So Where Do You Want to Go?
Let's face it. The world is your Oyster and cruise Ship and Liners travel the world. Some are based permanetly in one area, others go to all different areas during the different seasons. It's just a case of being in the right place at the right time. Few ships visit ports when its winter or low season. Generally ships follow the sun but that doesn't mean you are limited to scorching hot locations if intense heat isn't for you. I have been to Iceland and the ice edge, cooler areas of Scandinavia and even Japan in the snow. To wet your appatite here are the most popular areas:
The Mediterranean:
This is the most popular cruise destination area with both European and American passengers because these sunshine destinations are right off the coast of Europe and offer enormous cultural and historical interest. The Med (as it´s known) is the sea that separates Africa and Europe and is ideal for cruising as it takes in so many countries and popular islands in such a relatively small amount of sea time. It also has some insurance of smooth sailing as there is no tide so no swells rocking the ship from side to side. That said it can be bumpy if it gets rougher as there is less natural flow. Most cruise ships only visit the med between April and October/November time so expect to travel elsewhere during the winter months such as the Canary Islands or the Caribbean. It's also worth mentioning that the Med is not usually particularly warm outside June- Sept and temperatures can get above 100 degrees F (37 degrees C) during June/July time. For info on the med visit here
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a tropical sea in the western hemisphere, close to Mexico, South and Central America and of course North America which is why it is so popular with Americans as a cruise destination. The tropical surroundings and year round warm climate also makes it popular with British and Europeans. This area offers the ideal climate from November through until April/May. Although the temperature stay approximately the same, humidity rises greatly outside these months and there is always a threat of hurricanes from August until the end of November. Not to worry though as a cruise ship is a moving target so there is always somewhere calm to visit. Few captains will risk a ship going within 300 miles of a hurricane. Most islands are fairly close together meaning that they are in port most days and the water is seldom rough. Temperatures vary only usually between 80 and 90 degrees F (27-32 degrees C). For more info on the Caribbean visit here
The Canary Islands
A popular winter destination; The Canary Islands are a collection of Spanish Islands located off the North West coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean and are an ideal cruise destination during the winter months because of their year round warm climate and volcanic scenery. The most popular Islands for ships to visit are, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. Some ships also visit the less well known La Palma and La Gomera. For more info click here
Alaska
Another popular destination for cruise ships during the warmer months. Most popular with the American market as it is a large American state attached to the western coast of Canada, with the Artic Ocean to the north and the Pacific to the South. This is particularly popular as a scenic location. learn more here
