10 Bucket list Cruises

Having spent almost 4 years working onboard cruise ships and visiting over 100 ports of call, cruises provide a intriguing way of discovering new countries and horizons. Cruises allow you to sample different countries, cultures and cuisine in exquisite comfort whilst exerting very little effort or planning. For families this is especially appealing, you unpack once, you have Broadway style entertainment and shows, continental cuisine, water slides, rock climbing and so much more.. all in the knowledge you will wake up in a different port waiting to be discovered. Here is my guide to the cruises you should do at least once in your lifetime.

Alaska

Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier from the comfort of world class cruise ships or even explore the wilderness further by taking a land tour and staying in the heart of Alaska’s Denali national park. Cruises embark from Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco calling in ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Whittier whilst traversing the inside passage and generally alternating between North and South routes.

These cruises will tend to include more scenic cruising through the fjords and Glaciers including Hubbard Glacier, Glacier bay national park, College fjord, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Cruises range in duration from 4 day samplers to 7,8, 10 and 14 days including roundtrip sailing from Vancouver. Alaska is great for first time cruisers, families, seasoned travelers and a must visit destination to include on any bucket list.

2. French Polynesia

Nestled in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the islands of French Polynesia are an idyllic haven of sun, dramatic landscapes, clear water and tropical reefs. Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture and lifestyle as you hop between the many islands, finding your own piece of paradise along the way. French Polynesia is also a divers paradise, the beauty below the surface is spectacular and one definitely worth exploring. Untouched coral reefs teem with tropical fish, rays and other sea creatures in the crystal clear turquoise waters making it the perfect environment for snorkeling. Scuba divers can venture away from the shallow reefs by taking a short boat ride and swimming with manta rays, dolphins and turtles.

Select cruise lines operate a 14 day voyage sailing out of Papeete calling in at ports such as Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Rangaroa, Bora Bora to name a few. This is the itinerary I would recommend as it covers French Polynesia in depth. Some itineraries are based around a repositioning cruise usually at the start or end of the season. They will cross the pacific ocean from LA or Vancouver and usually finish in Sydney, calling in at Hawaiian and Tahitian ports along the way. The last option is to embark on a 30 + day Hawaiian / Tahiti cruise again based out of Sydney or Los Angeles operated by cruise lines such as Princess and Celebrity, alternatively you can voyage on the last leg of a world cruise that will normally stop at some Tahitian ports including Papeete, Bora Bora and Moorea to give you a taste of French Polynesia. I would always aim for the cruise based solely out of Papeete for the full experience, its definitely worth the investment.

3. Baltic

Despite travelling to more exotic locations the Baltic remains one of the most revered cruises and destination I had the pleasure to embark on. The blend of history, European capitals amazing scenery and tranquil lifestyle is simply magical and one worth exploring. Cruises tend to depart from Southampton, UK or Copenhagen, Denmark and travel to places such as Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn, Riga, Warnemunde, Helsinki and the highlight of the trip an overnight in St Petersburg, Russia.

The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg

The itinerary varies between cruise companies however definitely ensure you select the route that includes an overnight in St Petersburg. One thing to consider if you plan to explore St Petersburg independently you will need a Russian visa just to leave the ship. The visa is included in all shore excursions booked through the cruise line directly, always book ahead of time to secure your spot to avoid disappointment.

4. British Isles

The British Isles may not be the first place that springs to mind when embarking on your maiden voyage, however the rugged coastline, quaint villages, historic castles and charming ports make the visit intriguingly memorable to say the least. Cruises tend to be 8 – 14 days to ensure you navigate the entire British Isles often sailing from Southampton (London) as listed on the itinerary. Be sure to arrive in Southampton at least one day prior to sailing as traffic and transport to and from the port can be troublesome at best. Take a few days in London prior or post is recommended to get a taste of the capitals sites and attractions. The British Isles has a rich maritime history as you will discover in ports such as Liverpool, Cobh and Belfast.

One of the highlights was visiting the stunning coastline and rock formation of the Giants Causeway in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Spectacular scenery is also found in the highlands of Scotland as you discover the lochs, mountains and ancient castles dotted in the countryside or perched by the edge of a lake. The British Isles has no shortage of castles with visits to Edinburgh castle in Scotland, Conwy and Caernarfon in Wales and Blarney Castle in Ireland to name but a few.

Away from the castles Liverpool offers a diverse range of attractions for all guests and tastes. Music lovers can follow in the footsteps of the Beatles by visiting the historic Cavern club. Football fans can take the stadium tour at Anfield and discover the history and passion behind one of England’s most famous clubs. Alternate adventures include a scenic boat ride across lake Windemere in the picturesque Lake District or walking the walls in the roman city of Chester. Staying local guests can head towards Liverpool city center home to UNESCO site Royal albert dock where you can find arts and crafts, restaurants, museums, art galleries and fine bars.

Every port has an abundance of activities’ and despite its reputation British cuisine has moved on from the post war stodge people endured in days gone by. Classic pub grub is elevated, artisan producers showcase their craft at local markets and the variety modern British restaurants gives you a spectacular representation of ingredients found in the British Isles.

As you near the end of your British Isles cruise be sure to be on deck as the ship sails by the beautiful white cliffs of Dover. The iconic chalk cliffs make for a spectacular photo against the turquoise sea and blue sky (hopefully), a great way to end the vacation.

5. Iceland and Norwegian Fjords

A majestic part of the world filled with charming ports, cascading waterfalls, fresh seafood and dramatic fjords right on Europe’s doorstep. Sailing from places such as Southampton, UK or Amsterdam, Netherlands you will embark on a voyage across the North Sea visiting places such as Bergen, Skjolden/Sognefjord, Olden and Stavanger to name but a few usually on a 7 day itinerary. Longer voyages between 10 and 16 days are available exploring the Norwegian fjords in greater depth, whilst heading into the Artic circle and experiencing the land of the Midnight Sun. Stunning scenery is at the heart of Norwegian cruising and exploring the ports in a manner of different ways to suit every taste and physique. Enjoy hikes across glaciers, helicopter rides over the waterfalls or take to the ocean on a rib for a fast paced exhilarating ride through the fjords.

For those looking for a passive yet equally breathtaking experience, be sure to take the Loen Skylift (Olden) that travels over, 3,300 feet from the fjord to the top of Mt. Hoven; kayaking offers a alternative yet relaxing ride though Nordfjord. Gliding through the tranquil waters experiencing lush mountains and icy blue glaciers, every gentle bend in your route reveals a new surprise seen from the unique vantage point of your kayak. Norwegian cruises are also great for seafood lovers, having a plethora of fresh fish, shell fish and crustaceans on offer in every port. Be sure to check out the fish market in Bergen as well as indulging in some Norwegian seafood including fresh king crab in one of the local restaurants. King crab is usually frozen when served in other parts of the world, however its delicate fresh flavor is something to savor in any Norwegian port.

6. Caribbean

One of the most popular destinations for first time cruisers is the Caribbean. Unspoiled beaches, picturesque scenery, flavorful cuisine and a host of fun activities ashore and onboard make the Caribbean a great introduction to cruise life. Most cruise lines have several ships scheduled throughout the season operating out of Miami or Ft Lauderdale between 7 and 14 days. Cruises head East towards the Bahamas, St Thomas and St Maarten where as Western itineraries tend to focus on Belize, Cozumel, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The longer itineraries will explore the Southern Caribbean including, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St Lucia, St Kitts, Turks and Caicos just to name a few. These are the more exotic yet beautiful islands and definitely worth spending the extra pennies to get their. Whatever route you decide on you wont be left disappointed.

7. Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of those iconic cruises you should do at least once in your lifetime. Traveling through different locks, the journey across the canal takes around 10 hours. Others make the crossing as well, from cargo ships to small sailboats; the canal serves all kinds of vessels. Approximately 13,000 ships make the crossing every year. The Panama Canal’s construction was completed in 1914. It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. No wonder it’s the 2nd wonder of the world, that’s made for cruising. The best part is you not only discover the canal, but also other ports of call before and after crossing. Cruises depart from Ft Lauderdale on 10 day voyages completing a partial transit through Gatun Locks or 15 day cruises ocean to ocean giving you the full transit experience and insight into this engineering marvel. For those lucky enough to embark on a world cruise, the ship will usually include a full transit of the Panama canal, a day you will ever forget.

8. Hawaii

The islands of Hawaii are a beautiful blend of culture, drastic landscape, cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches. Nestled in the South Pacific this idyllic getaway can be a bit tricky to get to but definitely worth the potential arduous journey. Cruise options vary in length, itinerary and embarkation options from at least 4 countries. Cruise lines such as Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer sailings out of various west coast ports such as Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer 9-15 nights options usually starting in Vancouver and circling the islands and finishing in Honolulu whereas Princess offers a 15-night round trip from the same turnaround ports. Guest searching for a longer itinerary can join a transpacific crossing (usually repositioning at the start and end of the season) embarking in Australia or New Zealand and finishing in West Coast ports mention earlier. Other options include a 35-day Hawaii and Tahiti roundtrip from Australia or joining a world cruise that includes a segment crossing the Pacific Ocean.

For those looking for a shorter cruise NCL’s Pride of America embarks on a roundtrip from Honolulu on a 7-night voyage calling in at Hilo, Nāwiliwili, Kona and Kahului. If you take this option, give yourself plenty of time to get to and from Honolulu, I recommend arriving at least 3 days prior to departure to adjust and explore Honolulu. Hawaii is a great place to explore, from the historic pearl harbor to UNESCO sites such as Volcano National Park, whale watching and snorkeling to kayaking and zip lining there is something for everyone.

Hawaii is also famous for its lush valleys and cascading waterfalls brought to prominence in the film Jurassic Park. Guests and take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the dramatic landscape, filming locations and even experience the lava flowing into the sea. With so much to see and do in Hawaii it has become a destination visited over and over by seasoned cruisers and inspires new travelers to explore the islands.

9. Mediterranean

Mediterranean cruising is the gateway to many of Europe’s most iconic and must visit sites. Post card locations such as the Coliseum, Parthenon and Eiffel Tower are normally present on most itineraries as well as the highly instagrammable Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Away from the busy tourist spots you will also find quieter yet beautiful ports of call such as Dubrovnik, Kotor, Valetta and Lisbon. The Mediterranean can be split into 3 distinct areas, the only decision to be made is which places do you prioritize. One option is to set sail from Barcelona heading across the French Riviera to places, such as Monaco, Nice and Marseille and heading into Italy to Naples, Livorno and Rome. Longer itineraries will squeeze other ports of call such as Athens, Istanbul, Kusadasi.

Sailing from West to East from Rome or Athens you will deviate slightly heading towards Turkey and the Greek Islands such as Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, before heading towards ports in Italy and usually finishing back in Barcelona. The final area of cruising takes you around the British Isles sailing out of Southampton or around the Canary Islands, Azores, Southern Spain and Portugal. Most cruise lines normally operate 7 – 14 nights with some offering grand voyages around the entire med or piecing together back-to-back itineraries. For those without time limitations be sure to look out for the world cruise segment that normally begins in Dubai travelling through the Suez and visiting all the aforementioned ports before finishing in Southampton. As a first-time cruiser I would aim for a 12 – 14-night vacation, it won’t feel rushed, you will have plenty of ports to visit and enough sea days to relax and enjoy the ships amenities.

One final thought for those looking to visit Venice, you will have to look at smaller cruise ships. 2015 was the last year the so-called grand class ships could visit Venice due to rising waters and the volume of water the ships displaced. In recent years nearby Trieste is the port used as the gateway to Venice. Similarly, to Southampton labelled as London on an itinerary, Trieste (Venice) can be used as base to visit Venice independently by train a few days prior to sailing.

Venice is truly a beautiful part of Italy and sailing out past St Mark’s Square overlooking the buildings was one of the highlights of my time with Princess.

10. South America and Antarctica

The most isolated continent on earth, this rugged landscape is some 1,200 miles long and reaches beyond the Arctic Circle. Its shores are comprised of unusually sculpted icebergs, blue-tinged glaciers, majestic mountain peaks and a steep ice shelf that continues to shrink at an alarming rate. Though the peninsula is covered in icy tundra, it actually features the mildest climate in Antarctica, the perfect environment for hosting the only flowering plants on the entire continent, Antarctic Hair Grass and Antarctic Pearlwort. In addition, the icy waters surrounding the peninsula cater to various species of seals, penguins and seabirds, including the Cape Pigeon, the American Sheathbill and the Antarctic Tern.

Princess and NCL offer 14 – 16-day cruises travelling around the tip of South America often deviating towards the Antarctica Peninsula. Ships sail from Ports such as Buenos Aires or Santiago travelling south to places such as Montevideo, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas. The highlight of the cruise is the 3-4 days cruising the Antarctic Peninsula and exploring places such as Deception Island, Elephant Island and the cape lookout. Often overlooked by first time cruisers for cultured European adventures or the warm seas of the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica natural beauty is breathtaking and worth travelling off the beaten path.

Bonus Cruise – New Zealand

On my first contract I did 3 months of back-to-back cruising around New Zealand. A truly magnificent adventure that gives you an in-depth experience into the life and culture of this magical place. Ships often depart from places such as Brisbane or Sydney and start by crossing the Tasman Sea known locally as the ditch. Likely ports of call include Auckland, Bay of Islands, Wellington, Akaroa, Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, Christchurch. One of the highlights and must on any itinerary is the scenic cruising through Fjordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here you will be treated to spectacular scenery, cascading waterfalls, icy peaks and the occasional seal whilst the ship explores the various sounds and fiords. New Zealand has something for everyone, whether you’re the cultured explorer or the avid adventure. There is a genuine authenticity about each port that comes to life with every experience. Māori culture, hot springs, mythical scenery and abundance of outdoor activities makes New Zealand a must visit destination.

Conclusion

Cruising has allowed me to visit places I could only dream about, spanning all corners of the globe. Despite the plethora of destinations visited, this is just a taste of the sites, scenery, taste and culture that spans the globe. I encourage any person, family or group to put aside any stereotypical reservations about cruising and fully exhaust the diversity of experiences to be had utilizing this form of transport.