5 Top Cruise Destinations around the World

Train journeys are my favorite form of travel and I find them insanely romantic, but there is something about cruises that appeal to me too. May be, it is because I see the world from a different perspective or it could be the opulence and sheer range of activities on board the cruise liner or may be, it is the ability to see remote places without having to worry about travel options and immigration formalities. Or it could be a combination of the above. Whatever it is, cruises are a great mode of travel too and if you like to see the world from the water, like a bit of luxury and are a water baby, you might be interested in these top cruises across the world.

Alaska



Remote and majestic, a cruise to Alaska offers you an insight into the rugged, wild and majestic mother nature of one of the most beautiful places on our planet. From the bears of Kodiak island to the migrating whales and the rivers of ice and from the rich salmon encounters in the Tongass National Forest where black bears stay in waiting to the smell of rich mountain air and the taste of the rich produce of this region, whether you are an adventurer, wildlife lover of food fanatic, an Alaskan cruise is bound to fulfill many of your travel desires. America’s last frontier is bound to thrill one and all.

Antarctica



One of the toughest and most rewarding cruises, the cruise to Antarctica from South America on an ice breaker ship takes you through some of the remotest terrain on the planet and in extreme close proximity of a world of ice that is full of penguins, seals , whales, glaciers and mountains of ice. This magical frozen land that remains uninhabited except for its wild denizens offers everything from whale watching, polar plunging, hiking on Antarctica mainland, standing amidst thousands of penguins and many other rare, yet special experiences. The icing on the cake is that on your way back, you can visit the penguin colonies of Falkland islands and the spectacular mountain national park of Tierra del Fuego.

Eastern and Southern Caribbean



Sun-kissed tropical beaches, coral-rich waters, friendly locals, lush vegetation, refreshing waterfalls and an active nightlife greets you every day on a Caribbean cruise. One can find the hidden magic of the tropics almost everywhere here. Be it the breath taking British Virgin Islands, the UNESCO Biosphere reserve of Guadeloupe, the elegant dining at St. Lucia, the unspoiled 50 minor islands of US Virgin Islands, the popular Caribbean island of Barbados, the pretty waterside town of Grenada, the laid back locals and white sandy beaches of Antigua or the volcanic paradise of Martinique, there are a variety of Azamara club cruises to choose in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean region, the place where there is more than what meets the eye.

Scandinavia



If you wish to step back in time and live the rich maritime life of the Vikings, you have to indulge in a cruise in the waters off Scandinavia. The polar life of the Arctic, the gorgeous Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), the imposing peaks and calm waters of Geirangerfjord, the natural wonders of Oslo that include fjords and stunning woodlands, the modernist architecture and parties of Helsinki, the Arctic adventure and Northern Lights at Tromso, the foodie culture of Trondheim, the magic of Norwegian villages at Olden, the galleries and museums of Stockholm, the unique geographic hotspots of Stavanger, the snow covered colossal mountains of Flam and much many stunning sights and experiences are to be had in your Scandinavian cruise.

Galapagos Islands



An environmental gem, the isolated archipelago of Galapagos is where you will discover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Ecuador in South America, these volcanic Galapagos Islands and more specially the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve is made up of cliff side colonies of endangered birds, mangrove forests, lava mountains, vibrant marine iguanas, black sand beaches, giant tortoises which lends its name to the islands, rays, turtles and close to 2,000 exotic species. Head to these tranquil islands for the perfect off beat wildlife experience.

Photo Courtesy: All photographs have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photo links to its host page on wikipedia.org.