DREAMWORTHY DESTINATIONS
THE CARIBBEAN
With an average temperature of eighty-degrees Fahrenheit, there are few places on earth where cruisers can enjoy balmy sea breezes, spectacular sunsets, and palm-fringed beaches all year round. The Caribbean offers more than eighty ports of call and twenty-six destinations, each unique cultural offering. The Caribbean is the perfect cruising destination for first-time cruisers, families, honeymooners, friends groups, and single travelers. And suppose you’re looking for a cruising vacation with a wide range of activities and excursion options. In that case, you’ll find everything from heart-pounding adventures and stunning wildlife encounters to romantic dining experiences and historical sites to explore.
Best Time To Visit
The Caribbean offers pleasant weather all year round, with a couple of exceptions. August and September are the main hurricane months, so while there will be ships maneuvering around the storms, you may not see blue skies and sunshine every day. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, some months are busier than others. The Christmas season means ships are full so keep that in mind if you’re looking to travel mid-December to early January. November to early December are historically quiet months for cruising, with beautiful weather. And Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit, so the Caribbean islands will be full of festivities.
Highly Recommended Experiences:
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Visit and swim with the Stingrays at the popular Stingray City in Grand Cayman
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Explore the home of Jerk Chicken and stunning Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica
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Go snorkeling just off the shores of world-famous Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas
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Have lunch at the old British stronghold of Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua
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Enjoy a fresh Piña Colada and street music in beautiful Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico
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Take a rainforest tour and view over 175 species of tropical birds on the eco-friendly island of Dominica
EXOTICS
If you’re looking for a cruising experience that’s out of the ordinary, consider an exotic itinerary. The South Pacific, the Galapagos Islands, and the Polar Regions are all destinations that are best experienced on a cruise. These ships tend to be smaller, which makes more remote ports of call easier to navigate, and they tend to have a higher crew to passenger ratio. If you’ve ever wanted to explore icy landscapes with no permanent human settlements, Antarctica will dazzle you. Perhaps your inner scientist wants to experience the place that inspired Charles Darwin to compose “On Origins of the Species.” The Galapagos are a marvel with over 9,000 plant and animal species, many of which are only found there. And if you’ve always dreamed of emerald and cyan blue seas, with lushly carpeted mountains and welcoming local cultures, cruising the South Pacific will be an experience you will never forget.
Best Time To Visit
Unlike the Caribbean, the exotic itineraries generally have particular cruising windows. Cruises in Antarctica occur from November to March, with the beginning of the season being the best time for photographers because of the pristine snow conditions. If it’s the Arctic you’re after, the late spring to late summer window is ideal for cruising. The Galapagos is beautiful all year round, but the temperatures are comfortable 70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit between December and May. And for the South Pacific, hop on a cruise between April and November (except French Polynesia, where the cruise season runs June to August specifically).
Highly Recommended Experiences:
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Visit Rancho Primicias Galapagos Tortoise Ranch on Santa Cruze Island
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Take a catamaran and snorkeling expedition in Bora Bora
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Mingle with local artisans, fishermen, and families on the tiny island of Dravuni in Fiji
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Float around the Moorea’s crystalline lagoon in a glass-bottom kayak, the step ashore and go in search of a fresh coconut stand
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Visit Galdinez Island in Antarctica where you’ll learn more about incredible climate research being conducted.
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Wander the stunning Faroe Islands and trace the steps of the world’s most famous Vikings
MEDITERRANEAN
The Mediterranean is a year-round destination that offers up a convenient and exciting way to explore some of the world’s most ancient cities and fascinating ports of call. From sipping espresso steps from the Trevi Fountain to strolling the iconic Las Ramblas in Barcelona, cruise vacationers are seamlessly whisked from one historic metropolis to another. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a food and wine connoisseur, or a beach lover, the warm waters and endless blue skies of the Mediterranean are calling.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean is during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. From April to early June, travelers are welcomed by vibrant lavender fields, and balconies bursting with purple, pink, and blues explosions. The summer months bring festivals, exciting museum exhibitions, and postcard-perfect city scenes. And the cooler fall weather promises thinner crowds, beautiful weather, and the grape harvest season, perfect for food and wine lovers.
Highly Recommended Experiences:
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Walk between centuries-old villages along Italy’s picturesque Cinque Terre
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Enjoy delicious tapas, Cava, and the freshest seafood in Spain’s Basque Country
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Visit one of Santorini’s beautiful vineyards and taste the splendors of one of Europe’s premier wine destinations
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Explore the windy alleys Dubrovnik’s stunning Old City
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Spend a quiet beach day on the crystal-clear shore of the Adriatic in Kotor, Montenegro
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Take in the Venice-like Baroque and Gothic architecture of Koper, Slovenia
ALASKA
There is a reason why Alaskan cruises have the highest satisfaction rate amongst cruise vacationers. Because of its desolation and unique geographic positioning, cruising is the only way to see some of the world’s most impressive glaciers. Nature lovers will love the abundance of nature seen from the ship’s decks. Humpback and Orca whales frolic in the icy waters, seabirds, and eagles soar above, and brown bears fish along the shores. And in between all of the impressive nature viewing, Alaska’s picturesque coastal towns will capture your heart and fill your suitcase with stunning works of local and indigenous art.
Best Time To Visit
The cruising season falls between April and September, but your best chance at beautiful weather, especially in the Inside Passage, is from June onwards. Keep in mind that the weather can change at a moment’s notice, and the clouds rarely hang around for long. The late spring is the perfect time to head into Denali National Park for walks through wild-flower carpeted mountain meadows. The summer months bring fun art and music festivals to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. In September, the port is a little less crowded, and you still get to enjoy pleasant weather.
Highly Recommended Experiences:
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Learn about local Native American culture at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan
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Explore the heart of Alaska’s crowned jewel, Denali National Park on a guided tour
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Take a ride on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
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Spot eagles, hawks and grizzly bears on thrilling catamaran excursion to Chilkoot Lake State Park
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Go on a glacier trek across Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier
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Take a whale watching excursion from the heart of the Tongass National Rainforest in Sitka
