Best cruise tours for your next escape from work

Yes! It's finally the day that you're gonna fly out to an exotic island for a great retreat from work.

But, you don't exactly feel that excitement of the trip. With half-open eyes and a yawn too big, you you drag your luggage to check-in at the airport in the wee hours of the morning.

Not really a fantastic start to the vacation that you had imagined.

For your next trip, why not switch up your vacation with a fuss-free yet exhilarating cruise tour? Here's our recommendations of the best cruise tours that will cater to your every need.

BEST FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILIES

1. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES

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If you are scratching your head where to bring your extended family for a wonderful vacation this school holidays, look no further than Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCCL). The Norweigan cruise line is reputable for its exhilarating experiences like a plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, the FlowRider® surf simulator and glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles.

As if these adrenaline-pumping activities aren't good enough, RCCL also features some of the best kids programs at sea regardless of age. And it doesn't matter whether they are only 6 months old or 17 years old. Your inquisitive toddler (3-5 years) can join the Aquanauts and partake in many activities including the Pirate Party Parade around the ship.

If your child is slightly older (9-11 years), join the Voyagers in backstage tours at the onboard theatres while the teens (15-17 years) can chill out with themed nights or pool parties.

Of course, the cruise isn't just for the kids. Foodie parents can enjoy a peaceful fine dining experience with "expedited dining". Peaceful simply because the kids will be brought to the Kids Club immediately after they finish their meals, giving the parents some well-deserved rest time.

Before you think that spending several days cooped up in confined environments at sea together in a big group will create more tension, fret not. RCCL features some of the largest accommodation at sea.

In fact, the cruise liner's Spectrum of the Seas - Asia's largest cruise ship, just made its maiden voyage in Singapore in May this year. There is the all-new Family Suite which comes with 2 storeys of fun-filled entertainment. From a luxurious in-suite slide to a private 3D cinema, there is something for everyone to enjoy together and yet have their own personal space.

This year-end school holiday, grab the opportunity to book a memorable cruise vacation in the first exclusive suites-only area onboard the Quantum Ultra ship for the whole family!

The RCCL 5 Nights Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise starts from S$649 per pax.

BEST FOR THE TRAVEL-SAVVY COUPLE SEEKING A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

2. CELEBRITY CRUISES

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So you've been together with your spouse for years, and are looking for a new travel experience, preferably romantic. You don't wish to splurge too much, but a little bit of luxury won't hurt. If so, then the Celebrity Cruises may be the ideal choice for you.

Generally, Celebrity Cruise attracts middle class passengers who are more mature and travel savvy.

In place of late night disco parties, you will find passengers chilling over a glass of wine in the ice-frosted martini bar, or relishing in Vegas-styled entertainment.

Special mention must be made to the Alcoves, where guests can enjoy private cabana lounging for an extra fee onboard the Celebrity Reflection. Furthermore, the ship offers a wider variety of suite cabins and 85 per cent of staterooms are fitted with verandas.

Because of its unique layout, you will never find the ship overly crowded for comfort. With a 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, expect personalised service from its friendly staff throughout your vacation.

The Celebrity Reflection Cruise to Ireland, England, Scotland for 10-Nights starts from US$1,749 (S$2,400) per pax.

BEST FOR THE DISCERNING SOLO TRAVELLER

3. SILVERSEA CRUISES

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There are times when you just feel like travelling solo, but it usually comes with a hefty price tag. Hotel rooms, food and travel expenses are all on you.

If so, you may want to watch out for occasional special fare deals from Silversea Cruises, which allows solo travellers to sail alone without breaking the bank. Such special fares are often priced as low as 125 per cent of the regular fares, unlike market rates that can go up 75 per cent above the double occupancy rate.

In addition, unlike other major cruise liners, all Silversea ships are smaller in size and carry no more than 800 passengers each.

This not only means Silversea ships are able to dock in exotic ports not accessible to large ships, but also allow solo cruisers to meet people in a more intimate setting. Lest you think the service standard of smaller ships will pale in comparison to the bigger ones, rest assured that Silversea prides itself on five-star service.

In fact, every Silversea stateroom gets butler service, and not just the most expensive ones!

A welcome reception with champagne is held on every voyage with a large number of solo travellers. Special-interest cruises and enrichment programs onboard also allows travellers with like-minded interests to meet. For longer voyages of over 10 days, there are gentleman hosts onboard as dance partners and shore excursion escorts.

The Silver Muse 4-Night Orient Far East Cruise starts from US$1,910 (S$2,600) per pax.

BEST FOR THE VALUE HUNTER

4. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) may not be a familiar name in Asia yet, but it is fast ramping up its engines with fleet upgrades and competitively priced itineraries. Cruisers can choose up to 5 free-at-sea offers onboard any of its fleet, such as free shore excursion credits, specialty dining package and even Wi-Fi.

Furthermore, NCL has also scrapped traditional cruise rules like dress codes and assigned dining times, so you will get to enjoy a relaxed yet classy experience at wallet-friendly prices.

The best part of it all? Norwegian Jade, the vessel used for Singapore cruise itineraries, was recently refurbished in 2017 - so you will certainly get the newest installations here.

A 17-day Journey to The East from Dubai aboard the Norwegian Jade starts from US$1,199 (S$1,650) per pax.

BEST FOR THE ULTIMATE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCE

5. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

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For luxury at the ultimate level, get onboard one of the four ships under the Regent Seven Seas cruise liner (RSSC). While the fare does not come cheap, RSSC prides itself on offering all-inclusive cruises all over the world. This means you need not worry about the "extras", as your fare covers everything from airfare and hotels before and after the cruise to exquisite food and beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities onboard the ship.

While most other cruise liners charge a premium for shore excursions, all shore excursions are complimentary here! You can participate in as many excursions as you have time for at every port.

Receive impeccable service throughout the vacation, thanks to the low staff-to-passenger ratio of 1-to-2 and truly relax onboard RSSC. Besides, expect to stay in nothing less than an upscale suite when you book a Regent Seven Seas vacation.

Make sure you visit Canyon Ranch Spa for the most extravagant spa experience you can ever imagine.

Book the Seven Seas Voyager for a 14 Nights Enlightened Passage - from US$8,489 (S$11,700) per pax.

BEST FESTIVE SHIPCATION IN 2019 

6. IT'S THE SHIP SINGAPORE

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For a unique vacation out at sea, IT'S THE SHIP SINGAPORE is the largest and best cruise music festival around. Backed by the reputable Genting Dream Cruise, It's The Ship is bound to be an adventure out at sea for cruisers.

If you love non-stop partying, join It's The Ship for a 3D2N the dream high-seas shipcation.

Departing from Singapore on 13 November, this is the sixth edition of non-stop festivities for adventure seekers and music lovers. Just like previous editions, look forward to world-class performances by top-notch entertainers, such as the likes of Higher Brothers, Lil Jon and Dada Life.

There will also be an amazing variety of entertaining closed-door events and creative themed pop-up parties to partake in.

For the non-party animals, alternative entertainment options are aplenty other than the merrymaking. Keep the energy going with Genting Dream's leisure facilities including 6 water slides, glow bowling alley, rope obstacle course, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, and zip-line above the ocean.

Or relax and pamper yourself with an indulgent massage at the Crystal Life Spa.

Early Duck 2 cabins are now at a discounted rate, with savings up to US$498 (S$700) at Galactix Asia.

Event Details

Dates: Nov 13-15 2019

Departure and Arrival : Marina Bay Cruise Centre, 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018947

Stopovers: None

Early Duck 2 Prices: From US$433 (S$600) per pax

A vacation at sea for a great escape from work.

Flying may be the first option you think of to get to your dream destination. But a vacation at sea can be much more convenient and wallet friendly than you think.

Some fleets also have Duty Free Shopping onboard so fret not about missing out the DFS at Changi Airport. Going on a shipcation also eliminates the exhausting transfers between cities, accommodation, and flights.

You get where this is going. So try out something new and head for a cruise for a refreshing change for your next vacation!

This article was first published in Shopback.