Best Fall Cruise Destinations
It’s fall. The kids are back in school, the leaves are changing colors and the year is starting to feel like it’s heading toward the end. What better time to take a cruise? Pools aren’t overrun with little ones, temperatures are more moderate and there are a number of destinations to choose from for lower prices than at any other time of the year.
Here are our picks for the five best fall cruise destinations.
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Small Ship Line #: Seadream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
14-night Afar Atlantic Isles Cruise, New York to Miami
The Seven Seas Navigator departs from New York for a day at sea before reaching Hamilton, Bermuda where guests can visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. The next port is St. George in Bermuda for a walking tour, bike ride, or cave exploration. Two days at sea takes the ship to St. Lucia for duty-free shopping, rainforest tour, or hike to Fort Charlotte.
Grenada is the next port, and then on to Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba for a day on each island before setting out for two days at sea cruising the Caribbean and the Florida Straits. Jamaica is the next destination where guests can choose a nature tour, rafting trip, or scenic drive. After a final day at sea, the ship reaches Miami for disembarkation. During days at sea, guests can enjoy the ship’s spa, fitness center, enrichment programs, casino, nightclubs, and boutiques.
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Large Ship Line #: P& o Cruises
The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P& O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Three of the fleets six current ships fall into the large category, while its two adults-only ships, MS Aurora and MS Arcadia, are medium-sized. P& O’s newest ship, MS Iona is a mega-ship, as will be her sister, MS Arvia, due to sail in 2022.
Best Places To Go On A Cruise
Nevis Swing: If heights are your thing, then swing between mountains at the worlds biggest canyon swing in Queenstown.
Kia ora is a Maori language greeting commonly used in New Zealand. It means ‘hello.’
Waitomo Caves: Take a boat ride in complete darkness with millions of glowworms lighting your way.
Rudyard Kipling was so impressed by the beauty of the Milford Sound that he described it as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’
Do you dream of sailing in to the sunset without a care in the world? Going on a cruise can be the perfect way to make this dream come true. If youre considering taking your very first cruise, think about the various advantages. A cruise vacation offers great value as almost everything is included, from accommodation and food to entertainment and transfers. The best part is that even if youre hitting multiple destinations, you need to unpack only once its like taking your home along on a vacation! Need more inspiration? Take a look at our pick for the 5 best places to go on a cruise.
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Medium Ship Line #: P& o Cruises
The British line P& O Cruises is the oldest in the world, established in 1837 to ferry mail and passengers between the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula, but it began to offer leisure operationsthe very first cruises as we know themas early as 1844. The ships cater to a primarily British audience, and they provide good value for a classic cruising experience. Guests enjoy traditional activities like shuffleboard, dance classes, and pub quizzes. The ships typically sail in Europe, though they also have ports of call in Asia and the Middle East.
Medium Ship Line #1: Carnival Cruise Line
The eight ships between Carnival’s Fantasy and Spirit classes each clock in around 2,100 passengersCarnival hasn’t built a ship that small since 2004 and has no plans to order any more. But these smaller ships sail itineraries all over the world, from the Panama Canal to the South Pacific, as well as shorter sailings from Florida to the Caribbean, and bring the same amount of laid-back fun to each sailing as the much larger Carnival ships.
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For Sunny Weather: Orlando Fl
Nobody does the holidays like Disney World, and at the beginning of December, you can enjoy all the festive decorations and events without the crowds that fill the parks closer to the end of the month. While the theme parks are the main draw for families, no one should miss the Grand Floridian Resorts massive Christmas tree and huge gingerbread house or Disney Springs Christmas tree stroll, which features more than 20 trees, each decorated with its own Disney movie or character theme. Warm temperatures keep pool days going throughout December, or drive an hour east to Cocoa Beach to relax by the Atlantic Ocean.
River Ship Line #: Vantage Deluxe World Cruises
The river cruise branch of tour operator Vantage Deluxe World Travel has several of its own ships, the majority of which sail in Europe. In fact, the vessels were some of the first river ships in Europe to have cabins designated for solo travelers. But in 2020, the company started operations in Egypt on its new m/s Nebu, which also has solo cabins. Providing its clients with even more options, Vantage also charters ships around the world for a variety of itineraries.
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River Ship Line #: Tauck River Cruising
Taucks nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germanys Rhine River or explore Paris and Monets gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young childrena unique offering among river cruise lines.
Large Ship Line #: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises currently sails around the world with a fleet of 14 ships, ranging in size from its petite Xpedition-class vessels, which carry 16 to 100 passengers, to its large 2,800- to 3,100-passenger Solstice class and 2,900-passenger Edge class, which debuted in late 2018 with Celebrity Edge. This edgy ship was designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid experiential restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal. Celebrity Edge was later joined by its sister ship Celebrity Apex in 2020, with Celebrity Beyond to follow in 2022 .
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West Coast And Hawaii
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
The West Coast packs in Hollywood glamor, majestic coastal scenery, and culinary adventures. A cruise here will whisk you from the cool fashion scene and artisan cafes of San Diego to a gossip-fueled tour of the opulent stars homes in Los Angeles.
Further north, ride the rollercoaster hills of San Francisco, taking in the Embarcadero, Ghiradelli Square, Golden Gate Park, and graceful vermillion sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or head for the vineyards on a tour of Napa Valley to sample some of Californias best wines.
Molokini Crater in Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is perfectly suited if youre planning to go on a luxury cruise around the world, as your voyage between each island is seamless. From Maui, snorkel over the pristine corals of the Molokini crater, a marine sanctuary, or walk up 10,023 feet to the summit of Haleakala, the worlds largest dormant volcano, to watch the sun set in a blaze of scarlet, mauve, and gold only found in this heavenly archipelago.
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Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii
Fly by helicopter or zipline over landscapes shaped by fire and cloud-draped forests. From Hilo, take in the Rainbow Falls, where shimmering rainbows form over the mist of the cascade. On a cruise to Hawaii, remember to try the local produce, like sweet and juicy pineapples, world-class coffee from Kona, and local chocolate packed with crunchy macadamia nuts.
Try Somewhere New On Your Cruise
There are many different types of wonderful cruise experiences that you can enjoy depending on your choice of cruise destination. One of the most remarkable aspects of cruise vacations is the ability to see so much in such a short period of time. There is always something for everyone, wherever you go. And so there are also some destinations that are particularly worth exploring on a cruise ship.
Cruises are also great for trying new experiences. Maybe its time you went out of your comfort zone and see or do something youve never even thought of before. The world is out there for you to explore and a cruise ship helps to bring it all a little bit closer.
If you cant decide then you could simply see all types of destinations with one of the incredible world cruises that go all around the globe. If youre still unsure there are also many great resources on our website to enable you to find the perfect cruise for you.
Check out these articles for more information on planning your cruise:
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Best Destination For Wildlife Runner
The is home to one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world. With cruises departing from Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, there are several jumping-off points for wildlife spotting along this famous tropical river and its tributaries. Jaguars, capybaras, tapirs, anacondas, squirrel monkeys, toucans and macaws are just some of the awesome animals you might spot on your cruise.
The 5 Most Desirable Cabin Locations On Any Cruise Ship
What is the best location for a cabin on a cruise ship?
As a cruise writer for more than 20 years, Ive heard that question a lot, and its not an easy one to answer. Thats because on any given ship, the best cabin location for one person might not be the best choice for another.
The ideal cabin for a light sleeper on a particular ship, for instance, might be a room tucked away in the quietest corner of the vessel. But another passenger on the same ship who cares more about the view might be happiest with a completely different spot.
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On a typical cruise ship, cabins are spread out all over the place high and low, and to the front, middle and back. Not that thats always the case.
Some cruise vessels particularly river ships have cabins clustered at their backs with public areas at their fronts. Other vessels, such as those operated by Seabourn and Silversea Cruises, have cabins clustered at their fronts with public areas at their backs.
Cruise cabins also come in all shapes and sizes, and with a variety of amenities and benefits. Some lines such as Royal Caribbean offer a huge range of room options, from tiny, windowless inside cabins to palatial suites, in all sorts of locations on their vessels.
As it happens, weve already done that here at TPG in our guide to 8 cabin locations you definitely should avoid.
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Best Caribbean Cruise Ports
Caribbean ports have a variety of activities, historic sites, dining, and excursions. Weve listed some of the most popular ports to give you an idea of what you can expect on the cruise you select.
Cozumel This port is known for its beautiful white beaches, marine biodiversity, great reef banks , and being where the sun first rises in Mexico. Visitors enjoy sunning on the beach, surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, fishing, golfing, and bike riding. Visit Chankanaab National Park and the San Gervasio Archaeological Zone.
Belize Bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, Belizes beautiful islands are home to an expansive coral reef and amazing dive sites. Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity for tourists. Belize is also a country rich in Mayan history, and visitors can enjoy exploring and photographing the significant Mayan ruins. Spend a lazy day relaxing on a soft white sand beach.
Falmouth, Jamaica Falmouth is a cruise port that represents every image of Caribbean hospitality, beauty, and charm travelers have come to love. It is one of the largest colonial towns, has a rich heritage, and its beauty comes from lush forests, stunning waterfalls, scrumptious emerald rivers, gorgeous beaches, and friendly and charming people.
Puerto Rico Tortola & St Maarten
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
From the colorful streets of Old San Juan to the pristine white sand beaches of Tortola and St. Maarten, youll love these January cruises.
Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal in Old San Juan, then savor a local coffee or rum drink at any of the cute cafés and bars near Plaza de Armas. Discover meticulously preserved Spanish colonial art, artifacts, and iconography at the Tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon, just steps away from the main sites and attractions of the Old Town.
For a more nature-focused adventure, try stand up paddle boarding at Laguna Condado, or go diving or snorkeling in the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge.
Tortola
In Tortola, youll find plenty of shopping, delicious food, and local culture to take in at Wickams Cay in Road Town, just adjacent to the cruise terminal. Sun-seekers will love Smugglers Cove, a beautiful quiet beach in the Lower Belmont Bay along Tortolas western coast. Dont miss a tour of Tortolas historic Callwood Distillery, believed to date back to the mid 1700s, and continuously operated by the Callwood family since the late 1800s. This family-run distillery is still operational today, and its rum makes for the perfect gift to take back home to friends and family.
St. Maarten
Then, relax and recharge your energy at Mullet Bay Beach, a sun-soaked white sand sanctuary with options for snorkeling, windsurfing, and places to eat just a few minutes walk away.
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River Ship Line #: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
St Thomas The Us Virgin Islands
There are different types of cruise ships, and each offers a unique experience.
Are you a US citizen who would love the adventure of a cruise without the bother of a passport? There are several options for you. One such option is St.Thomas of the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands and an unincorporated territory of the United States. These islands have a tropical climate and minimal seasonal variation throughout the year. St. Thomas, the most beautiful of them all, is also a popular island cruise destination.
If you have never been on an ocean cruise, this is something you need to add to your bucket list.
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Things To Do In Yosemite
- The Merced River winds through Yosemite Valley and offers rafting, fishing, and swimming opportunities in its crystal-clear waters.
- The Tuolumne Meadows area is a stunning high sierra landscape of alpine meadows, lakes, and forests. It is excellent for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.
- Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, and its photogenic Horsetail Fall are among the most breathtaking sights you can capture in the park.
Best Destination For Families Runner
The ports in the Western Caribbean, including Belize, Roatan and Honduras, are full of action-packed activities like cave tubing, zip-lining and snorkeling that are sure to entice adventure-seeking teens. Or add a dash of education to your vacation with a friendly visit to Stingray City in Grand Cayman.
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Medium Ship Line #: Hurtigruten
What started as a coastal ferry company in Norway in 1893 has expanded its operations to include expeditions to such destinations as Antarctica, Cape Verde, and Greenland. Of Hurtigruten’s 14-ship fleet, there are seven expedition vessels, five of which fit 500 to 1,000 passengers. The cruise line’s two newest ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, are hybrid-powered ships, demonstrating Hurtigruten’s dedication to sailing as cleanly as possible to protect the environment.
Best Cruising And Sailing Destinations
From Caribbean hot spots, to quiet anchorages at the bottom of the world, these are some of the most beautiful sailing spots on the planet.
Wondering what the best sailing destinations in the world are? Whether youre planning a sailing charter vacation or a journey on your own boat, these 20 sailing destinations are part of many sailors bucket lists. From the isles of Greece to Australias Whitsunday Islands, the colorful Caribbean to dramatic Patagonia, these locations offer something for everyone.
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