Even though most cruise ships now resemble something of a floating city, complete with cinemas, wi-fi and casinos, there still remains something pleasant and old fashioned about hopping onto a cruise ship and travelling across the oceans.
However, the cruise industry is more forward-facing than ever and their itineraries are more varied than previously seen. Whether you want to explore the Mediterranean or take a tour to Antartica, more and more operators are putting extra emphasis on tourism. With so many cruising destinations dotted around the globe, picking the next location for your cruising holiday is bound to be difficult, so here are some of the world’s best cruising regions for you to choose from.
The Baltic and Norwegian Coast
Ever since the Viking Age of longships, Scandinavians have loved being at sea. Baltic cruises are miles away from the sunshine-filled shores of The Med, but they give a beautiful overview of this stunningly diverse region. With stop-off destinations including Copenhagen, Tallinn and Stockholm, Norweigan cruises can take you to some of the world’s stunning fjords, whilst providing access to indigenous Sami cultures.
Alaska
Not only does cruising in Alaska offer a window into a vast wilderness, but it also provides access to intrepid explorations. Relaxing from the deck of your cruise ship, you’ll be treated to a whole host of memorable sights, such as majestic wildlife, towering mountains and daunting glaciers. Alaska is home to an estimated 100,000 glaciers which alone cover an area the same size as Maryland, so you won’t be short of sights to see.
Australia and New Zealand
Taking a cruise "down under” offers an enjoyable, cost-effective and easy way to experience everything that Australia and New Zealand have on offer. Taking a cruise can cut down on the amount of long-distance travelling you will have to do in Australia and makes it into more of a pleasure than a chore which cuts into your exploration time. Natural wonders are everywhere on this cruise, from the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the towering granite mountains of New Zealand’s Fiordland.
Antartica
The Antartica is a true naturalist’s dream. Completely untouched by the modern age, visitors can well and truly disconnect from the normal throws of life as they take in and experience an environment which has been sculpted only from nature’s forces. Penguins, seals and whales all live alongside one another in their natural habitat, whilst breathtaking icebergs slowly drift on by. It is the sheer joy of escaping the everyday to take in the pristine and clean world that is the Antartica which makes it such an appealing cruise destination, but you can only travel here during the Antartica summer, which runs from November to March.
The Mediterranean
A Mediterranean cruise covers it all, from Rome and Istanbul to the Spanish and French coast. With history, culture and sunshine, this beautiful region of the world offers a true feast for all travellers. Food on the Mediterranean is often crowned the best in the world thanks to its freshness and taste and on a Mediterranean cruise you can enjoy it all, from traditional baklava in Athens to fresh king prawns in Spain. Mediterranean cruises are offering more culinary excursions than their riverboat competitors, offering more luxury and destinations in order to entice travellers.
With the looming Brexit decision, if you are travelling from another country then it is best if you have everything up to date, travel-wise. Ensure you have the right visa if needed and make sure that you have a few months left on your passport expiry. Immigration solicitors and your national embassy in the country you are visiting will be able to help you if you run into any trouble during your stay.