10 Most popular cruise destinations

ZAMANDOSI CELE

THERE are plenty of reasons to set sail and enjoy the “great blue”. Cruise holidays are easy to plan and a great way to have fun as a couple, friends or family.

A cruise offers great value for your money since the fares include nearly everything you’ll need for a fantastic trip.

From food to accommodation, daytime and evening entertainment and transportation between destinations, everything is covered and planned out for you.

If you think about it, cruise ships are floating cities with all amenities you can consider under one roof. From spas, theatres, discos, restaurants and gyms, you name it, it’s there. Tired of being at sea, then you can always put your feet on the ground at the nearest port.

A cruise also offers the opportunity to go to multiple destinations at once so here are some popular cruise destinations to consider for that much-needed break.

EXPLORE Japan’s greenery and mountains when you dock at the island. | Unsplash

EXPERIENCE the rich culture and romance of old Italian towns. | Unsplash

THE Caribbean islands are the perfect destination for cruises with easily accessible ports. | Unsplash

Durban, South Africa

Most Africa cruises run from October to May, with the most popular months being December and January. Africa cruises have port stops in the Indian Ocean, such as the Bay of Natal or islands in the ocean.

Durban’s cruise ship terminal is found in a commercial hub or port. However, the closest tourist facility to the port terminal is uShaka Marine World, which has an open-air mall, Village Walk, that contains souvenir and surf shops, and restaurants. Being at the Point Waterfront will give you access to new restaurants overlooking the bay and you can also watch ships coming in and out of the port.

A scenic walk along the promenade or Golden Mile is also on the cards or take a trip further inland to visit the Valley of Thousand Hills.

The Mediterranean

Cruising the Mediterranean is an all-round, comprehensive cruise experience. There are plenty of breath-taking destinations like the Greek isles, Rome, Barcelona, Monaco, Venice and Dubrovnik to explore in one go if you give yourself time.

The Mediterranean has served as the birthplace of civilisation and likely the first area that connected different cultures. With the comfort of being on a cruise ship, the world’s your oyster.

Norway fjords

There is nothing more exhilarating than a cruise along the Norwegian coast. Experience winding in and out of fjords, some home to picturesque fishing villages.

You will get to see Norway’s stunning natural beauty up close. The drawcard to this cruise is that it is epic every season of the year. Summer brings long days and wonderfully green scenery, while winter is perfect for watching the Northern Lights.

EXPERIENCE winding in and out of towering fjords, some home to picturesque fishing villages. | Unsplash

The Caribbean

The Caribbean continues to live up to its status as the top cruise destination. It consists of numerous island nations, all boasting their own character, spirit and culture.

Typically, cruises to the Caribbean are divided into the Western and Eastern Caribbean and the Southern Caribbean.

The Western focuses on Mexico and the central American coast while the Eastern will take you to The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands and the Dominican Republic. The latter will take you to St Kitts, Antigua and Martinique.

Mombasa, Kenya

As east Africa’s largest port, Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city rich in diverse cultural influences in Kenya. The city provides travellers access to the city’s white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms, a historical and walkable Old Town, a colourful spice market and even a crocodile farm.

Explore Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve for terrific diving and snorkelling among colourful coral reefs and cerulean waters or head to the Haller Park animal sanctuary to meet ancient tortoises, giraffes and crocodiles. Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese military stronghold that overlooks the Indian Ocean, is a Unesco World Heritage Centre worthy of a visit.

Japan

Japan is one of the best Asian destinations to set sail to and explore. The country is rich with culture and technology worthy of envy.

Japan has the mesmerising crowds of Tokyo but also the tranquillity of mountain retreats. There are volcanoes and lakes, myriad temples and towering skyscrapers to look forward to seeing.

Nosy Be, Madagascar

Off the northwest coast of Madagascar lies Nosy Be, which translates to “big island” in reference to the smaller islands that surround it.

Disembark off your cruise line and swim, snorkel, sail and surf as Nosy Be is regarded as having Madagascar’s best and most beautiful beaches.

Inland, lose yourself in the scenic landscape of waterfalls and crater lakes, home to the island’s unique inhabitants, such as the endangered black lemur, chameleons, camouflage geckos, snakes and frogs.

RIGHT: NOSY Be has some of Madagascar’s most beautiful beaches. | System

Cape Town, South Africa

The Mother City of South Africa has stunning coastal views, a captivating history, exceptional food and wine and incredible wildlife.

Possible adventures include taking a cable car up the famous Table Mountain to take in the impressive vista or surfing, hiking and paragliding.

ABOVE: ENJOY Cape Town’s scenery with a Table Mountain Cable ride. | Ross Jansen

LEFT: SILVER Endeavour, Gibraltar. Set sail across the seven seas to one of these a popular cruise destination. | Supplied

Most cruises dock at Cape Town’s port and foodies will love the outstanding cuisine on offer or take trips to the famous wine-growing regions, including Stellenbosch, Constantia and Paarl.

Meanwhile, history fans will discover a raw and compelling history in Cape Town centred around Nelson Mandela and apartheid. Alaska Alaska is arguably your best option if you’re after a scenic cruise to wild extremes. Cruises to the “Last Frontier” of America typically start from cities like Seattle and Vancouver.

On the way, the ships will stop at epic locations such as the Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway. This is also one of the best cruise destinations for wildlife watching, including everything from bears and eagles to orcas and sea otters. Antarctica Also known as the White Continent, cruises to Antarctica are exclusive and a learning opportunity.

Your Antarctic expedition cruise will thoroughly acquaint you with Antarctica’s wondrous ice wildernesses, bringing out your inner explorer as you tour colossal glacier fronts, dazzling berg-filled bays, and shorelines surrounded by towering, snow-swept mountains. Some cruise lines offer special science-based activities that delve into the incredible Antarctic ecosystem.

On board a cruise liner, guides lecture about the region’s natural history, weather, and captivating Antarctic animals like penguins, seals, and whales. Dozens of ships sail the Antarctic waters, some offer a range of activities such as skiing, sea kayaking, and camping.