TOP TEN (CRUISE) DESTINATIONS
It is incredible, how many destinations around the world, that you can visit on a cruise ship. There really aren’t too many places on earth that cruise ships don’t visit. Over my time at sea, and in the following ten years, I have been fortunate enough to visit more than 400 destinations. While all of them have their own special charm and beauty, the ones below, are the places that really captivated me.
I often get asked, what my favourite port / destination is. Every time, someone asks me this, I truly struggle to single out just one. Each hold such amazing memories each have their own unique qualities. Because of my inability to single out only one “favourite” destination, below is my top ten destinations from my travels.
10: ROCKY MOUNTAINS – CANADA
Even though the Rocky Mountains stretch across both Canada and the USA, my experience only comprises of the Canadian side. Anyone who has visited the area, will agree, that there aren’t too many more beautiful places in the world. One of the best ways to explore the region, is on board the Rocky Mountaineer train journey. Make sure you go in ‘Gold Leaf” though, as it is so spectacular
The Rocky Mountaineer is a popular addition to any Alaskan cruise. There is incredible beauty all around, in the Rockies. The scenery along with the wildlife, make it a “must-see” destination for most travellers.
9: GIBRALTAR – GIBRALTAR
Gibraltar, may be famous as a war time landmark, but to visit this incredible city, is something you will never forget. Even though it is a huge hike, up the mountain, the views at the top of the rock of Gibraltar, are breathtaking. The monkeys on the rock are super friendly, very cheeky and extremely talented at stealing things; so hold onto your belongings. The 360-degree views are incredible and the contrasting colours of the rock, the sandy beaches below and the water surrounding it, make for amazing photos.
One very interesting thing, that you notice from the top of the rock, is that whenever a plane comes in to land at the airport below, both directions of traffic are stopped. This is because the runway, goes directly across six lanes of their main highway.
8: MUSCAT / DESERT – OMAN
I’ve bundled these destinations together, because, while Muscat is special in its own way, it is the gateway, to the Omani desert, which is where the country’s true beauty lies. Prior to visiting Oman on a free travel agent’s trip, I had no idea about this place. Having spent, ten days exploring the country by 4WD, it’s breathtaking beauty, has left such an incredible mark on my life. The coastline of Oman is stunning and the history, is intriguing, but for me, it was the desert that appears out of nowhere, that captivated me the most.
As we fishtailed through the soft sand, at over 100 km/hr, before climbing to the top of a sixty-metre sand hill, my jaw was constantly on the ground in disbelief at how awesome this place was. The Grand Mosque in Muscat, Nizwa Fort, and watching baby turtles hatch and start their life, are just a few of the highlights.
7: GOLD COAST - AUSTRALIA
The Gold Coast is a destination that I hesitated putting in my top ten, for good reason. This is my home city and there lies my dilemma. There is no doubting the Gold Coast’s beauty and it is for good reason, that it is the tourist capital of Australia. My issue was whether or not, I was being too biased, or too harsh, when judging, where the city should sit in the list.
As a born and bred local, it is hard not to take the city’s beauty for granted, but at the same time, I am slightly biased. Either way, there is no denying that the Gold Coast, is an incredible place to visit. From 42km of golden white beaches, to world heritage listed rain forests, the city has so much to see and do. Add to this, incredible shopping, nightlife and four of the world’s best theme parks, and its no wonder, the city’s popular of 650,000 swells to over 1 Million on several occasions, throughout the year. The Gold Coast also boasts some of the world’s best surfing breaks, which add to the laid-back lifestyle that we all enjoy here.
While the GC is yet to build a cruise terminal, it is only 50 minutes by car from Brisbane, making it a great day tour for those on a cruise.
6: OUVEA – LOYALTY ISLANDS
A very little-known destination, but no less beautiful, Ouvea has only been edged out of my top three, since travelling to the Maldives and Nanuya Lai Lai. Having visited Ouvea, I feel extremely blessed, because most cruise ships, no longer visit this island paradise. Just like many South Pacific islands, the beaches and water, are at the centre of their beauty.
Largely untouched by civilisation, Ouvea has an amazing charm, that allows you to get lost in its beauty, and never want to leave. There is not much to do there, but that is what makes it so special. From the moment you hope off the tender, you are forced to sit / lay and do absolutely nothing; other than soak up the island’s incredible beauty.
5: NEW YORK - USA
As the saying goes; New York is a city that “never sleeps” and I can profess to that firsthand. On the two occasions, my ships docked in New York, I had only a 24-hour period, to see all this world-famous city had to offer. When I hit the quayside at four in the afternoon, on day one, I literally ran into the city and didn’t stop running until 6am, the following morning. The only reason I stopped at six, was because I had to be back on board, for a US Coastguard drill. As soon as the drill was over, an hour later, I was back into the city.
From Time Square, to Central park, The Empire State building and the amazing shopping, you could honestly spend weeks in New York and still not scratch the surface, so far as seeing everything. To sail into this iconic harbor on a cruise ship, is an amazing experience. As you sail past the Statue of Liberty and see the Manhattan skyline in the distance, you can’t help but be impressed.
4: BORA BORA - TAHITI
For many years, Bora Bora, sat at the top of my list and for good reason. Bora Bora is every bit as special and beautiful as any postcard, or video can depict. It is one of the most sort after destinations in the world; and rightly so. It has the most stunning water, it is so peaceful and the locals, are super friendly. Oh, and don’t forget those awesome over-water bungalows.
During my six-month contract in Tahiti, we had two full days in Bora Bora, every ten days. This allowed us plenty of time to explore the island, by local car, or by jet ski. While the beaches are simply breathtaking, the overwater bungalows are divine and the turquoise coloured water, is always a nice bath temperature, there is more to Bora Bora, than meets the eye.
One place, that is a must-see in Bora Bora, is the restaurant and bar called “Bloody Mary’s”. Legend has it, that this is where the famous drink was invented and where the inspiration for the character’s name in the movie “South Pacific”, came from. Bloody Mary’s has the coolest atmosphere, with sandy floors and a large round bar in the middle of the venue. While the drinks and food are great, the highlight, is the interesting toilet decorations, that they have. I will keep you guessing, with that one, but do yourself a favour and check it out.
If you’re keen to know, I explain it in my book C.R.U.I.S.E.
3: LAS VEGAS - USA
I know. I know. Las Vegas is more than 3 hours from the nearest port, but anyone who has been there, knows it is more than worthy, to be on such a list. “Sin City” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a truly unique town.
It is so easy to get swept up in the fast-paced, crazy atmosphere that is Las Vegas, and this is what attracts so many visitors every year. The flashing lights, elaborate casinos and shows, and the lure of the nearby Grand Canyon and Lee Canyon ski resort, were a “thrill-a-minute” on my trip to Nevada.
Even though, I am not much of a gambler, or drinker, I immersed myself in the lifestyle for a few days and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Having traveled to so many places around the world, I honestly thought that I had seen everything, but now that I’ve been to Las Vegas, I know that this wasn’t the case, prior to my trip.
Whether you’re an avid gambler, or just a curious type, Las Vegas, is one city that you must visit at least once, in your lifetime.
2: NANUYA LAI LAI - FIJI
Nanuya Lai Lai, may not be a famous name to you, but if I call it by its nickname, “The Blue Lagoon,” you instantly have a picture of this spectacular oasis in the South Pacific. Nanuya Lai Lai, is the island paradise, that was famously called the blue lagoon, when filming of the 1980’s movie of the same name, that was partly shot there. Just like Tahiti and other parts of Fiji, Nanuya Lai Lai, has the golden white beaches and turquoise water, but somehow, it seems to be on a whole new level.
When arriving at the island, by small ship (60 passengers), the ship backs up to the beach, casts a rope out and ties up to a large coconut tree. Passengers, then have the option to be taken ashore, by small boat, or to jump off the back of the ship and swim to shore, which was less than fifty metres away. Of course, I took the swimming option, because the water below, was far too inviting, to knock back.
The island is a stunning oasis with gorgeous palm trees, sprawling white sandy beaches and incredibly beautiful water all around. Along with the above photo, the feature photo on this blog, is also from Nanuya Lai Lai.
1: MALDIVES – INDIAN OCEAN
Judged my many as the most beautiful place on earth, I must admit, that I find it hard to disagree on this assessment of the Maldives. If a picture paints a thousands words, then I think it is best if I simply be quiet and let the photo describe how stunning this place is.
If you want to know more about my adventures to these destinations, or just want a good belly-laugh, check out my book C.R.U.I.S.E for more cruise adventures and tales of the seven seas.
