Cruising is one of those vacations you either love -- or you don’t. Big ships, quarters smaller than a Vancouver condo, and you better like your travel companions and the gentle lull of waves to sleep every night. It’s also one of the best ways to see some of the most amazing sights in an immersive experience.

Five Cruises That’ll Take Your Breath Away

Sip and savour as you explore the legendary land of wine, truffles, and cognac centered around Bordeaux, France on Viking’s Châteaux, Rivers & Wine excursion. This 8-day cruise along the Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde Rivers offers 6 guided tours with extension options to stay in the Loire Valley or Paris.

If you’re seeking a little more adventure, the South American travel experts of Rainforest Cruises will guide you through Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, the Galapagos islands and Panama, depending on where your tastes lie. Spend three nights in the Treehouse Lodge in Peru, or choose from one of the smaller luxury catamarans for a romantic cruise through the Galapagos; the possibilities are extensive. 

If famed Japanese restaurant Nobu for room service and on-board piano lessons sound more like your bag, Crystal Cruises offers a wide variety of world-wide options. Travel up the North American coast from New England to Canada, or visit Europe in the lap of luxury. 

See the world a little differently with Regent Seven Seas Cruises to India, the Middle East and Africa from aboard a luxury vessel. From extraordinary landmarks to the beauty of Cape Town, the all-inclusive cruises offer a view of history and culture like you’ve never experienced. 

For a once in a lifetime experience, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is going Around the World in 108 nights. Stopping in 88 ports, this cruise departs from Southampton, United Kingdom January 3rd, 2017 and returns April 21st. Princess Cruises also has World Cruise excursions. Just to say you did it.

We’d love to hear about your favourite cruising experience! Share with us on Facebook.

Do you love holiday entertaining but not the hours of preparation? We’ve compiled a list of high-end eating establishments that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you out of the kitchen!

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

900 West Georgia St., 604-647-0517

For $375, 8-10 people can enjoy a roasted Fraser Valley Tom turkey with sage and sausage stuffing, roasted root vegetables and brussels sprouts, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, cranberry Triple Sec relish, giblet gravy, traditional mincemeat tart, artisan bread rolls, and creamery butter. Orders are for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only. Pick-up is between 10am-3pm.

The Sutton Place Hotel

845 Burrard St., 604-682-5511 ext. 34

Their $375 meal serves 8-12 people with an 18-pound roasted turkey, apple sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls, and cranberry cheesecake to top it all off. The deadline for ordering is Dec. 21st as they are limited in numbers. The Sutton Place is already sold out for Christmas Day, but you can still order for Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Pick-up is between 11:30am-7pm.

Max’s Deli & Bakery

3105 Oak Street, 604-733-4838

Enjoy an 18-20 person meal for $279 that includes a 22-pound turkey with stuffing, mashed potato, yam and veggie medley, and in-house cranberry sauce and gravy. The deli recommends ordering by the 11th to ensure your reservation. You have the option of pick-up or delivery, hot or cold, and anytime before Christmas.

Big Lou’s Butcher Shop

269 Powell Street, 604-566-9229

Big Lou’s only offers a ready-to-bake meal that includes non-medicated, free run, Fraser Valley 12-pound (minimum) turkey already tied and seasoned with Italian sausage stuffing, mashed potato, roasted seasonal veggies, cranberry sauce, and gravy. This $165 meal feeds 8-10 people. If you order by the 11th, you will received 10% off! Dec. 18th is the deadline for all other orders. Pick-up can happen between Dec. 20-24. Please note their hours: Mon-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5, and Christmas Eve 11-4.

Whole Foods Market

Various locations

Whole Foods is there for you whether you need meals with all the trimmings that serve 4 or 8, or classic side dishes to complete your meal. Their meals are centred around traditional turkey, pork loin, roast lamb, or ham, and they even have vegan or gluten free options! Take a browse through their extensive holiday options. You can order either online or in person (ask for the Holiday Solutions table). Call the store for order deadlines as they are inventory based, and order at least 48 hours in advance. You can pick-up at anytime, until 7pm on Christmas Eve, and they are closed Christmas day.  

(Photo: flickr.com/nightthree)