There is no bad time to cruise. You can go anywhere in the world and experience new adventures while aboard a cruiseship. It’s an experience you will treasure for a lifetime. But before you embark on this journey, you need a destination. Fortunately, there are so many places for you to go. Here are the seven best places to cruise:
Alaska
Cruise passengers will tell you one thing when you board a cruise ship to Alaska: you will come back. Treat yourself to the amazing wildlife and scenery, which many even call a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The glaciers, which you can only see by ship, are a sight to behold. Include Juneau and Ketchikan in your itinerary, for time well-spent on the southeastern cities. While in Juneau, visit Mr. Roberts Tramway to see rainforests and subalpine meadows from 1,800 feet above the ground. Spend some time in the Inside Passage and learn more about the Gold Rush and Alaska Native history while you’re there. The Inside Passage is habitat to whales and bald eagles, among others. Don’t miss the White Pass and the Hubbard Glacier, as well.
The Caribbean
As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, you’ll want to book Caribbean cruises well in advance. Families and groups of friends enjoy this trip together, especially during peak season from December to April. You can choose from the Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean cruise. The Eastern Caribbean tour includes beautiful places such as Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, and Martinique. The Western Caribbean tour goes through the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and even Mexico. Meanwhile, the Southern Caribbean cruise is for those who want to visit Aruba, Trinidad, Tobago, and other breathtaking destinations. Families can also stay on a private island in Castaway Cay, while couples can have an unforgettable holiday in Half Moon Cay.
Hawaii
If you’re a fan of natural beauty, Hawaii is a cruise destination you will not want to miss. There are eight main islands greeting you once your ship docks, and each one has something unique for you to enjoy during your stay. Visit Maui for its cascading waterfalls and head to the Haleakala National Park while you’re there. If you want to go hiking, the island of Oahu will not disappoint. Your trip to Oahu will not be complete without exploring Pearl Harbor tours or seeing the Waimea Canyon.. Kauai, on the other hand, has four-wheel adventure trails to offer. Ready for a swim and a tan? Head to Honolulu’s Waikiki beach where all your dreams about Hawaii will come true. And if you fall in love with Waikiki, go get a house on the island.Don’t forget the Diamond Head Mountain and try rock climbing while the kids enjoy the sandy beaches.
The Mediterranean
Who doesn’t want to see the gems of Europe? Your cruise can give you exactly that through a Mediterranean tour. Head to the best of Europe by picking the cruise that covers the places you are dying to see. Eastern Mediterranean cruises take you around Turkey and the Greek islands of Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos–all beautiful backdrops for your vacation photos.
If you want a tour with a little more romance, go the Western route, which takes you to Venice, Rome, and Sicily in Italy. While on land, don’t forget to try a walking tour – check out this Walks of Italy review to see what you could get up to in Venice. If you’d prefer a longer itinerary, your ship can continue on to Barcelona, St. Tropez, and Monte Carlo.
The Southern cruise is a little more exotic, with destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. You can also choose a Mediterranean cruise that takes you to the Italian or French Riviera, where the rich and famous vacation when they want a bit of sun and fun.
New Zealand
Fans of Lord of the Rings will want to go to New Zealand the first chance they get, and a cruise is one of the best ways to do it. Explore the North Island and South Island, but don’t forget about the small inlets that give you plenty of amazing shots for your Instagram feed. The North Island cruises take you to rare black sand beaches and give you an opportunity to participate in yacht racing, something that Auckland is popular for. Meanwhile, on the South Island, you’re treated to beautiful mountains and glaciers. Tours can be combined with land extensions, so you don’t miss any of the UNESCO heritage sites in New Zealand, as well as local wineries and parks.
Australia
You’ll see more than just the Great Barrier Reef if you go on an Australian cruise. You also get to see Sydney’s landmarks and explore Queensland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Adelaine. Some cruises also include Tasmania. You also have a chance to visit destinations such as Noumea in New Caledonia, Port Vila in Vanuatu, and Port Denarau in Fiji. It’s an opportunity too good to pass up.
Amazon River
If you’re headed to Peru, a small luxury cruise along the Amazon River should be part of your itinerary. Enjoy the exotic wildlife and marvel at the natural beauty of the Amazonia–at a leisurely pace. Spend some time to appreciate the ruins of Machu Pichu and explore the Nazca Lines. You’ll also see Lake Titicaca, where native dwellings are on floating reed islands. Enjoy miles of beaches and appreciate the imposing Andes Mountains while you’re there.
Now that you know the best places to cruise, it’s time to book that trip. Have fun and make lots of memories!