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Ocean • River • Expedition

Ocean + River Cruise Vacations

Uniquely and expertly planned just for you. From big family ships in the Caribbean to slow, scenic river cruises through Europe, we find the right line, the right ship, and the right cabin. You just unpack once.

You May Know Us for Disney Cruises...but We Sail Every Line


Plenty of families find us through Disney Cruise Line. Then they learn our Travel Specialists book Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Virgin Voyages, and European river cruises every week too.


Every cruise line has its own personality. We help you skip the guesswork and land on the ship that fits how you like to travel.



Cruises We Love to Plan


Ocean Cruises

Family-favorite mega ships, relaxing premium lines, and adults-only sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond.


European River Cruises

Small ships, a new town almost every day, and meals still included. A relaxing way to see Europe without packing and unpacking.


Expedition + Bucket-List Sailings

Galápagos, Antarctica, and wild exotic places. Small ships with expert guides for travelers who want more than a beach day.



Which Cruise Lines Do We Book?


Ocean Cruise Lines

  • Royal Caribbean: huge ships with water slides, ice skating, and Broadway-style shows. A family favorite to rival Disney Cruise Line.

  • Celebrity Cruises: onboard feels modern, relaxing, and polished, with great food and service.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line: looking for freedom? Then you will enjoy their freestyle cruising with no set dinner times and lots of choices.

  • Princess Cruises: she is our pick for a classic, calmer vibe, and a top pick for Alaska.

  • Virgin Voyages: adults-only ships with a fun, modern, open-minded feel and no kids on board.

  • Disney Cruise Line: Disney magic at sea, with characters, kids clubs, and private island days.


River Cruise Lines

  • AmaWaterways: one of our favorites for European river cruising, with included wine at dinner, guided tours, and bikes on board.


Where You Can Sail

  • Caribbean + Bahamas: short and long sailings from Florida, the Gulf Coast, and East Coast.

  • Alaska: glaciers, whales, and scenic cruising all summer. Departing from the West Coast.

  • Mediterranean + Northern Europe: history, food, and a new country almost every day.

  • European rivers: the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, and Portugal's Douro Valley.

  • Bucket-list rivers: the Mekong in Southeast Asia and the Nile in Egypt.



How Do You Pick the Right Cruise?


The best cruise depends on who's coming and what kind of vacation you want. The biggest ship isn't always the best fit. Here's what we look at with every client:

  • Who's coming: kids, teens, couples, grandparents, or adults only?

  • Your vibe: nonstop activities or quiet, relaxing days at sea?

  • Your cabin: inside, ocean view, balcony, or suite, and where it sits on the ship. Because configuration and location absolutely matter depending on you and your itinerary.

  • The itinerary: ports you'll love, sea days, and the season.

  • What's included: drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, and specialty dining differ by line. We help you determine what is included (and what is not).

  • Getting to the port: drive-to ports versus flying in a day early and how to plan those pre and post cruise stays.



What Does Your Travel Specialist Handle?


Your Second Star Wishes Travel Specialist handles the details, so your vacation starts the moment you board.

  • Line and ship match: we know the ships, the cabins, and which decks to avoid.

  • Pre- and post-cruise hotels: so a delayed flight doesn't mean a missed ship.

  • Excursions: ship tours or trusted local options, planned around your port times.

  • Dining and activity booking: we help you know when bookings open and what's worth it.

  • Travel documents: passports, visas, and port entry rules, all discussed with you before you depart.

  • Someone in your corner: if a port mishap occurs or a flight cancels, you call us directly.

  • Travel insurance: we explain your options so everyone is protected.



Free Tools for Your Cruise


Disney Cruise Line Booking Dates Calculator: see the exact day you can book dining, spa, and excursions on a Disney cruise.


Caribbean & Mexico Entry Checker: see the ID rules for loop cruises and one-way sailings.



Cruise FAQs


Does it cost more to book a cruise through a travel agent?

No. Cruise fares are the same whether you book direct or through us. Some of our Travel Specialists also offer a Concierge Planning Package for families who want extra hands-on help. Ask your Travel Specialist what's included.


Do I need a passport for a cruise?

For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens can often sail with a birth certificate and photo ID. But we always recommend a passport book. If you miss the ship or have an emergency abroad, you'll need it to fly home. Our Caribbean & Mexico Entry Checker has a cruise mode.


What's the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?

Ocean ships are big, with lots of onboard activities and days at sea. River ships are small, dock right in town, and include more, like tours and wine at dinner. River cruises are usually a better fit for those who love history and food. Ocean cruising also takes you alongside the exterior of a country where river cruising allows you to get into the interior and see the places most cruisers do not.


How far ahead should I book a cruise?

For the best cabin choices, 9 to 18 months ahead is ideal, especially for holidays, summer, and river cruises. Your Travel Specialist will also watch for promotions on your sailing.


Are cruises good for multigenerational families?

They're one of the best! Everyone can do their own thing during the day and meet up for dinner. See our Group Travel page for family reunions and group sailings.

What trip are you dreaming about?
Where are you in planning?
Just dreaming and gathering ideas
Have dates, need a plan
Ready to book
Already booked, need help planning
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