Despite it being more than a year away, planning ahead and booking soon might be the only way to get on some of these cruises!

An eclipse is a life-changing event.

Why is Eclipse Cruising the Hottest Cruise Right Now?

For a long time, solar eclipse cruises were something only done by small, boutique cruise lines or charters at exceedingly high prices. However, the 2017 eclipse that went across the USA sparked a real interest in eclipses for many Americans. In 2024, a few lines offered an eclipse cruise, which we were a part of, and they were a smash hit. Now a growing list of cruise lines are unveiling total solar eclipse cruises for August 2027.

The rising popularity of eclipse cruises means that lines, such as Princess, are selling out of the itineraries for 2026, and cabins on 2027 sailings are moving just as fast. In the past, we observed an increase in cost the closer eclipse cruises got to the departure date, so if you are interested in doing one, you’ll want to get a deposit in as soon as you can.

Important!

The safest way to secure the best price is to book now but with a REFUNDABLE deposit. Typically, cruise prices will increase over time, sometimes significantly. In the rare event the fare goes down, having a refundable deposit makes it much easier to reprice to the lower cost.

The 2017 eclipse that started the craze.

What Cruises are Available?

Here are some of the announced total solar eclipse sailings for July 2027. Since this is the hottest type of cruise right now, we expect more to be coming. 

Regent Seven Seas has a 2027 solar eclipse cruise. For an exquisite time, Regent is one of the best in small luxury cruising. If you’d like to learn more about the Regent experience, check out our look at it.

Virgin Voyage’s Eleven-night sailing out of Barcelona will be a fantastic time, as they are making sure to be out at sea for the Eclipse proper, as well as going along to Portugal and Morocco.

Cunard is offering a solar eclipse cruise on the Queen Victoria with a ton of stops at beautiful European ports. Departing from England, you will get a wide variety of places including France, Portugal, and Spain.

For something truly unique, Viking River Cruises is offering a Solar Eclipse cruise on the Nile in Egypt. Experiencing ancient Egypt and a cosmically powerful event all in one trip. But don’t get your hopes up as they are currently sold out. But you can still hope spaces open up.

How Do I Get in on the Hottest Cruise Right Now?

If you want to learn more about what sailing a solar eclipse cruise is like, and why it’s one of the hottest cruises right now, check out our blog post of our experience on Princess Cruises off Mexico’s coast. 

While we expect other lines might join in on the eclipse craze, these are available now. They are all selling out quickly. So, if you are even thinking about this, consider reaching out to us to help get pricing and put down a refundable deposit to lock in your cruise now! 

The post What is the Hottest Cruise for 2027? appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

What is the Queen Mary 2

Most obviously it’s a ship and it’s owned by the cruise company Cunard. However, the Queen Mary 2 is not a cruise ship. Cunard will proudly tell you that fact at every opportunity, because the QM2 is an ocean liner, the only one in the world. The distinction matters because an ocean liner is meant to cross oceans, repeatedly, and this ship is meant to cross the North Atlantic in particular.

That means that it goes faster than many other ships and does so through rougher waters and worse weather. Not that you notice the weather much onboard, because she’s built to cut through it all without disturbing the passengers.

The Queen Mary 2 spends most of her time crossing between European ports (most often Southampton) and New York City, just like ships of yesteryear. And like those ships, she carries a heritage of elegance and sophistication.

Taking your time should be something desirable.

Crossing the Atlantic in such a fashion is slower than air travel. Flying from London to New York takes about seven hours. Sailing on the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York takes about seven days. If you can take the time, though, I argue that the Queen Mary 2 is the better option.

Who is this for?

The Queen Mary 2’s most appealing feature, at least by my estimation, is the chance to experience a bit of the ocean liner days. When dozens of ships, like the Aquitania, crisscrossed the Atlantic. Those vessels are part of Cunard’s history, so of course the QM2 carries that heritage forward. There are practical reasons to sail the ship as well.

We have family in Europe and visiting them always means jet lag. The roughly seven hour flights into Europe always are part of two or three connections that day and you find yourself in airports or airplanes for around 24 hours total. By contrast, the Queen Mary 2 departs in the morning on day one and you have six more days to slowly adjust to the new time. Unlike a flight, you have a proper bed and meals. Not to mention, it’s often cheaper.

Consistently, fares on the QM2 are competitive with business class airfare. That’s doubly true if you don’t mind an inside cabin. Sometimes, you can even beat main cabin fare – we highlighted it in this article. Keep in mind that this is paying for seven nights of accommodations and food, which certainly puts the price into perspective. Speaking of the food…

Dining on the Queen Mary 2

We found that there is a remarkable variety of food of uniformly high quality. The large main dining room – the two-level Britannia – is located in the center of the ship because, as the designer informed us, he wanted people to have the most stable dining experience possible while the ship was sailing. At this time it might be worth mentioning that, no, we never got seasick and the stabilizers work very well.

In addition to the main dining room, there is an extensive buffet called the Kings Court. You can also get light bites throughout the day at the Carinthia Lounge. Of course, there are specialty dining restaurants available to indulge in for a small surcharge.

As with any ship, lounges and bars are plentiful. Our personal favorite is the Golden Lion. Designed to evoke a classic British pub, on many days you can get a proper pub lunch there, which is included in the price of your voyage.

Things to do

Britain has a long history of public educational lectures, most famously the Royal Society Christmas Lectures. It makes sense, then, that The Queen Mary shines particularly brightly with their educational speakers. The fields of the experts vary widely, from the fields of art and entertainment, to history, astronomy, geology, music, etc. Our absolute favorite speaker was Stephen Payne, the designer of the Queen Mary 2.

A stunning library on the Queen Mary 2.

Continuing their educational focus, the QM2 boasts the largest library at sea, with over 10,000 books. The space is beautiful – polished wood, chrome, and glass – makes it a wonderful place to sit and read or work. There is also a small bookstore attached to it, if you’re looking for something to keep.

It doesn’t end at lectures and a library. So dedicated to educational activities is the Queen Mary 2, you’ll even find a planetarium on the ship.

Aside from the educational things, there is usually a scavenger hunt, which we highly recommend. You are typically given 24 hours to complete it and take pictures of yourselves around various parts of the ship. It can be challenging, and it gives you the opportunity to explore parts of the ship you might not otherwise experience.

There is an outdoor pool, but because the QM2 sails across the North Atlantic where the weather can be notoriously cold or wet, there is a second pool which is covered and heated. This makes for a delightful experience on otherwise damp days.

Perhaps the most British activity you can partake in is afternoon tea. On the Queen Mary 2, taking afternoon tea is utterly delightful and you will feel very proper. It is served in the Queens Room, which is also the main ballroom. Most importantly, unlike other cruise lines that offer an afternoon tea, on the Queen Mary 2 it is included in the price of your fare. You should never sail the QM2 without having afternoon tea at least once.

Nothing Quite Like It

The QM2 is a distinct experience. It’s very British in style but you will find the passenger mix will be UK residents, Australians, Canadians, and Americans. As a line, Cunard tends to be more formal than others, though it is less formal than it was 3 or 4 years ago. Onboard, there are numerous opportunities to really dress up. That being said, you shouldn’t worry if you don’t have a tux or evening gown nor should you worry about being overdressed.

The Queen Mary 2 retains naval traditions, such as ringing the ship’s bell. Each day, at noon the bell is rung eight times. This dates back to changing of the ship’s watch. It also has a kennel aboard. Much like ocean liners of the past, people who use them would bring their pets with them. On the QM2, the kennels fill up faster than the human cabins; people often need to book at least two years in advance. Even if you don’t have a pet on the ship, if you’re an animal lover, there is the daily parade of the pets on board near the kennel.

The Queen Mary 2 Is Special

The Queen Mary 2 is obviously different than any other ship in any other cruise line. It’s doing something that you really don’t get to do anywhere else. It’s a way to experience some aspect of, as Cunard says, “the golden age of cruising.”

Yes, it is slower than flying, but that’s what makes it worth doing. The chance to slow down and take your time is something that should be sought after. That’s why I think you should seize the opportunity and take seven days, instead of seven hours.

The post Sailing The Queen Mary 2 – When Slower Is Better appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Instead of taking a flight home, you book yourself a cabin on cruise where the ship will travel from Europe to the U.S. (or vice versa). These transatlantic crossings give you time to adjust so you don’t get back home utterly discombobulated!  

Better yet, sometimes this is cheaper than flying home, especially if you fly business class. 

Although I learned this from another travel agent before I became one, I find many don’t know this “trick.” 

What is a Repositioning Cruise? 

If you’ve never heard of them, they are any itinerary where the cruise line wants to move their ship from one region, like the Caribbean, to another, like the Mediterranean. These cruises are a one-way trip and usually mean moving several thousand miles over, typically, seven or more days. 

Because these cruises involve longer voyages, the cruise lines often reduce their typical rates to help attract customers. This is where we can take advantage of cheaper rates to potentially save money over a flight. 

What Makes a Repositioning Cruise Different?

Other than the repositioning itself, there’s something specific that is very attractive for many people on these cruises. Sea Days.

Many cruise veterans love a sea day!

Repositioning cruises typically cover a lot of distance, and that means a lot of days at sea. Veteran cruisers often love sea days because there’s nothing to do but relax. You’re on the open water and don’t have any excursions to plan around.  Typically, the ship adds more entertainment and speakers than usual to keep their guests entertained. 

Admittedly, these sailings are not for people who don’t enjoy sea days. 

Best of all, there’s no jet lag! Sailing gives you time to adjust so that the drastic shift in time of day doesn’t hit you. The typical ship will adjust the ship’s time by one hour each day so you adjust slowly. No more arriving at your destination and needing a day or more to adjust. 

What Cruise Lines do Repositioning Cruises? 

Almost every line does some repositioning cruises. They often are seen in the mid to late spring heading towards Europe from the U.S. Later, in the late summer to mid fall, there will be itineraries that head towards the U.S. from Europe. 

However, there is one ship that does it more than any other,  The Queen Mary 2 from Cunard Lines. The Queen Mary 2, or QM2 as many call her, is the undisputed champ of transatlantic crossings. For much of the year, the Queen Mary 2 sails the Atlantic between Southampton, England and New York City. Occasionally she will sail on to Hamburg or LeHarve (Paris). 

Even though most repositioning cruises are seasonal, the Queen Mary 2 makes returning home on a ship simple if you plan ahead. I have sailed the QM2 many times and not only did I save money over flying, but it was always delightful. 

Don’t Believe Me? Here’s the Math

Putting aside the fact that sailing on the Queen Mary 2 means getting a week’s worth of meals, entertainment, accommodation and fantastic scones and clotted cream at daily high tea, let’s compare sailing to flying simply as transportation.  

As of this writing, for sailing from Southampton to New York on November 19-26, 2025, the full price of an inside stateroom on the Queen Mary 2, including taxes and fees for two people, is $1578 total.  

A one-way airline ticket from Heathrow to New York City departing November 19 for Business class on Jet Blue is $2146 per person or $4292 for two. That’s a difference of $2,714.  

“Well, yes, of course Business class will cost more,” you’re likely thinking. Alright, let’s look at Premium Economy.

Less flying also means less of the headaches that come with flying…

As of writing, Delta and American have Premium Economy on that date for $1267 per person or $2,534 for two. A difference of $956.00. 

Still don’t believe me? Fine! Main cabin economy on Delta on that day is $826 for one or $1,652 for two. A difference of $74.00. 

Obviously, the pricing on both can vary quite a bit, so this won’t always work. I also recognize that $74.00 isn’t that much of a savings out of around $1,600. However, the point remains valid that by using repositioning cruises, you can save money over a return flight home. 

Of course, you still need to have the time to take a ship over a plane but, if you can take the time, it’s likely the more luxurious and cheaper option. 

The post There’s a Better Way to Cross The Atlantic – Repositioning Cruises appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Research shows that the average person who plans their own trip spends over 30 hours researching it. That’s almost a whole work week and many people spend more time than that! As travel agents, we devote ourselves to knowing which cruise will be the best cruise for each client, while also saving them time and money.

How can you avoid wasting time and money on your cruise planning, and get to relaxing sooner? Here are some amazing cruise planning tips.

There are 18 cruise lines and almost 800 cruises in Alaska alone – that’s a lot to research. Save yourself time by working with an expert to pick your cruise..

Tip 1: Before You Choose a Cruise, Think!

The most important cruise planning tip is to think before you book! Don’t jump at the first low price or pretty social media post. Ask yourself, what are you looking to get from your cruise. Are you looking for the best cruise line for your family? Or perhaps a romantic trip for two with no kids? Is there a destination you have in mind?

The most important question to ask yourself is what is your budget? Since the pandemic, many travelers have decided to upgrade their travel and splurge on something they might not have before. But it’s about what works for you! We often see people jump at a low advertised price without realizing they will end up paying more in the end than if they had booked a higher priced cruise that included more. We often prepare spreadsheets for our clients so they can compare apples-to-apples.

If you are using a travel advisor, and you should, tell them clearly what you want so they can help you plan your perfect trip.

Questions to answer for planning your cruise:

• Who is traveling? There are cruise lines that specialize in kids and others that don’t allow children. Will it be multi-generational? Cruising solo is popular, is that you?
• Are you restricted to certain dates? If so, you might want to engage a travel agent (also known as a travel advisor), at no cost to you, who can quickly scan your date range and tell you what is available.
• Do you have certain destinations in mind or do you just want to cruise? Alaska is extremely popular and there is much to know to maximize your experience.
• Do you have a budget? See Tip 2.
• When you stay in a hotel do you stay at a Four Seasons, a Motel 6, or something in between? Cruiselines have the same types of differences in luxury and quality. As part of your research, make sure you know you are getting the cruise you want. The more you tell your travel advisor, the better they can match you to the right cruise.
• Make a list of what you will want, such as:
  • Wi-fi
  • Specialty dining
  • Drinks (many lines charge extra for soft drinks as well as wine, alcohol, etc.)
  • Gratuities. While technically optional, you should pay them. They can be as high as $20 per person per day as only a few crusielines include them in the price.
  • Spa services
  • Shore excursions
  • Room service. Many lines charge extra for this.

Tip 2: Consider Value Over Price For A Cruise

All too often, travelers get drawn in by a low advertised price, only to find out at the end of the cruise they owe money for all sorts of things. Watch for items like crew gratuities, wi-fi, soft drinks, even coffees and dining! These costs all add up, and this doesn’t even include shore excursions. This doesn’t mean cruising isn’t a good value–it is!

Speaking of the value of cruising, we often see people who have sticker shock over the price of a cruise. Then they compare a comparable land vacation and realize the value of a cruise.

If you’re planning a cruise, that more expensive looking choice may be a better value. Look behind the curtain of a “good deal” and make an informed decision. We’ve seen far too many people book a “cheap” cruise, then end up spending more money on all the extras, than if they had booked a “more expensive” cruise that included more. Don’t let that happen to you.

We prepare spreadsheets for our clients who are choosing between different cruises so they can see the actual cost and value of each.

Several cruise lines engage in more honest pricing. They will include beverages, Wi-Fi, port fees, crew gratuities, specialty restaurants, and sometimes even shore excursions. Booking a cruise with one of them can result in a much better and more relaxing experience.

Virgin Voyages includes more with Fair and Flexible pricing

Tip 3: How to Choose a Cruise to Get the Best Price?

This is one of our best cruise planning tips. While last minute deals still exist, nowadays the cruise lines often make the best offers to those who book early. We always suggest booking as early as you can with a refundable deposit. With a refundable deposit, it’s easier to get the price reduced if the price drops later. Or, worst case, cancel the booking and start a new one.

Tip 4: Booking The Cruise

Once you’ve decided what cruise you want to take and when you want to take it, now it’s time to book it. That’s not where the stress ends though.

When COVID hit in 2020, we had quite a few clients booked on cruises. Some of these cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars! Worse, they had not purchased travel insurance. After lots of work and hours on hold, we were able to get all of our clients a refund. People who had booked cruises themselves, had to fight for refunds on their own.

Good travel agents fight for their clients in those situations. Car crashes, job loss, and personal or family illness can happen to anyone. By working with us, we can make it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong with your trip. And of course it is why we always recommend purchasing trip protection.

Many people are not aware that it doesn’t cost you anything extra to book with a travel agent. There are exceptions to that, as some travel agents do charge an upfront planning fee, but many, like us, do not. In addition, the travel agent will have your back if things don’t go right.

Working with a travel advisor can be the best way to choose a cruise.

Tip 5: Best Cruises for Families

We think a cruise is the perfect way for a group of friends and family to travel together. We’ve done it many times. Everyone gets to the same place at the same time. On board, you can spend as much, or as little, time together as you wish.

It’s great for multi-generational travel as the kids can have fun all day in the children’s program while Mom and Dad visit the spa and Grandma and the aunties play pickleball or take a painting class. Or, all the adults can just sip margaritas by the pool. Some groups only see each other at dinner because they are so busy with their own activities.  And the children’s programs are so much fun it can be hard to get the kids to leave at the end of the day.

The ship’s photographers will be happy to take as many pictures of your group as want with no sitting fees. You only pay for the pictures you want. No obligation!

Finally, if your group is large enough, there may be extra perks and discounts available. A good travel agent can not only help you choose a cruise but can save you many headaches by keeping track of what all the aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces want.

Popular cruises for families are the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) and the Disney Cruise Line (of course). But don’t overlook cruises like Celebrity and Princess who have excellent children and teen programs. Princess especially in great for Alaska and we consider the Princess Plus program to be one of the best values in cruising.

Tip 6: Cabin Selection on a Cruise

Some people care passionately about their cabin location, others not so much. If you don’t care, you can often choose to book a “guarantee” cabin at a slightly lower price. This means they guarantee you a cabin in that category such as a balcony or suite, but you won’t know which exact one it is until just before you board.

When choosing a cabin, here are some things to think about:

• Who will share what kinds of cabins? If the kids are teens, you can book a balcony cabin for the parents and an inside cabin, across the hall, for the kids.
• Do you need the cabins to be close together? Do you need the cabins to have a connecting door?
• Does the cruise ship sail up a coastline? (We’re looking at you, Alaska) If it does, then one side of the ship is going to have far better cabin views than others.

Tip 7: Best Cruises for Adults

Cruise planning tips for sailing without children. Two cruise lines do not allow children at all: Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean.

Other cruise lines allow children but you will find fewer, depending on the season and itinerary. These include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania. We like Azamara for its extended stays at many ports.

Newcomer Virgin Voyages is winning every award in sight and is winning over veteran cruisers from other lines. Check out our posts about sailing on Virgin.

We also are big fans of Cunard, which offers a sophisticated experience. You can actually sail between New York and England, often for less than the price of flying business class. Seven nights of great food, entertainment and accomodation–and no jet lag!

Tip 8: Upgrades

In the not-too-distant-past, veteran cruisers would sometimes experience the “Upgrade Fairy,” meaning the cruise line gave them a free upgrade. Nowadays, that is incredibly rare. More and more cruise lines have programs in which you make blind bids on upgrades should they become available. Some examples are Princess Upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up, Virgin’s Level Up, and Celebrity’s Move Up.

We hope these cruise planning tips help you choose your cruise. If you need suggestions for getting the price on airfare, check out this post.

Check out this recent New York Times article describing why so many people of all ages are taking their first cruise.

If Athens is on your itinerary, be sure to read our article about one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

The post Amazing Cruise Planning Tips appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Okay… we. We don’t actually say that. Still, booking a cruise during Wave Season makes a lot of sense. The cruise lines all roll out strong offers for January through March when most travelers book for the year. It’s consistently the best time to book.

There are plenty of sales that are being offered, but we want to highlight the promotions that we think our clients will have the most interest in. The are presented in alphabetical order, of course.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Offer: Save up to 30%, a value of up to $10,000 per stateroom. The sale also adds up to $600 onboard credit on select expeditions. Solo travelers also enjoy a Single Supplement from only 125% on many expeditions.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on select 2025 and 2026 expedition sailings. Must book by February 3^rd.

Our opinion: Atlas is a new line and we don’t have a long history to compare and see how “good” of a deal this is. However, we can say that for solo travelers this is quite a nice offer and if you’ve been thinking of trying Atlas, $600 in credit is not a bad deal.

Azamara

Offer: The luxury cruise line known for longer port visits is offering up to $1000 in onboard credit. How much credit you receive is based on which category of stateroom you book. The higher tier of room booked, i.e. suites, the more credit is offered. Lower tiers, such as interior rooms, get less, to a minimum of $200.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on select 2025 sailings and you must book by February 28^th.

Our opinion: We like this sale because it’s straightforward. Onboard credit is a known quantity and that’s always a good thing.

Cunard

Offer: Up to $800 Onboard Credit per stateroom. Plus, a Drinks Package and Hotel and Dining Service Charges are included when you book a Grills Suite.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on all of Cunard’s sailings, but you must book by March 26^th.

Our opinion: Once again, we like this sale because it’s straightforward. The suites earn more credit, but the offer is solid for all categories of stateroom. For a line that costs less than people often imagine, this is a handsome offer.

Princess

Offer: Up to 40% off and up to $200 onboard credit, plus FREE room upgrades and FREE 3rd & 4th guests.

Eligibility: The promotion ends February 28, 2025

Our opinion: The real deal here is the 3^rd and 4^th sailors are free. This means that a family of four can sail Princess for much less during this sale. It’s a great way to take a family vacation and we are impressed with Princess’ kids programs, which is often celebrated by family travelers.

Regent Seven Seas

Offer: Free 2-Category Suite Upgrade, 50% Reduced Deposits, and 20% Savings on Select Voyages

Eligibility: Available on all ships and destinations. Promotion ends February 28, 2025

Our opinion: Regent is the ultimate in all-inclusive cruising and this sale is allowing you to upgrade your suite while booking at a lower suite’s fare. Let’s be honest, if you’re booking Regent, you probably aren’t worried about a sale. Still, the offer is nice.

Seabourn:

Offer: Up to 15% savings, with up to $1,000 USD in shipboard credit per suite, along with reduced deposits on Seabourn Ocean voyages and Expeditions to all seven continents.

Eligibility: The promotion ends February 18, 2025

Our opinion: For those interested in sailing to exotic locations, like Antarctica, or trying a truly luxury cruise, this is a good time to do it. Like we’ve said repeatedly, onboard credit is a dependable offer because you know what you’re getting, and a low deposit isn’t a bad thing either.

Viking:

Offer: Viking is offering reduced fares on river, ocean, and expeditions cruises. There are also additional perks available on select sailings, including free international airfare and a deposit of $25.

Eligibility: Offer ends on January 31^st, 2025.

Our opinion: We can’t say too much about the reduced rates, because rates are always changing, but if you select a cruise with the free airfare, that’s a good deal. Airfare is pricy and that’s a way to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

If you would like to book Viking ocean with us as your travel advisor, use this link.

Virgin:

Offer: 80% off a 2nd Sailor and up to USD $300 in Bar Tab based on voyage length, with longer voyages awarding more credit.

Eligibility: Available on all 2025 and 2026 voyages. Offer ends on January 30^th, 2025.

Our opinion: Getting any amount of Bar Tab is always good and a very popular promotion for the company. Having sailed Virgin quite a bit myself, $300 can go a long way in drinks.

If you would like to book Virgin with us as your travel advisor, you this link.

Windstar

Offer: Windstar is offering an interesting sale. If you book with them you’ll have a choice of three options; onboard credit of up to $1,000 per suite; a night at a hotel before or after your cruise; a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (only available when booking a  Premium Suite).

Eligibility: Offer ends on March 31^st, 2025.

Our opinion: Since you always want to arrive at least one day before a cruise leaves, this seems like a can’t lose deal. When a luxury cruise line is offering to put you up in a hotel for a night before, take it.

As I said, there are dozens of Wave Season sales from different lines and the ones presented above are from the lines our clients sail the most. If you are interested in offers from lines not listed above, please reach out to us. During Wave Season, many lines run a series of flash sales rather than static offers, making it difficult to present them here.

The post We Love These Wave Season Sales appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

An eclipse is a life-changing event.

Why is this the Hottest Cruise Right Now?

For a long time, solar eclipse cruises were something only done by small, boutique cruise lines or charters at exceedingly high prices. However, the 2017 eclipse that went across the USA sparked a real interest in people. Then, a few lines did an eclipse cruise for 2024, which we were a part of, and it was a smash hit. Now many cruise lines are unveiling total solar eclipse cruises for August 2026.

Seeing the growing popularity of eclipse cruises, they’ve become the hottest cruises on the market, with several lines, such as Princess, already selling out. These are cruises are likely to increase in cost the closer they get to sailing, so if you are interested in doing one, you’ll want to get a deposit in as soon as you can. 

Important!

The best way to secure the best price is to book now but with a REFUNDABLE deposit. For those most part, prices will increase significantly. In the rare event the fare goes down, having a refundable deposit make it easier to reprice to the lower cost.

The 2017 eclipse that started the craze.

What Cruises are Available?

Here are some of the announced total solar eclipse sailings for August 2026. Since this is the hottest type of cruise right now, we expect more to be coming. 

Azamara Eclipse cruises. Azamara, known for longer experiential port callings and smaller ship luxury, has three sailings. 

Virgin Voyages has two 2026 solar eclipse cruises. One sails for 12-nights from Barcelona to Rome and the other sails 15 nights roundtrip from England with visits to Scotland and Iceland.  

Cunard will have three solar eclipse sailings, and we have special pricing on two of them. We have arranged special group pricing on two Cunard eclipse sailings. These groups allow us to hold prices even if the standard price goes up. 

Finally, two of the smaller cruise lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages and Windstar Iceland have sailings. They are a boutique and luxurious experience small ship experiences. 

As we said before, Princess Cruises, who we sailed with for the April 2024 eclipse and helped cement solar eclipse cruises as the hottest cruises right now. On August 12, 2026, Sky Princess will sail directly into the “path of totality” on a  special 14-night Total Solar Eclipse Cruise which also visits France, Spain and Portugal. The cruise departs Southampton August 8, 2026. It is currently sold out but you may be able to snag a wait-list spot.

How Do I Get in on the Hottest Cruise Right Now?

If you want to learn more about what sailing a solar eclipse cruise is like, and why it’s one of the hottest cruises right now, check out our blog post of our experience on Princess Cruises off Mexico’s coast. 

While we expect other lines might join in on the eclipse craze, these are available now. They are all selling out quickly. So, if you are even thinking about this, consider reaching out to us to help get pricing and put down a refundable deposit to lock in your cruise now! 

The post What is the Hottest Cruise Right Now? appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

The Queen Anne in Liverpool

We Love Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

There is something very special and classic about crossing the Atlantic on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.  The Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only operating ocean liner, designed to cross the Atlantic in all sorts of weather. In fact, she is known for outpacing pretty much all the other ships in bad weather.

We sail the Queen Mary 2 about once a year as it is a much more delightful way to cross the pond than flying—and the price is sometimes similar or less! This means seven nights of entertainment, food, beverages, history, culture, and relaxation versus strapping yourself in a metal tube.

Here are some of the things we love about sailing transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2.

No jet lag! Each night they change the clocks backward or forward by one hour as appropriate, so the time change is extremely gentle and you are well rested when arrive.

The ship is full of history; most of the walls are covered with murals that describe the history of both the Cunard line and Queen Mary 2. For example, there is a display discussing Cunard’s role in rescuing survivors of the Titanic. In fact, the Carpathia was one of the first ships to arrive and save Titanic survivors.

Will You Be Bored?

Some people worry about becoming bored on a transatlantic crossing. We have a list of 101 Things to Do. There are nightly shows, games, a gym, pools, a casino, an incredible library, classes, and much more. Warning: the scavenger hunt can be quite challenging.

Honestly, there is so much to do, we sometimes complain about doing too much!

In-room entertainment. You will have no lack of films and TV shows in your cabin.  There is live news depending on the signal strength available at the time.

We love the lectures on board. There are usually several speakers on board with different expertise. Some lecturers we’ve heard onboard include the designer of Queen Mary 2, who was incredibly fascinating. We heard a retired British customs agent who had surprisingly interesting stories about various criminal attempts. Often there is someone speaking about the entertainment industry. The lectures are usually recorded and can be viewed later in your cabin.

Formal Gala nights are worth the effort with great entertainment, but if is not your thing, you don’t have to participate. Cunard arranges for many part of the ship available for those who don’t dress up.

Consider the fun of dressing up for a masquerade or the Red and Gold ball. And there’s no sitting fee for posing for formal portaits. We suggest dressing up a bit. While there will be tuxes, men will not be out of place with a jacket and collared shirt, tie optional.

Dining on the Queen Mary 2

Your meal options begin with the main dining room unless you are in a Princess or Queens grill suite, in which case you have a separate restaurant. You can choose early or late seating and will have the same table and waitstaff each night. We like this as the waitstaff will get to know you and your preferences. However, you do have the option to change this at any time.

At the Carpathian lounge or cafe you can get specialty coffees like lattes and cappuccinos. There is often a light breakfast or snacks such as small sandwiches and desserts. It’s a lovely place for a quick meal. Often games like trivia are often played in the Carpathian lounge although they are played in other venues as well.

There is the aforementioned lounge or cafe for snacks, and the buffet where there is a separate station where you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and such.

In addition to all this Cunard cruises will have several specialty dining options.  There is typically an up charge for the specialty dining.

The kennels on the Queen Mary 2 usually sell out before the human cabins

Bring Your Dog or Cat!

The Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship with a kennel. The kennel is famous among frequent travelers. We know people who take the Queen Mary 2 back and forth between the States and Europe at least once every year and they bring their pets with them. There is a highly regarded kennel staff and a great area where owners play with dogs. Even people without pets onboard like to go watch. The pets are extremely well cared for and the owners are allowed to go play at various times with them in a nice open-air area. The kennels are so popular that slots almost always fill up before the human cabins. If you want to travel abroad and you can’t bear the thought of leaving your dog at home and you don’t want them cooped up in an airplane, the Queen Mary 2 is what you want.

Practicalities

Cunard has recently upgraded their wi-fi to Starlink. There are two levels of service for Wi-Fi, basic and premium.

Laundry–Cunard has free self-service laundrettes around the ship. Free detergent is available. Of course, you can always pay for laundry and pressing services.

Special Pricing for Cunard Eclipse Cruises

Because we love both Cunard and Solar Eclipses, we have arranged for special group pricing on two Cunard cruises for the August 2026 solar eclipse. You can read about it here. And you can find information and book here.

News about Cruise Pricing

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Our view of the total solar eclipse in 2023

How Do I See the Next Total Solar Eclipse?

Mark your calendars for August 12th, 2026, because the next major solar eclipse is on its way. Given the phenomenal success of this year’s eclipse cruises, many cruise lines are already preparing for this celestial event. To help you plan at the best possible prices, Far Far Away Travels is offering exclusive group pricing. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the eclipse from the best vantage point while enjoying significant savings. Secure your spot today and embark on an unforgettable journey! To read all the details, pricing, and to make reservations visit out special webpage. 

Nichole on the Emerald Princess watching the eclipse

The best viewing places for the next total solar eclipse in August 2026 will be off the coasts of Spain and Iceland. Cunard we’ll have 3 eclipse cruises, and we have group space on two of them.  

Photographing the total solar eclipse can be best done with some specific skills, but make sure you get started by learning how to do stunning photos when you travel.

A big eclipse family party.

Chasing the Eclipse

Our passion for eclipses ignited after witnessing the breathtaking 2018 eclipse across the US. We journeyed to Kentucky for a front-row seat, and it was nothing short of spectacular. So, when we discovered another eclipse was set for April 2024, with the prime viewing spot off the coast of Mexico, and Princess Cruises offering two perfectly positioned ships, we didn’t hesitate. We booked immediately and rallied 22 friends and family members to join us. It was an unforgettable experience. Now we really want to see the next total solar eclipse. Remember, there is no controlling the weather, so viewing is not guaranteed. However, your odds are much better on a ship that can sail to a better location if needed. And besides, you will still have a wonderful cruise experience. 

Space is not guaranteed so we encourage you to book soon with a refundable deposit. 

The post Next Total Solar Eclipse: Don’t Miss It! appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Tip 1: Stay Healthy

How to stay healthy on a cruise?

First, take hand sanitizing seriously. Handwashing with soap and water is the best, but if you can’t wash, hand sanitizer can help. Most ships will have sanitizer available around the ship. I even carry a small bottle.

Be sure to wash or use sanitizer whenever you touch an elevator button, use a handrail, or any other high touch point. Even before Covid, norovirus was an` issue on cruises. This helps keep you healthier.

Second, take the stairs. We like to avoid cruise weight gain by walking and taking the stairs as much as possible. For this reason, we don’t mind having a cabin way at the front or back of the ship. Also, cabins at the front or back of the ship tend to be slightly less expensive.

Best of all, most ships have a promenade deck devoted to walking outside. You’ll see many walkers of all speeds. Even better, you might spot some wildlife. We’ve seen whales, dolphins, and sea turtles as well as many birds while ambling the promenade deck.

Tip 2: Tips About Tipping

Many cruises nowadays, especially those cruises of higher value like the ones in Seven Tips for Choosing Your Cruise, will include crew gratuities in the fare.

However, with lower priced cruise lines tips are often not included. Expect to be given a list of suggested gratuities that will be shared among the service crew. In general, these will run between $15-$20 per person (kids too!) per day.

The crew works for very low pay and they spend months away from home and family. They work very long hours as U.S. or European labor laws don’t apply when the cruises are run under foreign flags. While tipping is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to do so.

One of our best cruise tips for 2024 is to prepay the recommended gratuities if it’s not in your package. Then, at the end of the cruise, seek out crew members who gave exceptional service and slip them some extra cash. In fact, you can ask for envelopes for this purpose at the ship’s front desk.

Tip 3: Don’t Fret About Formal Nights

First, if you are doing a short cruise, they might not have any. In addition, it is rare on river cruises to have formal nights. The ocean cruises that have formal nights tend to have them on days at sea with no port stops. For cruising 2024, here are some of our best tips for formal nights.

You don’t have to participate in formal night. Most ships will let you visit the buffet, pool, and other areas without formal wear. You can have room service in your cabin. The ship’s daily briefing will have the details for your cruise, but there will be places for you.

Remember formal is not as formal as it once was. Although you may see a few tuxedoes, most cruises now only expect men to wear a sports jacket. By the way, one of those tuxedoed men will be my husband looking spiffy in the same tux he has owned for 30 years.

If you would like to buy a tux at a reasonable price, call around to the formal wear rental stores in your area. They often sell used formal wear at great prices. Look for a classic style that will still be useable on your next five cruises.

Your cruise line will have written guidelines for the dress code available to you in advance. Your travel advisor can get them for you.

Honestly, nowadays, there is often lax enforcement of the dress code. We do encourage you not to press the issue, though. Other passengers make the effort, so we encourage you to do so as well.

One of our best cruise tips 2024 is the secret hidden benefit of formal night. If you do gussy up there will be ship’s photographers set up around the ship to take pictures of you looking your best, with beautiful backdrops. The sittings are voluntary and FREE. You are under no obligation to buy the photos. But if you like the pictures, they will be your favorite mementos when you get home. And you didn’t have to set up an appointment with a local photographer and pay a sitting fee. It is especially perfect for families cruising together.

One more cruising 2024 perk of formal night is that many cruises will have a Captain’s cocktail party. Often this means free cocktails, canapes and some lucky passengers can have their picture taken pouring a champagne fountain.

Tip 4: More Food

If you want two entrees or three appetizers, just ask! The crew will accommodate you. Only on the least expensive cruise lines will there be rules or extra fees for this.

I remember once my sister and I happened to sit at lunch with 4 men who we did not know. Every one of them ordered two entrees and finished them all. The wait staff didn’t even blink, but I did.

When traveling with children, one of our favorite cruise tips is to get them to try new things. You can assure them if they don’t like what they order, it will be replaced by something else. There is always a kid’s menu with all the classics: macaroni, grilled cheese, burgers, and pizza.

The only downside of encouraging your children to try new things is they may like it. Nichole developed a life-long love of duck during a cruise as a child.

The cruise staff want you to be happy so don’t be shy. If you don’t like what you were served, just nicely ask the waitstaff to replace it. They want you to enjoy your cruise.

Tip 5: Cruise Tip for 2024: Know the Medical Protocols

Make sure you read and understand your cruise line’s COVID and other health policies. Some lines, like Virgin Voyages, have generous cancellation policies should you test positive or be exposed before your trip.

While most have removed testing requirements, but cruises are subject to the regulations of any ports you visit. Since the pandemic, more people are buying travel insurance and we think that’s a good thing.

Tip 6: Embarkation Day

Board as early as the cruise line will let you. Download their app in advance as it can be very useful. If you can, upload all the needed documents in advance of boarding. Of course, pack a carry-on bag with essentials like swimsuits or sunscreen or medications while you wait for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin, so you are good to go.

Take a little time to explore the ship. Do your muster drill check-in-the ship can’t leave until everyone does that.

Most people hit the buffet as soon as they board and that’s fine. We prefer to check out the ship’s guide and visit the main dining room or other venues that are open. It’s quieter and usually better food.

There is almost always a Sail-Away party by the pool when the ship departs. There are drink specials, live music, and it is fun! There’s nothing quite like sailing off into the sunset knowing a great voyage is beginning.

Tip 7: Wine

If you like wine with dinner but can’t finish the bottle, just ask the wait staff to tag it and keep it for you for the next evening.

Tip 8: When in Doubt, Ask Your Cabin Steward

Your cabin steward is amazing. Need tape? They can get it. Are there twin beds when you wanted a double? They can fix it. Need more towels? More hangers? Ask your steward. And certainly, if there are maintenance issues like a leaky faucet, notify your steward immediately.

To make your travels easier, we have suggestions for cruise essentials and luggage.

Want More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.

Plan Now For 2026

A Total Solar Eclipse Cruise in August 2026

The post More Best Cruise Tips for 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Research shows that the average person who plans their own trip spends over 30 hours researching it. That’s almost a whole work week and many people spend more time than that! We cover the best cruise lines for adults as well as the best cruise lines for families. Keep reading for our tips on how to choose the best cruise lines for you.

How can you avoid wasting time and money, and get to relaxing sooner? Here’s how you can find the best cruises for you.

There are 18 cruise lines and almost 800 cruises in Alaska alone – that’s a lot to research. Save yourself time by working with an expert to pick your cruise..

Tip 1: Before You Choose a Cruise, Think!

Ask yourself, what are you looking to get from your cruise. Are you looking for the best cruise line for families? Or perhaps a romantic trip for two? Is there a destination you have in mind?

The most important question to ask though, what is your budget? Since the pandemic began, more travelers have decided to upgrade their travel and splurge on something they might not have before. But it’s about what works for you!

If you are using a travel agent, and you should, tell them clearly what you want so they can help you plan your perfect trip.

Tip 2: Consider Value Over Price For A Cruise

All too often, travelers get drawn in by a low advertised price, only to find out at the end of the cruise they owe money for all sorts of things. Watch for items like port fees and taxes, crew gratuities, wi-fi, soft drinks, even coffees and dining! These costs all add up, and this doesn’t even include shore excursions. This doesn’t mean cruising isn’t a good value–it is!

If you’re planning a cruise, that more expensive looking choice may be a better value. Look behind the curtain of a “good deal” and make an informed decision. We’ve seen far too many people book a “cheap” cruise, then end up spending more money on all the extras, than if they had booked a “more expensive” cruise that included more. Don’t let that happen to you.

We often prepare spreadsheets for our clients who are choosing between different cruises so they can see the actual cost and value of each.

Several cruise lines engage in, what we feel is more honest pricing. They will include beverages, Wi-Fi, port fees, crew gratuities, specialty restaurants, and sometimes even shore excursions. Booking a cruise with one of them can result in a much better and more relaxing experience.

Tip 3: How to Choose a Cruise to Get the Best Price?

While last minute deals still exist, nowadays the cruise lines often make the best offers to those who book early. We always suggest booking as early as you can with a refundable deposit. With a refundable deposit, it’s easier to get the price reduced if the price drops later.

Doing this trick can be hard to pull off though, since you have to remember to constantly check for price changes. That’s a big advantage that many travel agents, like us, can offer clients. If you book a cruise using a travel agent, we watch for price drops and will reach out if there’s a way to reduce what you pay or even upgrade without increasing the price. And of course, if you discover the better price, let us know so we can go to work for you.

Tip 4: Booking The Cruise

Once you’ve decided what cruise you want to take and when you want to take it, now it’s time to book it. That’s not where the stress ends though.

When COVID hit in 2020, we had quite a few clients booked on cruises. Some of these cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars! We were able to get all of our clients a refund. People who had booked cruises themselves, had to fight for refunds on their own. There are horror stories of people struggling to get their money back for vacations that never happened.

Good travel agents fight for their clients in those situations. And just because COVID is more under control, there are other emergencies that happen. Car crashes, sudden illness, even job loss. By working with us, we can make it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong with your trip.

The main thing is, many people are not aware that it doesn’t cost you anything to book with a travel agent. There are exceptions to that, as some travel agents are charging an upfront planning fee, but many, like us, do not. In addition, the travel agent will have your back if things don’t go right.

Working with a travel advisor can be the best way to choose a cruise.

Tip 5: Best Cruises for Families

We think a cruise is the perfect way for a group of friends and family to travel together. We’ve done it many times. Everyone gets to the same place at the same time. On board, you can spend as much, or as little, time together as you wish.

It’s great for multi-generational travel as the kids can have fun all day in the children’s program while Mom and Dad visit the spa and Grandma and the aunties play pickleball or take a painting class. Or all the adults just sip margaritas by the pool. Some groups only see each other at dinner because they are so busy.  And the children’s programs are so much fun it can be hard to get the kids to leave at the end of the day.

The ship’s photographers will be happy to take as many pictures of your group as want with no sitting fees. You only pay for the pictures you want. No obligation!

Finally, if your group is large enough, there may be extra perks and discounts available. A good travel agent can not only help you choose a cruise but can save you many headaches by keeping track of what all the aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces want.

Some of the best cruises for families are the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) fun ships and the Disney Cruise Line (of course). But don’t overlook cruises like Celebrity and Princess who have excellent children and teen programs.

Tip 6: Cabin Selection on a Cruise

Some people care passionately about their cabin location, others not so much. If you don’t care, you can often choose to book a “guarantee” cabin at a slightly lower price. This means they guarantee you a cabin in that category such as a balcony or suite, but you won’t know which exact one it is until just before you board.

When choosing a cabin, here are some things to think about:

• Who will share what kinds of cabins? If the kids are teens, you can book a balcony cabin for the parents and an inside cabin, across the hall, for the kids.
• Do you need the cabins to be close together? Do you need the cabins to have a connecting door?
• Does the cruise ship sail up a coastline? (We’re looking at you, Alaska) If it does, then one side of the ship is going to have far better cabin views than others.

Tip 7: Best Cruises for Adults

Some of the best cruises for adults include Regent Seven Seas, Viking, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania. We like Azamara for its extended stays at many ports. Newcomer Virgin Voyages is winning every award in sight and is winning over veteran cruisers from other lines. Check out our posts about sailing on Virgin.

We also are big fans of Cunard, which offers a sophisticated experience. You can actually sail between New York and England, often for less than the price of flying business class. Seven nights of great food, entertainment and accomodation–and no jet lag!

Tip 8: Upgrades

In the not-too-distant-past, veteran cruisers would sometimes experience the “Upgrade Fairy,” meaning the cruise line gave them a free upgrade. Nowadays, that is incredibly rare. More and more cruise lines have programs in which you can make blind bids on upgrades should they become available. Some examples are Princess Upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up, Virgin’s Level Up, and Celebrity’s Move Up.

We hope these tips help you choose your cruise. If you need suggestions for getting the price on airfare, check out this post.

Check out this recent New York Times article describing why so many people of all ages are taking their first cruise.

If Athens is on your itinerary, be sure to read our article about one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

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