Best Ocean Cruise Destinations

Oh, the places you can go on a cruise!  There are so many ocean cruise packages out there with enough destinations to make your head spin!  So, how do you choose?  It probably comes down to a matter of where you want to go and what you want to see.  From the Antarctic to the Mediterranean, from St. Petersburg Russia to the Amazon, there are adventures waiting.
Here are our top 3 choices:

1.  The Caribbean.  If you are looking for fun in the sun, a Caribbean cruise may be for you.  Whether you just want to relax and enjoy a little beach time reading a book and sipping a tropical drink, or you want an adventure exploring the water and the islands, the Caribbean offers something for everyone.

When planning your trip to the Caribbean, make sure to check out the port of call where your cruise will stop.  These are our favorites:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  If you want a little old-world flair, Philipsburg on St. Maartin (the Dutch side of the island) is the place to be.  You can indulge yourself in shopping or enjoy the mix of Dutch, French and Creole cuisine.  Or, if you are looking for a perfect beach day, head over to Maho Beach.
• Roatan, Honduras.  Found in the Western Caribbean, Roatan has the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean – the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.  Take a snorkeling or kayaking expedition to explore the colorful coral and marine life.
• St. Kitts.  Located in the West Indies, St. Kitts is steeped in history, being one of the oldest settlements in the Eastern Caribbean. Here, you can explore the old town square, take a hike in the jungle wilderness and even explore dormant volcanoes.

1. Alaska.  Alaska is one of those places that ranks high on many people’s list to visit, and there is no better way to see Alaska than by cruise ship!  Just watching the spectacular scenery from the deck of your ship is a treat.  Here are our must-see stops for any Alaskan cruise:

• Glacier Bay.  So you can’t really get off the boat and explore here, but it is a great way to see glaciers up close and marvel at their beauty.  If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch glimpses of humpback whales, brown bears and mountain goats!
• Sitka.  Looking for a little history?  Sitka was once the capital of Russian America, and that heritage is still visible at the onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral or the Russian Bishop’s House in town.  Take a stroll through town to see the variety of shops offering native handicrafts as well.
• Juneau.  As the 2nd largest city in Alaska, Juneau is a fairly active city, where you can take a trip to Mendenhall Glacier, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, or just enjoy some time in the city center.

1. The Mediterranean.  If you are looking for a combination of history, culture and the great outdoors, a Mediterranean cruise may just be the ticket.  Known as the Cradle of Civilization, the ports around the Mediterranean Sea will offer you a glimpse into our past, and amazing memories to savor.  Here are just a few stops you should make part of your Mediterranean adventure:

• Athens, Greece.  Once the heart of Western civilization, Athens is a mix of modern and ancient world.  Whether it’s going to the Acropolis and Parthenon or exploring some of the city’s unique shops and restaurants, you won’t run out of things to do in Athens.
• Rome, Italy.  If you are going to the Mediterranean, you can’t miss the heart of the Roman Empire.  There is so much to do and see in Rome – from the Vatican to the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain and more.
• Barcelona, Spain.  Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and was a crucial Roman port.  It still is a bustling city, steeped in history and renowned for its architecture and beaches.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia.  One port of call on the Mediterranean that is a little off the beaten path is Dubrovnik.  It is a quaint, historical town with spectacular beaches and clear blue waters.  Oh, and if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, this is where it is set and you can actually take a “Game of Thrones” walking tour!

Whether you are planning your next cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska or the Mediterranean, Luxury Destinations Concierge is here to help.  Give us a call at 805-236-4437 to start planning your cruise of a lifetime!