The allure of treading unknown waters, wining and dining like royalty, discovering the earth’s hidden beauties, meeting new people, and learning diverse cultures all within one journey is what makes cruising so popular. Additionally, each year brings with it new ports, bigger, fancier and better-equipped ships, and new top destinations. It is for this reason, that cruising has never gone out of style.
In fact, 27.2 million people went on cruises last year, a significant rise from 2017 where the number was roughly 25.8 million. If you are planning to go on a cruise this 2019, check out the following top destinations.
Explorer of the Seas cruise ship. Photo by Matthew Barra from Pexels
Venture to the Stunning Galapagos
Galapagos is one of the most remote destinations in the world. In some place about 600 miles away from the vast coastline of Ecuador, the beauty of its spectacular archipelago begins. Prepare yourself for an exploration of a lifetime.
The Galapagos’ natural habitat is host to a variety of wildlife some of which are hard to find in other parts of the world such as the Sea lions of Galapagos, giant tortoises, and blue-footed tortoises. Even better, sometime in the month of May this year, Celebrity Flora will be launched by Celebrity Cruises in Galapagos.
Celebrity Flora is an expedition ship, new and one of its kind with a maximum capacity of 100 visitors, and specifically made for this one cruise destination. It boasts of modern anchor-less technology that allows it to provide an outdoor platform at the same time ensuring the seafloor is kept untampered with, in the spirit of sustainability.
Getting Scenic in Iceland
Various places around Iceland are generously embedded with striking beauty scenes. It is Ireland’s scenic nature that has got the country to be a top destination for many tourists. Celebrity Silhouette will be taking you on an adventure of the waters right from Southampton Reykjavik, the capital to the “land of fire and ice”, before proceeding to the spectacular sights of the Golden Circle. Your Iceland cruise vacation does not end here.
One more stop you can’t miss is Akureyri which is famously known as the main watching point for whales. Here, one is almost assured of encountering huge humpbacks.
Going Greek in Nauplion
If you are not so fond of crowds, then Nauplion is the perfect destination for you. This destination provides unending cultural beauty free of crowds. It is a Greek port formerly the Peloponnese peninsula capital. Come next summer Celebrity Edge should get you to the maiden port of Parthenon and Acropolis.
Just nearby, the popular narrow streets calmly sit hugged by unending historic buildings that play host to unending quayside cafes where one can enjoy traditional Greek meals and snacks. You will also love the neoclassical mansions and the two Venetian castles present in the town. They make it all the more beguiling not to mention the fuchsia bougainvillea and the smell of jasmine that runs through the whole town.
Traditions and Ruins in Arles, France
Arles is a city in France commonly popular to river cruisers. It is the city that stretches along Rhone River with a history that dates back to the ancient Roman ruins. In this city, you will find The Aries Amphitheatre where gladiators used to fight. This venue is still preserved up to date but in place of gladiator fights, bullfights are hosted.
However, unlike traditional bullfights, the current ones in Arles involve fighters taking a tassel off the horns of a bull. It is these remnants of Roman history that make the city so charming. If you are an art enthusiast, you will be treading on the land that inspired Van Gogh so much so that he featured it in his Starry Night painting.
Witness the Beauty of Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay in Alaska happens to be the only destination you can visit while still on your ship. This irony is probably what makes it so interesting. Here, a pair of binoculars is an essential tool for a better view of the sea lions, mountain goats, glaciers as well as the snow capped mountains.
So make sure to carry one along. Its emerald green forest is another site to behold. Additionally, cruising adventures on the Glacier Bay are all the more exhilarating as its marine park features inlets, hideaway harbors, and coves.
Tips for an Unforgettable Cruise Vacation
Before embarking on a cruise, certain considerations should be made. First, it is very important to ready and have everything you will be needing for the cruise vacation in your carry-on. This includes prescriptions-if on any, clothes, and any other necessities of essence.
This should be done every morning because often you might not get your bag till late in the evening. Safety and good health are of importance at all times. Note that medication on the cruise ship is comparably more expensive, almost ten times more. To avoid this, bring from home all relevant medication for diarrhea, nausea, allergies and motion sickness. Additionally, extra general care on a personal level is crucial.
For families, cruise safety measures for kids should be observed as they often demand extra supervision and care. Failure to do so could ruin the whole adventure as health complications such as fractures due to falls could make the entire finally miss out on the entertainment cruise lines go above and beyond to offer.
Cruising holidays are gaining traction worldwide. The numbers of vacationers choosing to embark on cruises is only bound to increase again this year. The best thing about cruising, be it on an ocean or a river, is that you get tonnes of mini adventures in addition to the excursion itself. Visit any of the above destinations and enjoy a high sea experience you will live to remember.
Ali spent more than a decade working in the travel industry. When she took a career break to have a family, she took to freelance writing, and has never looked back.
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