5 cruises that put destinations first in 2019
Not enamoured with the idea of spending most of your holiday aboard a cruise liner, with all their (admittedly) superb facilities? Why not choose a cruise based on an actual destination. Many cruise lines now focus on where they're sailing - as well the journey itself. Whether you're seeking sun-blessed Pacific islands, dynamic glaciers, or ancient temples there's a destination for everyone. Here are our five top picks for destination-centric cruises in 2019...
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, USA
Fancy seeing sea lions and otters on your next cruise? How about humpback whales rearing out of icy waters? Then a trip to Glacier Bay National Park is sure to delight. A number of cruise lines visit this bay, which is surrounded by rugged mountains, temperate rainforest, sheltered fjords and vast glaciers. Be aware that permits must be obtained to gain entry and that cruise lines don't actually stop at the park due to restrictions. However, with such incredible sights on offer, onboard activities are likely to be eschewed for the majestic charms of the great Alaskan outdoors.
Princess and Holland America both run cruises here.
Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
For a truly off-beat cruise, why not consider Abercrombie & Kent's Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat? This small cruise ship holds only 24 passengers, so you're assured of a wonderfully personal service, delivered with classic Southeast Asian enthusiasm and charm. Because the boat is small, it can easily navigate the narrow riverways of Vietnam and Cambodia, so you get to see this exotic part of the world up-close. Onboard you can enjoy cooking classes and wellness pampering, but the main draws of the trip are the amazing sights - not least of which are the stunning temples of Angkor Wat. You'll also enjoy the sights of real Asian life - from floating markets to steamy jungle villages.
Avignon
Cruise Critic named this beautiful riverside town in Provence, France, as the best cruise destination of 2019 - and it's easy to see why. Expect picturesque vistas, old stone buildings and a general chic charm. This UNESCO-listed town is called 'The City of Popes' due to its connection with Catholicism. A highlight is the 12th-century Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. You can fly into Marseilles and reach embarkation and disembarkation points with ease.
Viking and other lines run cruises here.
Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean
As the name suggests, Royal Caribbean focus their cruises on the Caribbean. While the ships themselves - including the newly revamped Navigator of the Seas and the Enchantment of the Seas - are packed with things like surf simulators and skating rinks, the destinations are still king. One of the most appealing this year is a private island called Perfect Day at CocoCay. This newly-refurbished destination features a zip line, waterpark, aqua park, freshwater pool - and even balloon rides for the truly adventurous. Three Royal Caribbean ships visit this fun-packed island.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/
Bora Bora
Located northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, this little island oozes South Pacific charm. Cruises here usually stop for two days, where you can expect low prices once on land. Cruise Critic ranked this as the second-best cruise destination of the year, highlighting its “gorgeous blue-green lagoon [which is] three times the size of the island's actual landmass.”
Iglu and Royal Caribbean operate cruises here.
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