When it comes to natural wonders, they don’t come more dramatic, immediate and exciting than a raging waterfall. Though many of the world’s most famous falls lie deep inland, world cruisesare a great way to experience up close the awesome power of nature that waterfalls represent. With a cruise and stay, it’s also possible to experience a number of waterfalls you may not necessarily have the chance to see on a cruise ship, as you’ll spend several days exploring the region your waterfall lies in, before you set sail. So, ready your camera and don your waterproof poncho, as I take you on a journey to five of the finest waterfalls you can witness on world cruises.
Voringfossen – Norway
As far as waterfalls go, you could say that Norway has the monopoly. It’s been referred to as The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls and indeed, if you count all the smaller ones throughout the country, you’d be sure to find that many. Truth is there’s at least 100 which are over 100 meters tall, so if you’re exploring Norway’s fjord land on one of those world cruises which visits northern Europe, or indeed if you’re on a Norwegian fjords cruise, you’re sure to encounter a few. One of Norway’s most famous, and one of its biggest tourist attractions is Voringfossen. Despite having a total height of 597 feet, with a largest drop of 535 feet, there are plenty of Norwegian waterfalls taller than it, but its stunning beauty and a drop which is almost its total height secure its reputation as a tourist favourite.
Gullfoss – Iceland
Another must-see if you’re on one of those world cruises which explores part of the northern hemisphere, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions. ‘Golden Falls’, when translated, this memorable cascade has two drops, the largest of which is 60 feet; admittedly rather modest when compared to the drops of some of the world’s largest waterfalls. However, what makes Gulfoss so special is the falls’ three-step staircase and the dramatic plunge into a deep crevice, which makes for a truly spectacular vista.
Sutherland Falls – New Zealand
Located close to New Zealand’s world-famous Milford Sound, Sutherland Falls are surely one of the most spectacular falls you can visit on world cruises which explore Australasia and the South Pacific. At 1,904 feet, they’re a real spectacle and indeed, were long thought to be the country’s tallest waterfall. However, Browne Falls, located in Doubtful Sound, cascades down a mountain, which some believe constitutes a longer drop. Either way, both are worth seeing but it’s Sutherland Falls’ location in the stunning Fjordland National Park World Heritage Site which gives them the edge. The walk to Sutherland is regarded as one of the world’s most scenically satisfying and the view of the falls you’ll be rewarded with at the end is more than worth it.
Niagara Falls – Canada
Probably the world’s most famous Falls, Niagara Falls sit on the border of Ontario and New York and are thus a truly iconic tourist attraction in both Canada and the USA. What you may not know, however is that Niagara Falls is actually the collective name for three different falls – the American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. It’s only the Horseshoe Falls which are actually located on the Canadian side, though collectively, the falls make for such a spectacular sight that they are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, attracting on average 14 million visitors a year. You could be one of them if you book a USA or Canadian cruise and stay, on which you’ll have plenty of time to see them for yourself.
Iguazu Falls – Argentina
Another country-bordering set of falls, Iguazu Falls are thought by many (including myself) to be the most beautiful falls in the world. Set in the stunningly-beautiful Iguazu National Park in Argentina, the Iguazu River partially forms the border with Brazil, making the falls a key tourist attraction and a popular South American cruise and staydestination in both countries. What makes these falls truly amazing is the staggering total of drops – 275 to be exact, the longest of which is 269 feet and memorably known as the Devil’s Throat. The panoramic nature of the experience is another thing which makes these beautiful falls so special. Indeed, the falls are explored by a number of pathways and cover so much ground that there’s a dedicated train which drops visitors off at different viewpoints, to ensure that they don’t miss a thing.
By Simon Brotherton
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photo credit: >WouteR< via photopin cc
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