Chances are, you’ve traveled extensively in Europe and throughout the United States. You’re eager to expand your travel horizons and venture a bit off the beaten path, but not interested in roughing it. One of the things our clients enjoy most about cruising is that it provides a consistent experience in terms of cuisine, accommodations, and service, while easily delivering you to hundreds of ports around the world. Here are some of the destinations that are readily reachable by the cruise lines we work with and that are sure the satisfy your wanderlust.
Japan
As Azamara President and CEO Larry Pimentel told us, “Japan is one of the newer cruise destinations we are seeing strong demand for. In 2019, we have four Japan cruises, 14 or 15 days in length, that call at not only the marquee ports but also the lesser-known gems.” Cruise Specialists host Tom Mullen is fond of Japan as well. He has led Cruise Specialists short excursions to Osaka Castle, tours to view the volcano Sakurajima near Kagoshima, and other meaningful sites.
The South Pacific
“No matter how many times we have been to French Polynesia, the stunning beauty of these idyllic islands never ceases to amaze us.” That sentiment from Cruise Specialists voyage hosts Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins is echoed time and again by clients who’ve explored this seductive corner of the globe. Says Susan, “I don’t believe the exquisite colors of the water can be adequately described in words nor can the spirit of island peoples be explained without experiencing it.”
Iceland & Greenland
“Iceland is one of our favorite destinations,” say Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer, Cruise Specialists voyage hosts. “As many times as we have visited, it is always amazingly beautiful and fascinating. We are always sad to leave — nice people, spectacular scenery and as much adventure as you want to have.” The Bodenheimers’ 2018 and 2019 Voyage of the Vikings with Holland America Line also feature Greenland — as does Oceania Cruises’ upcoming Seafarer Expedition, which offers calls at Greenland’s Qaqortoq, Paamiut and Nuuk.
Africa
If you’re yearning to see the Big Five up close, a number of cruise lines make it possible to do just that, with Cape Town serving as the home base for various types of game drives and safaris. Our Shore Excursions Manager Heather Visser can arrange a personalized trip further inland before or after your cruise for more in-depth exploration. This is a popular destination for many cruises, including Azamara South Africa Land & Sea packages, as well as many of the exhilarating world cruises we offer.
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are a special place, with visitors delighting in the many opportunities to view animals that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Our Operations Director Teresa Tennant recently enjoyed a 10-night Southern Loop cruisetour aboard the 48-guest Celebrity Xperience. She noted, “Celebrity is running a very well-organized, high-quality program that all guests enjoyed very much.”
New Zealand & Australia
“Frequently coupled with Australia, New Zealand features heaps of natural beauty and an abundance of deep-water ports that help make this country of more than four million inhabitants an avid cruiser’s dream,” says Ralph Grizzle, Avid Cruiser and Cruise Specialists roving reporter. “One of the most spectacular sights New Zealand has to offer is Milford Sound. It rivals the fjords of Norway and Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park in the terms of raw, untouched beauty.”
Have we piqued your interest? Our many shore excursions are perfect for helping our travelers see the world during their cruises. There are so many destinations and adventures we would love to tell you about. Why not contact an experienced member of our team — like Matt Caplinger — to find out more?
