aside from seeing her tomb, the cemetery itself is extraordinary, filled with elaborate mausoleums.

I’d also recommend seeing Teatro Colón. It’s a beautiful building and you can take guided tours, including tours in English.

Buenos Aires is also a city where I enjoyed simply getting off the bus and wandering through the different neighbourhoods.

If you have a day or two before or after your cruise, the hop-on-hop-off bus is a good way to get your bearings before deciding where you want to spend more time.

Cruise Insurance And Planning Questions

Is Cruise Line Travel Insurance Better Than Third-Party Cruise Insurance?

I personally don’t buy cruise line travel insurance.

I use third-party travel insurance.

One reason is that third-party policies can cover much more than simply the cruise itself.

If I’ve independently booked flights, hotels and other parts of my trip, I want to make sure those are covered too.

You may also find that the limits under some cruise line policies are relatively low for things such as lost or damaged baggage.

Whatever policy you choose, make sure it specifically covers cruising and the things that matter for the type of cruise you’re taking, including potentially very expensive issues such as medical evacuation.

Another important point is when you buy the insurance.

Ideally, investigate insurance when you book the cruise rather than waiting until just before departure, because cancellation cover can be one of the most important reasons for having it.

I’ve only used third-party insurance myself, so I can’t give you a personal comparison of making a claim through a cruise line’s own policy.

But I always want my policy to cover my whole trip rather than just the portion booked through the cruise line.

Should I Cruise From Barcelona Or Rome With Children?

For a first fly-cruise from the UK with children, I’d lean towards Barcelona.

There are lots of flights, and Barcelona airport and cruise port are relatively convenient.

Civitavecchia, the port used for Rome, is a considerable distance from central Rome and the airport, adding another transfer to your trip.

Barcelona also gives you plenty of choice of large family-oriented ships from lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian.

Between Royal Caribbean and MSC, I personally prefer Royal Caribbean for families.

I think the ships and entertainment are a notch above, with attractions such as ice-skating, water shows, big theatre productions and excellent children’s clubs.

MSC can potentially be better value, so compare the total price.

But for ease of getting there and the choice of ships, Barcelona would be my preference.

Which US Cruise Ports Do I Prefer?

It depends enormously on where you’re cruising.

Florida gives you the greatest choice for Caribbean cruises, but I find Miami one of the more stressful ports because it can be incredibly busy.

I prefer Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral when the itinerary allows.

I also love sailing from Manhattan in New York.

You’re right in the city and the sailaway itself is fantastic, including sailing past the Statue of Liberty.

That’s much more convenient for me than Red Hook in Brooklyn, where Queen Mary 2 sails from, or Cape Liberty in New Jersey.

San Francisco is another spectacular departure because you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, while San Diego is relatively straightforward to get in and out of.

So I wouldn’t say there is one “best” US cruise port. It depends on the itinerary, but convenience can vary enormously.

Practical Cruise And Travel Questions

How Do I Stop My Carry-On Bag Falling Off My Suitcase?

The simplest solution I’ve found is to use a backpack or laptop bag with a luggage sleeve on the back.

That slides over the telescopic handle of my suitcase and holds the bag securely in place.

I use four-wheel Away luggage, which also means I can keep the suitcase upright and move it alongside me rather than constantly tilting it and pulling it behind me.

I’ve also seen people use luggage straps or bungee-style attachments.

But for me, the easiest solution is simply buying a carry-on bag or backpack designed with a sleeve that slides over the suitcase handle.

How Do I Manage Travelling Solo While My Partner Stays At Home?

Mark and I are perhaps unusual because we’ve been used to spending time apart ever since we met.

When I was working in global marketing, I travelled constantly, often being away one or two weeks every month.

So that rhythm isn’t new to us.

What has transformed it is video calling.

When I’m away cruising, Mark and I normally speak on FaceTime or another video service at least twice a day, sometimes more.

Ship Wi-Fi makes that much easier, and when I’m ashore I’ll use my roaming plan or buy an eSIM.

Sometimes, if I’m somewhere particularly interesting, I’ll video call him from there and show him what I’m seeing.

I actually sometimes feel we talk more when I’m travelling than when I’m at home and he’s caught up in a busy working day.

For us, the combination of being accustomed to travelling separately and being able to see and speak to each other every day makes it work.

More Cruise Questions Answered

This is the third article in my Your Cruise Questions Answered series, taking some of the most useful questions asked during my live Tips For Travellers cruise Q&As and turning my answers into an easier-to-search resource.

One thing I’ve learned from more than 130 cruises is that there’s rarely a single answer that works for every cruiser.

The “best” cruise line depends on what you value. The right ship for Alaska may not be the right ship for Antarctica. A cheap fare isn’t necessarily the best value. And something as apparently simple as choosing a departure port can make a surprisingly big difference to your trip.

That’s why I think the questions other cruisers ask can be so useful.

If you have a cruise question you’d like me to answer in a future live Q&A – and potentially a future edition of Your Cruise Questions Answered – add it in the comments.

 

Sign up to my Newsletter and never miss another post, and get bonus tips, content, and offers not posted on the blog