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You can fish for salmon (and have it shipped home), zipline above a landscape inhabited by black bears and gaze down at massive glaciers from a seaplane or helicopter (and even land atop one). If Israel and Jordan are must-visits, look for a cruise with Holy Lands in its title. These sailings often depart from Athens and also call on several Greek islands and Cyprus.
15 Best Cruise Lines in the US - Yahoo Finance
15 Best Cruise Lines in the US.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:39:03 GMT [source]
The relationship between ship size and luxury
With its mountains and glaciers, eagles soaring above and whales surfacing from below -- taking in the scenery is the real reward a cruise in Alaska, no matter what the temperature. Denali National Park, White Pass Railroad and Mendenhall Glacier are a few of the most popular sites on these itineraries. Pack layers and a camera with a zoom lens; this is not the place to rely on your smartphone.
SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES
Check out a few shore excursions, or go it alone, knowing you have the perfect place to call home, even for a few days, each night. Those looking for an adults-only option will find exactly what they need with Viking Cruises. The company is strictly for guests ages 18 and up, providing a more mature cruising environment. The company stops in dozens of ports, making finding a cruise that fits your travel desires a snap. And the cruise line offers free shore excursions to enable all guests to experience the ports to their fullest. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights.
The Galapagos Islands
The two-week trip stops in 10 different ports in Italy, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. It offers dozens of shore excursions to take part in, including historical tours, vineyard tours and wine tastings, local market visits, and so much more. Room options range from interior staterooms to massive premium suites with 119-foot balconies so you can let the fresh ocean breeze in.
The surrounding rainforest, part of the larger Tongass National Forest, offers adventurous trails and the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument, making Ketchikan a gateway to the natural wonders of Alaska’s landscapes. The Mount Roberts Tramway and the city’s historic district, with its echoes of the gold rush era, provide glimpses into both the natural grandeur and the rich history that define Juneau. This bay isn’t just a showcase of ice and sea; it’s a vibrant sanctuary where humpback whales breach, sea otters play, and seabirds soar against a backdrop of stunning glacial landscapes. In Glacier Bay, the majesty of the natural world is undeniable as you witness the thunderous spectacle of ice calving from towering glaciers like the Margerie Glacier into the icy waters below. The Riviera’s magnetism is enduring, its beauty and allure having captivated artists, aristocrats, and celebrities throughout history, each drawn by its unique blend of natural beauty and sophisticated charm. This refreshing adventure combines the thrill of exploration with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, making it a national treasure beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Ports include Shimizu for a view of Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, and Busan in South Korea, covering Japan’s islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Two days at sea provide time to enjoy onboard entertainment, spa, freshwater pool and hot tubs, art gallery, cooking demonstrations, speakers, family activities, and programs for kids and teens. If you’re after a scenic cruise to wild extremes, Alaska is arguably your best option. Cruises to the “Last Frontier” of America typically start from cities like Seattle and Vancouver. On the way, the ships will stop at epic locations such as the Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway. This is also one of the best cruise destinations for wildlife watching, including everything from bears and eagles to orcas and sea otters.
Volos, one of the more off-the-beaten-track Greek ports, is located at the foot of Mount Pelion and offers plenty of authentic restaurants and tavernas. Here, you can explore the Centaur’s Path, built around the legend of the Centaur, and the archaeological site of Dimini. If you’re looking for an island packed with character, Hydra is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece. Choose an itinerary length to suit your needs; there’s a vast choice for 2024.
But, rather than traversing these destinations by car, train, or plane, visitors can see and do more by taking to the water for a Mediterranean cruise. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours.
There’s an overnight stay here, offering a great chance to explore this atmospheric old city after dark. Meanwhile, the capital city of Suva offers a glimpse into the harmonious blend of colonial history and modern Fijian life, with its vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and bustling waterfronts. Imagine yourself lounging on powdery white sands as crystal-clear waters gently lap at your feet, offering a slice of paradise that seems almost too good to be true.
Many cruise lines also call on Nassau in the Bahamas and their own Bahamian private islands, where beach days are sublime. Some longer itineraries (10 nights or more) also combine Eastern and Southern ports of call with less-visited islands such as St. Kitts and Antigua. For one thing, the island nation is a quick sail from Florida ports like Port Canaveral and Miami.
Windstar has a series of 2023 itineraries on the 156-cabin Star Pride and 171-suite Wind Surf that hit yachty Caribbean ports like Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. The small-ship line, which is known for both its sleek “Star Plus Class” ships and its classic vessels with their dramatic sails, also has an array of itineraries along the coast of Australia and in the South Pacific. The Alaska trips on Ocean Victory, a fuel-efficient, 93-cabin ship from American Queen Voyages, come with the opportunity to kayak past glaciers and spot bald eagles and grizzlies. The vessel, which first debuted in 2021, represents an evolution in ship design for American Queen, with its cutting-edge X-Bow design (which helps reduce fuel burn) and chic suites, including many with private verandas. From interesting new routes to tried-and-true ones that now have new ships, this list will prime your sense of wanderlust for both far-flung destinations and places close to home as we head into the new year.
This world-famous archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the epitome of a sun, sea and sand vacation. Cruising around the Hawaiian Islands involves everything from volcano excursions and sampling local cuisine to experiencing Polynesian traditions and visiting iconic Waikiki Beach. Japan may be an interesting surprise on a list of the best cruise destinations, but it certainly deserves its place. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more varied cruise within one single country. A country of fascinating contrast, Japan has the mesmerizing crowds of Tokyo but also the tranquility of mountain retreats.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. You could also sail from Hong Kong and Singapore to Vietnam and Thailand, with a chance to explore incense-scented temples, golden palaces, and lively street markets, as well as the poignant history around Ho Chi Minh City. Cruises to France explore the glamorous, sun-drenched Côte d’Azur, where in Nice, the Promenade des Anglais lines the long sweep of sandy beach. Nice is the ideal base for visits to the mountain village of Èze, Cap d’Ail, for walks with the scent of wild herbs in the air, or glamorous Cap d’Antibes. If you’re looking to explore the western Caribbean, consider a cruise to Costa Maya, an exciting destination located in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.
The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night.
Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Silversea Cruises topped the list as Best Luxury Cruise Line for the second year in a row.
However, the most exciting Japan itineraries I've spotted for 2023 are a couple of routes offered by Ponant's Le Soleal. The main ones are the variety in landscapes, from the Scottish Highlands to the White Cliffs of Dover, iconic cities like London, Liverpool, Dublin and Glasgow, and the countless castles and museums that are worth visiting. The Danube River is Europe’s most iconic river, flowing through no fewer than ten different countries (the most of any river in the world) on its way from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea. Therefore, a Danube River cruise is one of the greatest cruises you could ever take. Winding in and out of towering fjords, sometimes home to picturesque fishing villages, you will get to see Norway’s stunning natural beauty from up close. Summer brings long days and wonderfully green scenery, while winter is perfect for watching the Northern Lights.
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