TRAVEL


Top 5 Luxury Cruise Lines for Special Occasions


Step out of your (financial) cruise comfort zone and celebrate a special milestone this winter with an over-the-top luxe cruise. These are some of our favorite lines and specific cruises to book for 2024. ::


REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES We love Regent Seven Seas Cruises


because literally everything is included in the fare, so there are no surprises. This means business-class international fl ights, top-shelf liquor, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, laundry, and gratuities are covered. The boats are all- suite aff airs, and all have ocean views. In November, Regent will debut


its newest luxury ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur, and it is already being talked about as becoming a competitor for the world’s grandest ship. The cruise line claims it will off er the industry’s highest crew- to-passenger ratio. Expect the four restaurants to be top-notch as well. Which Cruise: Navigate the World (Away in Wonder) on the Seven


Seas Mariner Retired and want to cruise the


entire world for 168 nights with more than 450 shore excursions? Then this is the ultimate luxury bucket-list trip. The voyage starts in Miami and heads to the Caribbean, moves on to South America, then takes you to Antarctica, through the South Pacifi c, and around Australia, New Zealand,


IS A BALCONY WORTH THE EXTRA COST? We think so. Interior cabins don’t have natural light or access to fresh air from your room. If you are on a long cruise, they can become claustrophobic. If you value personal space, book a balcony. If you just want to save money and plan to spend most of your days on shore excursions or roaming the ship, then an inside cabin will work. If you still can’t decide, split the diff erence and book an ocean-view cabin. You’ll have a window but still pay less than a balcony.


SHOULD I PAY FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE? You’ll want to check the policies closely to see what is covered, but generally, travel insurance can help if you must cancel your trip for illness or a family emergency. It will also be useful if you miss a connecting flight and end up not making the cruise.


WHAT IF THE CRUISE LEAVES WITHOUT ME? This is a serious vacation bummer. Depending on where the cruise is going, you may be able to fly to the next port of call and


62 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | SEPTEMBER 2023


embark there. If that is not possible, then having travel insurance might be helpful. It is also good to read the


cruise line’s policies regarding missed departures. Some do help with rebooking; others do not. One way to ensure you don’t miss your departure due to unexpected airline delays is to arrive in your departure city more than 24 hours before the cruise leaves. By giving yourself an extra night here, you’ll (in most cases) be able to make a connecting flight


in time to board the ship.


HOW GOOD ARE HEALTH FACILITIES? Emergencies at sea can be scary! The good news is cruise ships are set up to handle everything from norovirus to broken bones and even heart attacks. Cruise ships always have at least one doctor on board, as well as prescription medications. While cruise ship infirmaries will not look like full emergency rooms


and are not designed for long- term care of serious medical conditions, most off er X-ray machines, electrocardiograms,


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