There are many beautiful places to visit on a cruise and each cruise will have its hidden gems but I am very much a nature girl and here are my top ten Cruise Destinations if you want to see stunning scenery and immerse yourself in culture.
As is traditional we will look in reverse order
10.
The Amalfi Coast
I am biased here as I totally adore this region of Italy. The scenery is spectacular with its winding roads and cliff top vistas, stunning coastal views and quaint towns clinging to the hillsides.
The people are so friendly and the food is Bellissimo!
You may say you have done this region as cruise ships have been coming here for many years but have you got off the beaten track?
You don’t have to go to Florence, Pisa or Rome or any of the usual tourist traps you can relax, unwind and let this part of Italy work its magic on you as it has on me.
9.
The Eastern Coast of Africa
This area is beautiful with stunning white sandy beaches, weird and wonderful rock formations, small isolated islands and more importantly an abundance of unusual plants, trees and of course the wildlife.
Its attraction has however been marred in recent years by the increasing number of Somali Pirate attacks making the this area of the Indian Ocean one of the most dangerous in the world. As the attacks increased such as the one on the Bahamas-registered Seabourn Spirit which was 100 miles off the coast of Somalia when the attack took place. Passengers were woken by gunfire as two 25 foot rigid inflatable boats came up to the liner and started shooting as their occupants tried to get on aboard. The ship was en route to Mombasa in Kenya on a 16-day cruise out of Alexandria in Egypt.
These attacks are relatively rare on large ships as they tend to focus on yachts and more accessible vessels but they have had an impact on the number of cruise ships which now frequent these waters which is a shame.
8.
The Eastern Mediterranean
This area of the Mediterranean is full of contrast. Rich in Culture, steeped in history it has so much to offer anyone cruising to its tranquil waters.
From Venice which is the most well known port in the region, with its beautiful architecture, history and ambiance, to the towering cliffs of Santorini with its classic white washed buildingswith blue shutters stood against the dramatic volcanic cliffs.
This region also encompasses Athens which its spectacular ruins and Istanbul with its tranquil Blue Mosque or its bustling streets.
Not forgetting the beautiful resorts of Dubrovnik and Kusadasi
7.
The British Isles
Now here is a destination close to my heart. It is of course the United kingdom. Yes you heard me right the UK. Over the past few years an increasing number of cruises now visit our fair shores and I don’t mean on their way back and forth from the Mediterranean or other far flung shores.
I mean actually cruising the British isles and all it has to offer.
You could be forgiven for thinking these white sandy beaches are in the Caribbean but they are not they are on the Isles of Scilly.
Ships also Visit Northern Ireland where you can see the famous Giants causeway and
Dublin where you can immerse yourself in the friendly Irish atmosphere
Then to Scotland with its stunning scenery and warm welcome. These places may be on our doorstep but so few people get to enjoy them.
Like the stunning beauty of Glencoe
or this stunning beach in the outer hebrides
6.
The Beautiful European Rivers of the Rhine and Danube
These two wonderfully rivers can be cruised individually or you can combine the two on a longer cruise. They have a beauty all of their own as these famous rivers wind there way through open fields and towering valleys giving the cruiser an unique perspective of these beautiful lands.
The Rhine is over 76o miles long and winds its way from the Swiss Alps to the North sea in the Netherlands. It passes through cities large and small and lets you unwind as it winds its way through the beautiful countryside stopping in Cities and hamlets along the way to allow you to immerse yourself even further in the culture of these beautiful lands.
The Danube is equally steeped in history. This great River rises in the Black forest of Germany and flows over 1770 miles til it meets the Black Sea. It flows through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and the Ukraine. in places the water is so Blue it earned it the nickname of the Blue Danube as in the Waltz!
5.
The Mekong Delta
Flowing from China to Vietnam. This river is 3050 miles long and is the life force running through these beautiful Asian countries. As you wind your way downstream you will experience how dependent the people are on the river for transportation, food and to earn a living. There is no better way to see these treasures than on a Mekong River cruise as you glide peacefully past busy fishermen, sleepy villages and stunning scenery.
You can also visit some stunning Archaeological sites such as Angkor-Wat
4.
Australia and New Zealand
What better way to see this amazing and exciting part of the world than on a cruise.
Australia has a very warm tropical climate and there is so much to see from the delights of Sydney with its cultural diversity, Opera House and of course the Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the vast wilderness known as the outback as well as the fabulous beaches and the unique Great Barrier Reef of Cairns and Port Douglas.
New Zealand on the other hand has a more temperate climate which is why you will find a wide variety of distinctive flora and fauna. The country has completely different terrain from its larger cousin with deep valleys, mountains, lush green hills, exotic black sand beaches, hot springs and glaciers. All rolled into one.
3.
Canada and New England
What can I say about this destination? My favourite time or year to go is September or early October as it is autumn or fall as the Americans like to call it. The vibrant autumn colours turn the landscape into a beautiful carpet of red, gold and orange.
As well as the natural display of colour there is so much to see in this very colonial part of the Americas. The area is steeped in history from when the very first settlers came here.
From the mysterious beauty of the Appalachian mountains to the leafy suburbs of Vermont. The Cultural gem that is Boston with its rich historical tapestry to the seafood lover’s paradise of Maine. Whilst you are there you must try the Maine Lobster or Wellfleet Oysters and of course no visit to New England would be complete without a stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup.
The coastal towns are real gems which make them ideal to visit whilst on a cruise. The quaint lighthouses and washboard churches, uncrowded beaches and the laid back pace of life make this an experience to remember.
2.
Alaska
This one is what they call a no brainer really.
The scenery in Alaska is very unique and the wildlife is also unique in that you are unlikely to see these same species together anywhere else in the world.
You can look at my top tips blog on Alaska for lots more information on this destination.
But suffice to say with Denali National Park, Vancouver, The Rockies and the Glacier bay this cruise destination has something for everyone and I defy you to say it is not spectacular.
1.
The Norwegian Fjords and North Cape
So here we are my top Scenic cruise destination. The Fjords of Norway and Northern Cape. I could wax lyrical about this area but I think I will let you make up your own minds with my tribute to this very beautiful country.
And so the tribute ends. I could continue but I think you get the general picture.
Perhaps you disagree?
Perhaps you think somewhere else in the world is number one.
I would love to hear your thoughts and hope you find this blog useful.