Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

best places to visit on a cruise ship

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. Sitting on the southern part of Baranof Island, Sitka is visited by relatively few cruise ships but a stop there is well worth it.

Northern Europe

Most of Celebrity’s cruise itineraries include an overnight stay in Reykjavik, allowing you to enjoy plenty of time in the Icelandic capital, and perhaps get a glimpse of this natural wonder. For a nature-filled adventure in Iceland, join a whale-watching tour to spot humpbacks and orcas. After dark, if you’re visiting late in the season, keep an eye on the sky for the Northern Lights dancing across the heavens. Further north, set sail to the sophisticated Catalonian capital of Barcelona, where the famed works of architect Antoni Gaudi are a magnificent and inspiring sight. In the Balearic islands, unwind on hipster Ibiza, famous for its glorious beaches, nightlife, and spiritual atmosphere.

Caribbean Ancient Ruins and Cities

You'll find a wide range of Mexico cruise itineraries, from short 4-night sailings to week-long cruises and repositioning itineraries. Cruising to Mexico offers the perfect opportunity to visit Mayan Ruins. Both Royal Caribbean and independent tour operators offer excursions to various archaeological sites accessible from the ports of Cozumel, Progreso, and Costa Maya. Mexico’s Caribbean cruise ports stay warm year-round, so you can have a perfect beach day whether it’s January or August.

Perfect Day at Cococay

best places to visit on a cruise ship

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has built up a big business selling cruises out of China ports such as Shanghai and Tianjin (the port for Beijing) that are aimed squarely at the Chinese market. They offer Chinese-language programming, and Chinese-centric food and activities. However, Royal Caribbean also markets some Asia voyages to North Americans. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 different ports around the world. Here are five of the top destinations you can reach on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Whether you want to enjoy local culture and nightlife or just relax on the beach, Dominican Republic is a great destination for any type of cruise. The islands are home to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Caribbean, with their warm, calm waters perfect for exploring. There's also plenty to do on land, from luxury resorts to restaurants and bars.

Alaska's Inside Passage

Port stops in Grand Turk (technically in the Atlantic) and Jamaica are also common. The Caribbean destinations in this region are also ideal for low-key cocktails on the islands' white-sand beaches. "Adventure" is the first thing that comes to mind when considering a Western Caribbean cruise.

ARABIAN GULF & NORTH AFRICA

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. From its neon-lit cities to its secluded shrines, this region offers plenty of captivating culture and natural beauty. Set sail on an Asia cruise and see the Great Wall nestled among China's forested mountains, or kick back on one of Thailand’s beautiful beaches.

Top tips for booking a Caribbean Cruise

best places to visit on a cruise ship

Many cruise lines also run sales at the end of the summer or during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Caribbean sailings are almost always included. However, if you'd rather not share the beach with several ships' worth of cruisers, take the ferry to nearby St. John for the day and find a U.S. national park and a more chill beach experience. Take the kids to the Coral World Ocean Park, your sweetie on a catamaran sail or snorkel trip and your crazy friends on a helmet dive or BOSS underwater scooter adventure. The Caribbean island of St Kitts is a must-visit for cruise enthusiasts. It boasts lush tropical rainforests, beautiful golden beaches, and stunning views from its dormant volcano. The island also has a rich cultural history, with the ruins of old sugar plantations to explore.

Review The best (and worst) activities on the world's biggest cruise ship - The Washington Post

Review The best (and worst) activities on the world's biggest cruise ship.

Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Mexican Riviera ports

Beaches and water sports, as well as eating and drinking, are the primary attractions on cruises to Mexico. The best Mexico cruises have lengthy port stops that provide plenty of time to explore, plus time on board the ship to relax and decompress. From many US ports, you can head to some of the most beautiful destinations of the Caribbean and beyond, all of which have hundreds of ships anchoring at the ports nearly every day of the week.

If your ship calls at Virgin Gorda, head for The Baths, a mass of giant, tumbled granite boulders among azure lagoons. In St. Maarten, enthusiasts gather for the admittedly bizarre rush of standing in the warm sea under an Airbus on its final approach. For an even more immersive experience, choose a cruise that includes the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, as early Polynesian settlers called New Zealand.

Denali National Park, White Pass Railroad and Mendenhall Glacier are a few of the most popular sites on these itineraries. Pack layers and a camera with a zoom lens; this is not the place to rely on your smartphone. When it comes to delicious local specialties and copas with class, it's hard to beat the ports found on a Western Mediterranean itinerary. All the walking you'll do at museums means you can indulge guilt-free, with a glass of local bubbly to buoy your spirits.

Every ship will have a store onboard that sells items normally subject to these fees like alcohol and cigarettes. Take advantage to stock up on what you might be missing back home and save a few bucks while you’re at it. The Norwegian fjords, too, have a serene beauty, ribbons of waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet over sheer cliff faces. Paddle a kayak here, soaking in the silence and watching out for seals bobbing in the water and eagles wheeling overhead. In and around Melbourne, you’ll discover street art, edgy shopping, and the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, as well as the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road.

Unlike a resort stay, you can sample multiple beaches in various destinations, as well as the pool life on board the ship. A cruise stop here offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, from snorkeling in the crystal clear waters to hiking in the unspoiled jungles. Relax on the warm beaches or explore the local towns full of culture and history. Whatever you decide, Dominica is sure to provide you with lasting memories. Many cruise lines also call on Nassau in the Bahamas and their own Bahamian private islands, where beach days are sublime.

Pay the entry fee and do your best to come out in the lead at the end of the time. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, you might be surprised at how heavily the art auctions are promoted on the ship. You’ll receive lots of flyers, and you’ll see the artwork for sale as you walk around. Slot tournaments are simple — get the highest score at the end of a certain time and you are the winner. Ships often have tournaments during the day in casinos and they can cost little to enter — about $20 or so.

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