I cruise to travel, not travel to cruise. In other words, for most, the goal is not the cruise itself—it’s the destinations along the way. Cruising is a means to an end, a seamless, stress-free way to experience the world while keeping your focus on what truly matters: the journey, the sights, and, in my case, the photography.
Early in my travel photography career, I did what most eager-beaver travel photographers did—planes, trains, and automobiles. I hustled from one location to another, navigating taxis, buses, and long-haul flights. While I saw a lot, I also spent a lot of time tired, distracted and caught up in the logistics of travel. That exhaustion often competed with my ability to focus on photography, leaving me drained before I could even raise my camera.
Then one day, I took an assignment aboard Renaissance Cruises. That decision changed everything.
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For those who may not be familiar, Renaissance Cruises was a small luxury cruise line that operated a fleet of eight elegant ships in the 1990s. Their focus was on intimate, port-heavy itineraries rather than the large-scale, entertainment-driven cruises that dominate today’s industry.
Onboard that first Renaissance voyage, I discovered a different way to see the world—one where I could wake up in a new country every morning, well-rested and ready to capture the essence of a place without the exhaustion of traditional travel. I could explore all day, camera in hand, then return to the comfort of the ship at night, reviewing my shots over a quiet dinner as the waves rocked beneath me. It was a game-changer.
Cruising, both ocean and river, offers an unparalleled way to photograph the world in style. There’s no packing and unpacking, no frantic dashes to catch a connection. Instead, there’s time and space to immerse yourself in the experience, to truly see and feel a place before pressing the shutter. Ports become your playground, and each new sunrise over the water signals the start of another photographic adventure.
Now, after years of sailing and shooting, I can say with confidence that cruising is one of the best ways to photograph the world. From the breathtaking coastlines of Europe to the hidden gems of Asia, from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the rugged landscapes of Alaska—every stop offers a new visual story waiting to be told.
And speaking of stunning destinations, these images will take you to Mexico—captured while cruising aboard the Regal Princess. Postcard-perfect shots, all made possible by the beauty of exploring the world by sea.
Stay tuned, and let’s set sail together—one photograph at a time.
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Jack.
