Want a More Sophisticated Cruise Experience?

By: Mike Franks

When most travelers think about a cruise vacations, they typically consider the Caribbean, Alaska or some of the Polynesian Islands of the South Pacific. All of these destinations will deliver a quality vacation and memories of a lifetime.

flagtheory.com

But perhaps you are looking to expand your cruise horizons a bit and think outside the normal cruise itineraries and explore some more exotic destinations. In the next couple of articles, I will highlight some more exotic and luxurious options currently offered.



Southeast Asia: Cambodia & Viet Nam
It’s too bad this area of the world will always be known as the sight of one of the deadliest and unpopular wars of all time. Today, the Mekong Delta is one of the most beautiful places in the world and seasoned travelers are discovering its attraction.

Tours offer visits to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) where skyscrapers tower over ancient temples and motorbikes putter along picturesque alleys. History buffs can visit the Viet Cong’s vast network of incredibly narrow, booby-trapped tunnels dating from the Vietnam War.

Experience the lively floating market of Cai Be - and visit workshops creating products made from rice.

Sa Dec – offers a view of Vietnam’s colorful and culturally eclectic past and a visit to the island of Gieng, with an array of Catholic churches and monasteries.

A visit to the Tan Chau River may include a ride through the floating villages lining the banks of the great river. Stop at a temple devoted to Vietnam’s homegrown religion, then hop aboard a rickshaw for a ride to a factory that makes handwoven reed baskets.

At Siem Reap visitors can explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, a gigantic religious complex that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hanoi -the timeless and trendy capital of Vietnam mixes the old and new. French Colonial mansions line handsome boulevards, lakes and parks invite lingering, and modern office buildings tell of economic revival.

cruiseplanners.com

Mediterranean Sea                                                                                   Whether you are an epicurean enthusiast, a history buff or anything in between, a Mediterranean cruise is vacation perfection. Enjoy Europe’s most legendary cities and cultures featuring fine art in chapels and famous museums. You may also enjoy tasting the succulent flavors of France, Italy, Spain and more.

A sea cruise along the Mediterranean coast may include stops in ports such as:

Rome - visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill.

Amalfi/Positano - visit enchanting Amalfi and admire the 12th-century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th-century Cathedral.

Lipari - visit the ruins of several towers and other medieval structures at the Archaeological Park.

Sardinia - climb to the citadel; visit the fabulous Archaeological Museum, Roman ruins, and Pisan towers, early Byzantine churches, the Cathedral or the Botanic Gardens.

Palma De Mallorca - see the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, located high above the waterfront on the site of a former mosque.

Barcelona - visit Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell, and Casa Milà. See works at the Picasso museum and the Miro Foundation.

cruiseplanners.com

Saint-Raphael - choose from 30 beaches that offer aquatic sports for every level and taste, as well as an extraordinary coastal footpath leading to the volcanic mountain range of the Esterel Massif.

Monte Carlo - known as the wealthiest spot in Monaco. Among the celebrity-sightings, casinos, and nightlife, visit beautiful Palaces, cathedrals and museums.

If you are looking for a more intimate cruise experience, river cruises offer very similar itineraries.

Scandanavia

Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, as you uncover the innovative spirit, natural beauty and rich culture of Scandinavia on a luxurious, escorted journey, each one unique and designed with immense care.

Journey Highlights:

Oslo: Visit the Hollmenkollen Ski Jump Museum after hours to learn about 4,000 years of skiing history and drink a toast at the top with panoramic views of Oslo.

Gothenburg: Cruise through the charming Dutch-style waterways of Gothenburg aboard a private charter and learn about the region’s culture and nautical history.

Stockholm: See a perfectly-preserved warship from the 17th Century at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm and marvel at its vast masts and detailed engravings.

traveller.com.au

Bergen: You’re invited to visit Troldhaugen, the former summer home of Edvard Grieg. See his villa where he composed his Romantic-era masterpieces and enjoy a moving musical recital, hosted in the museum’s chamber music hall.

Flåm Railway: Journey on one of the world’s steepest railways through tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountainside of the narrow Flåm Valley.

Geiranger: Explore the majestic Geiranger Fjord aboard an adrenaline-fueled RIB boat cruise or on a guided kayaking expedition past spectacular waterfalls and soaring mountains.

The possibilities are endless and may include destinations you would never dream of. A good travel agent can help guide you to the vacation of a lifetime.!

Next week, I’ll feature the Western USA, Europe and the Tropics.

What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!

Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!

Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.