The best cruise destinations for 2017

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Some of the world’s best and exotic cruising destinations have been announced by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Both river and ocean ships are venturing to more remote destinations, and you can be a part of the journey. There are now nearly 1,000 ports and destinations cruise lines are exploring with the number growing every year. Check out the list below to plan your next holiday.

Ocean

The South Pole

Guests who want to explore one of the most remote destinations in the world. Ponant, one of the best luxury lines in the world, offers guests bespoke yacht cruises which includes excursions to see penguin colonies.

Cruise the Panama Canal

A number of cruise lines cruise the exotic Panama Canal including Crystal Cruises, Princess, Oceania, Azamara Club Cruises and more. Guests will visit destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta and the stunning Gatun Lake.

African river and ocean cruises

Africa is one of the most exotic destinations to visit. Cape Town is South Africa’s major cruise hub with lines like Cunard and Holland America visiting the region. Guests can take a cruise down the Chobe River and see wild animals like lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos.

Beautiful Bora Bora

If you’re looking for beautiful clear waters and white sandy beaches, Bora Bora is one of the hottest destinations to cruise to. Lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sail to region as part of either world cruises or Pacific cruises. Or if you’re looking for something more localised, Paul Gauguin will sail to their exclusive in inlet Motu Mahana.

Mysterious Japan

Princess Cruises has the strongest presence in Japan with the line offering a vast array of shore excursions for guests to explore the beautiful country. See the tropical south islands like Okinawa which is famous for its beaches or visit the vibrant capital, Tokyo and feast on some of the freshest seafood.

 

River

Bustling Bucharest

Uniworld offers cruises from the North Sea to the Black Sea. On the journey, you’ll see Romania’s capital city and see the largest parliament building in the world. Guests will also get to experience some quaint cities along the way.

The Nile

While some cruise lines pulled out their fleet from Egypt after political unrest, there has been a resurgence of tourist interest in the area. Avalon Waterways does a round trip from Cairo where guests will get the chance to visit the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Isis and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Experience the holiday cheer

The Christmas Market cruises are some of the most popular. A number of river cruise lines organise special tours of Germany’s most famous Christmas market in Nuremburg. There are also markets in Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Rudesheim.