
I’m in my mother’s era of planning international cruises: here are 5 itineraries I’m eyeing
Unpopular opinion: There’s nothing wrong with taking your kids out of school to travel. What they will experience as they see the world is a whole new level of education and enrichment. Additionally, it allows the family to recharge their batteries after their busy daily schedule.
Although my family and I tend to be more intrepid travelers, I’ve recently been craving a vacation that’s less complicated to plan. Hello, cruise.
What I love most about a cruise is that you can see multiple countries in one trip, while unpacking your suitcases only once. You have a variety of family activities, restaurants, and more right outside your cabin door, and it can all be a great value. Fuel your wanderlust and join me in my days as an international cruise-planning mom, with these five magical itineraries.
1. Greek Islands: Santorini and Athens, from Istanbul

Ship: Norwegian Viva from Norwegian Cruise Line
Greece is one of those destinations that is best explored by boat, as it allows you to see more than one island. Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Olympia and Corfu round out the alluring islands on this 10-night itinerary, offered during the summer months, so you don’t have to worry about your kids missing any days of school.
Norwegian Viva will also give you a taste of the Balkans, one of my favorite regions of Europe, due to its wild beauty and persevering energy, with stops in Kotor, Montenegro and the Croatian towns of Split and Dubrovnik. This is where families can truly harness their adventurous side. The cruise ends in Venice, where you can relax on a gondola ride.
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The navigation begins in Istanbul, a city brimming with palpable culture and ornate beauty, qualities that can also make exploring on your own difficult. For this reason, I recommend connecting with a tour operator (my choice is Ada Vegas Travel) when you arrive at least a day or two early, to help you navigate the only city in the world that spans two continents .
Highlights of the ship for families: Splash Academy Kids Club for ages three and up; activities such as go-kart racing, an escape room, a water park, two dry slides and interactive mini golf
2. The best of Japan and South Korea, from Beijing


Ship: Ovation of the Seas by Royal Caribbean
Japan is all the rage these days, and I’m here for it. The country has been on my bucket list since I was a child, impressed by its ancient, well-preserved traditions that blend so perfectly with its modern ingenuity. Today, it ranks among the top travel destinations, after increased interest when it halted tourism for two years during Covid-19.
Ovation of the Seas spends part of its season in Asia, with a few crossings to Japan. This nine-night itinerary will likely require a few days off from school, but because of the time it takes to get there, you’ll want to maximize your time. The sailing also coincides with the end of the cherry blossom season, a unique spectacle not to be missed.
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This “feast for the senses” takes you to Seoul and Jeju in South Korea, followed by three consecutive days in Japan. You will visit Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Kochi, then end your trip in Tokyo. Expect to be totally speechless at the scenery, learn about Japan’s samurai past, feel at peace in ancient temples, and watch your kids become more adventurous eaters.
Highlights of the ship: Adventure Ocean Kids Club for ages three and up, with optional crèche for little ones aged six months and up; activities such as skydiving and surfing simulators, a water park, a climbing wall, a circus school and bumper cars; and cabins specially designed for families
3. A journey through coral kingdoms and pirate lairs, from Miami


Ship: Explora II from Explora Journeys
With the Caribbean being the most visited cruise region in the world, this seven-night itinerary provides a welcome break from the crowds. Explora II focuses on less touristy areas of the Caribbean and its small size allows it to anchor and dock in places that larger ships cannot reach.
From Miami, the ship heads to the small island of Anguilla and the southern Caribbean gems of Dominica and Guadeloupe, before heading back to Saint Martin and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The route unfolds like a treasure map, leading you to the most enriching experiences like hiking volcanoes, swimming in secluded coves, rappelling down a waterfall, detoxing in volcanic mud baths and snorkeling on a coral reef. San Juan might even tempt you to extend your stay.
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For a more immersive destination experience, Explora Journeys offers destination experiences in each port designed for the whole family. Age requirements vary by tour, but start at age four on this route.
Highlights of the ship: Club Nautilus for children aged six and over, with parent-guided activities for children aged three to five, plus extras for pampering little passengers.
4. Have a nice trip! Family river cruise in France, departing from Paris


Vessel: Tauck ms Emerald
When I embarked on a Viking River cruise in the south of France in 2016, I told myself that I would return one day with my future husband and children. The region is a family wonderland, where towns thrive but lack “big city” crowds; the scent of lavender and sweet pastries floats in the air; a slower pace encourages wandering; and carousels abound, making for fun, impromptu rides. (I rode as many carousels as possible, no shame.)
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What I like about Tauck Bridges’ seven-night itinerary is that it includes two nights in a Paris hotel before the five-night cruise, which stops in Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon and Lyon . The line makes it even easier for families to enjoy their trip, with shore excursions, unlimited meals and drinks, all included in the cruise fare. Summer departure dates also mean guilt-free planning.
On this cruise, families can visit a private ranch in the Camargue, nicknamed “the land of the French cowboys,” for a hay ride and a traditional Provençal lunch. Other notable experiences include early access to the Marmottan Monet Museum (exclusive to Tauck Bridges), a Van Gogh-inspired chocolate painting class, and a game of pétanque played with locals.
Highlights of the ship: Destination-inspired activities for the whole family, plus onboard amenities like a putting green and hot tub
5. Cruises from Singapore


Ship: Disney Adventure
I have never been so excited about the routes that technically does not yet exist. Can you blame me? All we know about Disney Cruise Line’s new ship is that it will homeport in Singapore next year. The Southeast Asian city amazes with its diversity of architectural styles, melting pot of cultures, meticulously clean streets and urban green spaces.
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Details of Disney Adventure’s sailings are expected to be announced in the near future, but we’re already expecting them to visit enchanting destinations across the Southeast Asia region. Bookmark this article and we will update it as soon as this information becomes available.
Highlights of the ship for families: Everything families love about Disney, plus many firsts for the line, including seven themed areas: Discovery Reef, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Marvel Landing, Wayfinder Bay, Town Square and Disney Imagination Garden, a open-air show with restaurants and shops