Research has shown that approx. 2 million people could be taking cruise holidays by 2015 and with this in mind we thought we’d take a look at some of the wonderful destinations across the world that you can cruise to. Cruise holidays have certainly changed a lot of over the years with many ships becoming 5 star floating hotels. Everything you could possibly need is just a stone’s throw away; comfortable cabins, relaxing balcony areas, wonderful cuisines, West End style entertainment, sports & leisure facilities, fantastic ports of call and not to mention the fabulous opportunities to make life-long friends. Here are just a few of the places you could visit on cruise holidays but these are just the tip of the iceberg – whether you wish to set sail on a river or ocean cruise – the world is waiting for you…
The Fjords
If you’re looking for a cruise that provides awe-inspiring scenery, then you can’t go wrong with a cruise around The Fjords of Norway. A truly magical experience awaits as you pass by snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers and remote fishing villages. During the summer months, you’ll experience a cruise with endless light as the sun is very reluctant to set providing the perfect opportunity to see the incredible phenomenon that is the ‘midnight sun’. Many Norwegian cruise holidays provide off-shore excursions where you can visit historic places such as Stavanger, Bergen and Flamm – just don’t forget to try out the railway that rises more than 865 metres above sealevel in just 12 miles!
The Amazon
This is quite possibly one of those ‘once in a lifetime experiences’ where you will cruise into the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest basin – the largest tropical rainforest on Earth! Admire the beautiful scenery and lose yourself in the activities of the local people, cultures and exotic wildlife. Many cruise holidays will take you to a variety of river ports along the way such as Santarum, Boca do Valeria and Manaus providing fabulous opportunities to follow forest trails and visit local communities. If you’re the type of person who loves everything to do with nature and wildlife, such as waking up to the call of a thousand birds, an Amazon cruise holiday should appear high up on your to do list!
The Baltics
Does architecture fascinate you? If so, perhaps consider cruising around The Baltics for your next holiday? As you set sail around The Baltics, you’ll soon discover that the capitals retain an imperial air about them where the old is mixed with the new. The jewel in the crown is a visit to St Petersburg with its treasure-filled Hermitage, certainly a highlight on any Baltic cruise. However, there are many other Baltic cities that certainly deserve a visit from you too including, Tallinn and Stockholm where medieval buildings and amazing beaches await.
The Rhine
With only 14 weeks to go until Christmas is upon us, avoid the festive rush on the High Street opting instead to shop in magical winter wonderland settings. There are so many Christmas Markets across Europe offering traditional crafts, gifts and delectable delicacies but the best way to experience several in one trip is to hop aboard a Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise. Here you’ll discover sleepy villages, romantic towns and the traditional Christmas Markets of Koblenz, Rudesheim, Cologne, Bonn among many others. Christmas shopping will never be so much fun but make sure you leave plenty of space in your luggage for all those traditional treats that you take home to the family from handmade candles to carved wooden toys, nutcrackers, blown glass and a bottle or two of Glühwein!
This article was written by Kim on behalf of Door2Tour, a UK based coach holiday firm. For more information on coach holidays or cruises in the UK, Europe or beyond see the Door2Tour website for more details.