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Maria Godfrey
Vacation Consultant

Cover Story

February 2026

Your First Cruise, Your Best Vacation: Welcome Aboard!

Imagine a vacation where you unpack just once but wake up to a new, breathtaking view nearly every morning. A trip where gourmet meals, captivating entertainment, and luxurious accommodations are all part of the package. If this sounds like a dream, it’s time to discover the incredible world of cruising. And there has never been a better moment to start.

You can access amazing offers during our Welcome Aboard Sale running March 4 – 13.

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Set Sail on an Unforgettable Journey

For many, the idea of a first cruise is exciting yet filled with questions. What’s it really like? Is it a good value? Will I have fun? The answer is a resounding yes. A cruise vacation combines adventure, relaxation, and convenience into one seamless experience. It’s your floating resort, carrying you from one stunning destination to the next while you sleep, dine, or enjoy a world-class show.

Forget the logistical headaches of a multi-destination land trip—the constant packing and unpacking, the airport lines, the train schedules. On a cruise, your only job is to relax and enjoy the journey. Explore ancient ruins in the Mediterranean one day and sunbathe on a pristine beach the next. The world is truly at your fingertips, and you only have to settle into your comfortable stateroom once.

Value That Goes Beyond the Price Tag

As travel demand continues to grow, finding a vacation that offers exceptional value is more important than ever. Cruising stands out as a clear winner. Your cruise fare typically includes your accommodation, all your meals in main dining rooms and buffets, a wide array of onboard entertainment, and transportation between ports.

Think about it: from morning coffee on your private balcony to multi-course dinners prepared by top chefs, it’s all included. Spend your days exploring new cities or enjoying the ship's amenities—pools, fitness centers, and sports courts are all available for you. In the evening, you can catch a Broadway-style musical, laugh at a comedy show, or dance the night away, all without ever reaching for your wallet. This all-inclusive nature makes budgeting for your vacation simple and stress-free.


Welcome Aboard Sale: Your Adventure Starts Now

Experience the dynamTo make your first voyage even more special, we invite you to take advantage of our Welcome Aboard Sale, running from March 4 to 13. This limited-time event is designed specifically with first-time cruisers in mind, offering incredible value and exclusive perks to make your vacation the best it can be. When you book a select itinerary during the sale, you can enjoy one or more of these amazing Expedia® Extras:

  • Up to $400 Onboard Credit*: Use it for spa treatments, specialty dining, or shore excursions.
  • Drinks*: Cheers to your vacation with a selection of included beverages.
  • Onboard Gratuities*: We’ll take care of the tipping for your stateroom attendant and dining staff.
  • Wi-Fi*: Stay connected and share your amazing moments with friends and family back home.
  • Culinary highlights – inspired, created and prepared by Michelin-starred chefs
  • Reduced Deposit*: Secure your dream vacation with less money down.

These offers provide unparalleled value, turning an already fantastic vacation into an extraordinary one. It’s our way of rolling out the red carpet and welcoming you to the world of cruising.

An Experience for Everyone

Worried a cruise might not be for you? The beauty of modern cruising is its variety. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a solo adventure, there is a ship and itinerary perfect for you.

Family-friendly ships are floating playgrounds with water slides, kids' clubs, and activities for all ages. You can gather for character meet-and-greets, enjoy outdoor movie nights under the stars, or watch high-energy performances that will delight everyone. For adults seeking a more serene escape, many ships offer tranquil, adults-only sanctuaries, sophisticated bars, and gourmet dining experiences. From thrilling adventures to quiet relaxation, you can customize your days to be exactly what you want.


Not Just at Sea: All-Inclusive Resorts

Our Welcome Aboard Sale also includes fantastic offers on all-inclusive resorts. If you prefer to stay in one tropical location and have everything at your fingertips—from meals and drinks to activities and entertainment—we have options for you too. It’s another way to enjoy a value-packed, stress-free vacation.

Your Best Vacation is Waiting

There is no better way to see the world, indulge your senses, and create lasting memories than on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort. It’s an experience that delivers convenience, value, and adventure all in one package.

Our Welcome Aboard Sale, running March 4 – 13, is your ticket to an unforgettable journey. Book now and get ready to discover why your first cruise will be your best vacation yet!

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*Term and conditions: Expedia® Extras are in US dollars (unless otherwise stated), per stateroom based on double occupancy on select sailings & vary by cruise line, destination, departure date & stateroom category. Expedia Extras are amenities, savings & bonuses that the consumer can receive as a part of Expedia® Exclusive Staterooms, or from cruise line specific offers, & may not be exclusive to Expedia Cruises. Expedia Extras are excluded from Disney Cruise Line. Onboard credits are per stateroom, are not redeemable for cash & cannot be transferred or refunded. An onboard credit is issued in a specific amount & is applicable to a single voyage only. The credit may be used as a cash-equivalent for the purchase of goods & services during the applicable voyage. Onboard credits will be converted to the ships’ currency at the time of sailing. Any unused portion of the credit will expire at the end of the voyage to which it applies. Void where prohibited by law. Valid for new bookings created & deposited March 4 - March 13, 2026 (unless otherwise stated) & are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers & may be withdrawn at any time. Free airfare offers apply to economy, roundtrip flights from select U.S & Canadian gateways. Air scheduling & air carrier is at the discretion of the cruise line & not combinable with the 3rd & 4th guests in the stateroom. Other restrictions may apply for all offers listed, please refer to the website or contact us for full terms & conditions. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described here. Expedia Cruises is not responsible for errors or information that may occur as a result of transfer of information from selected third parties, technical or human error.

Terms & Conditions

*Expedia Extras offers are per stateroom (unless otherwise stated) on select sailings, based on double occupancy, apply to new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, click the specific Expedia Extra offer or contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.

Prices are per traveller, available within last 24 hours and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.

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Our Promise


At Expedia Cruises, we are navigators of spectacular vacation experiences. As part of the number one brand in travel, this is our promise to you:


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  • Advice you can trust.

  • The best choice and prices.

  • Expedia Extras.

  • More than cruises.

  • Always there.


Maria Godfrey
Vacation Consultant