You cannot say you have seen the best of life until you are pairing a spoonful of thousand-dollar caviar with a crystal flute of champagne. Now add a luxury cruise suite from where you’re watching the dancing northern lights with your favourite person in the world.
The beauty of luxury cruises is that you can unpack two, three or even more bucket-list destinations on a single sail. Well, you’d be forgiven for thinking cruises are all about Cancun, the Caribbean, or Miami (although all three are terrific destinations). Today, we are going to zip you through eight destinations worth visiting at least once in your lifetime on a luxury cruise.
Antarctica – See the world’s final frontier
Ask anyone who knows the best of luxury cruises, and Antarctica is rightly going to pop up. The white continent is our last truly wild destination. Your Antarctica cruise will sail across the notorious Drake Passage before waking up to a landscape that will knock your socks off. Think colonies of penguins by the thousands, roaring icebergs, and whales breaching in pristine waters.
The best time to cruise Antarctica is during the austral summer (aka November through February). For the best bang for your buck, try December-January with a little shy of 24 hours of daylight.
French Polynesia – Find your paradise
The islands of French Polynesia dot across the South Pacific like diamond crowns, which they are. On a luxury cruise here, you will find a slice of tropical heaven. That’s especially true if you make a pit-stop at Bora Bora for its gorgeous Mount Otemanu, Mo’orea sandy beaches and the cultural hub of Tahiti.
There’s plenty to do and see on the islands. Spend your days snorkeling in coral gardens teeming with rainbow-colored fish, visiting pearl farms or simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. For an unforgettable moment, enjoy dinner at an overwater restaurant as the sun sets.
The Greek Isles
The Greek islands offer an irresistible blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. From the iconic, blue-domed churches of Santorini perched on volcanic cliffs to the windmills of Mykonos and the medieval streets of Rhodes, each island has its own distinct character.
Think group activities here. Stay overnight to take in Greece’s colourful nightlife or savour a sunset dinner overlooking the sea. During the day, stroll through whitewashed villages, swim in hidden coves or visit ancient ruins that tell tales of gods and heroes. You can’t miss all these during shoulder seasons.
Monaco – Best of Europe’s luxury tourism
Don’t let the size of Monaco fool you (it’s just 200 hectares all around). The French enclave makes up for this with sheer elegance and grand experiences. That’s especially true if you are a big fan of Formula 1, fashion or a little James Bond lives in you.
When your cruise liner docks at Hercules Port, the first point of call for most guests is the Casino de Monte Carlo, and with good reason. The gold and marble décor of the Monte Carlo is quite a sight in and of itself. Expect to bathe in exquisite ambiance, cushy amenities and art worth paying thousands to see.
The belle époque style of the mid-1800s continues into the salons privés where you will find gold-clad tables for blackjack, baccara and other high-end casino classics. Note that a dress code for men is a jacket and tie (trainers are off the table) once the clock hits 2pm.
Of course, there is plenty to see and do in Monaco beyond Monte Carlo. You can check out the mesmerising cliff-edge aquarium at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco or stroll by the world’s largest collection of succulents and cacti at the Jardin Exotique. Admiring vintage cars at Collection de Voitures Anciennes or taking a peek off Palais Princier de Monaco isn’t too shabby either.
The Canary Islands
The Canaries offer a fascinating mix of Spanish culture and unique island heritage. One day you might be sampling local wines grown in volcanic soil, the next hiking through ancient laurel forests or relaxing on black sand beaches. The islands are also known for their clear, dark skies, making stargazing a must-do activity.
Luxury cruises typically visit between October and May when the weather is pleasantly warm without the intense summer heat. Look for itineraries that include the less-visited islands like La Gomera or El Hierro.
The Galapagos Islands – Nature’s lab
Luxury cruising in the Galapagos is strictly regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem, meaning ships are small (usually under 100 passengers) and intimate. The islands can be visited year-round, though the waters are calmer from December through May. The cooler dry season (June to November) brings more active wildlife and better diving conditions.
Norway – Land of the Fjords
Norway’s coastline, with its deep fjords carving between snow-capped mountains, seems designed for cruise ships. Summer cruises showcase the midnight sun phenomenon, with endless daylight perfect for scenic cruising at any hour. Winter sailings, though fewer in number, offer the magical possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing overhead while sipping hot chocolate on deck.
Africa’s coastal treasures
Africa’s coastline and offshore islands offer some of the most exclusive and untouched cruise destinations on earth. Madagascar showcases unique wildlife found nowhere else, from dancing lemurs to chameleons smaller than your fingernail. The Seychelles beckon with perfect beaches and giant tortoises, while Mauritius blends French, Indian and Creole influences in its cuisine and culture.
There you have it – the best of the best luxury cruise destinations. If you must do one, we suggest going along Africa’s coastline. Along continental Africa, ports like Cape Town pair wine country excursions with the possibility of seeing penguins and great white sharks on the same day. Namibia’s coastline reveals shipwrecks emerging from desert sands in eerie tableaus, while Mozambique offers pristine marine reserves and Portuguese colonial architecture.
All imagery courtesy of Pixabay and Unsplash.