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| Pagoda of the Chinese Gardens in Singapore |
Ports of Call
Lands of Discovery
Fabulous finds from cruise ports in the Atlantic to the Pacific and back to the Mediterranean are waiting to be explored
- The Allure of the Orient
- All Hail Africa
- Journey to the Mediterranean
- South America's Treasures
- Gems in the South Pacific
The panoramic views extend endlessly into the horizon. The destinations can range from majestic mountain retreats outlined with lush scenery to tropical paradises with undisturbed beaches dotted with exotic shells.
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You’ll find that options are plentiful when it comes to cruising. With menus catering to even the most discriminating tastes, and nonstop entertainment for vacationers of all ages, the inconvenience of planning an ideal getaway soon becomes the harrowing task of deciding where to start. Cruising offers resort-style accommodations, with experiences unique to each individual destination. Ships range from big and bigger, for a family-oriented atmosphere, to smaller, more intimate vessels for romantics. The cruise experience can take on many forms. With a variety of amenities and activities included in the all-inclusive pricing, your most difficult vacation decision will be deciding where to visit first....
The Allure of the Orient
Exotic and mysterious, there is something that draws us to the unfamiliar shores of the Far East. Cruise Asia and you will have a cruise experience like none other. The continent brims with culture, so soak up the sights and sounds of a land that is anything but familiar.
Popular ports of call in Asia include Singapore, with its tropical climate, the thriving city of Mumbai, and the hospitable city of Bangkok.
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| Gateway of India in Mumbai at sunset |
Singapore offers shopping fiends an outlet with malls and department stores, or you can spend your time visiting local attractions like the Singapore Botanic Gardens or the Singapore Zoo. Want to see all the city’s sights? Hop on a Singapore River cruise for stunning views.
Known as the glamour capital of India, Mumbai is the epicenter of the Hindi film industry; nicknamed Bollywood, it is the largest producer of films in the world. This cosmopolitan paradise overflows with culture and countless things to do. Hail a local taxi and visit the Mosque at the tomb of Haji Alior or the Mahalaxmi temple, a famous temple devoted to the goddess of wealth.
In Bangkok, Thailand, you will find architectural wonders with an abundance of temples and shrines. Explore the culture; check out the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and the Wat Arun. If you have some time on your hands, make tracks to the Damnoen Saduak floating market about 90 minutes outside of the city. You will find loads of fresh produce and plenty of trinkets and souvenir items for family back home.
All Hail Africa
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| Africa’s scenic backdrop is dotted with an array of native animals. |
Where can you encounter pygmy hippos, sample palm wine “jungle juice,” visit a stilt village, and feel the warm grains of a gravel desert plain? Welcome to Africa, home to seashells and safaris.
The “Mother City of South Africa”—Cape Town—welcomes visitors with its magnificent landscape and friendly residents. This port city offers vacationers a little bit of everything. The beautiful blue waters await kitesurfers, windsurfers, scuba divers, and for those who like a little more thrill than security in their water sport, there is shark cage diving.
To experience Cape Town like a true tourist, visit the top attractions. Table Mountain & Cableway offers spectacular views in all directions as you are suspended by cable car and descend from Table Mountain. For a trip back in history, visit Robben Island, home to the prison where former South African president Nelson Mandela and many other political freedom fighters served time. This one-of-a-kind experience is now a World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into the apartheid era.
The ancient world was once ruled by Alexandria, Egypt, which today is a booming city and a notable port of call for many cruise vessels. “The Pearl of the Mediterranean” is etched with culture. Visit Corniche, an area with over 12 miles of seafront and plenty to see and do. Or take a trip to Cairo and see history come to life with the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
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| Cable car from Table Mountain, Cape Town |
Journey to the Mediterranean
Discover the ancient wonders of a land overflowing with sheer beauty and romance. The Mediterranean encompasses centuries of art, culture and history. This is where unrivaled views meet ancient relics.
If you have a taste for Italy, visit Venice. A sight beyond comparison, Venice is a labyrinth of waterways where gondolas and boats are the primary means of transportation. As a city without cars, the narrow canals are an attraction in themselves. Start out at the Piazza San Marco. This plaza was Europe’s first drawing room, according to Napoleon. Another great site is St. Mark’s Basilica, known as “The Church of Gold.” The cathedral earned its nickname, as it features a golden 40-square-foot altar adorned with thousands of jewels. For the ultimate tourist experience, try your hand at a romantic gondola ride.
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| Sphinx of Giza, Egypt |
As the famed port of call in the Greek Islands, Santorini is truly a feast for the eyes. Blue-domed chapels complement whitewashed architecture, dark sandy beaches and the soaring cliffs that make up the landscape. Santorini is unique in the fact that it is essentially the remains of an ancient, enormous volcanic explosion. Hop on a donkey (yes, a donkey) and scale the mountain to where the action is. Shops in Santorini cater to large amounts of tourists. Byzantine jewelry and high quality gold can be found throughout.
South America’s Treasures
Envision a vacation with rolling mountains and verdant valleys, prominent volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and a lush, tropical rainforest. In South America, this dream vacation can be a reality. Mother Nature has endowed South America with some of the most stunning landscapes and geographic formations in the world.
At the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus offers a bounty of highlights for visitors. The bustling city is home to 1.5 million people and plays a very important role, serving as the major port for the entire region. Once docked, you will have the opportunity to explore the jungle, as Manaus offers many rainforest and river excursions. Or you can see all the city has to offer with a city tour from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. You will be able to see some of the top attractions, such as the opera house, Teatro Amazonas, and the zoo, Mini-Zoo do CIGS. Grab a coconut from a local street market for a cool and refreshing drink in the tropical heat.
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| Byzantine jewelry: gold and cloisonné enamel medallion, and gold and amethyst bracelet. |
Be sure to bring your dancing shoes on a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. As the birthplace of tango, Buenos Aires has a colorful atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife. Walking shoes also are a must in Buenos Aires, as there is so much to do in the city. Visit Plaza de Mayo, the city’s historic center, which has been home to many important events, including being the site where plans were made for independence from Spain. For a lesson in opulence, visit the Colon Theater, a beautiful opera house that has hosted famous singers like Luciano Pavarotti. And before you leave, pick up a little Argentinean treasure for friends and family back home. The city produces great leather goods, including shoes, coats, wallets and belts.
Gems in the South Pacific
Any cruise to this enchanting region will never fail to impress. South Pacific cruise ports are known for their exotic, striking beauty and charming cities.
With one of the most spectacular harbors in the world as its backdrop, Sydney, Australia, is an exciting and culturally diverse place to visit. Start your Down Under adventure at the Sydney Opera House, a famous landmark that is open year-round and features dazzling performances.
A major attraction in the area is Darling Harbor. Here you will find a tourist-friendly waterfront shopping and dining complex. The Sydney Aquarium, Australian National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship are all located here in close proximity. Indulge your inner child with a Harbor Jet tour. The speedboat ride offers commentary and 270-degree spins, crazy fish tails and other boat maneuvers. Gentler river cruises also are offered.
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| Coral blooms brilliantly in a lagoon in Bora Bora. |
Perceived as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora is a popular cruise port. And as the sister island of Tahiti, it is a major tourist destination. The tropical paradise sits in the middle of the Pacific and offers world-renowned, extraordinary sights. The mountainous interior of the island is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and is enclosed by a coral reef. Take advantage of the scenic beauty, as a beach or lagoon is always within walking distance. Scuba diving and snorkeling are top notch, and shark and ray feedings are also quite popular. Or simply get a taste of Polynesian life as you lounge next to the crystal blue waters and bask in the glow of the sun.
There is truly no limit to where your next cruise vacation may take you. With so many ideal destinations, it’s hard to choose where to start. Can’t decide and want to explore more than one region? Try your hand at a world cruise. A world cruise is the ultimate vacation and a great way to explore the world we live in. Spend a few months of pampered life aboard a ship visiting numerous ports of call—an adventure of a lifetime taking in a bird’s eye view of the wonders of the world.