Have you ever dreamt of waking up to a new, exotic location every day, all while enjoying the luxuries and comfort of a floating resort? Cruising offers just that. Over the years cruising has increasingly become more and more popular. Now, with more cruise ships and lines than ever before, virtually every corner of the world can be sailed to and explored.
From the Mediterranean and Caribbean to Alaska and Asia and everything in between, there is a cruise out there that will take you to some of the most picturesque and iconic locations in the world. Read on to uncover the world's most picturesque cruise destinations and arm yourself with top tips for a cruise of a lifetime.
Majestic Mediterranean magic
Ever wanted to walk the sun-kissed streets of Spain by morning and sip wine on a French riviera by sunset? The Mediterranean offers that possibility with beaches, village towns, history and of course, perfect sun-kissed weather. As the Mediterranean encompasses a lot of land, cruises are typically broken down into the Western Mediterranean, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Islands.
On the Western cruise, expect to hit spots like Spain, France and Italy whereas the Eastern cruise involves visits to Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey. A Greek Islands tour will navigate some of the quaint Greek locations like Rhodes as well as Santorini and Mykonos. As the Mediterranean incorporates many different and diverse countries, you can find yourself visiting three or four countries on week-long cruises.
Another thing to note about Mediterranean cruises is the fact that many iconic destinations are located a significant distance away from port. As such, you may need to choose between shore excursions that involve a long bus ride and smaller tours closer to port.
All of this activity is set against the backdrop of quintessential Mediterranean weather. With this in mind, while you may want to go cruising in the summer, this is peak season for crowds and therefore, higher prices. As such, May to June and September to October is the ideal window.
Captivating Caribbean Cruises
Crystal clear waters, sandy paradises and vibrant culture awaits in the Caribbean. Often a bucket list location for some, the Caribbean is deceptively large. With around 700 islands, islets and cays, there is a lot to explore. There are, of course, beaches galore, but also colourful streets to walk down and lively dancing to enjoy.
The distance to cover is largely why Caribbean cruises can range from five to 15 nights. So, when planning a Caribbean cruise it’s essential to work out what islands are must visits and which islands you are happy to see another time.
To help with your choice, Caribbean cruises are generally divided into three main types- the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean cruises. The Eastern cruise is typically for people who love to shop but also relax on the beach. As such, destinations include the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and St Barts.
The Western Caribbean cruise is marketed as a journey for those who want to explore the Mayan culture and dining scene. With this in mind, destinations include Jamaica, and the Grand Cayman, among others. Hitting locations such as Aruba, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad, the Southern Caribbean cruise is perfect for those looking to enjoy new and different experiences. Whatever cruise you take, just remember that peak hurricane season is between August and October.
Enchanting Alaskan Adventures
From the mountains to the sea there is something awe-inspiring around every corner in Alaska. Whether visiting in the summer or the winter, you will be treated to natural wonders ranging from bears to bald eagles.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Alaska is to take to the seas and watch the mountains seemingly envelop you. When cruising through Alaska, there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, cruise season runs from May to October as this is typically when the first dusting of snow falls.
Another thing to note is the different types of Alaskan cruises you can choose from, the Inside Passage is typically a seven night voyage and essentially runs through a sheltered waterway between the Pacific Coast islands, therefore, cruising is calmer.
The other variety of Alaskan cruise is the Gulf of Alaska variety which is typically a one way cruise from Seattle or Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, so it is more choppy. No matter which cruise you take, you will be treated to glaciers and snow capped peaks and, if you’re really lucky, a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Asian Delights on the Pacific
Asia has vast borders so you need to be quite defined in terms of your cruise. Would you like a grand tour that stops in a variety of different countries? Or, would you be more suited to a cruise that explores a select few locations in depth. An East Asia tour will take you through places such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan whereas a South Asia tour will sail through India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
A Southeast Asia cruise is more encompassing with ports on the itinerary ranging from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore to Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and the Philippines.
Whatever cruise you choose, you will be treated to the wonders of Asia ranging from bustling streets and serene temples to diverse cultures and ancient traditions.
Before booking your cruise, it’s important to look into elements of weather. Asia does have a very distinct typhoon season that lasts from May to October. Meanwhile, there is also the monsoon season to consider. This is typically why the drier winter is a popular sailing time.
Breathtaking Baltic Beauty
Baltic cruises can last anywhere between a week to 14 nights. There is so much to see and do whether you are sailing or docked in a local port. Think charming cities complete with cobblestone streets and the pièce de résistance.
There is a lot of variety when it comes to Baltic cruises. Some may depart from the UK while others start in places such as Copenhagen or Amsterdam. What is universal though is the fact that the perfect time for sailing are the months of May, June, September and October.
While Baltic cruises run year round, travelling outside of the winter months will ensure that harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind and snow don’t ruin your plans for shore excursions.
When embarking on a Baltic cruise most itineraries will include ports such as Oslo, Warnemunde, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm, Riga, Gdansk and Hamburg. This way, you can experience a true kaleidoscope of cultures, ancient landmarks and traditions.
European River Cruises
River cruising through Europe allows you to connect with some of the most iconic cities in the world at a comfortable pace. By utilising rivers ranging from the Rhine, Rhone and Danube to the Loire, Seine, Elbe and Douro, river cruises offer a view of Europe through a different lens.
While visiting big towns, you will also get to stop in small villages in the heart of the town. This proximity to locations means that you have much more time to explore the different towns, letting you immerse yourself in the culture, language, history and cuisine.
There is also plenty to experience while sailing. You might look outside your window or step onto the balcony to see castles, chateaus and even mediaeval towns seemingly chiselled into the hillsides.
Our 7 Top tips for you to become a Pro
While cruises are an incredibly popular holiday choice, not everyone has set sail on a ship. As such, it’s important to have a few tips and tricks you can draw on to make the most of this exciting adventure.
Know what to pack
When packing for a cruise you need to account for the different activities you will be doing while also being space conscious. While you can book staterooms and the like, typically cruise cabins are on the small side, meaning that you won’t have a lot of room for storage.
Try to keep your packing limited to the essentials. Remember, there is always the option to engage the on board laundry service if you do get desperate. Other than that, try to pack a capsule wardrobe, as in, a few items that can be mixed and matched well together.
The best time to book
In terms of booking a cruise there are a couple of windows that are most beneficial. If you get in early you can save money by upgrading your package with the cruise line. On the other hand, if you leave booking until the month of departure, you might find yourself a good deal.
Choose the right cabin
For those who don’t get sea sick there really is no bad location on a boat. However, for those who are known to go a little weak in the stomach when boarding a boat, try to find a cabin in the middle of the ship. This way, you are a bit more stable and protected.
Another tip for choosing a cabin on a cruise ship is to try and stay away from the elevator banks. This is just a small tip but can make all the difference if you are known to be a light sleeper.
Join online communities
Whether cruising for your first or 51st time, it’s always a good idea to join an online cruising community. Seasoned cruisers will be able to offer you inside tips and tricks that will prove valuable, especially if they have travelled on your exact ship before.
Tips can range from the best restaurant on board or a hidden port destination that is well worth stepping off the ship to explore. When joining an online community, you might connect with people who will be on your upcoming cruise and form a great friendship.
Check visa requirements
While cruising, you will still be required to obtain the necessary visas in order to legally enter certain countries. While the cruise line should be upfront with this information, you might also want to look at each port country’s visa requirements just to make sure you have the right documentation.
Pack your medication
When boarding a cruise, larger luggage items such as suitcases will be taken to your room by staff at a later time. In some instances, you might not see your bag again for at least a couple of hours.
With this in mind, pack essentials such as medication and passports in your handbag or backpack. This way, you always have access to your most important belongings.
Prepare for limited WiFi connectivity
When it comes to cruising there are many advantages. However, one disadvantage is the fact that in the middle of the sea, WiFi connectivity isn’t exactly super fast or reliable.
In order to prepare for this, you might want to look at the ship’s WiFi packages when making your booking. Alternatively, you can tell family and friends to only expect contact when your ship is docked for excursions and the like.
Cruising toward your next holiday
Being able to explore the world by sea is a great big adventure. At nighttime you might go to sleep in one city, only to wake up the next morning in a completely different country. With exploration and adventure at the heart of cruising, sailing provides a unique way to discover iconic landmarks and cities off the beaten path.
Whether choosing to explore the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or even Asia, there is a cruise out there for you.
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