Cruising the world can appeal to everyone, from the relaxers and spa-goers to the foodies and adventure seekers. Knowing where to visit and tick off your bucket list can be difficult when it comes to narrowing it down, so we have rounded up a few destinations to make it easier to choose your cruise in 2018.
2018 cruises for adventurers
Those looking to explore beyond their usual cruise ports will relish a trip to Alaska, where excursions are one-of-a-kind. Take a boat to the edge of the ice and watch whales breach the surface, or spot bald eagles soaring over Ketchikan and swooping past the totems. Learn of the locals’ way of life then and now, working with nature and adapting to this unique and rugged region.
New Zealand also has a wide range of attractions for active visitors looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure. Bungie jump from the Sky Tower in Auckland, explore caves in Waitomo or, for intermediate skiers, take to the mountains via helicopter and ski down the mountains on the southern island regions, the perfect way to see New Zealand from a new angle.
2018 cruises for sun-worshippers
Renowned for its year-round sunshine and everlasting paradise ports, the Caribbean is an iconic cruise destination for all the right reasons. Cruisers looking to chase the sun on their getaway will love the 7,000 islands that call the Caribbean home as they saunter along the sun-drenched, soft-sand beaches. Enjoy Pigeon Point in Tobago, Cat Island’s relaxing vibe in the Bahamas, or a trip to St Lucia – home to the picturesque Piton mountain backdrop.
Closer to home, Europe also offers year-round sun but with the cityscapes instead of beach escapes. Malta enjoys almost 3,000 hours of sun per year, with Marseilles at 2,850 hours and Lisbon not far behind at 2,800! A cruise around these regions is sure to please those looking to kick back and bask in the warmth before exploring quaint cities and villages at their leisure.
2018 cruises for families
Sail to Denmark and appreciate everything from food and fairgrounds to Lego and Lalandia – Denmark’s largest tropical holiday and activity centre. Multi-generational cruisers will love this region, enjoying everything from themed hotel stays at Billund to fantastical parades through Tivoli Gardens at the heart of Copenhagen. It suits everyone, with adults enjoying the Scandinavian architecture while little ones play dress up at the Viking Museum in Roskilde.
If you are looking for a shorter visit with your family, a British Isles cruise would be perfect. Explore the places you may never have seen around Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales where the currency rarely needs to change from the pound or euro, and the language barrier is non-existent. For active families, don your walking boots for hikes through the Highlands or pack your photography equipment for wildlife watching off the Irish coast.
2018 cruises for culture-vultures
Full of immersive towns and traditional folk heritage, the Baltics are the perfect spot for a cultural cruise. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia make up the Baltic region of eastern Europe, combining festivals and food to mark their history. Each has their own characteristic capital city complete with fairy-tale towns and turrets adorning winding cobbled streets that lead to medieval landmarks.
Alternatively, cruise to the spiritual and sensational shores of India and experience a new zest for life in truly wonderful ports. Visit Cochin along the Arabian coastline: one of the finest natural harbours in India which has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers for more than 600 years. Or admire looming skyscrapers as they overlook traditional markets in Mumbai. There is an abundance of UNESCO sites to see throughout India, including the mountain railways across the south and the Ellora and Ajanta caves in the western region.
2018 cruises for nature-lovers
Nature can be admired in even the busiest of cities if you know where to look, but why not indulge your passion and visit the islands of the Galapagos for a peep into the evolutionary wonders that roam here. See Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas and Darwin’s finches living in their natural habitats, undeterred by human interaction – the perfect opportunity for bird-watchers and animal lovers to get up-close.
Norway is also ideal for scenic landscapes and breath-taking views. Cruise to Sognefjord, the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Overlooked by snow-capped mountains and close to the village of Flåm, visitors can ride the Flåmsbana Railway to drink in even more spectacular surroundings. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights as they dance past your ship.
There are many more destinations you could visit on 2018 cruises and sailings to these regions will involve additional ports you may not even have considered! The best way to find out more is to call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 1234 118. As cruise experts, they are perfectly placed to help you find a voyage that is absolutely perfect for you, and will act as your point of contact even after you sail. Whatever you need, your dedicated Concierge team member will help.
What is on your bucket-list for 2018? Or have you already ticked these off your checklist? Let us know in the comment box below!
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