Cruise and stay in the world’s best cities in 2015

In some of the world’s largest and most iconic cities, there is simply not enough time to truly explore and discover everything that they have to offer in just one day. For this reason, a cruise and stay package can be the perfect solution, offering you more time in your chosen destination, either at the beginning or end of your voyage. At Cruise118.com, we offer a host of cruise and stay options for 2015 and beyond, providing you with the chance to spend a little extra time in your favourite city. This blog will take a look at some of the most popular cities in which to enjoy a hotel stay on top of your cruise, so you can see what’s in store if you decide to stay a little longer.

Venice

Venice is one the world’s most famous cities, well-known for its labyrinth of winding canals along which hundreds of small boats and gondolas can navigate their way across this watery metropolis. Sightseeing tours of Venice are a great way to see the city’s major landmarks, which include the incredible Doge’s Palace, the Bell tower of St Mark and the beautiful St Mark’s Basilica. However, should you wish to truly immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of this ancient Italian conurbation, a hotel stay here is essential. With a little extra time to spend in Venice, you will have chance to dine in an authentic local restaurant, shop for traditional souvenirs, take a gondola ride for yourself and still see all the sights that the city has to offer.

At Cruise118.com, we currently offer a number of cruise and stay packages in Venice for 2015, such as a 12 night Eastern Mediterranean voyage with Holland America, beginning on the 6^th June and including a pre-cruise stay at the city’s luxurious five-star Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel. Or how about a seven night round-trip from the city with Royal Caribbean, offering the chance to spend four nights at the Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal before you set sail?

Barcelona

Barcelona is regularly featured as an embarkation and disembarkation port on Mediterranean itineraries and even transatlantic cruises, and therefore, hotel stays here are an ideal way to allow yourself more time to explore the city either before or after you’re voyage. Amongst the city’s most famous landmarks is Gaudi’s breathtaking La Sagrada Familia – also known as the Unfinished Cathedral. Football fans will also relish the chance to visit the Nou Camp, home to world-renowned Barcelona FC. From the charming dining venues, bustling markets and engaging street performers along Las Ramblas, to the array of spectacular architecture on display across the city, you’ll need as much time as possible to truly explore Barcelona.

You could complete a round-trip from Barcelona with a post-cruise stay at the city’s four-star Silken Hotel when you book with Norwegian Cruise Line at Cruise118.com. This wonderful journey aboard Norwegian Epic calls at a number of Mediterranean ports, including Naples, Rome and Cannes.

New York

A hotel stay in the city that never sleeps is the perfect way to begin a cruise holiday in North America and the Caribbean. Perhaps the world’s most iconic metropolis, New York has plenty of bustling districts and famous landmarks to explore and discover and a short stay in the city is the only way to really appreciate its many diverse and impressive attractions. You could tick a number of popular bucket list experiences off your list in New York, including a trip to Times Squares, climbing the Empire State Building or visiting the majestic Statue of Liberty – not to mention the incredible shopping and dining on offer across the city.

A pre-cruise hotel stay in New York is a great option for those looking for a Caribbean cruise, as the city’s lively and neon-soaked streets are in stark contrast to the Caribbean’s serene ambience.  You could spend 3 nights at the Excelsior Hotel in Manhattan’s upper west side before setting sail with Norwegian Cruise Line around the Caribbean, or on a voyage to the Bahamas with Celebrity Cruises.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse and inspiring city, where architectural wonders, historic landmarks and areas of stunning natural beauty combine to create a unique and captivating metropolis. As with the other cities featured in this blog, there is far too much to see across Singapore with only one day to spare, which is why a number of voyages here offer pre- and post-cruise hotel stays in the city. Whilst there, take time to observe the wealth both contemporary and historic architecture, including ancient temples and soaring skyscrapers. Nature, wildlife, culture and cuisine are all part of the Singapore experience, so make sure to immerse yourself in this spectacular city.

The five-star Mandarin Orchard Hotel in Singapore is one of the city’s most popular luxury hotels, so why not enjoy a pre-cruise stay here and enjoy some extra time in this bustling metropolis? On a Gems of Indonesia voyage with Celebrity Cruises, you can enjoy a 3 night stay at this wonderful hotel after completing your Southeast Asian journey to ports across Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Sydney

Sydney is home to some of the world’s most famous and impressive landmarks, from the iconic Opera House to the dramatic Harbour Bridge. The city offers plenty of unforgettable experiences, including a thrill-seeking Harbour Bridge climb, a trip to Bondi Beach as well as an array of exciting shopping and dining options. Sydney is a particularly friendly and welcoming city, and boasts a charming ambience which draws back travellers again and again. Pre- or post-cruise stays are the best way to get truly acquainted with Sydney, as there is so much to see and do across this vast and beautiful region.

A wide range of cruise lines offer Australasian, South Pacific and Southeast Asia itineraries with the opportunity for a hotel stay in Sydney when you book with Cruise118.com, so take a look at the cruise and stay deals on our website to see exactly what’s available.

At Cruise118.com, we can create tailor-made cruise and stay holidays to all of these amazing cities and more, so take a look through the deals on our website or call our dedicated Cruise Concierge team free on 0808 1234 118 to learn more about what’s currently available.