Our Bucket List Cruises, Part 2

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So, we hope that you added a few dream cruises to your Bucket List after reading our first 5 choices. Well, we’ve added 5 more once-in-a-lifetime voyages that will wow you and have you packing! Let’s see which of these make it to your Bucket List!

6. Greek Isles

Have you been dreaming of seeing the Acropolis at sunset or the sugar-cubed houses of Santorini against a cerulean sky? Is your Instagram or Facebook feed longing for confirmation that you have beheld the whitewashed buildings of Mykonos, with their bright blue doors and shutters, or the stately windmills turning in the breeze?  Then, a Greek Isles cruise will be perfect for you.

The cruising season runs from May to October, with July and August being the busiest and hottest months. Most cruises sail round-trip or in-between Athens, Rome, or Venice.  We recommend a vessel that can  maneuver in and out of the small, enchanting ports, in addition to the main islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.

Windstar’s 7 Day “Treasures of the Greek Isles” roundtrip Athens is a great option. Their  complimentary “Evening in Ephesus” at the magnificent Celsus Library of Ephesus is truly amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime experience —

“You will walk the Marble Road to the Library that housed more than 12,000 scrolls nearly two millennia ago. Your 5-course, white-glove-service dinner will be in the courtyard in front of the Library. The spectacularly illuminated façade allows you to examine the statues in their niches and the elegant details of the frames. Dinner under the stars will be accompanied by a trio from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra.“

Another great option for the Greek Isles is Seabourn’s 14 Day Greek Islands Odyssey,”  with stops in Malta and Sicily. If you are ready for a truly immersive Greek experience, this is the cruise for you. You’ll not only experience the friendly, attentive service of the Seabourn staff but will have the option to to attend lectures and educational events on board.

7. Alaska

Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska for 70 years and is an excellent choice for experiencing the wonders of Alaska. Holland America’s iconic Alaska Cruises feature the famed Inside Passage and more options for cruising Glacier Bay National Park. If Denali is on your must-see list, choose a Denali Land+Sea Journey that combines your Alaska cruise with the most immersive experiences at Denali National Park. For the ultimate journey step off the beaten path and add both the Yukon’s wild frontier and a Denali itinerary to your Alaska cruise on a Yukon+Denali Land+Sea Journey, a Holland America Line exclusive. Now is the best time to start planning your cruise to Alaska. Reach out to discover your perfect journey.

If you are looking for adventure, Uncruise Adventures has six ships sailing in Alaska that will give you plenty of opportunity for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff rides, wildlife sightings, and for the brave, the chance to do a “polar plunge!” You may even see the Northern Lights if you sail in April or September. With smaller ships of only 22-84 passengers, your journey will be intimate and a chance to forge new friendships through the exiting adventures Uncruise offers. Ready for an adventure?

8. Galapagos 

The Galapagos Islands are located in South America off the coast of Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are famous for the wildlife that call it home. Many of the animals that live there are uniquely protected from predators due to the layout of the islands, causing a lack of fear that makes it easy for guests in the area to get close to wildlife. In addition to animals, the volcanic archipelago that makes up the Galapagos is also stunningly gorgeous with bright teal waters and islands teeming with rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Celebrity Cruises has been operating luxury cruises in the Galapagos Islands for more than 14 years and has 3 stunning ships and 6 unique cruise itineraries for the Galapagos. Some itineraries include either Quito Ecuador or the wonders of Machu Picchu, Peru. Voyages can range from 10 to 16 nights. The new Celebrity Flora is the perfect ship for being totally immersed in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. You will be blown away by the innovation of this 100 passenger vessel. You can even spend an evening “glamping” under the stars on the top deck! Take a look at this beauty!

9. Antarctica

Are you chasing the dream of visiting all 7 continents? Do you love adventure, photography, nature, and wildlife on land and sea? Then, you should definitely consider Antarctica and a Lindblad Expedition. With 50 years of experience navigating polar regions, you can be assured of an incomparable experience and an in-depth encounter with all the wonders of Antarctica. You’ll even kayak and ride zodiac cruisers among the icebergs.

With Lindblad’s long-standing partnership with National Geographic, you will have a professional photographer available to help you achieve the most memorable shots of this unspoiled region. Who wouldn’t want to take home stunning photos of the 7 varieties of penguins or the whales breaching among the bergs. And, don’t forget about the snow covered landscapes with the backdrop of a bright blue sky. If you think an Expedition Cruise in Antarctica sounds exhilarating, give us a call so we can start planning your adventure.

10. A World Cruise

What is a “World Cruise,” you may ask — It’s a 3-6 month sailing that will take you on a journey around the world, visiting countries and continents you’ve been dreaming of (or never even considered!) You’ll be making new friends, experiencing new cultures, and savoring  delicacies from around the World — unpack once and have 3 delicious meals prepared for you daily! That’s a sweet deal, right?

You have several outstanding choices for your Around the World Cruise, but we think Silversea’s “Finest World Tour 2021” is an excellent choice. With 54-ports, 150-days, and a 34-country itinerary, this journey is sure to be the journey-of-a-lifetime. This World Cruise  will begin with the departure of Silversea’s Silver Whisper from Fort Lauderdale on January 7, 2021, and will conclude in New York on June 6, 2021. Any takers?  Click here to see a sneak peak.

So, did any of these cruise itineraries make it to your Bucket List? We would love to hear which ones you may be dreaming of! We are here to help you with the planning process. Send us an email at luann@watercolortravel.com, or call us at 910-599-1693 to start the planning process.

If you missed, “Our Bucket List Cruises, Part 1,“  here you go!