Cruise With a Host
Sail with a group and someone who looks after it — companionship, expertise and help when you need it.
Ask About Hosted CruisesWhat Is a Hosted Cruise?
A hosted cruise is a sailing where a group travels together with a host — a person who sails with you, organizes the group’s activities and is the first point of contact if anything goes wrong. You still book your own cabin and enjoy the ship like any other passenger; you simply have someone looking after the group.
Hosts come in many forms. A travel advisor may escort a group of clients. A club president may lead members on an annual trip. An expert — a wine educator, a historian, a photographer, a dance instructor — may sail with people who share their interest. A church leader, a teacher or a well-loved relative may simply be the person everyone agrees to follow.
Cruise With a Host explains what hosts really do, when a hosted sailing beats going it alone, how to choose a good one and how to host your own group. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise book hosted groups and can help you join one or start one.
Find Your Starting Point
What a host does
Before, during and after the cruise — the jobs a good group host or escort takes on.
Hosted or independent?
An honest comparison of the two, including when a host is not worth it.
Host your own group
Thinking of leading friends, members or clients? Here is what the job involves.
Sailings around an interest
Wine, food, photography, history, dance, faith, crafts and more, with a host who knows the subject.
Choosing a host
Questions to ask so you know exactly what the host provides.
Hosted cruise FAQ
Solo travelers, costs, free time and more.
Why Travelers Choose a Hosted Cruise
- Company without commitment. Shared dinners and outings when you want them, your own cabin and free time when you don’t.
- Someone who knows the ropes. A host has done this before and smooths out embarkation, tours and paperwork.
- A ready-made group for solo travelers. Many people who sail alone prefer having familiar faces at dinner.
- Depth in a subject. On interest-based sailings, the host adds talks, tastings or workshops you would not get otherwise.
- Help when things go sideways. Missed flights, lost luggage and itinerary changes are easier with someone coordinating.
Hosted Group vs. Escorted Tour vs. Cruising Alone
| Hosted cruise | Escorted land tour | Independent cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily structure | Light: a few group events, lots of free time | Heavy: fixed daily schedule | None: entirely your choice |
| Lodging & meals | Included in cruise fare | Usually included in tour price | Included in cruise fare |
| Who sorts problems | The host, alongside the ship’s staff | The tour director | You and the ship’s staff |
| Companions | Built-in group of like-minded travelers | Built-in group | Whoever you bring |
| Unpacking | Once | Often every night or two | Once |
Many travelers find a hosted cruise sits in the sweet spot: the sociability and support of a tour, with the freedom and comfort of a ship.
Popular Hosted Sailings
Caribbean Getaways
Short, sociable group cruises with a beach day and a group dinner — the easiest first hosted trip.
Caribbean ports →Bucket-List Voyages
Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and longer voyages where an experienced host adds real value.
Hosted sailings by interest →
Friends & Members
Clubs, alumni groups and circles of friends sailing with one of their own as host.
Host your own group →Who Is Behind Cruise With a Host
Cruise With a Host is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask about a hosted cruise, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — whether you are joining a group or leading one. Meet Mister Cruise →
Join or Start a Hosted Cruise
Tell us whether you want to join a hosted group or host your own, plus your interests and travel dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will take it from there.
Ask About Hosted Cruises