Cruises are ever growing in terms of popularity, which should come as no surprise as it offers a unique way to see the world. But have you ever considered getting a cruise to one of your favourite movie locations? For all you movie buffs out there it may excite you to learn that there’s a whole bunch of filming spots that are either close to popular ports, or just a short journey by bus or cab.
Contrary to what you may believe, not all movies are filmed inside stuffy studios. From hot idyllic islands, bustling cities and rolling mountain landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Read this to live in the films yourself…
Oahu, Hawaii:
Don your floral shirt and sunglasses and head on over to the picturesque Hawaii. Believe it or not the eight small islands that make up the state are quite popular among directors. The unspoiled landscapes and crisp white sands make this a perfect spot for holiday goers and directors alike.
Jurassic Park
The Steven Spielberg cult classic was mostly filmed on Oahu, one of the main Hawaiian Islands. Kualoa offers tours of the isle where you can hop onto a vintage school bus and explore the spots where over 50 Hollywood Blockbusters were filmed. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with that iconic fallen tree!
Lost
Also filmed on Oahu was the American drama series Lost. Remember that scene where Hurley creates an entire golf course after discovering clubs in the luggage? Well you can take a Hummer tour and see it for yourself. – Not only that, but it’ll take you to countless spots used in the show, including Police beach, the crash site for Oceanic Flight 815.
Why Not Try: After working up an appetite, treat yourself to one of the many organic restaurants where all the food is strictly farm to your plate! Now that sounds good to us!
Petra, Jordan:
Our next location takes us to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Nicknamed the red rose city because of the stone that many of the structures within the city are carved from. Petra was also named one of The Smithsonian’s 28 places to see before you die, so this location should definitely be on your cruise list.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The temple which houses the Grail in the film is represented by the extravagant Al-Khazneh, a mausoleum built at the start of the 1st Century AD. Carved into the rock face the temple’s elaborate pillars and statues look fit to house a biblical artefact such as the grail. As a matter of fact, we think it looks practically godly in its own right!
Did you know? The temple is also referred to as ‘The Treasury’. According to legend, pirates would store all their loot in an urn on the second level, and it can still be found there today!
Martha’s Vineyard
Situated south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, this summer colony is well known as a place that members of high society spend their summers. Sample wine at one of the world renowned vineyards, go shopping at an exclusive boutique or visit Oak Bluffs to see the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest functioning carousel in America!
Jaws
It’s not all high society; Martha’s Vineyard is where 1975 thriller, Jaws, was filmed. Don’t let that put you off though! Although there are sharks in the North Atlantic, none are as terrifying as Spielberg’s Jaws. Visit the General Store in Edgartown and go on the exclusive tour, walk in Chief Brody’s footsteps whilst the tour guides fill your head with fascinating facts about the production of the movie. The island’s only small so it’s perfect if you don’t have long to spend there!
Explore: Hop on a bicycle and travel down one of the islands gorgeous bike routes, or rent a scooter to get a real feel for what the island has to offer!
Lake Como, Italy
A couple of hours away from Milan sits Lake Como. Considered to be one of the most well-known Italian lake getaways, and once you see the views you really won’t be surprised! Boasting gorgeous villas that sit right on the shore, and carefully sculpted gardens that are open to the public. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into a fantasy movie!
Star Wars
For the Star Wars fans out there you may want to pay a trip to Villa del Balbianello, the place where Anakin and Padme had their secret wedding in Episode II Attack of the Clones. Since the release of the film the location has become a highly sought after wedding venue, not just for fans of the franchise either. The whimsical gardens and breath-taking waterfalls has had couples falling in love with the location for years. Pay it a visit and you’ll see what we mean!
Matamata, New Zealand
Get on a coach from the port of Tauranga and go to Matamata. The area is most known for breeding Thoroughbred horses, so if you’re a horse lover this is definitely a place you should visit. Surrounded by lush farmland and rolling hills, completely unspoiled by the modern day. You won’t believe you’re still in New Zealand!
Lord of the Rings
Once you visit Matamata it’ll come as no surprise why this area was picked for The Lord of the Rings franchise. To explore the area in all its glory you can take a tour through what is over a thousand acres of farmland and admire the staggering views of the Kaimai Ranges. You’ll also get to visit Bag End and see the Hobbit holes where Bilbo and Frodo call home, and walk in the same footsteps as Elijah Wood and Ian Mckellen! As part of your tour you can stop off at The Green Dragon Inn, which is actually a working pub! We recommend Ordering Sackville cider or an Oatbarton brew, and drink like a hobbit!
Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Dubrovnik’s incredible architecture is an instant draw to the city; it’s pedestrian-only so it’ll make you feel as though you’re actually in a medieval town. We suggest taking a walk through the narrow streets to admire the countless red roof houses, charming baroque churches and stop off at one of the city’s many cafes for a crisp cup of coffee.
Game of Thrones
You may recognise the Croatian town from the hit TV show Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik posed as the capital of the seven kingdoms, King’s Landing – the home of the iron throne. If you’re a fan you’ll be pleased to know that you can tour iconic locations from the show, like the Lovrijenac Fortress and put yourself in the shoes of the evil king Joffrey. Viator offers walking tours of the city so you’ll get the opportunity to discover all about the characters from your knowledgeable guide!
Did you know? Prepare to feel a major case of Déjà vu because the Dubrovnik you see in the show was virtually unchanged for TV- the town required no special effects to get the medieval feel!
New York:
New York is among the home of numerous TV and film studios. As the most populous city in America it is constantly buzzing with people and has provided the backdrop to countless movies. Known as the city that never sleeps, it’s perfect for those who want an action packed cruise. See a show, go shopping or visit one of the many landmarks the city has to offer. One thing’s for sure though, you won’t run out of things to do!
Ghostbusters
We know who you’re gonna call, but where are you gonna call them? Hook and Ladder 8 Firehouse in Tribeca of course! The exterior of the station played the role of their headquarters in the 1984 movie. Since then it has been turned into Lego sets and been featured on games, making it one of the most famous fire stations in the world!
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
You don’t have to lie to us, we know the moment you read the word ‘Friends’ that super catchy theme song by the Rembrandts got stuck in your head. Well guess what? You can actually visit the fountain used in the intro! It’s called The Pulitzer and is located in The Grand Army Plaza. The show used numerous locations throughout the city including Greenwich Village where you’ll find the 90’s most famous apartment block.
Istanbul, Turkey:
Considered to be the country’s cultural centre, the city is oozing with unique charm. Istanbul is quickly being considered one of the world’s great cities and has recently been likened to Manhattan due to the booming business district. It’s not all business though, in the evening you can head over to one of the many roof top bars and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the city’s beautiful domed buildings.
Argo
One of the main highlights of the city is The Grand Bazaar, currently one of the world’s largest covered markets. Spanning over 60 streets with around 5,000 shops, the Bazaar is a shopping experience that must not be missed; you can purchase jewellery, hand painted ceramics, carpets, antiques and an array of spices. You’ll also find two mosques, four fountains, two hamams (baths) and numerous cafes– yes, it’s really that big! The market features in the political thriller film, Argo, and athough the film is set in Iran, they were unable to film there so the market provided a substitute. Busting with colour, the market really comes to life on the big screen, but if you want to see it for yourself it’s just a short bus journey from one of the ports!
So now you know you can get even more out of your cruise and visit those spots shown on the big screen. Would you consider a cruise to see one of your favourite movie locations? Which one has got you most excited? Are you a hardcore Friends fan or do you prefer a throwback to the likes of Lord of the Rings? Tell us and leave your comments below!
