Table Of Content
While itineraries range from seven to 14 nights and the ports visited vary by cruise line, most sailings call on Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn. The Danish capital is a fascinating blend of imperial palaces, photogenic landmarks (including the vibrant waterfront of Nyhavn and the Victorian-era Tivoli Gardens) and modern culinary and design innovations. We've explored the most captivating cities, waded into the surf on world-class beaches, hiked unspoiled landscapes and gazed upon treasured landmarks. So before you book your next cruise, have a look at our picks for the best cruise destinations for every type of traveler. The cruise line prides itself on its low guest-to-crew member ratio, ensuring your every need is easily met.
Which part of Alaska should I choose to cruise?
But the swift expansion of luxury expedition cruising over the past five to seven years has made this frozen polar frontier the "It" destination of the 2020s. Plan your own shoreside activitiesThere is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest.
Sign Up for Special Offers
The Pacific Northwest port cities of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia are the gateways for the majority of Alaska cruises. Inside Passage itineraries are the most popular and cruise lines offer these sailings from May through September. From Bordeaux to Porto to Vienna, the list of potential destinations on European river cruises tend to encompass at least one wine region and a gastronomic capital or two. Consider itineraries such as a Rhone River cruise, cruising the Bordeaux wine region or a Douro River Cruise for spectacular food and wine. Many food and wine cruises have excursions centered on local specialties and vineyards. What's even better is that you can bring your finds back on the ship with you; feel free to uncap that Burgundy and drink it on your balcony.
Winner: Nile River
Though best known for their beautiful beaches, Caribbean destinations offer much more than that — like bold cuisine, colorful colonial towns, and rich cultural traditions from all over the world. “Central and South America are roped into this itinerary seamlessly, hitting hot spots like Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Lima in Peru, and both Cape Horn and Buenos Aires in Argentina. Pleasant under-the-radar ports of call are woven into this journey as well, like Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands; and even Chile's Amalia Glacier. Vibrant cities, several unique cultures, winery tours, stunning nature, and even penguins in their natural habitat -- this itinerary really has it all. Kauai is the place to admire the 50th State's lushest rainforests and to cruise past the scenic cliffs of the Napali Coast.
However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. Cruise Critic is an online cruise community with more than 650,000 ship reviews of 700 ships from experts and cruise aficionados. Cruise Critic just announced its annual list of the Best Cruise Lines of The Year. This is the 15th iteration of the list compiled by the online cruise community’s international team of cruise experts. SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II.
Mediterranean
As you meander along the Amalfi Coast, you are enveloped in the enchanting aroma of lemon groves, while quaint seaside towns offer breathtaking views from their cliffside vantage points. The air is thick with the savory allure of jerk spices, inviting you to indulge in the island’s culinary delights and experience the warmth of Jamaican hospitality. Italy, France and Spain are all celebrated for their distinctive cuisines and award-winning wines, which makes a Western Mediterranean itinerary perfect for culinary enthusiasts. For adventurous couples -- the kind of people who want to take a surf lesson, ride a Jeep over rocky terrain or fly in a helicopter over molten lava -- a cruise in Hawaii is the ultimate bonding experience. The coastal mountains and fjords of Norway do have the majesty of scale that you'll find in Alaska, though the snowcapped peaks that form the background of all of your Alaska photos might be missing.
Doing Wine Country on Seadream II
You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. In time for autumn and colorful foliage if the timing is right, this cruise leaves from New York City aboard the Freedom of the Seas. After a day at sea, you’ll arrive in Portland, Maine in Casco Bay and then on to historic Boston. Your next port is Bar Harbor, Maine with Acadia National Park’s panoramic scenery and New England’s famous lobster dinners. Cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia to explore its many lighthouses and enjoy its fresh seafood cuisine.
The nine-night trip takes guests to seven ports through Italy and Croatia, providing varied terrain and plentiful shore excursion options. Visit beautiful seaside towns like Portofino, explore the Venetian canals, and enjoy the ship's amenities during days at sea. Timed to take advantage of Japan’s blossoming gardens, this cruise aboard the Diamond Princess begins and ends in Tokyo.
And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.
Whether you're watching whales splash in the Pacific Ocean or gazing up at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska cruises are all about wild natural wonder. Since you'll be cruising in U.S. territory, you don't have to worry should you need to leave the cruise early and fly back to the states because of illness or a family emergency. This can be a concern for passengers on round-trip, closed-loop sailings from Florida to the Caribbean or Bahamas who board only with a driver's license and birth certificate. Tahiti and the other Society Islands — Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Taha'a — offer a setting for celebratory romance that's scenic and sensual. The Eastern Mediterranean, where it meets the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas, is home to century-spanning sites sure to tempt any history buff. Cruises in this region typically call on Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy, while some also visit Israel, Jordan and Cyprus.
THE 25 BEST 7 Day Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST 7 Day Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:08:02 GMT [source]
Experience ultimate relaxation in the Caribbean, an idyllic destination that offers something for everyone. From the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico to the lush rainforests and mountain trails, each island boasts its own unique charm. Transatlantic and transpacific sailings offer plenty of relaxing sea days and stops at must-visit cruise destinations.
The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.
When not exploring at port, make sure to take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa, which comes with the bonus of the soft rocking of the waves to lull you into tranquility. Silversea is tailor-made for those who like to cruise with fewer passengers onboard. The line offers ships with between 51 to 364 suites, meaning they max out at far fewer passengers than its larger counterparts, which enables more personalized service and higher-end amenities. It also offers all-inclusive packages to reduce the stressors that often come with pay-as-you-go travel. The week-long trip on the Seabourn Encore offers a glimpse at a few of Greece’s best islands. Departing from Athens, the journey stops in Patmos, Agios, Mykonos, and Skiathos but also sprinkles in a few Turkish delights, including Kusadasi and Bozcaada, before disembarking in Istanbul.
In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice.
Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers - Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
A less-visited corner of Europe, the Baltic Sea is relatively small sea in the northeast of the continent. Just because it’s not as well-known as the Mediterranean doesn’t mean it’s less worthy of a visit. Several gorgeous historic cities dot the shores of the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki.
As your ship approaches the Hawaiian Islands, the warm embrace of the aloha spirit welcomes you to a world where culture, nature, and adventure intertwine. As your cruise glides towards the French Riviera, you’re ushered into an enclave of unrivaled glamour and natural grace. Here, the local cuisine serves as a delicious exploration of Greece’s culinary traditions, offering a feast for the senses. For those seeking a more serene encounter with nature, the Martha Brae River offers a peaceful rafting experience that is unmatched.
No comments:
Post a Comment