If you’re like me, you probably have an unofficial bucket list. That is a list of life-enriching experiences you’d like to enjoy before kicking the proverbial.
Mostly these are things people fantasise about, but never get round to doing, since they involve time and effort. Well fantasise no more, because cruising can put many of them effortlessly within your grasp.
Here are seven things typically found on fantasy wish lists that a cruise holiday can easily turn into a reality.
1. Hitch a ride with dolphins
There are many of opportunities to do this in the Caribbean. For instance, you might like to consider this 11 night cruise on the Freedom of the Seas.
Starting in Florida, you’ll visit Haiti, Grand Cayman and Mexico. But crucially you’ll also call in at Ocho Rios in Jamaica where you can get up close and personal with these much loved marine mammals.
If you wish, you can simply stroke them and feed them, which can be ideal for young children. Or, if you really mean business, grab a fin in each hand and hitch a ride with a pair of dolphins. It’s not exactly cheap, but it can make a great present for a major birthday.
2. Swim with whales
Let’s not forget those other fun-loving creatures of the deep. Head north up to Alaska and you could make the acquaintance of the odd whale or two. Though be warned, the water will be a bit cooler.
To learn more about dates and prices go to Alaska Cruises and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Before making any firm plans, however, have a word with the Virgin team – see number below. They can check out the options available and advise you on the best cruises for a close encounter of the whale kind.
3. Cross the equator
The equator seems to hold a special fascination for us Brits. Maybe it’s because we live so far north of it and spend so much of each year shivering. But who among us would pass up the opportunity to voyage across such an important, albeit imaginary, line.
There are many packages offering you an equatorial crossing including this 24 night South American cruise on the Black Watch.
Setting off from Southampton you’ll visit Tenerife and the Cape Verde Islands, then cross the equator, before calling in at three ports in Brazil, followed by visits to Uruguay and Argentina, where you’ll finally disembark.
Flights to and from the cruise are also included in the package.
4. Visit the Amazon
It’s sometimes known as the lungs of the Earth and is without doubt one of the most dramatic natural features on the planet. Sooner or later you’ll have to see this great tropical rainforest for yourself.
If so, you might want to consider one of four Holland America Amazon fly cruises.
Besides several stops in Brazil, these packages also take in French Guiana, Florida and the Caribbean. The other good news is that during the cruise you’ll also cross the equator, so potentially you get to tick two items off your list.
5. See the Pyramids and the Sphinx
You’ve seen the pictures and read the travellers’ tales, but nothing can prepare you for the reality. To get the full impact of these ancient structures you really need to experience them for yourself.
A number of cruises will ensure you realise that goal, including this 14 Night Stay and Cruise on the Thomson Celebration.
You’ll spend seven nights in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt then set off on a seven night Red Sea voyage that will include stops at Aqaba, Jordan and the Egyptian ports of Sokhna and Safaga, before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.
At Port Sokhna you can book a full-day tour taking you to Cairo and the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s biggest collection of Egyptian antiquities. From there you’ll go on to see the three breath-taking pyramids of Giza and the inscrutable Great Sphinx of Giza.
Prices include your flights from the UK to the cruise and back.
6. Experience China and Japan
One of the joys of going on holiday is the prospect of escaping to another world. Well, with this 18 night cruise on P&O’s Artemis you have the chance to escape at least twice.
Your holiday begins in Hong Kong, China and then moves to Yokohama and Hiroshima in Japan. After that it’s on to Pusan, South Korea, followed by Beijing and Shanghai, before heading back to Hong Kong.
By the end of the cruise you’ll not only have had the holiday of a lifetime but be able to tick two more items off your list.
7. Circumnavigate the globe
Make no mistake, following in the wake of Sir Francis Drake is a major undertaking. To enjoy a world cruise you’ll need plenty of time and money.
But at some point in your life you really ought to consider it.
Packages currently available take somewhere between 10 and 15 weeks to complete and can cost anything from £7,149 to £11,779 and above, per person. They include this 84-night world cruise on the Oriana.
You’ll set off from Southampton in September 2010, returning in December, having visited the Caribbean, the USA, Australia, China and India, to name but a few.
Remember, even if your budget or schedule won’t stretch to a full circumnavigation, the itineraries of global cruises are still worth investigating. If one section takes your fancy – for example, America to New Zealand or Australia to India – you can generally book it as a holiday in its own right.
And finally . . .
Whatever activities are on your bucket list, it’s worth checking with Virgin’s specialist team to see if there’s a cruise out there that meets your requirements.
Choose carefully and you may even be able to cross two or three items off your wish list in one holiday.
Call the cruise experts now on0800 840 9683
Related posts:
- What’s on your 2012 cruises short list? If you’d like to learn what the future holds...
- Cruising Christmas List ‘Tis the season of goodwill to all passengers and...
- Cruising’s more than a glass half empty Those who know me know I am partial to...
Leave a Comment