Find the Cruise That's Right for You.

Mega-ships. Adults-only escapes. River cruises. Elevated yachts. Expedition adventures.

There are more ways to cruise than ever before. I'm here to help you understand the differences, cut through the noise, and find the experience that fits the way you want to travel.

I'm Mike Robbe—cruise expert, travel advisor, and traveler who believes finding the right cruise starts with understanding how you want to travel.

I don't believe there's one “best” cruise line. The right ship for a family vacation may be completely wrong for a romantic getaway. The traveler who loves the energy of a mega-ship may want something entirely different from someone dreaming about an intimate yacht or a week along the Danube.

That's why I'm here.

I sail, explore, research, and share what I learn to help you make sense of today's cruise world—and ultimately find an experience you'll be excited to step aboard.

For travelers who believe bigger can be better, Royal Caribbean delivers ships packed with entertainment, dining, activities, and experiences for nearly every generation. It’s an especially strong choice for families and multigenerational groups who want plenty of options—and the freedom for everyone to enjoy the vacation their own way. 

Adults-only and refreshingly different, Virgin Voyages throws out many traditional cruise conventions in favor of included specialty dining, contemporary entertainment, nightlife, and a more relaxed approach to life at sea. It’s a great fit for couples, friends, celebrations, and travelers who want their cruise to feel decidedly grown-up without feeling stuffy. 

Celebrity blends the ease of cruising with a more polished, modern experience featuring stylish ships, elevated dining, and sophisticated spaces designed for adults while still welcoming families. It’s an excellent step up for travelers who want something more refined than the traditional mainstream cruise experience without moving all the way into luxury. 

AmaWaterways takes you into the heart of Europe and beyond aboard intimate river ships where the destination is always the star. With thoughtfully designed itineraries, included excursions, excellent dining, and options for more active travelers, it’s an approachable way to experience river cruising without sacrificing comfort. 

Explora Journeys offers a contemporary interpretation of luxury at sea, with spacious suites, sophisticated dining, generous public spaces, and an intentionally relaxed atmosphere. It’s particularly appealing to travelers who appreciate luxury hotels and resorts but aren't necessarily looking for the formality traditionally associated with ultra-luxury cruising. 

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the feel of an intimate luxury resort to the water, combining yacht-style ships with personalized service, elevated dining, and destination-focused itineraries. It's designed for travelers who value space, privacy, and understated luxury—and may be just as comfortable at a five-star resort as they are aboard a ship. 

Seabourn delivers intimate, all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and smaller ships capable of reaching destinations beyond the typical cruise itinerary. It's an excellent choice for discerning travelers who appreciate sophisticated surroundings and attentive service without needing a large-ship entertainment experience. 

Scenic offers all-inclusive luxury on both the world's rivers and aboard its remarkable Discovery Yachts, creating an interesting bridge between traditional river cruising and small-ship ocean and expedition travel. It's particularly compelling for travelers who value immersive destinations, a high level of inclusions, and having many of the details taken care of before they leave home. 

Cruise-line websites can show you beautiful pictures.

I want to show you what the experience is actually like.

Through Beyond the Gangway, I'll take you onboard with ship tours, cabin reviews, dining experiences, cruise tips, destination insights, and candid opinions about what impressed me—and what didn't.

And through Sailor Sessions, we'll go deeper with conversations about cruising, destinations, the industry, and the people who make travel interesting.

Because choosing the right cruise becomes much easier when you know what you're actually choosing.