Thank you to Chloe Marchbank, a freelance writer, mum to three daughters and avid traveller for contributing this article listing the Top Five Cruise Destinations. Personally, the Galapagos ranks very highly on my bucket list…what about yours?
Top Five Cruise Destinations
I think it’s fair to say that cruising has had a bit of an image makeover recently. It used to be the preferred holiday choice of the elderly and would offer them the chance to sit back and watch the world glide by from the side of a deck. They enjoyed the rigorously timed dinners at the captains table, and strict itinerary that allowed no time to wander off the beaten track or do things any differently.
However, a new wave of luxurious, top quality cruise ships and holiday operators have sprung up, offering a huge range of exciting on board entertainment, luxurious surroundings and an amazing choice of destinations, many of which feature heavily on most peoples travel bucket-lists. Cruising is now the only way to go for millions of people – young, old, singletons and families.
For anyone planning a cruise holiday, here is the www.expedia.com.au guide to some of the best cruise destinations around the world:
1. Alaska
The name Alaska is derived from the native Aleut word, meaning ‘Great Land’ which suggests some of the immense scale and grandeur the country has to offer. In fact, it’s one of the last and greatest unspoiled wildernesses on earth.
On an Alaskan cruise you can expect to see bald eagles soaring across the sky, bears catching salmon at the edge of the water and humpback whales breaking the surf.
2. Galapagos
There are a great number of destinations that promise visitors the chance to ‘step back in history’ but not many of them actually deliver this. However, the Galapagos Islands deliver that promise, and so much more. Much of the island has remained untouched since its discovery in 1553.
Known as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, this tiny cluster of islands is so remote that many of the animals and wildlife found there, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
3. Cayman Islands
If the thought of enjoying laid-back ‘British’ civility amongst white sun drenched beaches appeals to you, then you wont go far wrong on a cruise to this tropical paradise. Located in the Western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands boast some of the finest weather in the world. The healthy coral reef and dramatic walls close to shore offer some fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities.
4. Arctic
There is no need to pack your bikini for a cruise round the Arctic – temperatures struggle to reach over minus 40 degrees in the water, and not much above freezing in the summer. However, an Arctic Cruise offers isolation, peace and serenity that you can only imagine. Look for a cruise that will circumnavigate the North Pole, taking into account Greenland, Iceland and Sweden along the way.
5. Venice
Venice is without a doubt one of the most romantic city in Europe, and a cruise around the tiny maze of islands and canals promises to offer an intimate and chic adventure.
Top sightseeing spots include: Piazza Can Marco and the tiny unique islands of Burano and Murano.
There is a saying that tourists see the world, cruise travellers experience it.
Reblogged this on Echevarria Travel and commented:
These are some of the best cruise destinations in the world Plus I would like to some that we are planning to Spain in 2014 and around the British Isle, if you are interested in do this, give us a call at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com
Posted by angeldn3 | January 4, 2013, 9:24 amWow this makes me want to get started on our long term travel plans tomorrow. Although I cannot start tomorrow we are steps closer to realizing the dream. And I can’t wait to get out there and experience all this wonderful planet has to offer.
Posted by f-stop mama | January 4, 2013, 11:43 amYou won’t regret it! Travel and experiences from around the world are awesome – I feel my life is so much richer as a result!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 5, 2013, 11:25 amWhat a wonderful post! Happy New Year
Posted by wolke205 | January 4, 2013, 1:23 pmAnd happy New Year to you too!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 5, 2013, 11:25 am…and I would add the Norwegian fjords to that list. Incredible!
Posted by Frank Burns | January 5, 2013, 5:30 pmOh…that’s a good one Frank. That one is on my original bucket list! Milford Sound in NZ is pretty spectacular too! The over night option is amazing – I highly recommend it if you have time while cycling down there!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 5, 2013, 5:59 pmMilford Sound is definitely on my itinerary. By land, it is roughly a 2 day journey out and back from Te Anau and, of course, it rains and rains and………….up to 25 inches in a month! But they say, better to see it in the rain when all the cascades and waterfalls are in full action.
Posted by Frank Burns | January 5, 2013, 6:04 pmI’ve been to the Galapagos. It’s one of my top cherished travel memories. I would go back again in a heartbeat but it’s so environmentally sensitive that I agree with David Attenborough who said something like…. everyone should see the Galapagos Islands, but only once.
Posted by Tracey | January 9, 2013, 12:00 pmI am still dying to go to the Galapagos. If I can only go once, you know I will make it count! I hope that they continue to work so hard to preserve such a phenomenal and environmentally sensitive area….it would be a dream to go!
Posted by Anita Mac | January 9, 2013, 12:58 pmI have always dreamt of doing a cruise way up north, either Alaska or Greenland, it would look amazing.
Posted by Miranda | January 11, 2013, 4:09 amI hadn’t thought of Greenland…that would be another good one.
Posted by Anita Mac | January 11, 2013, 3:21 pm