Authored by By Eileen Ogintz

Raise your hand if you crave adventure!

You won’t need to lug gear or cook your own food either – not on a cruise adventure. 

That’s right. Cruises are offering ever more adventurous experiences, especially in destinations like Alaska. Add a zip line, bike, hike or fishing excursion to your activity list. At select ports, you can fish on a shore excursion and have your Princess Cruise’s chef serve your catch to your family at dinner. Exactly the way you like it.

There are more cabins for solo travelers too. That’s good news for gal getaways as well as for multigenerational groups with a grandparent in tow. 

My experience on ships is it’s easy to connect with other travelers. Whether I sit at the bar, request to have dinner at a larger table, or join active shore excursions, other passengers are welcoming. 

Four Companies for Cruise Adventures

Time to Book Your Cruise Adventure and Save

Cruising is one of my top winter getaways (summer Down Under) because of its value.

Wherever you want to go on your next adventure, January to March is the best time to book. So-called “Wave Season” deals during this period offer some of the best cruise deals of the year.

Expect cabin upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi and drinks packages and more. (Your preferred cruise line will have the deals on their websites; Cruise Critic updates wave season cruise deals throughout deals season.)

Let’s look at four companies promoting cruise adventures, and their upcoming Wave Season deals.

Seabourn Luxury Small Ships

If you’ve got the budget, consider a cruise adventure on ultra-luxe Seabourn’s new purpose-built expedition ships. The first, the Seabourn Venture, launched last summer. Her sister Seabourn Pursuit is launching this year. 

The intimate (just 132 suites) all-inclusive Seabourn ships boast custom-built submarines so guests can get a unique view of the world underneath the ocean’s surface.

Each ship also carries double kayaks as well as Zodiacs on board. Join active adventures seamlessly and benefit from expert guides who also enhance your experience with on-board talks.

All facilities come with five-star service, fine dining, a spa, onboard yoga and included premium spirits and wines. That policy goes whether you are in Antarctica, the British Isles and Arctic or the Northwest Passage.

You don’t need to go as far as Antarctica of course for a once-in-a-life time adventure. In Alaska, take out a Zodiac to watch a glacier calve. Visit rescued bear cubs and raptors in Sitka. Ventures by Seabourn offers special adventure excursions on Alaska journeys via kayak, Zodiac or on foot to explore wilderness and cultural destinations. 

Seabourn’s The Suite Life deals include 15% off ocean voyages and 25% off the new expedition cruises. (Book by the end of February.)

Cruise Adventures Aboard Cunard Ships Fit for Royalty

Solo travelers love the single staterooms aboard the legendary British transatlantic carrier, Cunard. The luxury cruise line, in addition to its notable service, features active recreation and Cunard’s renowned Insights onboard enrichment program.

They partner, for example, with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS.) Experts from the RCGS will be featured on 2023 voyages in Alaska and on the Canada/New England fall foliage cruises. They’ll lead explorer shore excursions as well. 

And note:  Cunard promises up to 30% off if you book by March 28. 

Holland America Lines Gets You Up Close to Alaska

Holland America’s “Alaska Up Close” program deeply immerses guests with lots of authentic onboard programming. Plan ahead to take advantage of all cruise activities and customized, educational shore excursions with experts leading the way.

Don’t let that education part scare grandparents from booking a family cruise aboard HAL ships. As a nod to the young at heart, Holland America has introduced Pickleball on its ships!

Other initiatives include a partnership with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to highlight the line’s leadership and commitment to sustainably sourced local seafood. On HAL’s Alaska cruises, all ages feast on salmon and halibut on board. 

Regarding Wave Season deals, guests who book select Holland America summer 2023 to spring 2024 cruises through Feb. 28, 2023, receive a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids and reduced deposits — plus tours, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi with the “Have It All” premium package. 

Princess Cruises Active Alaska Cruise Adventures

You’ll all get your fill of local fish aboard a Princess ship even if your family doesn’t go fishing. The menus aboard Princess Cruises’ Alaska ships feature dishes inspired by local eateries.

Since you won’t have time on shore to try everything, enjoy it on board. They bring everything from Juneau’s favorite crab cakes to Ketchikan’s fish tacos and Skagway’s famous seafood chowder to the ship for you.

Princess Cruises’ Best Sale Ever is back with up to 35% off cruise fares, up to $150 onboard spending money and more through March. If you purchase Princess Plus or Premier packages, the savings on Princess cruise adventures are even greater.

Yes, there is a bewildering array of choices so it’s a smart bet to work with a travel advisor who is a cruise expert. 

Find one near your home at the Cruise Lines International Association website or other online resources. They can guide you to the right cruise line, right ship and right cabin, as well as get you the best deal and some extra perks.

We wish you a Bon voyage! 

Eileen Ogintz is creator of TakingtheKids.com and an avid cruiser. This post is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & PLC, parent company of Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn and Cunard Lines among others.