Top Destinations: Cruises

Croatia

With its seemingly endless coast and lustrous islands, Croatia is popular cruise territory. There's hardly a better way to experience the culture and ecological diversity of Croatia's islands than on board a boat. There are many different options to cruise or sail around Croatia. Visitors can charter a yacht or sailboat, with or without a skipper or rent a cabin and take one of the many wonderful gulet cruise holidays that depart weekly from a number of Croatian ports. Visitors can choose from small motorboats to make short trips to local islands, to large, luxury yachts! There are also numerous day trips on offer taking you from coastal highlights like Split or Dubrovnik to surrounding islands. A traditional seven-day cruise with a navigator, including breakfast and lunch, costs around €500 per person. Most companies offer early booking discounts, so if you want a good price it is advisable to sign up at least 2 weeks in advance.

Iceland

One of the ways of exploring Iceland is by expedition or nature cruises. These cruises in Iceland usually last for 2 to 10 days and the cruise operators bring visitors to the smaller islands around Iceland. You will be enchanted by the vast bird colonies nestling on the coastal cliffs and the sea birds as they dive into the water for their favourite meal. Or simply admire the breathtaking glaciated mountains and fjords from a perspective different from inland. As the sunsets, the glow of orange sun rays in the horizon is a sight that will mesmerise you. On a clear winter’s night, you might even see the Northern Lights as they dance in veils of colours across the sky. Cruising in Iceland will leave you with a beautiful and lasting impression that you can’t stop talking about for months to come.

Canary Islands

With its warm sunshine, white sandy beaches, blue skies and oceans, the Canary Islands are a perfect destination for a cruise.  Cruise to the Canary Islands and you will see why this is such a popular destination.  Even if you have spent time on these shores before, arriving in port on your cruise ship will be a completely new and unique experience. And the birds eye view from the deck will reveal the true majesty of the Canary Island's dramatic landscape.  Four of Spain's seven major national nature reserves are located among this volcanic archipelago.  This includes the volcanic crater of Mount Teide on Tenerife and Lanzarote's Timanfaya National park. During your Canary Islands cruise, spending a day ashore is a great opportunity to see the diversity of the Canaries. There are fields of lava, lush vineyards and quaint whitewashed villages. And of course there is the bustling resorts and brilliant white and black beaches. Whatever your interests are, a Canary Islands cruise will most certainly satisfy them.

Greece

Cruises in Greece offer a great chance for tourists to get a view of the various Greek islands in the best possible luxury. Taking a cruise in Greece is one of the most comfortable ways of spending a holiday and a cruise holiday in Greece increases your experience manifold. Most Greek cruises are organized on a regular basis and include 5 to 6 islands. Summer cruises are popular so make your booking way in advance. The peak season for cruises starts in April and lasts till September but May and June can get very hot. Cruises in Greece vary from 1 day to 15 days, and have itineraries that include visits to the most popular Greek islands. Depending on the number of tourists, the cruise vessels are big or small, but come replete with all the amenities and conveniences. The cruises come equipped with bars, restaurants, pools and other interest based activities. All cruise vessels are safe and conform to international safety laws. A cruise holiday in Greece lets you see a lot of the country. The vessels stop at main ports and allow you to roam the islands, shop, eat, drink, swim at the beaches, and organize trips to popular tourist sports on the island. Greece scores 9 on 10 as a cruise destination.

Lanzarote

Whilst the island receives the majority of its visitors by plane, cruises to Lanzarote are becoming increasingly popular, especially during the winter months. Cruise ships dock at Porto Marmoles – which is located around two miles outside of the capital city of Arrecife. Cruises to Lanzarote often arrive at the island on a thursday and most liners are here as part of a broader cruise of the Canary Islands. Many liners offer organised guided tours, but it is also possible to disembark and do your own thing, at your own leisurely pace should you prefer your independence while on your cruise to Lanzarote.

Turkey

The vast coastline of this beautiful Mediterranean country makes for perfect cruises in Turkey. Popular cruises in Turkey include those sailing to Greece and Italy. Among those within the country, the Aegean cruises in Turkey are well worth the experience. The turquoise waters of Turkey are filled with a bays and inlets and are a treasure trove for marine wildlife. Most cruises in Turkey offer water activities as well like snorkeling and scuba diving where tourists can experience the under water life in all its beauty. Popular harbors where most cruises in Turkey dock include Izmir, Çesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Datça, Bozburun, Marmaris, Göcek, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas, Finike, Kemer and Antalya. Most cruises in turkey begin their journey from Istanbul. With an ample number of halts, cruises in Turkey allow tourists to explore the cities where the cruise is normally docked, with a whole day in hand. From shopping to exploring historical monuments and archaeological ruins and sites, there are lots of things to keep you occupied. On board entertainment on cruises in Turkey is interesting as well. Turkey scores 8 on 10 as a cruise holiday destination.

Bermuda

There are several liners that offer cruises to Bermuda. These leave from several major ports on the East Coast of America, including New York, Boston and Charleston SC. As some 300,000 visitors to the island have already found, Bermuda is a great cruise destination. One of the reasons that cruises to Bermuda are so popular is that with a cruise you can save on the high cost of staying and eating out in Bermuda – both these are done onboard the ship. Plus a cruise liner has many of the facilities offered by a luxury hotel. One disadvantage of a cruise holiday to Bermuda is that you won’t have a long stay in Bermuda (a 7-night cruise usually gives you just 2â

Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the world’s most popular and highly regarded cruise holiday destinations. Several cruise lines even own their own islands, which are for the exclusive use of their passengers, such as Castaway Cay, owned by Disney. Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Discovery are just a few of the well known holiday cruise lines that operate in the Bahamas. Cruise holidays with a family theme are available and include excursions featuring snorkeling, nature hikes, deep sea fishing and diving. Celebration and Disney both offer short 2 and 3 night Bahamian cruises for a welcome cruise holiday break.

Caribbean

The Caribbean region is one of the top Cruise destinations in the world, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe. Caribbean cruises offer a typical holidaymaker's paradise with its sparkling waters, white sands and perfect climate. With a cruise on the Caribbean you can visit many of the famous islands, each of which boasts beautiful beaches and distinctive cultures. You can also discover a varied range of the local cuisines and sample the local rum punch. Not to mention soaking up the sun and that relaxed Caribbean vibe.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is considered by many as the premier destination for a cruise holiday. With such a strong seafaring tradition the British island archipelago is geared up for cruises allowing visitor's the opportunity to islands hop and explore the stunning scenery and individual characters of the islands. Visit any number of the British Virgin Islands exotic locations and submerge yourself in the culture and idyllic coastline you'll simply fall in love with. The rich natural beauty around the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking and the clear blue seas offer countless opportunities to discover the tropical marine life making a cruise holiday in the British Virgin Islands an unforgettable experience.

Costa Rica

You can take cruises in Costa Rica and it is a particularly enjoyable and popular experience for the tourists that visit the country. Cruises can be taken along idyllic Pacific Islands and enjoy snorkelling and interact with the various aquatic life that resides there. Many of these Costa Rica cruises will offer various packages with extras thrown in like dinner and live music. You can take long cruises to nearby lands like Panama, ecological cruises that take in various species for bird watching and underwater life and shorter cruises between islands and along the coastlines. With so many natural sights to see and so many beautiful seas of the world to cruise through, Costa Rica cruises are something not to be missed.

Indonesia

There is no better place in the world to go on a Cruise holiday than the Indonesian archipelago. Visit any number of Indonesia's exotic and stunning islands, rich in culture and an idyllic coastline you'll simply fall in love with. The rich natural beauty around the Indian and Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. Sail in calm, clear waters and admire the views of smouldering volcanoes, pristine beaches and tropical coral reefs. A cruise holiday in Indonesia is an unforgettable experience.

Mexico

Cruises in Mexico will take you to the pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters flushed with the sun! A cruise holiday in Mexico blends the comfort of round the clock service with a chance to visit some of the finest and most exotic Mexican cities. There are many Mexico cruise options to choose from and the amount and variety can be more than a little overwhelming. With food and accommodation already taken care of, many travelers like the idea of simply sitting back and relaxing as they visit numerous destinations. If adventure is what you seek, adventure cruises are popular in Mexico where you can explore Mayan ruins, dive off cliffs and indulge in adventure sports activities. A few of the popular ports that most cruises halt at include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallerta. January to March are the best months to take a cruise to Mexico.

The best bargains can be sought between these months, and the weather is almost perfect! A typical cruise in Mexico will halt at many popular towns and, depending on the nature of the cruise, will spend a night or at least a day at the port. Travelers will find that a bustling market scene will greet them as they leave the cruise ship at most locations. Mexican cruises usually travel along the East coast, the Pacific Coast or the Yucatan Peninsula.
 

Panama

Taking a cruise through the Panama Canal on your way to/from other destinations is one of the most common ways tourists have gotten to know Panama. A fascinating and educational visit that can be enjoyed by many, canal transit for is a great way visitors to explore Panama’s beautiful waterways and enjoy sights not possible from the shore. Plenty of tours and packages are available for extended breaks around the Pacific and Caribbean, but Panama City offers a unique experience of a cruise holiday on the world famous Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal, nearing its 100th year anniversary, is Panama’s most popular tourist attraction. The best way to experience the canal is in a cruise onboard the Pacific Queen. During your transit, you will have the unique opportunity to see the Canal up close in operation. Tours start at the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa, located at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. Panama’s cruise vessels travel the Cut's 13.7 km on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks, offering a range of deals to suit every taste and budget. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal.

Next, your vessel will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline. So whether you choose to a cruise holiday along Panama’s world-famous Canal or fancy an extended break on the nearby Pacific or Carribean, Panama City is a great destination full of delights.