When planning a vacation, most times you are looking to save money. Try researching travel sites that offer travel bundles. A cruise vacation can be made with multiple trip bundles, such as your flight, your shuttle to and from the airport to the ship or hotel, and a car rental if need be.
This post is about cruise vacations and some of the best sightseeing destinations.
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Cruise Vacations
Booking a cruise vacation can be very exciting for you and your vacationing members.
Whether the cruise is for you and your significant other, your whole family, or a group of friends.
What is equally important is the time together, and the experiences that everyone will have.
Contrary to the booking process, the excitement will come once everyone sets sail.
Cruise packages can come in different forms.
For example, there are all-exclusive packages for couples or luxury cruises for a group of friends.
Furthermore, there are celebrity cruises and Disney cruises for the entire family.
Cruise Sites – Cruise Vacation
Besides deciding on where you would like to go on your cruise vacation,
you have many choices on cruise sites to research.
First, some websites can be travel agencies.
For instance, a travel agency can provide fares for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even train rides.
Also, they have the benefit of offering fare bundles.
In contrast, fare bundles consist of pairing two or more different types of fares.
Such as, combining a flight and a hotel, and or adding a rental car.
Next, there are individual company websites for cruise lines.
Such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises,
Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vintage Cruises, iCruise, and Disney Cruise Lines, plus others.
15 Best Sightseeing Cruise Destinations
Cruise Vacation – 15 Best Sightseeing Destinations
Remember if you’re short on time or just desperate to get out there, a cruise is the best way to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been on twenty cruises or you’re planning your first one. As there are always so many new and interesting destinations to experience.
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Alaska
Alaska is a different kind of cruise destination. Aside from the beautiful, rugged scenery on land, the sea days will also be filled with the same which you might not be used to on other cruises. If you’re into nature and wildlife, Alaska has an abundance. From whales to seals to eagles, you no doubt will see so much just sitting on your balcony and watching it all as you pass by.
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Galapagos
The Galapagos is unique in that some of its islands can only be accessed by boat. If you’re big into your wildlife, this cruise destination needs to be at the top of your bucket list. And if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is the perfect place as it sits 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast.
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Cuba
When you’re a traveler who’s been everywhere and is looking for a vibrant place to visit that is rich in history, then head to Cuba. It’s almost as if it’s been frozen in time as it’s filled with classic cars and restored colonial homes. You’ll also find an abundance of food, music, and dance here, so you’ll never get bored. Some travel rules in Cuba can make it difficult to visit so visiting Cuba by cruise is your best bet as everything is already worked out for you.
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Hawaii
Hawaii is a collection of islands, which is why it makes cruising there is the best way to see it all. You don’t have to limit yourself to just the sandy beaches of Oahu. There is always the lush greenery in Hilo, or the breathtaking volcanoes on Maui if you’re on a cruise. If history is your thing, then you need to check out the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and USS Missouri in Honolulu.
Awesome Destinations
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St Maarten
St Maarten is an interesting island as it has both Dutch and French influence. From relaxing on the powdery white beaches to hiking and snorkeling, there’s so much to do on this island. If you don’t want to limit yourself to just one Caribbean Island, then a cruise is the best way to do this.
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Canada
Canada might not be your first thought as a cruise destination but similar to Alaska, if you love wildlife and nature then you should definitely consider it. The other great thing about a Canadian cruise is that many incorporate stops in New York. Their itineraries are created so if you’re wanting to mix up the wildlife with some city fun you can.
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California
The West Coast has so much to offer, and a cruise is the best way to experience it especially if you’re short on time. From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the history of Alcatraz Island off the coast of San Francisco, there is so much to see on the West Coast.
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The Bahamas
A major draw of the Bahamas is of course their stunning and crystal-clear beaches. Whether you’re planning on simply relaxing on the beach or exploring the ocean by snorkeling or scuba diving, you won’t want to miss out. It’s also so easy to access from Florida which makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a short or weekend trip.
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Bermuda
Bermuda is like the Bahamas in that it has endless sandy beaches and turquoise waters for snorkeling and scuba diving or just simply relaxing. It’s also very easy to get to if you live in New York as many cruises depart from New York which can make it a much easier and more affordable option than flying.
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Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian Fjords are one of the most beautiful places you can visit on a cruise. Unlike other cruises where the scenery is mixed in with the seemingly endless ocean on sea days. There is always something amazing to look at on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. This is definitely one you’ll want a balcony cabin for as you won’t want to miss those breathtaking views!
More and More Destinations
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Mexico
Mexico is a great place to visit as not only do you have tons of culture and beautiful scenery you also have lots of history to soak up and of course endless beaches to relax on. If you’re a fan of whales, the Mexican Riviera is also a great place to spot them without having to book an excursion!
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US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a lesser-known cruise destination but if the thought of crowded beaches and tourist hotspots scares you, this might be the destination for you. St John is about two-thirds national park with minimal development and so is a great place to take in the extraordinary beauty of the Virgin Islands in utter tranquility.
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Key West, Florida
Florida’s Key West is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Take in the colorful houses or if you’re a lover of Hemingway, make sure to visit the Hemingway Home and Museum to see where he lived. He wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls here so it’s worth a visit.
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Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are located south of Cuba and are one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean. Snorkeling and swimming with stingrays are popular activities here and due to its mild temperatures, the waters are warm enough to swim all year round so it’s a great destination to come to whatever time of year.
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Turks and Caicos
Scuba diving is a must in Turks and Caicos, with it being one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. If you’re not a scuba diving fan then why not try whale watching, kayaking, or deep-sea fishing? Or why not just relax on the beautiful white sand beaches and take in the view?
Cruise Destinations
Sightseeing is one of the best reasons for a cruise vacation.
But first, you need to decide on some cruise destinations.
Are you interested in viewing the east coast Atlantic Ocean, or the west coast Pacific Ocean?
There is also the Gulf of Mexico cruising waters.
As well as taking a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands.
Here are some of the best sightseeing cruise destinations:
However, there are international waters to experience some of the most unique picturesque views.
So, not only will you need to decide on a cruise destination,
you will have to decide on how many days you want to travel.
More than likely, you will have to book a flight to the city where the cruise ship is docked.
Not only, will you have to book a flight, but you may also have to book an overnight stay at a hotel.
This is where booking through a travel agency will save you money on a bundle deal.’
Cruise Vacation – FAQ:
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What Do I Need to Bring on a Cruise?
Of course, you should pack the obvious such as t-shirts and skirts. As cruising can be a little bit different from your normal vacations, it does require a bit more preparation when it comes to packing. A lanyard is so useful for putting your cruise card, so you don’t lose it and it’s easily accessible. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen as if you’re going to a tourist hotspot, you can expect to pay way more than usual. It might also be a good idea to bring seasick tablets or bands. It’s unlikely you will need it as the stabilizers on big cruise ships. Do an excellent job of keeping seasickness at bay but it’s always better to have it just in case.
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Individual Cruise Websites vs Travel Agency Websites – What is the Difference
The most important difference between booking it yourself and using a travel agent is of course the stress. When you book yourself, you need to be responsible for paying on time and booking excursions as well as doing all the research to find the best cruise. However, it is of course a lot cheaper than using a travel agent.
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Excursions Tips
If you’re wanting to be safe on your excursions, then buying through the cruise line is your best bet. The tour operators have been vetted by the cruise lines and most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion is delayed getting back. If you booked yourself then you will have to take the risk of being left behind in port if your excursion is late. Remember while out on an excursion, to: Watch Your Time, Stay Together, and Keep Money Out of View…
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Do I Need to Tip Everyone?
On many cruise lines, tips are included in the price or are automatically added to a passenger’s account onboard. At the bar, a 15% service charge is typically added to the bill.
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Best Cabin Rooms
If you’re looking for views, then cabins at the very back or front will be the best. If you’re worried about seasickness, then the middle of the vessel is where you should be. What if you’re a light sleeper, then definitely look at where the cabins are in relation to any bars or nightclubs on board?