Where would you like to vacation this year? What domestic or international destination is on your bucket list?

“The Caribbean has been the number one destination for cruising, but that is shifting,” says Sandra Evans, owner of CruiseOne Travel Agency in Newark, Ohio. “Many people want to try something new.”

She says the popularity of the Mexican Riviera and Alaska cruises, for example, have prompted Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line to put their newest and largest ships in these ports. 

Generally speaking, cruises are all-inclusive regarding lodging, meals, entertainment and transportation. Spa treatments, bingo, and casino games are extra.

There are different price points for staterooms. For example, a balcony room or ocean view room is more expensive than an interior room. But every passenger has the exact same shipboard privileges unless they are staying in one of the exclusive suites, which can cost several times as much as a regular room.

There is always a variety of free activities on ocean-going vessels, including Broadway-style shows, ice sculpture demonstrations, comedy club entertainment, miniature golf, health seminars and karaoke. Other passengers prefer to relax with a good book or sunbathe. Creating your own itinerary is another reason cruising has become so popular.

In the United States, there are 22 coastal departure ports, including Norfolk, Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Charleston, South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama; and Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa, all in Florida.

River cruising

Several companies offer river cruises. American Cruise Lines’ offerings include the Hudson River, New England Islands, Historic South and Golden Isles, Columbia and Snake Rivers, Alaska Inside Passage, Lower Mississippi River, Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River.

In total, American Cruise Lines visits 28 states offering 35 itineraries ranging from five to 22 days in length. The price includes a complimentary guided tour at every port, food and drinks, onboard entertainment and lectures, and a daily cocktail before dinner.

Other river cruise lines in the United States are Viking Cruises, American Queen Steamboat Company, Pearl Seas Cruises and St. Lawrence Cruise Line.

River cruise ports-of-call in the United States include Astoria and Portland, Oregon; Houmas House Plantation, Nottoway Plantation, Oak Alley and St. Francisville, all in Louisiana; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; La Crosse and Red Wing, Wisconsin; St. Simon Island, Georgia; and Greenville, Natchez and Vicksburg, all in Mississippi.

Great Lake cruises

Three companies cruise the Great Lakes from late May through mid-September: Pearl Seas Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines and Blount Small Ship Adventures.