Ralph Grizzle is an accomplished journalist, author and world cruiser. His passions include biking, traveling the world and helping others discover their ideal cruising experience.
What sparked your interest in cruising and helping people find their best cruise?
I started my career as a journalist. When I was younger, for years I bicycled across America and backpacked around the world. Eventually, I thought, “How can I keep traveling?” And I realized that cruising is a great way to travel—it can take you almost anywhere in the world! Twenty-eight years later and I still have the same passion.
I want to share and help people make good decisions for their vacations and holidays. I recently helped a woman who has multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair find a cruise to accommodate her needs. Her family was very grateful for my help and I was honored to have the ability to help make their travel dreams come to life, especially because she previously thought she wouldn’t be able to cruise at all.
Do you have a favorite destination or one that you recommend the most for ocean cruises?
Antarctica is a must—it will change your world with the discovery and awareness of a place that’s so pristine and pure. It’s truly the closest you’ll be to experiencing another planet. Clients live in the moment there, it’s so majestic and awe-inspiring.
In your opinion, what is the best thing about river cruising?
Europe has the lion’s share of river cruises. For people who want to know Europe on an intimate level, take a river cruise. The popularity and convenience of European river cruises have taken the place of bus tours. They’re quiet and push away from a dock without anyone noticing—the transition from dock to water is seamless and gentle.
What’s something you want those considering a cruise to know?
There’s a cruise that’s just right for you. So many people think cruises are only about big ships, but if you’re someone who loves:
- Art
- Culture
- Luxury
- Nature
- Spa Treatments
- Or simply someone who loves Las Vegas-style attractions, there’s a cruise for you.
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be someone who would enjoy cruise travel, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Too many people think that the cruise experience would be too confining or that they wouldn’t like it. But that’s certainly not the case! On one particular river cruise when I wanted to stretch my legs, I was able to bicycle on paths alongside the Danube and meet the ship at the next port. Cruises offer a variety of ways to experience the region.
Are you ready to book your next (or first) cruise? Take a look at upcoming voyages with Cruise Specialists and find the journey for you.
