Norwegian is known for the slogan "Freestyle Cruising," which refers to its more laid-back atmosphere. You will not be assigned a dining time or tables, and the dress code is flexible. Ships offer children's play areas, spas and casinos for entertainment during days at sea.
Norwegian offers five cruising options out of Boston. All rates included are as of 2010. One option is the seven-day cruise to Bermuda, which ranges from $649 to $1199 per person. Those who don't have the time for a long cruise could try the one- or two-day Cruise to "Nowhere," which doesn't stop at any ports, for $234 to $489 per person. For a taste of the Northeast and Canada, the seven-day Boston to Quebec City cruise offers five ports of call and only one day at sea for $1299 to $3349 per person. The longest cruise offered is the 15-day Caribbean Escape from Boston to New Orleans, which visits eight ports of call. Prices on the 15-day cruise range from $599 to $2199 per person.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126
866-234-7350
ncl.com
Cruising for 137 years, Holland America offers guests a more traditional cruise experience with upscale touches. Known for spacious guest rooms and onboard activities such as the Culinary Arts Center, Holland America has cruises to fit any need.
There are four Holland America Cruises out of the port of Boston. The seven-day and 14-day Canada and New England cruises stop at five locations in the U.S. and Canada, with the 14-day cruise visiting each port twice. Rates as of 2010 for the seven-day cruise range from $849 to $3699 per person and the 14-day cruise prices are $1549 to $6649 per person. Holland America's Voyage of the Vikings cruise has ports of call throughout Canada and Europe and has 17-day options from $3799 and 35-day options from $6599 per person.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. W
Seattle, WA 98119
877-932-4259
hollandamerica.com
Royal Caribbean's slogan is "Why not?" and the company designs ships and cruises based on this philosophy. Ships boast rock-climbing walls and ice rinks in addition to the expected spa, casino and dining amenities.
Royal Caribbean offers several cruises from Boston. All included rates are as of 2010. There are three different seven-day cruises to New England and Canada. Each cruise visits ports in a slightly different order. Rates per person range from $699 to $5999. Two Royal Caribbean cruises visit Caribbean destinations for either 13 or 14 days, returning to Florida. The itineraries include the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Curacao, Dominica and Aruba, and prices range from $949 to $8249 per person.
Royal Caribbean
P.O. Box 026053
Miami, FL 33102
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
