World’s Top Cruising Destinations – Part I

By: Kim Michelle

The ultimate cruise experience is so much more than just choosing a great ship. Although the onboard amenities and ship’s grandeur play a big part, the itinerary, sights and local shore excursions can make all the difference. The world is your oyster when it comes to cruising and journeyPod is about to take you on a guided cruise tour, so to speak…

Cruise ships migrate with the summer from the Northern to Southern hemispheres, offering year-round cruising around the globe, along with an endless supply of entertainment, adventure and travel opportunities. What better way to see the world than via cruise ship? Once you arrive and settle in, sit back and let the ship take you to a variety of ports, places and countries. No more flying, airports, wasted travel days, immigration, security hassles or lines. Simply hang on to your margarita, enjoy the onboard entertainment and great food, and then wake up every morning in a different port.

Let’s kick our tour off with the ultimate adventure – a world cruise. There are a number of cruise lines that offer trips around the world, ranging from 90 to 130 days and broken down into segments. Most US based cruise lines will depart from a US port and head west around the world, while European cruise lines will use either UK or European ports to kick start their world cruise. If three months onboard is too much, you can always opt to do a segment of the cruise and choose the ports of call where you’d like to embark and disembark. However, here at journeyPod we recommend signing on for the entire adventure, as there is nothing like viewing the entire world from the comfort of your luxury cabin.

Now if taking a world cruise is not in the cards for you, don’t despair. There are plenty of great locations to enjoy the cruise of a lifetime. One of journeyPod’s favorite cruising spots is Scandinavia and the Baltic. If you are looking for a truly awe-inspiring experience, make sure you cruise the Norwegian Fjords. Norway in itself is gorgeous but nothing can prepare you for the magnificent scenery of the fjords. Other Norwegian ports include Oslo, Bergan, Geiranger and Alesund, all fabulous places to visit.

Norwegian Fjords

While cruising the Baltic, save time for Stockholm, Sweden. Situated where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm was originally built as a fortress in the late 13th century and spread out to the many small island dotted around the river mouth. Sailing into Stockholm is one of the most spectacular sights and the perfect time for a ‘sail-in’ party out on back deck. Interestingly cruise ships are only able to sail in or out of the port during daylight hours and under the guidance of an experienced pilot due to the shear number of islands and obstacles in the way. A pilot boards the ship to navigate them through the maze of islands and safely in and out of the harbor.

Stockholm, Sweden

Once you make it off the ship into the city, you are in for a real treat. A medieval city with so much history, Stockholm is home to the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum and some fabulous shopping. And let’s not forget the incredible crystal artistry by century old glassmakers such as Kosta Boda, Orrefores and Jonasson Maleras. See journeyPod’s ‘World’s Top Shopping Destinations’ article. The Vasa ship museum houses the world’s oldest, only surviving 17th century ship, beautifully preserved and restored. Make the most of your time in this beautiful city as there are so many things to see and do.

Continue cruising with Part II of ‘World’s Top Cruising Destinations…’