It’s not too late to think about a great summer getaway…and what better way to escape the heat and create memories than aboard a cruise! Here are some of our favorite summer cruises!
ALASKA
The Draw: Amazing wildlife, in-your-face glaciers, iceberg strewn bays and outsize adventures.
Ever since the gold rush, our largest state has attracted folks with a thirst for adventure. Today’s explorers will discover riches on a grand scale: towering Mt. McKinley (aka Denali), the highest peak in North America; some 100,000 glaciers – including more than 50 named glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites; a staggering array of creatures – from black bears and bald eagles to humongous whales; and some of the most incredible seafood on the planet.
What to do when you get there:
- Walk on a glacier.
- Go ziplining through the forest canopy.
- Learn to fly-fish.
- Observe bears feeding on salmon.
Tip
While a cruise is a super introduction to our 49th state, a Denali cruise-tour will give you the most bang for your buck. In addition to scenic cruising in pristine Glacier Bay National Park and calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, you’ll get to explore Denali National Park, home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzlies.
THE MEDITERRANEAN
The Draw: Dramatic coastlines, fountain-filled cities, mythical isles and villages straight out of a storybook.
Love broad boulevards and cobblestone streets, cliff-clinging towns and glamorous seaside resorts? Whether you crave tapas or tapenade, antipasti or moussaka, you’ll never get your fill of this endlessly fascinating region of the world.
Your choices are many:
- the Western Med to explore such delights as Barcelona (a real treat for architecture buffs)
- the très chic French Riviera for beaches, fine dining and shopping
- the seductive Amalfi Coast an Italian treasure
- the Eastern Med, home to such treasures as the sunny Greek isles, bustling Istanbul and ancient Ephesus
What to do when you get there:
- Dance the flamenco in Seville.
- Rub suntanned shoulders with the glitterati in Monte Carlo’s legendary Casino.
- Enjoy the nightlife on Mykonos.
- Barter for spices and carpets in Istanbul.
Tip
After a day ashore exploring the grand monuments of the Med, wouldn’t it be nice to return to your own royal digs? One of three ships hailed as “a game-changer for the luxury segment,” the 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey offers an intimate look at this storied region.
NORTHERN EUROPE
The Draw: Grand palaces, drop-dead-gorgeous fjords, midnight sun and one of the finest art collections in the world.
With its pleasant temps and extended daylight, summer is the perfect time of year to visit Northern Europe.
- Thread through Norway’s adjective-defying fjords and between Stockholm’s scenic isles.
- Wander along historic wharfs and medieval cobblestone streets.
- Tour Danish castles, Russian palaces and English cathedrals.
- Feast on herring and caviar, then whet your appetite for art at the
magnificent Hermitage.
What to do when you get there:
- Sightsee by Jopo (the easy to-ride Finnish-designed bike) in Helsinki.
- Soak in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
- Attend a ballet performance in St. Petersburg.
- Trek to the summit of Sugarlump Mountain in Ålesund.
Tip
There’s so much to see and do in Northern Europe that you’ll want to take advantage of all the shore excursions you can – which can get pricey. That’s why Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is such a good choice. They offer free, unlimited shore excursions, which will save you a bundle.
THE CARIBBEAN
The Draw: Beaches galore, seas in all shades of blue, family friendly, and an infectious don’t-worry-be-happy vibe.
The best part about the Caribbean? There’s an isle for everyone.
- Romantics adore Saint Lucia with her lush rain forest and cascading waterfalls.
- Antigua is a beach lover’s paradise. (There’s a beach for every day of the year.)
- St. Barts attracts foodies and fashionistas.
- The Dominican Republic is big with golfers.
- St. Thomas is tops with shoppers.
- Anguilla and Nevis appeal to serenity seekers.
What to do when you get there: Swim side by side with dolphins. Doze off in a hammock. “Mash sand” (dance) in a lively beach bar. Try “snuba diving” (a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling).
Tip
While nearly every cruise line sails to the Caribbean, not all are family-friendly, some are entirely focused on the luxury traveler. So be sure to look carefully and select the cruise line that’s going to show you exactly what you want from the Caribbean.
