Its the romance of the Caribbean that probably gave rise to the modern cruise industry. It certainly seems to be the choice of many first time cruisers thanks to its beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and guaranteed sunshine. The Mexican Riviera has also proved a popular short cruise alternative for people who cant afford the time off work thats needed to really experience the Caribbean, while some adventurous souls are drawn to the icy majesty of Alaska.
River cruises are a great way to tour the European continent and the evergreen Mediterranean cruise remains a popular choice. Itineraries in demand cover Italy, departing from Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport and the gateway for excursions into the Eternal City, Greece and the Greek islands such as Rhodes and Santorini.Naples is usually a highlight on these cruises with its breathtaking architecture, classic museums and Europe’s only active volcano.At the extreme end of the luxury scale, the archetypal world cruise remains a once in a lifetime experience only open to the wealthy retired or the lottery winner.
However, more cruise operators are opening up new destinations, especially in the southern hemisphere, which offer a fascinating and exotic line up of winter sunshine cruises. Oceania Cruises is one company that is introducing many new destinations including Africa, Asia and South America with new ports of call that include Cape Town in South Africa, Walvis Bay in Namibia and Rangoon in Myanmar (Burma).Itineraries include 30-day or 35-day cruises from Istanbul to Cape Town and on to Singapore.
South America is also emerging as a new and impressive destination choice for truly outstanding luxury cruises.Starting in the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires (often called the Paris of South America) cruise ships take in Montevideo, cruise the Atlantic and visit Chile where the fjords and ancient glaciers which are as impressive as any in Norway, leaving isolated islands and hidden coves upon their retreat.12 or 22-day cruises also visit the coast of Brazil, while hardier types can cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands.