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Destination Inspiration
Ocean & River Cruise Vacations
Discover the World
one port at a time
Ocean and river cruising offer countless ways to see the world, but no two cruise experiences are exactly alike. From ocean ships offering everything from laid-back escapes to activity-filled vacations to river cruises centered around destinations, culture, and immersive itineraries, there is a cruise experience for many different ways of traveling.
Small World BIG FUN advisors work with a wide range of ocean and river cruise lines and bring firsthand experience and cruise knowledge to the planning process. We’ll help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, staterooms, inclusions, and onboard experiences to find the sailing that fits the way you want to travel. From choosing and booking your cruise to navigating the details before you sail and helping with the travel surrounding it, we’re here to make the entire experience easier.
Find Your Perfect Cruise
Two unforgettable ways to explore
Imagine watching a new coastline come into view as you sail toward your next destination, or traveling along one of the world’s great rivers with cities, villages, and landscapes unfolding along the shore. Ocean and river cruises offer two distinct ways to experience the world, from expansive ocean itineraries connecting incredible ports to river journeys that travel through the heart of destinations around the globe.
Ocean Cruises
Set sail toward faraway shores with the open ocean stretching out before you. Spend your days enjoying the ship, then step ashore to experience a new destination before sailing toward the next.
River Cruises
Glide past vineyards, castles, and storybook villages as Europe’s scenery unfolds along the riverbank. Watch centuries of history pass by your window as you make your way through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
Ocean Cruise
The journey is part of the destination
Ocean cruising offers an incredible range of experiences, and no two cruise lines or ships are exactly alike. From family-focused vacations and activity-filled ships to adults-only escapes, elevated dining, entertainment, relaxation, and destination-focused itineraries, finding the right cruise is about much more than choosing a departure date and itinerary.
Our advisors work with cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and more. We’ll help you compare ships, itineraries, staterooms, dining, inclusions, and onboard experiences, then continue helping with the details that come after you book. From pre- and post-cruise stays and transportation to onboard planning, excursions, travel requirements, and preparing for embarkation, we’re here from the early planning stages through your sailing and beyond.
Why Plan Your Ocean Cruise with Small World BIG FUN?
There are a lot of choices that go into planning the right cruise, and we’re here to help with much more than simply booking your sailing.
- Get matched with the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and stateroom that fit your travel style, priorities, and who you’re traveling with.
- Benefit from firsthand cruise experience and the collective knowledge of Small World BIG FUN advisors who sail on a variety of cruise lines and ships.
- Have help navigating the details after booking, including dining, excursions, onboard experiences, travel requirements, and preparing for embarkation.
- Bring the whole trip together with help planning pre- or post-cruise hotels, transportation, and other travel arrangements when needed.
- Have an experienced travel advisor in your corner from the planning and booking stages through your cruise and beyond.
River Cruises
Europe at a slower pace
Wander through a centuries-old city, linger over lunch in a riverside café, then return to your ship with another European destination waiting just ahead. Small World BIG FUN’s favorite river cruise partner, AmaWaterways, gives our clients a beautiful way to experience it all, with elegant ships, warm hospitality, and a front row seat to some of Europe’s most captivating waterways.
Why You’ll Love It
- Cruise with leading river cruise partners including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck, Scenic, Viking and more.
- Experience the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine, Douro, and other iconic European waterways.
- Enjoy intimate ships that typically welcome just 100 to 200 guests for a more personal and relaxed experience.
- Dock in the heart of historic cities, making it easy to explore without lengthy transfers.
- All-inclusive pricing on many itineraries includes gourmet dining, premium beverages, guided excursions, and gratuities.
- Choose from themed sailings, including Christmas Markets, wine cruises, cycling tours, and other specialty experiences.
- Solo traveler programs and group departures offer options for every type of traveler.
Which Cruise Fits You Best?
Let’s find your perfect voyage
The beauty of a cruise is that the journey can take you somewhere completely different while still giving you time to enjoy the experience along the way. For some, that means chasing new horizons across the ocean; for others, it means watching Europe unfold from the river. Both offer a wonderful way to see the world, just in very different ways.
Ocean Cruises
Perfect for travelers who love variety, exciting destinations, and the convenience of experiencing multiple ports throughout a single vacation.
River Cruises
Ideal for travelers who appreciate history, culture, scenic landscapes, and a slower, more immersive way to explore Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your cruise questions, answered
There’s more to planning a cruise than choosing where you want to go. From adding experiences ashore to arranging travel protection, here are answers to some of the questions travelers ask before setting sail.
Can I customize my cruise with excursions or upgrades?
Yes. There are plenty of ways to personalize your cruise before you even step on board. Your Small World BIG FUN travel advisor can help you choose shore excursions, dining experiences, transfers, and available upgrades, then take care of arranging the extras you’ve selected.
Can you help coordinate travel for groups or families?
Absolutely! Planning a cruise with your family or a group can get complicated quickly, especially when everyone has different travel details to coordinate. Your travel advisor can help organize the cruise and related travel arrangements, so you have one less thing to manage.
Can I add travel protection to my cruise?
Yes. Travel protection can give you added peace of mind when you’re investing in a cruise vacation. Your travel advisor can walk you through the available plans, explain what each one covers, and help you choose the option that works for your trip.
Do I need a passport for a cruise?
Yes. A passport is required for international cruises, and it’s important to make sure yours is valid before you travel. Your Small World BIG FUN travel advisor can check the documentation requirements for your specific cruise and make sure you know what you’ll need before departure.
Can you help with special requests or accessibility needs?
Yes. Cruise lines offer a range of accommodations and services for travelers with accessibility needs and other special requests. Let your travel advisor know what you need when you’re planning your cruise, and we’ll work with the cruise line to communicate those requests and coordinate the appropriate arrangements.
Ready to Set Sail?
Let’s plan the cruise
you’ve been dreaming about
That cruise you’ve been thinking about doesn’t have to stay on your wish list. Turn the trip you’ve been dreaming about into the trip of a lifetime.