Royal Caribbean sails to over 200 locations world wide, from frequent ports like Cozumel to off-the-beaten-path locations like Mo’orea, French Polynesia and Alexandria, Egypt.
Whereas there’s no “finest” cruise port on the planet, there are a number of ports that must be excessive on anybody’s bucket listing. Whether or not you’re concerned about exploring medieval historical past or are on the lookout for a picturesque seashore day, right here’s our listing of the highest 10 Royal Caribbean cruise locations that may’t be missed.
Kotor, Montenegro
In the event you’re on the lookout for a port that transports you again in time 1000 years, look no additional than Kotor, Montenegro.
Kotor is a small, medieval city positioned within the Bay of Kotor, which is usually referred to as a “fjord” because of its winding waterway surrounded by steep mountains. The sail into Kotor is arguably one of the vital scenic in Europe, the place you’ll move charming mountain villages dwarfed by the rocky cliffs above.
When you arrive in Outdated City Kotor, you’ll end up strolling via one of many best-preserved medieval cities within the Mediterranean, lined with slender streets of conventional stone buildings, cathedrals, and public squares.
In the event you’re up for a problem, contemplate mountaineering to the Citadel of San Giovanni for probably the most spectacular views of Kotor and the bay. Whereas the 1300 steps and 70 switchbacks could have you ever struggling within the second, will probably be effectively price it whenever you attain the highest.
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St. Maarten
St. Maarten is likely one of the extra frequent cruise ports within the Caribbean, and also you’ll usually discover the port on Jap Caribbean itineraries.
St. Maarten is exclusive in the truth that the island is owned by two nations. On one facet of the island is Sint Maarten, a Dutch territory, and on the opposite is Saint Martin, a French territory. As a result of the island is sort of small, it’s attainable to go to each side of the island in sooner or later.
Some of the touristy spots on the island is Maho Seashore, the place you’ll witness planes flying immediately overhead as they take off from St. Maarten’s worldwide airport, positioned immediately adjoining to the seashore.
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A extra tranquil seashore day might be discovered at Orient Seashore, positioned on the French facet of the island, with pristine waters and tender white sand.
Most guests to St. Maarten will go for a seashore day, though extra adrenaline-filled actions can be found, together with kayaking, snorkeling, biking, and 4-wheeling.
Phuket, Thailand
While you consider Thailand, you’ll possible image crystal clear seashores, inexperienced mountains, colourful temples, and spicy avenue meals. Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand, gives all of these sights and extra.
If a seashore day is up your alley, contemplate a full-day boat tour of the world well-known Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). You’ll sail previous steep inexperienced cliffs rising from turquoise waters in your method to a few of the world’s finest seashores, the place you’ll have the chance to snorkel in paradise.
Remember to go to a Wat (Buddhist temple) whereas in Phuket to achieve extra insights into Thailand’s fascinating tradition. You may additionally wish to go to The Nice Buddha of Phuket, a 150 foot seated Maravija Buddha statue set atop a hill with views of the ocean.
Be certain to strive native Thai delicacies, too, which is usually considered among the best cuisines on the planet. Spicy curries, fried noodle dishes, papaya salads, and noodle soups might be discovered at numerous avenue meals stalls or eating places on the island.
Some itineraries could provide in a single day stops in Phuket, that means you’ll have extra time to discover the town’s close by sights.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is one other favourite vacation spot amongst many cruisers for its historic landmarks, pure magnificence, and alluring previous city. Cruise ships dock adjoining to Outdated San Juan, the colourful, colonial space of San Juan lined by the previous metropolis partitions.
San Juan is a port that’s simple to discover with out prior planning. As a result of the ships dock proper on the town, you possibly can merely stroll off the ship and spend just a few hours wandering round Outdated San Juan. Historical past buffs could wish to go to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel constructed between the sixteenth and 18th centuries to guard the town.
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In the event you’re concerned about exploring Puerto Rico’s pure magnificence, contemplate an tour to El Yunque Nationwide Forest, the one tropical rainforest in the USA Nationwide Forest Service. Excursions to the rainforest usually embrace mountaineering and visits to waterfalls.
Many itineraries dock in San Juan till 10 or 11PM, that means you possibly can take pleasure in a calming night in port, taking in sundown views and sampling delicacies at native eating places.
Lisbon, Portugal
Whereas Portugal has been on the journey radar for many years, it has not too long ago been rising in reputation. Boasting world-class seashores, a sunny local weather, affordability, and numerous landscapes, it’s no surprise that Portugal has develop into one of the vital up-and-coming locations in Europe.
A serious profit when cruising to Lisbon is that cruise ships dock proper within the historic metropolis middle, only a 5-minute stroll from Praça do Comércio, the town’s foremost sq.. From the sq. you may have speedy entry to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood, the oldest neighborhood within the metropolis recognized for its slender, hilly, and colourful streets.
Whereas in Lisbon, make sure you strive the nation’s well-known pastel de nata, an egg custard tart with a crispy crust. You’ll discover these pleasant treats all around the metropolis. You’ll additionally wish to discover the very best “miradouros” within the metropolis, that are viewpoints atop hills providing the very best views of Lisbon (and the very best place to take a selfie).
As a result of Lisbon is positioned on the Atlantic coast versus the Mediterranean, you’ll usually solely discover port stops to Lisbon on longer (9 to 12-night) cruises departing from Southampton, England.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s premiere non-public vacation spot within the Caribbean, Excellent Day at CocoCay, gives a stress-free seashore day expertise with actions for each cruising type and funds.
Nearly all of the island is complimentary, with seashores, pool chairs, umbrellas, locker storage, trams, and meals included in your cruise fare.
Different actions, resembling kayaks, snorkeling, ziplining, and a helium balloon trip come at an additional value. It’s also possible to decide to lease a cabana for the day or go to the Coco Seashore Membership, providing a slice of tranquility and your personal non-public place to loosen up.
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Passengers touring with youngsters can be amazed by the number of kid-friendly actions on the island, too. From Thrill Waterpark, dwelling to the tallest waterslide in North America, to Splashaway Bay, it received’t be arduous to maintain youngsters busy at Excellent Day at CocoCay.
One other plus of visiting Excellent Day at CocoCay is that your drink packages will work on the island, extending the worth of your beverage bundle.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is the most well-liked port on Alaska cruise itineraries, and the town gives all the pieces you may need in a quintessential Alaskan expertise, from glaciers to wildlife and tradition.
Mendenhall Glacier is likely one of the hottest locations to go to whereas in Juneau, which is positioned in a recreation space with mountaineering trails and the 377ft. Nugget Falls waterfall. Kayaking excursions are additionally frequent right here, the place you’ll have the possibility to stand up and private with the large glacier.
Juneau is likely one of the finest whale watching locations on an Alaska cruise, too, because it’s recognized for the abundance of humpback whales calling the world dwelling in the summertime months. Helicopter excursions, canine sledding excursions, and the Goldbelt Tramway are different implausible methods to spend the day in Juneau.
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Bermuda
Typically mistaken for being a Caribbean island because of its tropical seashores and landscapes, Bermuda is definitely positioned within the north Atlantic, 650 miles east of North Carolina.
One thing distinctive a couple of cruise to Bermuda is that ships usually dock in a single day (generally with two overnights). With a lot time in port, you received’t have to choose and select one exercise over one other as you’ll have time to expertise many alternative areas of the island.
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There are round 34 seashores and coves to find in Bermuda, though probably the most well-known is Horseshoe Bay, recognized for its clear waters and pink sand. The island additionally boasts glorious snorkeling and diving alternatives together with underwater visits to shipwrecks.
Bermuda has an environment friendly public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll take pleasure in taking a stroll across the colourful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Merely put, there’s no scarcity of the way to maintain busy in Bermuda regardless of the island’s small measurement.
You’ll discover most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise handy for these dwelling within the northeast.
Canary Islands
Spain’s Canary Islands are positioned off the coast of Africa and greater than 600 miles from mainland Spain. There are eight foremost islands within the Canaries.
You’ll usually discover just a few itineraries per yr to the Canary Islands. These cruises usually depart from Southampton, England on Anthem of the Seas and go to three ports within the Canary Islands along with a number of ports on mainland Spain and Portugal. Visits to the Canary Islands will also be discovered on choose transatlantic itineraries.
Tenerife, the biggest of the Canary Islands, gives black sand seashores, cliffside cities, and numerous landscapes–from volcanic to dense forests. Contemplate an tour to Teide Nationwide Park, the place you’ll discover Mount Teide, the best mountain in Spain.
Lanzarote, one other island within the Canaries, has loads of otherworldly landscapes to find. Some elements of the island could make you’re feeling such as you’re on Mars, with desolate volcanic landscapes, whereas others will transport you to a palm tree-lined paradise.
Every Canary Island has its personal distinct attraction that may certainly go away you wanting to find extra of this distinctive archipelago.
Airlie Seashore (Queensland), Australia
Let’s head down below for our final vacation spot to not be missed: Airlie Seashore, Australia. Situated on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Seashore is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Nice Barrier Reef.
Cruises tender close to the city of Airlie Seashore, with a walkable foremost avenue and a number of other sights within the city itself, such because the Airlie Seashore Lagoon, white sand seashores, and cafes, purchasing, and eating places.
Most guests to Airlie Seashore will go for an tour to find the world’s pure magnificence. Catamaran excursions to the Whitsunday Islands, for instance, make it possible to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a novel expertise, contemplate a flightseeing tour over the Nice Barrier Reef, the place you possibly can spot the large reef and close by Whitsunday Islands from above.
No matter what you select to do in port, Airlie Seashore is bound to exceed your expectations for a stunning seashore day.
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