Bucket List Cruises You Need to Experience

We wanted to find out about the most
amazing cruise opportunities, so we spoke with someone who has completed more
than 80 cruises, 12 European river cruises, and has been on ships ranging from 94
people to 6,300. Here are the cruises
Gary E. Smith of TravelPerks recommends you add to your bucket list!

Alaska: Land & Sea

• In 2017, Holland America Line celebrated 70 years of exploring Alaska, so
  you can rest assured that you're with real pros when you travel with them. The
  line's selection of 10- to 20-night "Land+Sea Journeys" are the
  perfect bucket-lister's approach to the very best of Alaska by both land
  (including lodge-based stays and rail excursions) and sea (incorporating
  one-way or round-trip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver). On a popular tour for instance, guests cruise
  from Skagway to Vancouver taking in highlights such as scenic sailing through
  Glacier Bay and a port call in Ketchikan (home to the Misty Fjords National
  Monument). On the land-based portion of the trip, you’ll spend two nights at
  Denali National Park and enjoy a full-day Tundra Wildness tour to look for
  wildlife, as well as a two-night journey into the Yukon wilderness via Dawson
  City or two nights at Fairbanks that includes panning for gold and a riverboat
  tour to a Historic Alaskan native village.
  
  
  

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River Cruises

• Europe: There is no better way to explore Europe than by river ship. These small 160-person floating boutique
  hotels sail all the major rivers of Europe.
  The cruise lines focused on North American passengers have all English-speaking
  crews, and provide a safe and very comfortable environment. Unlike big ships, river ships dock right in
  the center of town, include excursions in every city, and allow you to maximize
  your sightseeing while still having time to enjoy the complimentary drinks with
  dinner each night. Smith recommends you
  work with an agent who has personally done at least 3 of the 5 major cruise
  lines so that they can give your firsthand tips to find the perfect itinerary.
  

• African Safari: Yes, you can combine an African river cruise with a land
  safari. AMA Waterways offers an amazing
  itinerary that makes this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible for anyone
  with the desire to walk among the lions.
  
  
  

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Luxury Cruises

• Sometimes the ship itself is the destination. Smith recently spent Thanksgiving at sea
  onboard the Crystal Serenity in a room that came complete with walk-in closet,
  double vanity marble bathroom, spacious seating on the balcony, and Neil, the
  butler. Everything about the ship and
  the experience, from a different recent movie in the dedicated movie theatre, incredible
  food, enrichment speakers that included Olympians, Astronauts, International
  News Anchors, computer classes, and so much more, was luxury at its best. The best part of these luxury ships, is that
  they actually go to the amazing places discussed elsewhere in this article.
  
  
  

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Exotic Destinations

• Galapagos: There are few cruise destinations more deserving of the bucket
  list designation than the Galapagos. It's the stuff of legend, a living
  testament to the power of evolution where you'll see giant tortoises on one
  island and swimming lizards and child-sized birds on another. Want to get in
  the water with curious sea lions? You can do that here. Step over flowing lava?
  See the famous blue-footed booby? Marvel at the difference between marine and
  land iguanas? All can be done during just one Galapagos cruise.
  

• Antarctica: Cruises "to" Antarctica come in two styles:
  expedition sailings with zodiac excursions that allow you to step onto and
  explore the seventh continent or "sail-bys" on which you pass near
  Antarctic shores, but don’t stop.
  

• Panama Canal: Whether you choose a cruise that sails to the entrance of the
  canal or do a full transit, you'll marvel at the gigantic locks and be
  enraptured by stories of the canal's building.
  

• South Pacific: Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea? Don't mind if I do! Paul
  Gauguin is the best-of-the-best of the South Pacific. Sail aboard the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin
  and discover gems like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, as well as Taha'a, where
  the cruise line maintains a private islet. Immerse yourself in the region's
  legendary sparkling seas and warm lagoons on excursions like snorkeling with
  stingrays, helmet diving, or dolphin-watching expeditions. Meanwhile onboard, a
  watersports marina affords guests complimentary access to kayaking,
  windsurfing, paddle boarding, and (for a fee) PADI SCUBA diving programs — when
  they're not partaking in the luxury ship's Polynesian-inspired hospitality,
  culture, and cuisine!
  
  
  

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Unique Ships

• There are many unique ways to cruise, but traveling onboard a true sailing
  ship from Star Clippers, or the combination sailing ships of Windstar, will let
  you experience the thrill of catching the wind onboard intimate, yet luxurious,
  ships as they sail to some of the world’s greatest destinations.
  
  
  

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World Cruises

• The ultimate bucket list trip is a world cruise. World cruises come in many flavors and sizes,
  and it is important to talk with a travel agent that can help you sort out the
  best one for you. Items of importance
  are the number of overnights in various ports, total days at sea, number of
  unique ports, and the enrichment activities while onboard.
  
  
  

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READY… SET… BOOK!

Now that you're properly inspired, it’s time
to book your cruise! 

Call TravelPerks at 541-349-0036 or visit TravelPerks.com and get special discounts and bonuses on every vacation you book. 

For the
best perks, don’t book direct – contact TravelPerks today!