By Sophie Cole
With a variety of cruise lines catering to all types of travelers, you can use your Interval benefits to choose your own adventure. What’s more, there are no booking fees, and if you’re an Interval Gold® or Interval Platinum® member, you’ll receive up to $100 cash back on select cruises.
Royal Caribbean
Thrill-Filled Adventures
For one less item on your bucket list, discover a dream vacation on the seven seas courtesy of Royal Caribbean. This is the cruise line for families and adventurous souls who dare to push their own boundaries when on vacation. From rock climbing in the middle of the ocean to soaring down colossal slides at the largest water park at sea, and hovering above the clouds through simulated skydiving, Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities will surely get your adrenaline pumping.
Icon of the Seas
Having debuted at the beginning of 2024, Icon of the Seas is the latest — and biggest — of Royal Caribbean’s vessels. This epic ship is home to the world’s largest water park at sea, which has six waterslides, such as the Frightening BoltSM, the tallest slide at sea; seven pools, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea; and SurfsideSM with its kid-approved waterslides. From thrills to chills, Icon of the Seas also features ultimate beach club vibes at The Hideaway, an infinity pool with a bar, and the elevated oasis Cloud 17SM — both are adults only. Find a more mellow scene with live Caribbean music at Chill IslandSM.
Utopia of the Seas
Amplifying the play, chill, and flavor factors — and set to sail this summer — Utopia of the Seas is a ship that delivers the ultimate cruise weekend. Home to five live music venues, spectacular Broadway-style shows, and two casinos, you can enjoy nonstop nightlife as many nights as you wish — whether that is sipping Caribbean-inspired cocktails at the funky bar Pesky ParrotSM, singing your heart out at SpotlightSM Karaoke, or rolling the dice at one of the casinos. And with five pools, three waterslides, and eight whirlpool spas, the fun — and relaxation — continues throughout the weekend. Plus, every Utopia of the Seas sailing includes a Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
Virgin Voyages
An Elevated Experience for Adults Only
Adult-by-design and with a relaxed-luxe ethos, a cruise aboard one of Virgin’s ships is one of a kind, offering many different experiences. Perfect for foodies, couples seeking a romantic escape, or friends looking to have fun and unwind, Virgin Voyages provides a restorative experience for body, mind, and soul. And with dreamy destinations, including the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and the South Pacific, plus transatlantic voyages, there is somewhere for everyone to sail — although (disclaimer): You may never want to leave the confines of these sublime ships.
Welcomed Distractions
Exclusively for those 18 and over, Virgin’s cruises have been curated with adults in mind, providing a place for play and peace. Prepare to step aboard an upscale floating sanctuary fueled by a soundtrack of global beats. All dining and basic drinks are free, you can enjoy unlimited access to group fitness classes — from energetic HIIT workouts to soul-soothing guided meditations — take part in sophisticated sightseeing tours, and choose from diverse entertainment options (think classic Broadway productions swapped for modern and immersive entertainment, such as live DJs and specialty artists).
Revolutionizing Life at Sea
A Virgin vacation isn’t just a cruise on a ship, it’s a revolutionary way to explore the world. Rethinking the way people dine on board and challenging the status quo, buffets have been replaced with intimate dining spaces, menus by Michelin-starred chefs, and plenty of choices — some 20-plus eateries — that are all included. Enjoy a hands-on meat grilling and soju drinking experience at the lively Korean barbecue Gunbae, feast on steak and lemon cheesecake at The Wake, or get lost in DJ beats at the upscale Mexican restaurant Pink Agave. Daring foodies can dine at the laboratory-like The Test Kitchen, where innovative and boundary-pushing tasting menus will delight the taste buds or you can try an experiential mixology class.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Freedom and Flexibility
Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising is for free spirits who prefer to do things their own way. With no traditional schedules or timetables, the NCL cruise experience is like a blank canvas for you to design your own unique adventure. And with no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating for meals, you can dine where you want, when you want.
Norwegian Viva
One of the newest ships, Norwegian Viva, has a selection of trips that cover Europe and the Caribbean. Stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden, slide from deck 18 to deck 8 on one of the dry slides, or admire the ocean horizon from the Infinity Beach, a lounge and pool area. The decadence continues at the ship’s chic dining facilities. Indulge with a ricotta-stuffed crust Macellaio pizza at Onda by Scarpetta, sip the exclusive Bliss Boulevardier cocktail at the Whiskey Bar, or simply enjoy afternoon bites, tea, and a relaxed ambiance at the Observation Lounge.
Norwegian Prima
Another of NCL’s newer ships, Norwegian Prima promises good times. Whizz around the three-level racetrack at sea at Prima Speedway, get your steps in — over water — at Oceanwalk, the ship’s clear deck walkways, or relax at Mandara Spa, home to a two-story water wall. Meanwhile, The Concourse is an outdoor hotspot for art lovers.
Celebrity Cruises
Refining the Art of Luxury
Celebrity Cruises is much like a premium resort at sea. It’s the world’s first cruise line to receive star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, and it’s no wonder why. The sleek, modern ships — with luxurious spaces created by award-winning designers — feature well-being programs, specialty dining, dazzling entertainment options, and impeccable hospitality. The modern accommodations — ranging from two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas — blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. And with 15 ships offering unique experiences in more than 300 destinations on all seven continents, and the ability to see up to eight countries in one voyage, the travel possibilities are infinite, too.
Celebrity BeyondSM
Launched in April 2022, Celebrity BeyondSM embodies a new wave of cruise ships on which cutting-edge design is combined with modern luxury. With 32 food and beverage venues, including eight specialty restaurants and menus crafted by Michelin-star chef Cornelius Gallagher, guests can embark on an exciting culinary journey aboard the Celebrity Beyond. Entertainment facilities include a Vegas-style casino, an adults-only solarium, and Eden Café, which features three levels of cozy nooks and lounging facilities. Beyond the amenities, this pioneering vessel also boasts Kate McCue, America’s first female cruise ship captain.
Celebrity AscentSM
The fourth of Celebrity’s new Edge Class of ships, released in 2023, features even more open-air spaces — as well as the outward-facing design for which Celebrity Edge ships are renowned. Admire uninterrupted ocean vistas while sipping cocktails at the Magic Carpet®, a striking platform floating 13 stories above sea level. Guests that prioritize wellness can opt for the AquaClass®, a next-level wellness experience featuring immersive staterooms with pillow menus, healthy cuisine, and alfresco breakfast, daytime, and evening dining at the new outdoor dining terrace Blu.
